Opinion on which block to use
10-07-2022, 12:05 PM
#1
Opinion on which block to use I'm about to build a stroker motor for my C5 vette. Right now the car has the factory LS1 5.7 aluminum block. I have PRC 225 heads and a ECS Supercharger on it now. I want to buy a separate block that I can slowly start building. I want to add forged internals along with stroking it to a 383. My concern is that I want to be able to transfer my heads and blower without changing brackets. I would prefer to find another 5.7 but they are hard to find in my area. I have a buddy telling me to just get a 5.3 iron block. What are yall's opinions?
10-07-2022, 12:44 PM
#2
TECH Senior Member
All LS accessories will bolt to all blocks, BUT IF you use an iron 5.3 you need to drill one hole for the alternator bracket, but it is easy.
10-07-2022, 12:59 PM
#3
TECH Enthusiast
I was recently in a similar boat with my C5. Only I blew up my LS1 and had no choice but to get a new engine. I am a cheapskate at heart and ultimately I wanted the replacement as strong as possible. I was looking at a solid 1k to 1200 to retain an aluminum block over an iron block on the new build. So I ended up building off of a Gen 3 LQ4 block with forged internals.
If you do decide to go Iron you will notice the weight up front. Having a blower and an iron block is probably a solid 175 pounds over the nose over a stock C5.
Adding C6Z front shocks, a Z front swaybar, and 3 PSI more to the front tires has eliminated the felt weight to me. The car drives fantastic now.
If you do decide to go Iron you will notice the weight up front. Having a blower and an iron block is probably a solid 175 pounds over the nose over a stock C5.
Adding C6Z front shocks, a Z front swaybar, and 3 PSI more to the front tires has eliminated the felt weight to me. The car drives fantastic now.
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lafnatu (10-17-2022)
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G Atsma (10-07-2022)
10-09-2022, 10:15 AM
#5
ECS Supercharger C5, that's a sweet set up to add 200 hp on a stock LS1/LS6 and even more on a mod'd engine. Sounds like an exciting fun C5 to drive.
I'd get an aluminum block 5.3, 6.0 for the new engine build and avoid adding ~100 pounds on the nose. It will cost a little more as others mentioned. I'd skip the older weaker LS1 & LS6 blocks for your new build.
If you really want an LS1/6 block, I have a spare new old stuff LS6 block, let me know.
I'd get an aluminum block 5.3, 6.0 for the new engine build and avoid adding ~100 pounds on the nose. It will cost a little more as others mentioned. I'd skip the older weaker LS1 & LS6 blocks for your new build.
If you really want an LS1/6 block, I have a spare new old stuff LS6 block, let me know.
10-09-2022, 12:14 PM
#6
TECH Enthusiast
It's a 97. They are the bastard children of C5s lol. That being said if you hang out on the plastic car forum yes, indeed, many Corvette owners over do and over spend on everything often times to achieve nothing.
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G Atsma (10-09-2022)
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