stevieturbo

This popped up on my FB, thought it was interesting

http://www.enginelabs.com/engine-tec...-ls-lt-blocks/

rpturbo

iTrader: (47)

It is a good read. I seen it on Dragzine a few days ago, and sent it to a guy I know who it currently awaiting his 427.

Petraszewsky

iTrader: (28)

Just so happened to see this. Thanks for the article Rick. My shortblock looks just as good in person as those do in the article. Couldn't be happier with choosing ERL.

sbcgenII

iTrader: (1)

Pretty cool. Although if I had to spend that kind money on a block I would be switching platforms for more power and reliability.

stevieturbo

But to switch platforms also incurs big costs.

Busted67

iTrader: (1)

Big power+ reliable = bbc. 1500hp on a 540ci won't be a problem.

stevieturbo

And does a BBC easily fit where every LS fits ? Same sort of weight ? etc ?

Bob@BruteSpeed

iTrader: (16)

ERL builds very stout shortblocks. I have a customer in Sweden who bought one from me that I picked up down at ERL, they have a very nice operation and have a lot of shortbocks built and ready to go. Bob

Busted67

iTrader: (1)

No physically it doesn't but dollar for horsepower and power for reliability bbc holds the crown. It seems when you crest the 1500 whp and up bbc is the way to go.

stevieturbo

Not really a lot of help if it doesnt fit your car easily though.

But of course a huge motor will always have the advantage of making power more easily and reliably.

JoeNova

I've been curious about these for a while. Since cost is usually around $3200+core ($1500 or so), what is to keep someone from just spending the extra $300-500 and going with the Dart LS Next aluminum block?

Actually. The 6-bolt version of the ERL block is roughly $5000+core. The 6-bolt LS Next aluminum can be had for $5000 and you won't have to pay core costs.

stevieturbo

Is the LS Next proven ?

Dont hear many reports about it...although only real negative I see online is they all leak oil like **** lol

As to why I dont know.

Is the Next a direct replacement for an LS block ?

twinturbo496

iTrader: (2)

This statement is true if you only include GM engines.

If you are willing to go away from GM, then… I guess a BAE hemi would be at the top???

Busted67

iTrader: (1)

Not only true with gm but I believe all big blocks. I'm not a expert but I've heard the hemi is the future power plant of drag racing.

LASTLS1

iTrader: (7)

I run a first gen Lsx block for over 6 years, no issues. over 2000 hp 1800.00

I race with a couple guys who run the ERL blocks with great success.

TrendSetter

they really arent that much larger of an envelope, 99% of engine bays that have a ls1 could fit a short deck bbc pretty easily. an iron block alum head bbc isnt really that heavy either, compared to a similar LS combo. theyre a good route for a 'budget' 2000hp motor.

stevieturbo

Massive assumption there ?

So a BBC will fit into say a Corvette easily ? GTO ? FBody ? or any other vehicles ?

Using all the same trans, headers, intakes etc etc ?

Swapping an entire drivetrain package is still a big ask, although at that point people probably dont care what engine they're using anyway, in which case it has no relevance to a thread about LS blocks !

TrendSetter

anyone targeting 1500+ hp should be able to handle the task of adapting a bbc to their platform, its pretty easy.
its always good to have options and bbcs are very well proven.
LS stuff is sweet too and i have a late model aluminum 5.3 im hoping to use in a big superdecked motor some day, but i sure do miss my 468.

stevieturbo

Perhaps, but it's like saying you want to build a Ford, but really instead you should buy a GTR

TrendSetter

no its not. youre stupid and pointlessly argumentative.