I have a 98 camaro ss, i was thinking about putting a 6.0 short block in it and was wondering if it is really worth it or should i just bore my stock block, i know the 6.0 is iron so it will weigh the car down more, but i have heard that this makes it stronger than an aluminum block? Also what are the advantages/disadvantages of the 6.0 cast iron over the aluminum block? Any help would be great, thanks.

 

If you have a good LS1 block, I would keep it and build that, unless your wanting to build a 400+ci stroker, and in that case the 6.0 block whether be it the iron or the aluminum LS2, will be needed unless you want to spend BIG money to re-sleeve your LS1.

As far as the iron being stronger, yes, it is, but the people thinking its needed or of any benefit on most of the builds on here, are lacking true knowledge of the power holding ability of the aluminum blocks, which FYI, have been proven in excess of 1000rwhp.

 

Sorry but you can't bore out a 98 block. Its too thin. You can hone it, but thats about all. So that 6.0 block might be your better choice.

 

While the 98 liners don't tolerate the material removal that the newer blocks do, unless there is significant wear, a hone is quite possibly all that is needed.

I believe most people that aren't very familiar with the LS1 platform aren't aware of just how little material can be removed from some of the blocks, and the term "bore" get's used a bit loosely.

To the OP, have it looked at by a qualified shop or individual, and go from there.

 

ok so say i decide to get the 6.0 block, there is two different kinds i forget what they are called but what is the difference between the two?

 

The LQ4 and LQ9.....

 

There's the LQ4 and the LQ9. LQ9's are usually more desired because of the flat top pistons for higher compression, as opposed to the dished pistons in the LQ4. But, it's easier to come by an LQ4, than an LQ9. The only difference in the two are the pistons. So, you could get an LQ4 and swap in LS2 or LQ9 pistons, if you cant find an LQ9.

 

I'm finishing up my 404 build now with a 6.0l iron block and forged stroker bottom end, couldn't beat the price and like said above, later if I get the urge to go bigger cubes I can bore it out a few times where you'd need to resleeve the aluminum block

 

I have personally seen LS1 (346) stock bottom end w/ 317 heads running 600+ hp and TQ with FI. How much power are you looking for? If you get forged internals on a 346 you are close to 800 hp if set up right with FI.

 

agreed 100%... i think that it is a waste of money depending on what your shooting for. if you already have the motor than i would start there. also id you do the lq4/lq9 are u going to cheap out on heads? if so then stick with the ls1. no reason to spend the extra money imo.

 

I agree too, I went the direction I did because I got a hell of a deal on a forged stroker shortblock and #7 rod was hangong out of the soide of my ls1 block lol

 

if i keep the stock ls1 then will i have to go with a more agresive cam and heads to make as much power as a 6.0 with a less aggresive head cam package?

 

What you have to see is that the 6.0 displaces more volume per cylinder than a 5.7. Meaning the more air fuel mixture you get in the cylinder the easier it is to make HP. are you going to have to go more aggressive, depends on the set up, what you are looking to do and what you consider aggressive.

1. What set up are you looking for
2. How much HP are you looking for
3. The ride is going to be street/ strip DD Strip only weekend terror

There are many ways you can go the thing is getting the right set up for your application and the final project.

 

You can cheap out on heads for a 6.0, and still make more power than most H/C LS1's. Because, with a 6.0, you can run L92 heads, unlike the LS1. With stock L92's and an LS3 intake on a 6.0, you can make mid-high 500 crank hp with a moderate cam, as shown by Car Craft. And you can pick up L92 heads for dirt cheap. And stock, they outflow a lot of the aftermarket LS1 heads.