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How to externally identify a 5.7 LS1???

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Old Dec 8, 2010 | 02:10 PM
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Question How to externally identify a 5.7 LS1???

I'm going to be picking up an 5.7 LS1 engine. Question is, how do you differentiate between the LS engine varieties? Don't they all look alike? I don't want to end up with a 4.3 or 5.3... Any markings to look for? I know I could take the seller's word for it, but I have trust issues Thanks!
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Old Dec 8, 2010 | 02:34 PM
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Back passenger side of the block says displacement. You should also be able to use the casting number just below the drivers side head, on the back of the block. Check head casting numbers too.
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Old Dec 8, 2010 | 03:44 PM
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Just make sure its aluminum. Only the LS motors are aluminum and truck motors are cast iron.
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Old Dec 8, 2010 | 03:52 PM
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4.3 is a six cylinder and a 5.3 has a cast iron block.
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Old Dec 8, 2010 | 03:59 PM
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Originally Posted by NVR_SPDS
Back passenger side of the block says displacement. You should also be able to use the casting number just below the drivers side head, on the back of the block. Check head casting numbers too.
^^ what he said, kinda hard to pass these blocks off for something they are not since GM stamped "5.3, 5.7, or 6.0" into the mold these blocks came from
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Old Dec 8, 2010 | 04:17 PM
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Cool, thanks everyone! I'm searching for the casting #s right now.

Last edited by SpeedFreak350; Dec 8, 2010 at 04:24 PM.
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Old Dec 8, 2010 | 07:37 PM
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The only instance you need to worry about the casting # to identify displacement is when purchasing a cast iron 5.3, they share the same block as a 4.8. Other than that, all the displacement numbers are cast in the block
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Old Dec 8, 2010 | 08:02 PM
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853 and 241 are stock casting LS1 head numbers.
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Old Dec 8, 2010 | 09:04 PM
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Heres a reference for casting numbers:
http://chevythunder.com/LS1%20components.htm
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