Im hoping I wont need a new block.....

But if its a route I have to take, which block is best suited ? At the minute I have a good crank and rods. But I defo need pistons.

Ive been using a stock LS6 until now, and havent had any issues with it.

I dont trust anyone in the UK to bore an LSx block, so if I need to use pistons other than a stock size, I'll be buying a new block.
It should hopefully make sourcing pistons easier, instead of getting ones custom made ?

Will my LSx heads and bits bolt onto an L92 block ?

Same applies to an LS2 ? but may as well go for the biggest capacity I can ? Any of the 2 seal better in terms of head gaskets ?

I am not interested in an iron block.

And I need to retain my Edelbrock heads, and various other LS1/6 based parts, incl Eagle 4.0" crank

Wiring/electrical items dont matter, as I dont use any of the stock setup.

 

Should probably add....

7-8-900rwhp type of thing....

 

Naturally another LS1/6 block would be the cheapest. The newer (2004+) LS1 blocks use different head studs and I believe that beefed up the blocks a little, thats what I'm using.

LS2 block is supposedly stroger, has siamesed sleeves I believe. You will need a different timing chain, valley cover, different lifter trays and front cover with sensor. Plus the head studs are different too.

Dont know about the L76 blocks personally.

 

Any wiring/trigger bits are irrelevant. I dont use any of the stock LSx triggers.

Im led to believe this means my timing chain and front cover will be fine.

I will probably need the valley cover, and the lifter trays though..

The head studs are news to me though.... Are they different diam ? thread ? length ?

Every little adds to cost....a set of replacement custom pistons is starting to look like the best option again for my current block..

Although if it wasnt too expensive to add a little capacity along with a stronger block, Id go for it.

One way or another I need new pistons at least for the stroker motor.

 

If you don't care about weight then get a 6.0L Iron block. I am running a LS2 block and making over 900 rwhp with no issues so far.

 

I do care about weight...no iron thanks.

Although the cheapness and strength of iron is tempting.

 

if you are doing fine with the block you have no reason to change.

long time ago i was making about 780rw on an ls6 block.. i think my only problem then was the wrong ring set up and i was up against the stock computer..ended up selling that one back to Agostino.

i run an ls2 block now and would like an lsx asap

 

For me going with your limitations, I would go with the LQ4, then a L92, and then a newer LS6 block. The only reason I would not go with the L92 first is tilted sleeve issue on most of them. For FI, it is hard to beat the strength of the iron block more so since you said weight was not an issue.

Keith

 

Depends on your budget. If I was building a new motor today it would be an LS2 + my 3.622 forged crank I have here. But my 2001 LS6 348 7.91: shortblock is good.

 

I said I DO care about the weight...

I do not want to use iron, except as a last resort... I honestly dont believe I need it though.


Im going to throw together a 346 from old parts....should cost me nothing aside from some new rings and head gaskets. The rings I was using on the 346 pistons are ok...but got great.


Then while it lasts, I'll source an LS2 block, and some pistons to work with my 4.0" crank.

 

The cam sensor is why you need a different timing chain since its no longer on the rear of the cam with the LS2, not sure what your setup uses for a cam reference. Its not a big deal at all really.

I'm still up in the air about an LS2 block or another LS6 block myself come rebuild time but I have a lot more time to decide then you do I hope

 

I have all the time in the world now...

346 is going together on a zero cost build, aside from new head gaskets and piston rings.


At present, I dont run a cam sensor, Im group fire injection....Something I do want to change though at some point.

So I only run a 36-1 trigged mounted on the front pulley.

The LS2 sounds like the better block, and extra capacity cant hurt.