I'm still new so go easy. I am in the process of building an LS7 for my 2006 XLR. I'm looking for 600+ WHP in a fairly mild N/A build. My question is, if I use a stock LS7 (it has 19K on it) am I advised to sleeve the block as part of the build? If so, what have you guys experienced in cost.

As an aside, do any of you know of blocks cracking (cylinder walls) on the LS7 block where the engine wasn't being raced or built to the edge? I ask because the parts I have are perfect and this engine really won't see much if any time above 6500 rpm. Thanks.

 

It seems like the LS7 block with the stock sleeves can handle a decent amount of power, but they tend to crack at the first sign of detonation. Get a bad batch of gas or if your tune is off, you could end up with a cracked block. At that point, if the block is salvageable, it becomes even more expensive to sleeve it.

 

I guess the next question is do I want to re-sleeve a perfectly good block? For those of you who have re-sleeved, can anyone give me a ballpark on cost?

 

Dry Sleeve ERL

Super Deck ERL

These are good blocks.

That said, if your going to stay 427 cubes and at 600 horsepower, I'd leave your block alone.

But, if you want to resleeve, you might as well build a 440 or a 454. It would make it that much easier to get to your horsepower goal.

 

Thanks. That's what I was looking for....

 

Wouldn't it be cheaper and more reliable to get the LSX block? Or is weight a concern with your build?

 

Weight is a concern. The XLR is a C5/6 Corvette that has eaten too many twinkies.... From the factory she is a fat girl. Mine is going on a serious diet.....

 

If you're looking for 600+RWHP I think you're going to need more cubes. I run a small cam 427 with WCCH Stage 3 L92 heads at 577/530. It's very mild but extremely well put together.

 

You can use a stock block if you are staying NA... 600rwhp isnt that hard in an LS7

 

WKMCD,

can i ask what grind cam you are running?

 

My friend had ERL sleeve his LS7 block. I think he is a 441 now. Stock heads, cam, intake LS7's will make 600hp and up all day long. Long as you don't plan to spray it you'll be fine.

 

4.185 bores on a resleved ls7? all day long, building one now, only i'm using fad boy lsx block, 600hp? mild too, NA should easy high 9 low 10 secs, the simplest way.