Vote for a Block

[Captain Morgan]

You can only pick one. HP Ratings are directly from GMPP Catalog, so please don't argue over it. We all know there are stock 5.3, 6.0, etc. production blocks holding the same if not bigger numbers.

Prices are just through summit racing, just to provide an even retail comparison.

Goals for the build are 800 BHP, weight is something I'd like to keep down, so is price, but not looking to sacrifice strength where it counts.

 

[MRKING]

Re: Vote for a Block

I voted for the middle option . Its not the cheapest , not the most expensive , and it seemed like the best budget minded choice of the group .

 

[2kwik4u]

Re: Vote for a Block

If goals are 800BHP, why do you have options that won't meet your goals?

 

[sharkbait]

Re: Vote for a Block

i like the iron blocks. aluminum is cool and the weight saving is nice, but im a fan of aluminum.

 

[Captain Morgan]

Re: Vote for a Block

If goals are 800BHP, why do you have options that won't meet your goals?

did you actually read my post? We all know there are LS2's, LS3's and L92's making MORE than 800HP and holding up fine, someone just posted up a video the other day of a 5.3 iron block making more power than that block is rated for. I said that the ratings were just pulled from the catalog. If someone has first hand personal info on a combo similar to this, im all ears. How long these overclocked engines have lasted, their main use or otherwise is undetermined unless someone on here is using one first hand, so its kind of a moot point without the proof. Either way, I'm just wanting to see some opinions and strike up some convo on the subject.

I'm well aware that I, you, anyone should build stronger than their HP goals, but the LS engine like, regardless of iron vs. aluminum, have exceeded time and time again what they were supposed to be able to handle.

Is it worth finding a junkyard LS3 on the "cheap" and seeing if it do the job, If it blows up, then go to an LSX and in the long run end up spending the same as you would on an LS9? I dunno, if I go to and Iron block, is an LSX then overkill?? Could definitely build a production truck iron block for far less.....even though it too is probably not rated for 800HP, but dozens of people do it everyday...

 

[1madgumby]

Re: Vote for a Block

I voted for the LSX, IM sure in the future the ls9 will come down in price, but for now the LSX I fell is the best bang for the buck Now...

 

[sonomagt288]

Re: Vote for a Block

i would deffinetly choose the lsx 376

 

[sy605]

Re: Vote for a Block

LSX or cast iron factory block. Aluminum you'll have to swap out if you upgrade later.

 

[qbnkiller]

Re: Vote for a Block

Will you boost it? What intercooler? What ECM?

I would do a 5.3L all aluminum deal with a single 75mm (not an old-style pile of shit pt76gtq) all day for that. Keep the stock heads, nice boosted cam, proper valvetrain and it will live a happy life.

 

[killa66cam]

Re: Vote for a Block

I voted for the LSX, IM sure in the future the ls9 will come down in price, but for now the LSX I fell is the best bang for the buck Now...

This was my thinking. For the money, and it being possible to handle almost twice the horsepower that you are planning to make. If you ever want more power, you know the block will take it. If not LSX, I would go for the LS3/L92.

Will you boost it? What intercooler? What ECM?

I would do a 5.3L all aluminum deal with a single 75mm (not an old-style pile of shit pt76gtq) all day for that. Keep the stock heads, nice boosted cam, proper valvetrain and it will live a happy life.

I am contemplating doing a stock 5.3 with a pt74 with Q trim exhaust wheel, and a PTE syty housing. Is this turbo, "an old-style pile of shit", that you were referring to?

Cam

 

[qbnkiller]

Re: Vote for a Block

This was my thinking. For the money, and it being possible to handle almost twice the horsepower that you are planning to make. If you ever want more power, you know the block will take it. If not LSX, I would go for the LS3/L92.



I am contemplating doing a stock 5.3 with a pt74 with Q trim exhaust wheel, and a PTE syty housing. Is this turbo, "an old-style pile of shit", that you were referring to?

Cam

Not to be a total dick, but yeah. If you already have thus turbo and you dont want to spend $$ on a new one, whatever. I wouldnt spend good money on that turbo when you can get newer and better technology.

Any of the LS engines will provide you with the platform for plenty of power. Just look at what we do with 30+ year old V6 technology. A stock LS with a sound build plan can handle more than OP wants (at this time anyways).

 

[Icarus-54]

Re: Vote for a Block

Lsx 376

 

[Turbotoyz]

Re: Vote for a Block

I can't find it on the net right this second, but I did read an article about a an "eBay" twin turbo setup on a 4.8L Chevy.

