Block Differences
Discussion
Taking away bore size,cam,heads,pistons etc, can anyone tell me the differences between the Gen3/Gen4 blocks ie: LS1 - LS7 ? Am I right in thinking if you replace all the internals, are they essentially the same?
Also, would an LS9 crate engine be a viable alternative to building your own FI motor?
Also, would an LS9 crate engine be a viable alternative to building your own FI motor?
Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 29th September 13:52
Ls1 came in several different castings but are in essence the same. Ls7 uses the same external dimensions but has obviously got a bigger bore and steel mains caps. Parts interchange easily enough. Gen 4 blocks have the bosses in the valley for DODS, they'll also use a different front cover. Ls7 uses a longer front cover, pan and sump gasket.
ls9 engine/block isn't much over an ls3 block so I can't see any point in building up an ls9 when you could use it as it is. Ls3 blocks have been available for ages and are quite cheap. That said, they do need some cleaning up inside as the casting is rough sand cast.
ls9 engine/block isn't much over an ls3 block so I can't see any point in building up an ls9 when you could use it as it is. Ls3 blocks have been available for ages and are quite cheap. That said, they do need some cleaning up inside as the casting is rough sand cast.
So is there any difference is strength when it comes to FI? The reason I ask is LS1 engines are cheap an plentiful yet people still tend to start with an LS2. If you plan to replace everything and you can stroke an LS1 to 6.3L (like mine), is there any point going for the later engine?
With the LS9, I meant would it be cost effective for people like us to buy one and drop it in? I haven't seen any advertised yet.
With the LS9, I meant would it be cost effective for people like us to buy one and drop it in? I haven't seen any advertised yet.
Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 29th September 14:06
Boosted LS1 said:
Ls1 came in several different castings but are in essence the same. Ls7 uses the same external dimensions but has obviously got a bigger bore and steel mains caps. Parts interchange easily enough. Gen 4 blocks have the bosses in the valley for DODS, they'll also use a different front cover. Ls7 uses a longer front cover, pan and sump gasket.
ls9 engine/block isn't much over an ls3 block so I can't see any point in building up an ls9 when you could use it as it is. Ls3 blocks have been available for ages and are quite cheap. That said, they do need some cleaning up inside as the casting is rough sand cast.
Gday Mike, can't recall seeing you on here for a while, might be wrong though, I don't spend so much time on here these days.ls9 engine/block isn't much over an ls3 block so I can't see any point in building up an ls9 when you could use it as it is. Ls3 blocks have been available for ages and are quite cheap. That said, they do need some cleaning up inside as the casting is rough sand cast.
Do you recall a couple of years ago you "educating me" on the GenIII engines? I was posting as Madazrx7 then and was looking at getting an RX8... see what I'm driving now?
tim the pool man said:
Boosted LS1 said:
Stuff.
Gday Mike, can't recall seeing you on here for a while, might be wrong though, I don't spend so much time on here these days.Do you recall a couple of years ago you "educating me" on the GenIII engines? I was posting as Madazrx7 then and was looking at getting an RX8... see what I'm driving now?
wormus said:
So is there any difference is strength when it comes to FI? The reason I ask is LS1 engines are cheap an plentiful yet people still tend to start with an LS2. If you plan to replace everything and you can stroke an LS1 to 6.3L (like mine), is there any point going for the later engine?
With the LS9, I meant would it be cost effective for people like us to buy one and drop it in? I haven't seen any advertised yet.
With the LS9, I meant would it be cost effective for people like us to buy one and drop it in? I haven't seen any advertised yet.
Edited by wormus on Monday 29th September 14:06
The ls9 will cost a fortune as demand will be high, plus you'll probably end up ditching some components. Some of the stuff is available but not much. Early ls1 is a strong block as it hasn't got the bay to bay window breathing vents at the bottom of the bores so it gets to keep nice strong main cap webs. This is a die cast block, easy to spot as it's got a smooth finish. The ls6 and subsequent engines have the breathing windows but would seem to be weaker but it probably makes no real difference if your revs stay sensible. If starting from scratch either pick up a cheap ls1 or buy a new ls3 casing. They're easy enough to get and are probably about £1k door to door. I would go the ls3 route. Or, if you want steel bearing caps then get an ls7 casing.
ETA. ls1 engines are cheap because they'll have miles on them assuming you're looking at used. They can't be bored, just honed .005" so used may not be a lot of use. New ls1 casings are probably no longer available.
Edited by Boosted LS1 on Monday 29th September 18:03
wormus said:
So is there any difference is strength when it comes to FI? The reason I ask is LS1 engines are cheap an plentiful yet people still tend to start with an LS2. If you plan to replace everything and you can stroke an LS1 to 6.3L (like mine), is there any point going for the later engine?
With the LS9, I meant would it be cost effective for people like us to buy one and drop it in? I haven't seen any advertised yet.
LS1/6 have very very thin liners...so no room for a rebore if damaged ( aside from a +0.005" hone over standard )With the LS9, I meant would it be cost effective for people like us to buy one and drop it in? I haven't seen any advertised yet.
Edited by wormus on Monday 29th September 14:06
LS2 has stronger liners, so is a better starting point. Theya re also much thicker, so can be rebored ok.
If retrofitting the likes of a LS2 Gen4 block to a LS1/6 Gen3 block car...dont forget there are other parts that need purchased/changed.
These are documented on LS1Tech.
ringram said:
Or get a sleeved block or lq9 iron block etc
Actually the Iron blocks are popular for high output vehicles. Could be an option. They come in LS1 format with a 4" bore FWIW. Normally 408 cubes.
They are cheaper than the alloy blocks too. 40kg heavier though IIRC.
How about the LSX for a 454.Yeeehaa!Actually the Iron blocks are popular for high output vehicles. Could be an option. They come in LS1 format with a 4" bore FWIW. Normally 408 cubes.
They are cheaper than the alloy blocks too. 40kg heavier though IIRC.
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