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How strong is the ls2 block?

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Old Oct 9, 2005 | 04:06 PM
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Default How strong is the ls2 block?

Ive been kicking around the idea of bulding a big bore motor to take advantage of bigger valve heads.Im looking at the darton sleeve block but that is pretty pricey.But now i was thinking about the new ls2 block i know its not as big of a bore but its a 4inch and that seems to be what you need for big valve motors.I know most people will say go iron but i just don't want the weight.So whats your thought on the ls2 block pros cons let me know.BTW this motor will have a direct port so i don't know how well they handle the bottle.Thanks mike
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Old Oct 9, 2005 | 04:28 PM
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The LS2 blocks are stronger because there is aluminum between the cylinder bores. The LS-1/6 blocks were hollow between the cylinders. If you were considering the Darton MID LS6 block, you should consider the LS2 dry sleeve block from Darton. It roughly $1000 cheaper than the MID and still pretty damn strong.
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Old Oct 9, 2005 | 07:28 PM
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I am building a 403 ls2 and my machinist said it was the first time he had honed an aluminum block where the torque plate did not measureably distort the bores. He thought it was a very ridgid block. Good luck.
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Old Oct 9, 2005 | 09:04 PM
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good luck getting that thing squared away. I'm still trying to find some extra $$ so that little thing will just fall into my car this winter.

Tuff maybe you should just use an ls2 and see what happens. as it is you seem to pave the way with most of this stuff. I would have to assume that the block is pretty f**in stong. I would think that lifting the heads would be a bigger issue. correct me if I am wrong but I thought motors with larger displacement created more pressure on the bottle tending to lift the heads moreso than on say a 346.
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Old Oct 9, 2005 | 09:21 PM
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Originally Posted by yak
good luck getting that thing squared away. I'm still trying to find some extra $$ so that little thing will just fall into my car this winter.

Tuff maybe you should just use an ls2 and see what happens. as it is you seem to pave the way with most of this stuff. I would have to assume that the block is pretty f**in stong. I would think that lifting the heads would be a bigger issue. correct me if I am wrong but I thought motors with larger displacement created more pressure on the bottle tending to lift the heads moreso than on say a 346.
At this point if i do a new motor ill be haven the head studs drilled to a 1/2 and with aftermarket heads i don't think it will be a problem holding the heads down.Im just curious if the block is strong.You now me i like my nitrous
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Old Oct 9, 2005 | 09:23 PM
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Like is an understatment. I think I should start collecting 10lb bottles now. I'll be going through one every couple passes with that thing. Good news is I think I already found someone who will take my motor.
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Old Oct 9, 2005 | 09:28 PM
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Are you sure you can handle it
Attached Thumbnails How strong is the ls2 block?-big-wheele.jpg  
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Old Oct 9, 2005 | 09:48 PM
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I think you'll be just fine. You aren't the first person to spray a LS2 block. With a good set of thicker deck head castings and some studs, you should be able to hold 1000+ hp. There was a 1200hp turbo motor on here a while back that had the TEA/AFR castings and had no trouble with lifting under high boost. That says alot in it's self.
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mike brown has run a 9.00@153 with his ls2
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