00Pontiac

it's been suggested to me that aluminum engines aren't so great before I bought this car I did some reading and thought that it was pretty cool.

there's a non aluminum ls1 isn't there? that goes into other GM cars/trucks?

I'd love to hear what all the vets here have to say about it, teach me please

CamaroSS

iTrader: (2)

iron 6.0L block strong!
stock alluminum runs hotter, and can burn oil. also, not all too strong.

CaptUSA

iTrader: (5)

I'm no mechanic, but I do see what others are doing to their cars. I'd say the pro's and con's are probably negligable for what most people are going to do. If put on the spot I'd say go w/ the aluminum. It's lighter, and you've got people making 600+ HP and running 10's w/ them. Just my oppinion. It's worth what you paid for it.

hourang

iTrader: (6)

http://www.idavette.net/hib/ls1c.html

Nine Ball

iTrader: (38)

aluminum engines run cooler, the coeff of thermal conductivity is much better with aluminum than cast iron. The aluminum block is also 80 lbs lighter. Strength-wise, the aluminum block has more than proven itself.

CrazytrainWS6

i believe aluminum blocks run cooler since aluminum dissipates heat quicker than cast iron. definitely not as strong.

00Pontiac

I read that when I was trying to decide whether or not to get rid of my old 90 tirdgen Firebird several months ago very informative page, and part of the reason I was thinking my alum. block kicked ***. I also knew a drag boat racer that had a monster aluminum hemi engine, always thought it was 'cool'. but really couldn't say why besides the weight and heat aspects.

CamaroSS

iTrader: (2)

Then how come they run hotter if they "run cooler" They do disipate heat quicker, but the motor takes heat in more. This is why many ALUM block cars have oil burning issues. Just going off of reference, I have only heard this, and seen this for the past year or so. Everyone had oil issues that were eliminated when switching to the cast iron.

Nine Ball

iTrader: (38)

Thats impossible. The heat source itself is the combustion chamber in each cylinder. If a material propogates heat more easily, it will run cooler. The operating temperature of the aluminum block is the same as an iron block, but the aluminum block will dissipate the heat quicker. You can change your operating temps by swapping to a lower temp thermostat, or reprogramming your fans to come on at a lower temp setting.

They do not "burn" more oil. The cylinder sleeves in the aluminum block are still cast iron. Therefore, the ring/cylinder contact surfaces are identical. The main complaint about the LS1s using oil is related to the PCV system sucking oil into the intake manifold. You should install a catch-can on your PCV system to greatly reduce this common LS1 characteristic.

CamaroSS

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for the info diddn't mean to sound like an ***.

A local mith here is that it is related to the LS1 ALUM block. :dunno: Thanks for straightening it out.

CaptUSA

iTrader: (5)

What benifits would a catch can have? Just the oil consumption problem?

chupr0kabra

iTrader: (10)

Not so much the consumption as much as keeping oil out of the intake. The car will still consume oil, it just won't accumulate in the intake.


-Mike