Boosting LS1/LS6
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TECH Resident
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Boston, MA
Boosting LS1/LS6 Im considering some power upgrades to my 01 Camaro.
Ive always been a proponent of NA, but the thought of boost is growing on me: especially the Huron Speed kits.
I know lots of guys go with Iron Blocks, but Im also concerned about weight/heat dissipation (keeping the AC).
This isnt a race car... its a weekend cruiser 99% of the time.
This all being said: can the aluminum block LS1 or LS6 be built to reliably handle more than the 10PSI of boost that the stock bottom end typically cant? It seems most say the rods are the weak link.
Or should I be starting with a new block altogether?
Ive always been a proponent of NA, but the thought of boost is growing on me: especially the Huron Speed kits.
I know lots of guys go with Iron Blocks, but Im also concerned about weight/heat dissipation (keeping the AC).
This isnt a race car... its a weekend cruiser 99% of the time.
This all being said: can the aluminum block LS1 or LS6 be built to reliably handle more than the 10PSI of boost that the stock bottom end typically cant? It seems most say the rods are the weak link.
Or should I be starting with a new block altogether?
11 Second Club
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 478
Likes: 213
From: Indiana
Lots of ways to skin this cat. For the most part it comes down to the tuners capabilities. A meth injection kit will help if you stay with the stock block. You can even throw some gen4 rods and pistons in with boost gapped rings and go quite a bit over 10lbs I would say. That’s how I’d do it personally because I’d want the benefits of aluminum. Others would likely sell the ls1 and get a jy engine which is proven for sure just different ways to do it I guess. Just thought I’d comment because I have contemplated the same thing before. Good luck
You need to start with goals. Don't think in terms of a specific psi. That will determine what you can and can't do. I'm currently running 10 psi and about to turn it up on a rebuilt LS6 with stock crank, stock rods, and hyperutectic pistons.
Thread Starter
TECH Resident
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 831
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From: Boston, MA
Lots of ways to skin this cat. For the most part it comes down to the tuners capabilities. A meth injection kit will help if you stay with the stock block. You can even throw some gen4 rods and pistons in with boost gapped rings and go quite a bit over 10lbs I would say. Thats how Id do it personally because Id want the benefits of aluminum. Others would likely sell the ls1 and get a jy engine which is proven for sure just different ways to do it I guess. Just thought Id comment because I have contemplated the same thing before. Good luck
Im looking for a car that I can take places without beating myself (or my wife) up in. I dont want to be lurching while I try to find a parking space at low speed.
But I do want something thats still nimble and fun around the corners.... and quick enough to maybe give newer cars a run for their money (hellcats, corvettes, or what-have-you) should I find myself beside one.
At the same time, Im starting to read about other blocks: like an LSA... which has its own appeal.
I have relatively new new TFS heads installed on the factory block. The build is one I did with my father: so it has sentimental value in itself: ideally Id like to keep the motor and heads in the car, but not if itll blow up when I try to get some more power out of it!
Sounds like modest goals. Something in the mid-5xxx whp range would work and life on your stock motor. Do you know what your compression is with those heads? Ideally you could swap heads to stock 317's for cheap or something ported with larger cc chambers and throw on a turbo kit. Keep boost reasonable and perhaps consider a meth kit for cushion and it should live a long time.
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Teching In
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I had a 99 z28 on 16 psi and nitrous stock bottom end ls1. Made 900 to the tire and it lived for almost 10 years. No meth injection or anything. It's all in the tune. AMD this car had the absolute **** ran out of it. And was a daily driver for 6 of those 10 years. Finally took a **** at 207k. Everything was installed at around 80k and it lasted that long. It made 1000mile plus trips.
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Verdad Gallardo I had a 99 z28 on 16 psi and nitrous stock bottom end ls1. Made 900 to the tire and it lived for almost 10 years. No meth injection or anything. It's all in the tune. AMD this car had the absolute **** ran out of it. And was a daily driver for 6 of those 10 years. Finally took a **** at 207k. Everything was installed at around 80k and it lasted that long. It made 1000mile plus trips.
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