Forced Induction Superchargers | Turbochargers | Intercoolers

iron block or aluminum block for Forced induction?

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Old Dec 23, 2007 | 11:37 PM
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Default iron block or aluminum block for Forced induction?

i want to do a turbo setup later maybe the APS twin turbo setup for my 2000 LS1 camaro. i know the iron block is stronger than the aluminum block but what is your opinion about choosing the block?

personaly i would choose the L92/LS3 aluminum block due to its large bore of 4.065". i think i will not run more than 10 psi of boost.

also i think i will run cooler temps with the aluminum block, isn't that right? or i will get same temp with either iron or aluminum?

thanks for help.
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Old Dec 23, 2007 | 11:44 PM
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Look up Kp's old setup.it was an aluminium block 347 that went into the deep 9.teens many time and even into the 8's.The car shows what a god setup and tune will do.hope that helps.
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Old Dec 24, 2007 | 12:09 AM
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I ran a 9.6 on my aluminum 346 but if i could do it all over I would have done the 6.0 iron block
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Old Dec 24, 2007 | 12:35 AM
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thanks for the replies.

btw, SuperZ and caMnaro
what are your engine temp at? is it the same as stock?

how about the LS3/L92 block Vs iron 6.0L block or LSX block?

will i get cooler temps with the aluminum block than the iron block?

Last edited by Abdullah; Dec 24, 2007 at 01:12 AM.
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Old Dec 24, 2007 | 12:41 AM
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mightymouse and kp both have 9.0 cars kp went 8's and both have aluminum...unless you plan to go 8.70 or faster then you can stay aluminum
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Old Dec 24, 2007 | 01:31 AM
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If you need it for drag racing i would go iron block .
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Old Dec 24, 2007 | 01:44 AM
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i got a buddy that put aps tt on his goat and went to a 6.0 iron block and is now putting out 846hp and 1103tq on a daily driver. 16pds of boost.
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Old Dec 24, 2007 | 01:48 AM
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as long as the aluminum block is setup good with a good tune it will hold to a lot of power.the tune is the key thing tho without it detonation will destroy it.The engine temps will be determined by your cooling system.They both will stay the same but the aluminum will heat up quicker but also loose heat faster.The iron block will retain the heat for a longer period of time.
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Old Dec 24, 2007 | 06:19 AM
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The aluminum block will handle alot power and like caMnaro says having a good tune is the key. I was making around 1000 rwhp with my LS2 block but I turned the boost up to much on pump gas and detonated 2 pistons. When I tore the engine apart I checked the block out good and the cylinder bores were still good and round. So the aluminum block can handle the power.
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Old Dec 24, 2007 | 07:06 AM
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I'm using an LS2 block for my high-power drag race build.
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Old Dec 24, 2007 | 07:56 AM
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I went iron.

This is more important when you start getting into strokers. As everyone said, stock bore/stroke a Al motor should be fine with a great tune. Once you start machining, it's better to have stronger material dividing the cylinders.
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Old Dec 24, 2007 | 10:32 AM
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The aluminum blocks can handle the power if you dont overheat them and if they are pretty square to start with. While the iron block will naturally be stronger if you detonate it and melt a piston it doesnt matter what its made out of. But I'm sure there will be less cylinder bore distortion at higher power levels with the iron blocks.

The only price you have to pay for that is 85lbs or so, if you can handle the weight then its no big deal. Plus the 6.0 blocks use all the LS1/6 stuff like timing covers/cam sensor and valley cover so its most definitely cheaper.

I'm sure an iron block will run a bit hotter since aluminum dissipates heat quicker, whether its measurable or not between the two I dont know. The LS2 block seems like it holds less water than the LS1 I had in here, only took a little over 2 gallons to fill and I remember the LS1 taking more than that filling from completely empty. So its possible both the LS2 (or L92) and iron blocks will both run hotter than a LS1/6 but without some back to back testing who knows.
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Old Dec 24, 2007 | 11:40 AM
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As long as the aluminum block is forged, you should be good to go, have yet to see anyone break an aluminum block running 1000rwhp or less, unless of course as stated by others due to tuning etc, it doesnt matter what block you run, it will break if not done right. I plan on pushing around 1000rw with my LS2.
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Old Dec 24, 2007 | 10:03 PM
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thanks for the replies. great info.

i want to use the TFS 215cc heads 2.04"/1.575" valves i have in the signature so what is the bore size that is suitable for the TFS heads i have?

i'm still undecided wether to go iron or aluminum although i want to go with aluminum L92/LS3 block.
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Old Dec 26, 2007 | 05:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Abdullah
thanks for the replies. great info.

i want to use the TFS 215cc heads 2.04"/1.575" valves i have in the signature so what is the bore size that is suitable for the TFS heads i have?

i'm still undecided wether to go iron or aluminum although i want to go with aluminum L92/LS3 block.
I have the L92 block and on the pump gas tune and the race fuel tune which is quite nasty I have no problems with the block....I bought it from texas speed and was built to handle 1200hp...will the block split at that level??? who knows but that was my goal and they thought it should be fine...I had an iron block but wanted to get the 100 pounds off the nose of the car so I sold it and bought this one....goodluck with your build....
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Old Dec 26, 2007 | 10:08 PM
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looks like i will go with the LS3/L92 block but i will go with a 3.622" stroke instead of 4.00" so the ci will be 376ci to get stronger and thicker piston crown, what do you think?
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Old Dec 26, 2007 | 10:18 PM
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Originally Posted by LS2Camaro
As long as the aluminum block is forged...
You mean the internals? Just making sure I understand...

Jim
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Old Dec 26, 2007 | 11:10 PM
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Originally Posted by DeltaT
You mean the internals? Just making sure I understand...

Jim
Internals and bottom end of course.
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Old Dec 28, 2007 | 04:47 AM
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I'd go aluminum for 1000 hp and less. Years ago people would of given anything to be able to have an aluminum block, and these LS blocks have proven themselves. Bob
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