LSA vs LS6 differences

[Genros]

I have an ls6 and an lsa. What are the differences in the blocks? Is the lsa a good durable engine? What is peak reliable hp from the lsa without forging bottom end

[Schwartz Performance]

There are guys running 700-800 rwhp on stock internals of either engine. LSA has piston oil squirters to keep the cylinder lubricated. High boost applications need ARP rod and ideally main bolts. Rings would be a good thing to swap too.
The LS6 is good, depends on the power goal. The blocks themselves are good for 900+hp.

The tune has a lot to do with the limits. Too lean and your pistons will melt.

-Dale

[Genros]

I suppose the real question is... Would you rather have an ls6 with an edelbrock eforce or a lsa? What motor has better durability at the 700hp level? And may add to what ever your answer, Why?

[srh3trinity]

Probably easier to get to 700hp with an LSA. The old saying "there is no replacement for displacement" comes to mind. LSA is a 6.2l with the ls6 being a 5.7l and there is over 10 years difference in these two engines (cylinder heads, oiling, ecm, etc.) The LSA is built for boost out of the box while the ls6 isn't. It may handle it just fine, but once you start pushing the limits you would likely have to go with an aftermarket bottom end. Two totally different budgets too. If you want to compare apples to apples you would have to consider something like an ls3 with a blower to the LSA.

[Decurion]

I cant speak to what will work better, but I worked in the GM dyno labs in early 2011 and had several LSAs in my cells. I never had one fail or give trouble. Granted thats only at stock power levels, but they get run pretty hard. Much harder than could ever be duplicated on the street. The fact that they lasted is more than I could say of some of the other current engines.

[Genros]

Thanks for the response guys. So tell me, my car currently has the ls6 in it. What would I have to change to install the LSA in the car?

[71RS/SS396]

There are guys running 700-800 rwhp on stock internals of either engine. LSA has piston oil squirters to keep the cylinder lubricated. High boost applications need ARP rod and ideally main bolts. Rings would be a good thing to swap too.
The LS6 is good, depends on the power goal. The blocks themselves are good for 900+hp.

The tune has a lot to do with the limits. Too lean and your pistons will melt.

-Dale

The piston squirters are not to lubricate the cylinder, they are to cool the pistons.

[71RS/SS396]

Thanks for the response guys. So tell me, my car currently has the ls6 in it. What would I have to change to install the LSA in the car?
Ecu, harness, fuel system, add a heat exchanger, and drive by wire throttle pedal would be the major things I can think of off the top of my head.

[Schwartz Performance]

Thanks for the response guys. So tell me, my car currently has the ls6 in it. What would I have to change to install the LSA in the car?
Ecu, harness, fuel system, add a heat exchanger, and drive by wire throttle pedal would be the major things I can think of off the top of my head.

Additionally, serpentine drive (stock LSA may or may not fit your frame) AC hoses if you have AC, radiator hoses, air inlet tube.

[Schwartz Performance]

There are guys running 700-800 rwhp on stock internals of either engine. LSA has piston oil squirters to keep the cylinder lubricated. High boost applications need ARP rod and ideally main bolts. Rings would be a good thing to swap too.
The LS6 is good, depends on the power goal. The blocks themselves are good for 900+hp.

The tune has a lot to do with the limits. Too lean and your pistons will melt.

-Dale

The piston squirters are not to lubricate the cylinder, they are to cool the pistons.
Of course.. My bad, 'twas a long day that day, lol.
-Dale

[Genros]

Can I just use the ecu from the ctsv? I have the heat exchanger handled. What is different with fuel or is it just a higher volume pump?

[Genros]

Guys the LSA has a tr6060 trans. Would you recommend I keep my t56 that is already in my car or go to the new 6060 (requiring driveshaft mods etc..)

[andrewb70]

Can I just use the ecu from the ctsv?...?

No...the LS6 is a Gen III engine and has a 24 tooth reluctor wheel, while the LSA is a Gen IV engine and uses a 58 tooth reluctor wheel. There are other differences, like the location of the knock sensors...

If you go with the LSA, you are better off just getting a new harness and ECU. Chevrolet Performance offers an ECU and harness package that is already tuned for the LSA.

http://paceperformance.com/i-7769210-19259293-gmpp-lsa-556-controller-kit-contains-pre-programmed-ecu-harness-sensors.html

Andrew

[Middle Out Media]

A crate LSA is a great way to go. That said, it is worth noting that the E-Force is a better supercharger than the factory LSA's TVS1900 for a number of reasons. As for the trans, a T56 should handle 700hp, though it might need a few upgrades depending on your driving style.