Question about 5.3L block core
Question about 5.3L block core I am getting ready to order a superdeck I system from ERL and am trying to figure out which block core to use. I am stuck between the Gen IV 5.3L or and LS2 block. ERL recommends the 5.3L as it it considerably less $$$ then the LS2 and they claim it is a stronger block as it does not have the bay to bay windows found in other Gen IV blocks. However after talking to another engine builder about block castings they claim that since I am using the relatively shallow C6 Corvette oil pan there will be a loss of HP due to not having the windows. He claims up to 50hp. What do you guys think? Does anyone have first hand experience with both of these blocks?
i think id listen to erl who builds it, they more then know their ****... and i cant see how bay to bay breathing could cost 50 horsepower... and even if it did... wtf is 50 horsepower when your going to be using asuperdeck system which im assuming will be making stupid power
Last edited by got-a-ls1; Dec 26, 2011 at 07:27 PM.
I don't understand how it can cost that much power either. I know ERL knows there stuff and that is why I am having them do my block work. They recommended the 5.3L block because it is a lot cheeper then an LS2 block and when they are done doing their work to it the only difference is the bay to bay windows. I trust ERL when it comes to their knowledge on blocks but at the same time they are not a performance shop that works with complete cars. Apparently when you have a shallow oil pan, like with a corvette, not having these windows can cost power. The only way I can see this is because without the windows the air pushed out of the cylinder on its downstroke has to go past the main caps and all the way down to the oil pan before it can disperse into the other bays. This is all theory and I was wondering if anyone else has any experience or input.
the ls1 didnt have bay to bay either. looks like the c5 pan is 4.75 inchs tall. now the ls6 did have bay to bay breathing and made 50 more hosrepower but that is from the heads, intake and cam. bay to bay on the ls6 may have been worth a few horsepower... if any lol
Ya looking at it I don't see how it can rob that much hp. I can see some increase in windage causing some power loss but not 50 hp. According to back to back engine dyno testing, only switching out the oil pan, this was the result.
