Forced Induction Superchargers | Turbochargers | Intercoolers

Sleeved Blocks

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 26, 2018 | 10:43 AM
  #1  
SCott5's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (40)
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,458
Likes: 4
From: NC
Default Sleeved Blocks

Anyone pushing a sleeved aluminum block? My car weighs too much already with an iron block and well the price of a LSR steers me away. I have talked to A couple shots briefly about doing a Sleeved 5.3 block for me with darton sleeves and was getting a consesous of 1250whp safely from Turbo cars. If I remember correctly the Ohio boys and a few others were using sleeved blocks from ERL, but I could be wrong? I have an iron block now and would really like to lose the weight, the thoughts were building a 388 with it.
Reply
Old May 26, 2018 | 02:30 PM
  #2  
Dimeomboost's Avatar
TECH Regular
 
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 484
Likes: 18
From: Emory Texas currently
Default

What's the setup I assume mostly track but u never know. Is there any weight to be dropped on the car is all the free hp used up already. I only ask because of the cost for sleeved block and the e.t gained I would make sure I didn't have any thing left I could get out of my current set up before shelling out the $$ for a sleeved motor
Reply
Old May 26, 2018 | 08:41 PM
  #3  
Hardcoresoldier's Avatar
10 Second Club
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 557
Likes: 1
From: De Pere, WI
Default

you would be far better just adding power or working on your suspension considering the cost of the block compared to what weight it would shave....
Reply
Old May 27, 2018 | 10:33 AM
  #4  
stmz28's Avatar
8 Second Club
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 605
Likes: 32
From: Bensalem Pa
Default

Texas speed have sleeved blocks that look to be holding up well
Reply
Old May 28, 2018 | 09:29 AM
  #5  
SCott5's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (40)
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,458
Likes: 4
From: NC
Default

The sleeved block is going to cost me 1750 to be done and of course the bottom end will be added cost but I will have a larger bore for better heads, basically a new motor cost obviously. My next step would be a good set of aftermarket heads which could be over that cost and with a new set of heads possibly a cam swap. So either way I’ll be looking at spending a decent amount of money to go to next step. Car is heavy, 3700-3800lbs as it’s one of the cars that balance the race car in street car clothing so weight is very important. Just been kicking the idea around on whether or not it would be a worthwhile thing to look into and to see if people had some experiences with them
Reply
Old May 28, 2018 | 12:40 PM
  #6  
rotary1307cc's Avatar
8 Second Club
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,790
Likes: 123
Default

You will be sorry on this, mark my words
Reply
Old May 28, 2018 | 01:30 PM
  #7  
C5_Pete's Avatar
10 Second Club
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 981
Likes: 358
From: Washington TWP, NJ
Default

Originally Posted by rotary1307cc
You will be sorry on this, mark my words
That's really vague considering you aren't saying why you feel this way.
Reply
Old May 28, 2018 | 04:42 PM
  #8  
Dead Hook's Avatar
Staging Lane
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
Default No info!

Originally Posted by rotary1307cc
You will be sorry on this, mark my words
Care to elaborate on why this is a bad idea?
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-5

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-9

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
Old May 28, 2018 | 06:43 PM
  #9  
8.Lug's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
 
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 711
Likes: 6
From: PNW
Default

What he’s really sorry about is that 1,307cc rotary clap trap pile of trash he spent all his money on.
Reply
Old May 28, 2018 | 07:03 PM
  #10  
MY_2K_Z's Avatar
TECH Addict
10 Year Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,144
Likes: 43
From: Houston
Default

Originally Posted by 8.Lug
What he’s really sorry about is that 1,307cc rotary clap trap pile of trash he spent all his money on.
Lol you obviously don't know him at all. I don't either but I know his car is badass and well built as well as faster than 99% of the people on here. I think sometimes the "old pros" get tired of everyone wanting to be walked through how to make "1000hp" when they would **** their pants with 650hp. I know I get tired of it.
Not saying the op doesn't know what he's doing but 99% of the threads started are from people that don't
Reply
Old May 28, 2018 | 07:19 PM
  #11  
Dead Hook's Avatar
Staging Lane
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
Default

Originally Posted by MY_2K_Z
Lol you obviously don't know him at all. I don't either but I know his car is badass and well built as well as faster than 99% of the people on here. I think sometimes the "old pros" get tired of everyone wanting to be walked through how to make "1000hp" when they would **** their pants with 650hp. I know I get tired of it.
Not saying the op doesn't know what he's doing but 99% of the threads started are from people that don't
Most of us aren't here to bash on anyone, I'm here to learn from others that have "been there, done that".

In regard to sleeving, wouldn't it be better to stroke the engine and not bore it to keep as much meat between the cylinder bores to help head sealing? Maybe a 4" stroke and stock bore for boost?
Reply
Old Jun 1, 2018 | 05:32 PM
  #12  
rotary1307cc's Avatar
8 Second Club
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,790
Likes: 123
Default

Originally Posted by 8.Lug
What he’s really sorry about is that 1,307cc rotary clap trap pile of trash he spent all his money on.

I'd suggest you stay on your medication
Reply
Old Jun 1, 2018 | 05:44 PM
  #13  
rotary1307cc's Avatar
8 Second Club
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,790
Likes: 123
Default

First you haven't mentioned what type of sleeve you are even thinking about?

The MID or the standard type sleeve?

