Iron Block LS1 Build?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 4
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From: Houston, TX
Iron Block LS1 Build? Getting right down to business, I guess I'll use this thread to post all of my noobish questions, so here's the first one;
I've got a stock 5.3 Vortec motor without most of the accessories. For now, I'm planning on boring it out to stock LS1 bore (3.898, I've been lead to believe?) And then run LS1 pistons. Since I'm not changing the crankshaft or anything else, am I right in assuming that I can still run stock connecting rods?
For clarification, these are the pistons I'm planning on running:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/97-04-Chevrolet-Pontiac-346-5-7L-V8-LS1-LS-1-8-Flat-Top-Pistons-Moly-Rings/360791471236?rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D261%26meid%3D4820455719541460419%26pid%3D100005%26prg%3D1088%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D5%26sd%3D300915419961%26
I've got a stock 5.3 Vortec motor without most of the accessories. For now, I'm planning on boring it out to stock LS1 bore (3.898, I've been lead to believe?) And then run LS1 pistons. Since I'm not changing the crankshaft or anything else, am I right in assuming that I can still run stock connecting rods?
For clarification, these are the pistons I'm planning on running:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/97-04-Chevrolet-Pontiac-346-5-7L-V8-LS1-LS-1-8-Flat-Top-Pistons-Moly-Rings/360791471236?rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D261%26meid%3D4820455719541460419%26pid%3D100005%26prg%3D1088%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D5%26sd%3D300915419961%26
Yes, 3.898" is the LS1 bore size. With the 5.3 crank, you'll be at LS1 inches.
The iron 5.3 can safely be taken to 3.9", probably more if you have it sonic tested.
HOWEVER, I'd say you'd get better overall results moving to an aluminum block. Think of it like this: Running an iron block instead of aluminum is like having two extra full sized batteries hanging on the nose of your car.
The iron 5.3 can safely be taken to 3.9", probably more if you have it sonic tested.
HOWEVER, I'd say you'd get better overall results moving to an aluminum block. Think of it like this: Running an iron block instead of aluminum is like having two extra full sized batteries hanging on the nose of your car.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Hmm, point taken. I originally went with the 5.3 due to cost, but now I'm interested in keeping it because I've been led to believe that if/when I decide to turbocharge later on, the iron block will be able to take a much worse beating than the aluminum block.
Does that make sense?
Does that make sense?
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