My buddy is looking to get a ls9 block but he is wondering how strong the sleeves are compared to say a stock ls3. He is looking to make 1000-1100 supercharged 418 if all goes well. He wanted to use this block cause of the factory 1/2 inch head studs.

Thoughts and ideas welcome?

 

I'd call SD-parts or PACE. They should have some 1st hand exper.

 

Couple thoughts. First, a shorter stroke engine (stock) can get the hp goals and might actually be more reliable. Boosted engines just don't have to be large to make insane power. 2nd, you can have 1/2 studs installed in a Ls1/2/3 block if it is sleeved. This might be a good alternative to LS9 block depending on what GM wants for one.

 

There not 1/2 they are 12mm. There is a lot more benefits though other than that. Billet mains,piston squirters , etc. etc.

 

I have sleeved a couple of these blocks with Darton Seal Tight dry liners. As far as I can tell, the block casting is identical to the LS3 including the sleeves.

You might want to check with ARP to see if they have the 12 mm head studs for this block. The last block I did a few months back had to go with the factory bolts.

Steve

 

Pretty sure Katech were selling 12mm studs to suit LS9.

 

My buddy decided against it.