Aluminum 6.0 Blocks
Aluminum 6.0 Blocks I'm curious, all i read about is guys using the lq4 or lq9 iron 6.0 blocks to build engines. Why does nobody use the 6.0l aluminum blocks that come in some of the newer pickups and suv's? I'd think you could still find them easily in junk yards. Can you not go as large with them? Are the liners thinner so you can't go as big.
I'd like to build an engine to put into my 02 camaro but not sure i want the extra weight of the iron blocks.
also this might be a dumb question, but what is the mnemonic for the aluminum 6.0L?
I'd like to build an engine to put into my 02 camaro but not sure i want the extra weight of the iron blocks.
also this might be a dumb question, but what is the mnemonic for the aluminum 6.0L?
They are more expensive...alot of guys say they are not as strong as the iron blocks and that is probably true when you start going over 1000 horsepower, but there will always be an argument on either side, the iron blocks will always deal with heat better, and the aluminum blocks will always be about 90 pounds lighter.
What do you mean the iron blocks with deal with heat better? one big advantage to aluminum is how well it dissipates heat.
does anyone know what the 6.0 aluminum blocks are called? i would like to start looking around for them. It isn't the same as a ls2 block is it? If so are they still drop in replacements for ls1's?
does anyone know what the 6.0 aluminum blocks are called? i would like to start looking around for them. It isn't the same as a ls2 block is it? If so are they still drop in replacements for ls1's?
I have an LFA 6.0 for my SS. It is out of a 2010 silverado hybrid truck. They are 10.8:1 335hp and use 243 heads. They are Gen4 VVT engines with 58x reluctor wheels so you will need to change the valley cover, timing cover, cam gear, reluctor wheel, half the lifters and lifter boxes and also you will need a couple of conversion harnesses for the knock sensors and the cam sensor. If you can pick one up cheap like I did they are worth messing with. On a side note the LFA engine block itself does not have the windows in the main webbing like an LS2. So the bay to bay breathing won't be as good but the block will be slightly more ridged.
Sounds like what i want to do..ditching my lt1 stuff so i can have a alum block..have a line on a ls1 right now but been wanting a ls2 or ls3 long block..didnt know about the block you have..might have to track a long block down.
The weight difference between an iron block and an aluminum block is less than 90 pounds. Thought they were more like 65 pound difference. You would never even notice the difference in a primarily street driven car.
Really the weight difference is less than 90 pounds? I thought it would be substantially more. Has anyone actually weighed the difference?
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It is between 80 and 90 pounds.
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Joined: Jun 2011
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Most people like the idea of being able to bore a iron lq4/lq9 0.030/0.060 over. That usually helps in the decision of what to build, along with the intended usage, like for the forced induction crowds and the heavy nitrous users.
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What do you mean the iron blocks with deal with heat better? one big advantage to aluminum is how well it dissipates heat.
does anyone know what the 6.0 aluminum blocks are called? i would like to start looking around for them. It isn't the same as a ls2 block is it? If so are they still drop in replacements for ls1's?
does anyone know what the 6.0 aluminum blocks are called? i would like to start looking around for them. It isn't the same as a ls2 block is it? If so are they still drop in replacements for ls1's?
Hey guys , I've read 2 different things concerning gen3/4 block weight . In this forum in 1 of the stickies I believe it says LS1's weigh 97lb's less than 5.3's or 6.0 truck engines and also in this forum in someones thread it stated that there was about 70 lb's difference so ? With heat over time all engine blocks warp a little bit so the aluminum blocks will warp a little more a little quicker ,,,,,,,how much ?????? Not a whole lot but the more power and heat the block sees will advance the effects . Wikipedia says the LS based aluminum blocks are almost as strong as the gen1/2 blocks and the iron gen3/4 blocks are substantially stronger than gen1/2 blocks . That's as much detail they give . As far as the LS2 , 2005 was the first year for those blocks .
Don't believe everything on wikipedia, I could go on there and write how unicorns and smurfs roam the wild plains of America and they would probably leave it up as fact. Anyway I dont think you will ever need to worry about the longevity of an aluminum block people spray them with 150 shots and take them over 200k with no block issues.
Probably the biggest reason most people (including myself) go with iron blocks is cost. The iron block is 3-400 bucks cheaper for the block and then all the sensor stuff/harness work that has to be done will run you more money.
Ever since the ls3 blocks came out more people seem to be doing them instead of ls2 blocks. You get more cubes and aluminium. 416/418s in ls3 blocks.
Ever since the ls3 blocks came out more people seem to be doing them instead of ls2 blocks. You get more cubes and aluminium. 416/418s in ls3 blocks.
And I'd never willingly give up the weight advantage... 
You can read until you are blue in the face all you want about LS series parts and specs about the LS series engines and their parts starting on page 178 right from the horses mouth. GM!
http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/_r...talog_2011.pdf
http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/_r...talog_2011.pdf
