fastvet

iTrader: (2)

Just like the title says, would you sacrifice weight for cubic inches?

For instance, would you get a 408 iron block over a 383 allum? Would you sacrifice 100 lbs for an extra 25 cubic inches? Is it worth it?

Im trying to get a new block right now and texas-speed has both of those for about $100 difference and I just wanted to get you guys imput before I decide on purchasing one.

Apollo0526

iTrader: (3)

I went with the iron block for a few reasons

-its stronger
-if something happened, i could bore it over some, can't with a aluminum
-i went for the extra cubes over the weight, I'm looking at aftermarket K members right now before i drop the engine in and later on I'll do the A arms too. That will save some weight.

Dogsofjune

Sacrifice weight for cubic inches? Yup. I can compensate with weight removal somewhere else on the ride if it's necessary.

toneloc60

iTrader: (7)

Yep. Got the LSX block and over-built the bottom end with the idea of reliability>a couple tenths.

toneloc60

iTrader: (7)

yeah, with double pipework!

Ericbigmac83

iTrader: (19)

yup

even at only 1hp per cubic inch. Thats a .25hp/lb ratio gain, which is way more then the stock .1hp/lb so its worth it.

WKMCD

iTrader: (2)

I think on an F-body I'd do it in a heartbeat. Probably not in a vette.

My $.02

vbcamaro89

to me it all depends on what the purpose of the car was street/strip all out drag car those would be factors I would consider if it was me

jermzz

iTrader: (18)

You need to add cost into the equasion too.

Many would argue that the extra weight isnt worth it, but when you add the cost of a sleeved block opposed to a lq4, or lsx block, it becomes way more appealing to add 100lbs for the $/hp you're acheiving.

Jon@Texas-Speed

iTrader: (18)

The great thing about the iron block is your gaining bore at the same time your adding cubes. The extra bore will help unshroud the valves & help the heads to perform better. I personally really like the iron block 408cube setups. With a head like the l92 we've seen 550rwhp with aggressive cams & 525rwhp with smaller cams! Not to mention the extra torque from the cubes!!

LSGunZ28

iTrader: (8)

No... Id rather have a 402 over an iron 408... Hard to say about a 383 to a 408, but 100lbs is a lot, especially from the front end, its not ideal for a drag car. Also, if you want to road race, again... It going to make the weight distribution worse, by makng the car even more front heavy...

Why not just go 402 or 418 ci?

edit:
id just personally spend a little more and get a 402 or 418..

also I noticed you have a vette... Id never do such a thing in a vette.. for some reason im very against the 408, iron blocks I dunno how cheaper they are from 418s but Id rather spend the money and get a larger bore 418 and still weights 100lbs less... well worth it IMO...


what are you gonna use your car for anyways? drag? daily driver?

99blancoSS

iTrader: (115)

Yes it is...LOL but lets face it to some its not. Usually the Vetts guys who have he 50-50 going on dont like to mess with it but at 75#'s and lets face it bigger cubes = more power. We see up to 600+ RWHP with our 408's so honestly the best bang for the buck is the 408, or we can do a 418 if no power add will be used. Thats significantly bigger than a 403.

fastvet

iTrader: (2)

This car is my weekend cruiser and I love to go to the drag every now and then! I love a car that chops, descent ofcourse. But I also want to be able to hit the mid 10's, with spray ofcourse.

Part of me believes in that whole iron block should not be in a Corvette, thats why I am asking this question. But maybe forking out a couple extra bucks for the 402 wouldnt be a bad idea!

shady milkman

yes since my power to weight ratio would most likely increase ..like ericbigmac said.

99blancoSS

iTrader: (115)

Its $350 more for my ls2 403 than my LQ9 408.. not that big of a difference, then you have the LS3 416 at $5675 for a big difference to compare it to.. but your also getting a 4.070 bore vs a 4.005 bore.. which equals more HP...lol

chevy2808

i would definately go for the iron block...stronger, more reliable, can be fixed (usually) if something happens...especially if your gonna be driving it as well as racing it...just like other replies said...i would remove weight somewhere else...plus theres no replacement for displacement

MPM IV

iTrader: (3)

If the difference is $350 for a 403 thats the route I'd go if budget was tight. There's no way 5 cubes will offset the weight difference. You will also feel it when cornering and stopping. It can also get pretty pricey to drop weight in a vette if you like a comfortable street car. I did a 440 over a 454 for that reason.
The iron block is stronger, which may or may not matter for what you want to do, but the first motor I blew up was iron, and since the valve that broke chipped the block, I got to buy a new one anyway.

fastvet

iTrader: (2)

Looks like a 402 or 418 is the way to go. I guess do it once and do it right comes into effect!

LSGunZ28

iTrader: (8)

You guys are thinking about power only... cornering, stopping and handling also matter, especially that the guy has a vette... Camaros have about a 55/45 or so weight distribution, if im not mistaken.. I still would never put in an iron block, unless it was a truck or something... Id even consider aluminum in my suburban if one day I was gonna replace it...

Iron is stronger, but so what? he isnt going to be using FI or anything crazy... The Aluminum blocks hold up just right... If im not mistaken havent they taken a twin turbo aluminum LS7 in the 2000fwhp area??? I could be wrong...

lastly, aluminum can also be fixed, it just is more work, it has to be resleeved.. you guys are making it look like aluminum can never be fixed...

So,

if he went with a 402 he will make close enough power to a 408... 418 is even better, bigger bore than 408 and lighter...

I personally wouldnt sacrifice the weight in my F body, So no way in hell would I in a vette...

LSX-PWR

"there is no replacement for displacement"