Just makes no sense to dump that kind of money into a stock block that will likely have gasket issues over it's life at healthy power in a heavy car, that has a ton of heat cycles in a street app, with any sleeve movement

​​​​​​You are not getting the internal truss bracing that say a super deck gets

​​​​​​For the same money you can be into a good aftermarket iron block that is stronger in every conceivable way,... with 6 bolts.... And priority main oiling

100 extra lbs on a street car, boy that's a killer. Too bad we can't turn up the boost a half a lb
Reply
Old Jun 1, 2018 | 09:41 PM
  #14  
Black89Z51's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 319
Likes: 0
From: Newport News, VA
Default

Originally Posted by rotary1307cc
First you haven't mentioned what type of sleeve you are even thinking about?

The MID or the standard type sleeve?

Just makes no sense to dump that kind of money into a stock block that will likely have gasket issues over it's life at healthy power in a heavy car, that has a ton of heat cycles in a street app, with any sleeve movement

​​​​​​You are not getting the internal truss bracing that say a super deck gets

​​​​​​For the same money you can be into a good aftermarket iron block that is stronger in every conceivable way,... with 6 bolts.... And priority main oiling

100 extra lbs on a street car, boy that's a killer. Too bad we can't turn up the boost a half a lb

Not to mention he didn't state any goals whatsoever. No power goals, no ET goals, nothing.

Before you get all batshit crazy trying to build some $20k+ engine, how about shave some weight off that pig, set up the suspension, maybe change rear gears/transmission or something.

You guys are right. Everyone wants to build something 1000+ whp and has basic questions about engine building period. I figure if you're shooting for 4 digit HP, you might have a half-assed clue on what it takes to get there. If you don't, just go buy something somebody built already, or drop it off and have someone build it for you.
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2018 | 06:40 AM
  #15  
LS6427's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 11,289
Likes: 13
From: South Florida
Default

Originally Posted by SCott5
Anyone pushing a sleeved aluminum block? My car weighs too much already with an iron block and well the price of a LSR steers me away. I have talked to A couple shots briefly about doing a Sleeved 5.3 block for me with darton sleeves and was getting a consesous of 1250whp safely from Turbo cars. If I remember correctly the Ohio boys and a few others were using sleeved blocks from ERL, but I could be wrong? I have an iron block now and would really like to lose the weight, the thoughts were building a 388 with it.
The approx. 114 lbs. of extra weight (less after machining) for an iron block is pretty much meaningless. I've been told it equates to 1/10 of a second per 100 pounds for a competition 1/4 mile drag car.
As mentioned....just make up for that with power.

My street car drives and feels 100% identical with my iron blocked engine up front......so its meaningless. people that keep saying the extra weight is bad are also meaningless......

My next engine, after my current one blows or gets old, will be built by RED.....Steve at RED told me if I want the strongest block, hands down, no argument, buy an LSX iron block and put his ductile iron sleeves into it. Thats as close to bulletproof as you can get. 1250 RWHP with that would be absolutely nothing for it........

Why drive around with an aluminum ticking time bomb......go iron and have nice piece of mind every day.

.
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2018 | 11:17 AM
  #16  
blackdak318's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 510
Likes: 93
From: Omaha, NE
Default

For what a sleeved aluminum block costs you could easily get into a LSX or DART LS Next block. Yes they are heavier but like mentioned above it is negligible when it really comes down to it. Plus in a turbo situation just put a new more PSI to it to make up for the weight loss. With having an essentially stock LS block outside of the sleeving, you would still be facing some of the oiling issues LS blocks have. Sleeved can be done and I've been looking into it, but feel like I would be disappointed in the end had I not gone Dart. If I were to go sleeved LS I'd have someone do the sleeving then send it to Mike Lough race engines for him to do his oiling mods and assemble everything.
Reply
Old Jun 4, 2018 | 02:31 PM
  #17  
gnx7's Avatar
TECH Junkie
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (28)
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 3,655
Likes: 277
From: San Francisco, CA
Default

I ran an LS9 block with $100 cast ls1 crank, Compstar rods, Wiseco shelf pistons, LS3 Mast 380cfm heads, stock LS3 intake, Precision T4 88mm turbo (1400hp+ rating), $2/gal e85 in a 2900lb Mazda RX-7 for 3 years at around the 1200rwhp level without issues..... until I finally snapped the crank doing a stupid 1-4th gear burnout where it finally hooked up in 4th. Never changed a head gasket once. Made 1060rwhp on 14psi and we ran it at 17-18psi in 4th and 21-22psi in 5th gear doing 1/2 mile shootouts. I'm guessing well over 1200rwhp.

You could also buy my backup LS9 motor ready to go and ship this week
https://ls1tech.com/forums/parts-cla...hoice-cam.html
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2018 | 12:25 PM
  #18  
Ron_Stoppable's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 725
Likes: 41
Talking

Do it right or don't do it...... if your paying $1750 to modify a stock block, hell save up a lil extra and go with an LSX or a Dart aluminum and be done... YOU WILL want more power, just trying to prevent ya from kickin yourself down the road.
Reply
Old Jun 12, 2018 | 08:05 PM
  #19  
1500HP's Avatar
Launching!
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
Default

ERL is out of business but only because his son I law ran it into the ground , I have had two Sleeved by them and never
had a issue with either , but to be honest there worse things then having a little extra weight on the nose of 1500 rear
wheel horse power car just saying

Reply
Old Jun 12, 2018 | 11:42 PM
  #20  
pdxmotorhead's Avatar
TECH Addict
5 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,513
Likes: 480
From: PDX-OR-USA
Default

For the money you also have the option of having the block CNC shaved,, Havn't seen it done in 10 years but it used to be about 2000 ,, basically the whole block inside and out gets CNC milled, standard small block used to lose about 70 lbs doing it.. IIRC , They used to first put hard block in the water jacket then do the CNC work. it was a NASCAR cup car thing back in the day...
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:35 PM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE