when checking out a camaro...
The blocks were cast in two different places, when casting was suspended at one place, where I don't remember, GM started using blocks cast at another location. One does have a slightly different finish. The type of block you have is denoted on the back left hand side of the block, just below where the cylinder head sits on the block. GM hi tech performance magazine actually had a small article on this very subject about a year or two ago.
The blocks were cast in two different places, when casting was suspended at one place, where I don't remember, GM started using blocks cast at another location. One does have a slightly different finish. The type of block you have is denoted on the back left hand side of the block, just below where the cylinder head sits on the block. GM hi tech performance magazine actually had a small article on this very subject about a year or two ago.
Now I haven't torn down engines and checked them out, but I'm telling you what I was told by a very reliabel source within GM Camaro division.
Here is the skinny on the LS6 block info.
The Nemak plant in Mexico was the manufacturer of the LS6 block. They contained a higher nickle content then the standard LS1 and thus were a bit stronger.
Between 10-15% of 2001 F-bods had the LS6 block and about 25% of 2002s had them.
Don't believe me then you can check for yourself on either your 2001 or 2002 by looking at the deck of the block on the driver's side of the car. When you go exploring in that cave look for these numbers on the deck of the block: 12561168
If you see that on your block, Eureka you have an LS6 block...just make sure to use a safety harness just incase you get stuck in your engine bay while cave exploring.
Starting in 2003 all LS1/LS6 engines used the Nemak plant's LS6 casting.
So there you have it.
Here is the skinny on the LS6 block info.
The Nemak plant in Mexico was the manufacturer of the LS6 block. They contained a higher nickle content then the standard LS1 and thus were a bit stronger.
Between 10-15% of 2001 F-bods had the LS6 block and about 25% of 2002s had them.
Don't believe me then you can check for yourself on either your 2001 or 2002 by looking at the deck of the block on the driver's side of the car. When you go exploring in that cave look for these numbers on the deck of the block: 12561168
If you see that on your block, Eureka you have an LS6 block...just make sure to use a safety harness just incase you get stuck in your engine bay while cave exploring.
Starting in 2003 all LS1/LS6 engines used the Nemak plant's LS6 casting.
So there you have it.
I owe him a call and maybe I'll ask him again, but that's how I remember it. Like I said, I'd already read all the threads about casting numbers, finish and the aforementioned bullseye near the passenger side head on the block deck. I was surprised whenhe told me about the change in 02.
I owe him a call and maybe I'll ask him again, but that's how I remember it. Like I said, I'd already read all the threads about casting numbers, finish and the aforementioned bullseye near the passenger side head on the block deck. I was surprised whenhe told me about the change in 02.
I would be intersted to know if any bulders have noticed the difference on teardowns? I know one difference is in the alloy which would not be noticable, but isn't there some difference in the bottom end structure too????
The difference on an actual LS6 motor is in the camshaft, the springs, the pushrods/valves, the oil pump, the higher compression ratio, and the better flowing heads. None of the LS6 motors were EVER installed in an Fbod by the factory, no matter what anyone wants you to believe, they were installed by aftermarket companies and private owners.
I've run into several people who claim that since it was an LS6 block, it had to be an LS6 motor, which has never been the case. One was even "a knowledgable expert" at a Super Chevy event who evidently sold cars at a chevy dealership....
The original motor out of my car did have an LS6 block (which blew up as easy as an LS1), I replaced it with an actual LS6 405hp crate engine from GM, which in stock form laid down 390 hp at the wheels when I dynoed it. A few mods later.....
Upon tear down, all the parts were just like every other LS1 motor we (myself and a few people at TSP) had ever seen.....
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
The difference on an actual LS6 motor is in the camshaft, the springs, the pushrods/valves, the oil pump, the higher compression ratio, and the better flowing heads. None of the LS6 motors were EVER installed in an Fbod by the factory, no matter what anyone wants you to believe, they were installed by aftermarket companies and private owners.
I've run into several people who claim that since it was an LS6 block, it had to be an LS6 motor, which has never been the case. One was even "a knowledgable expert" at a Super Chevy event who evidently sold cars at a chevy dealership....
The original motor out of my car did have an LS6 block (which blew up as easy as an LS1), I replaced it with an actual LS6 405hp crate engine from GM, which in stock form laid down 390 hp at the wheels when I dynoed it. A few mods later.....
Upon tear down, all the parts were just like every other LS1 motor we (myself and a few people at TSP) had ever seen.....
I do recall reading somewhere that the LS6 block had improved windage for slightly less parasitic losses. This amount was never quantified and for marketing purposes was pretty much shrugged off.