I read this in the dentists office last year some time, sorry I can't recall the magazine name.

Anyway, the guys pulled a junkyard engine (thought to be a 5.3) and used an "eBay" sourced twin turbo setup. It turned out to be a 4.8L, they got something like 1200hp out of it and over 50 dyno runs. If I remember correctly they "freshened" a few things, so it could handle 30 or 35lbs of boost. Don't quote me on that, just read it in the waiting room.

 

[nallj92]

Re: Vote for a Block

Other


Pick up a L33 5.3 aluminum block, can be bored back to a 5.7, sleeved etc. Since its a smaller bore, good sealing the 4 bolt style heads (assuming this is a boosted application) 799/243 heads already.

you can find them complete in JY's for 600-800.

If your looking at building something stronger, LSX if you can get a deal on them, however they do have some core shift on some of the blocks, otherwise you can get a sleeved LS3 block that is good for upwards of 1300+hp. The dart LS blocks are a nice piece as well.

I personally finished a LQ4 build and have no issues with that block around 750-800 WHP in a 3700lb car. Otherwise for me I would do a L33 and throw lots of boost at it.

 

[JSM]

Re: Vote for a Block

Been doing a lot of research on this and L33 is one of my top choices right now.

5.3 05 and newer Junkyard motor, throw some boost at it and have fun. If it blows up, get another $500 engine and repeat.

All LS motors have 6 bolt mains, makes our stock 2 bolt main 4.3's kindof laughable now doesn't it.

 

[Captain Morgan]

Re: Vote for a Block

LSX or cast iron factory block. Aluminum you'll have to swap out if you upgrade later.

only if i break it :lol:

Will you boost it? What intercooler? What ECM?

I would do a 5.3L all aluminum deal with a single 75mm (not an old-style pile of shit pt76gtq) all day for that. Keep the stock heads, nice boosted cam, proper valvetrain and it will live a happy life.

yes it will be boosted, twin GT35R's. Custom IC, might try and go water/air, going to run a GM truck ECM with HP Tuners.

Other


Pick up a L33 5.3 aluminum block, can be bored back to a 5.7, sleeved etc. Since its a smaller bore, good sealing the 4 bolt style heads (assuming this is a boosted application) 799/243 heads already.

you can find them complete in JY's for 600-800.

If your looking at building something stronger, LSX if you can get a deal on them, however they do have some core shift on some of the blocks, otherwise you can get a sleeved LS3 block that is good for upwards of 1300+hp. The dart LS blocks are a nice piece as well.

I personally finished a LQ4 build and have no issues with that block around 750-800 WHP in a 3700lb car. Otherwise for me I would do a L33 and throw lots of boost at it.

i might have to think about the sleeved LS3 idea

Been doing a lot of research on this and L33 is one of my top choices right now.

5.3 05 and newer Junkyard motor, throw some boost at it and have fun. If it blows up, get another $500 engine and repeat.

All LS motors have 6 bolt mains, makes our stock 2 bolt main 4.3's kindof laughable now doesn't it.

Ill read up on the L33.

 

[Captain Morgan]

Re: Vote for a Block

after researching an aftermarket sleeved LS-anything production block, it would be far cheaper to just buy an LS9 block.

 

[Captain Morgan]

Re: Vote for a Block

Pace Performance has a decent price on LSA Blocks. Edited the poll above to show it.

 

[Captain Morgan]

Re: Vote for a Block

Interesting read: http://forum.lsxtv.com/showthread.php?p=5253

I still want to know exactly what the strength difference between the LSA and LS3 blocks are, GM claims there is a difference, but doesn't explain what it is.

Also, if I can keep the weight down on my Ty which is another goal I'm going to work on with my build, it might only need to go to the 700-750 BHP Range.

 

[killa66cam]

Re: Vote for a Block

Not to be a total dick, but yeah. If you already have thus turbo and you dont want to spend $$ on a new one, whatever. I wouldnt spend good money on that turbo when you can get newer and better technology.

Any of the LS engines will provide you with the platform for plenty of power. Just look at what we do with 30+ year old V6 technology. A stock LS with a sound build plan can handle more than OP wants (at this time anyways).

How about if I am getting the turbo for $400? Still a waste?

Interesting read: http://forum.lsxtv.com/showthread.php?p=5253

I still want to know exactly what the strength difference between the LSA and LS3 blocks are, GM claims there is a difference, but doesn't explain what it is.

Also, if I can keep the weight down on my Ty which is another goal I'm going to work on with my build, it might only need to go to the 700-750 BHP Range.

That was an interesting read.

Cam