Stock LS1 piston question
They are flat top, but not forged. Neither the LT1 or LS1 ever had forged pistons from the factory, they both use hyper cast that is stronger than normal cast, expands less, but is also more brittle.
As for power handling, its all in the conditions of the engine. Under idea conditions (not running lean and no det) LS1 shortblocks have been know to handle around 500 hp. Even the LS7 uses hyper pistons so don't feel too bad.
As for power handling, its all in the conditions of the engine. Under idea conditions (not running lean and no det) LS1 shortblocks have been know to handle around 500 hp. Even the LS7 uses hyper pistons so don't feel too bad.
Depends how its been maintained/if its ever had a lot of detonation problems. Normally you can see 200+ thousand miles out of them w/o a problem, but when you start moding them life goes away. Forced induction and N20 would be the leading killers.
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Launching!
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the only thing I'm doing to the engine is putting a ms3 cam in it. Would that cam be too brutal on those 100k pistions? I don't know how it's been maintained just bought it as a long block. does anyone know if the connecting rods or crank are forged?
Last edited by Fast 95 Z28; Aug 2, 2009 at 03:20 AM.
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neither engine came with forged internals. ls1 come stock with flat top hyperuetectic pistons which is similar to forged but not quite as good, but better than cast. the pistons crack because they're more dense, and usually only under stress such as BOOST, NITROUS, KNOCK/PING octane thing.
The LS1 stock rotating assembly has seen upwards of 800+ hp so the pistons are fairly stout IMHO. The best way to save your pistons is to make sure there is plenty of valve clearance (fly cut if necessary), correct tune, and correct fuel for application. If you do that then your pistons should last a very long time.
