Aluminum vs iron block

[clu269]

I am in the process of an LS swap in my Buick. I currently have a 470ci Buick and want to go 6.2 LS. I am contemplating boring a 6.0 iron block. I am thinking that it would make sense since to go aluminum since we are working on handling. I assume that is why they do not offer iron blocks in Camaros or Corvettes. Can I produce 700 WHP reliably with aluminum? is the weight of the iron block a disability? want is everyone using?
Thought?

[79 Camaro]

Typical 6.0 stroker kits bump the 6.0 to 408 ci. Not enough cubes for 700 hp NA. But throw a turbo on it 700 hp is no problem. Alum or iron is a tough call. If you go turbo I think most turbo guys would go iron block. 700 hp isn't going to be easy unless you run something like 454 LS block and have it some what streetable.
Just my .02.

[Sbeck09]

The limiting factor of the GM aluminum blocks is the sleeves and head bolts. Unless you are running 1200hp+ all the time, the iron blocks aren't necessary. Plenty of people have proven that even the factory sleeves in factory aluminum blocks will hold up well at 900hp+. 700 isn't bad at all and speaking from a handling standpoint, saving 100lbs off the nose is no joke (so yes that's why you only get aluminum blocks in camaros and corvettes). Most people run the iron blocks because that is the easiest and cheapest LS platform to find used due to it being in a TON of trucks/SUVs. Honestly, just go source a brand new LS3 block from GM if you want a 6.2. By the time you find a used iron block and have it machined you won't save all that much from just starting fresh especially since you'll be upgrading all the internals for that power level.

[clu269]

That was my thought. I have a LSA to bolt on now. the LSA is heavy in itself. I will go aluminum.
Thanks for your help.

[79 Camaro]

Just another thought since 700 hp is good but 900 hp is even better.
I did a LS2 sleeved and stroked to 427 cubes. RED (Race Engine Development) did the Darton sleeves which are supposed to be much stronger than the stock GM sleeves.
I bought a LS2 block from a friend in CA and RED did the work and sent me the block in a plastic crate via UPS. You will need to put in the finish hone. My project was NA. The bare block was about $900 and the RED work was $2500?
Good luck with your project.

[clu269]

Thanks for the feedback. 6225 to the wheels is all I need. in fact it is way more than I need.

[clu269]

Well I pulled the trigger on a L9H today. I will be replacing the pistons, cam and heads. if anyone has suggestions post them up.

[jwcarguy]

A cheaper alternative is using a later model Gen IV 5.3l aluminum block (approx. $300-400) and having the Darton MID sleeves installed for a large cube stroker engine, much cheaper than sourcing a good used LS2 block

[grease]

How much does it cost to have the darton sleeves installed?

[andrewb70]

How much does it cost to have the darton sleeves installed?

These guys would be the ones to ask:
http://www.raceenginedevelopment.com

Andrew

[F-Body International]

I'm not a Buick guy myself but learned recently that the "Big Buick" engines are actually pretty light engines with aluminum heads. 470ci sounds like a badass engine....probably moreso with an EFI conversion on it.

Are you sure that's something you want to give up?

[clu269]

Yeah I have kicked it around for a while. while the Buick is the flagship motor, it is weak when it comes to the block. I am tapped out and since this was a 350 car, it is not a number matching vehicle. If it had been then I would stick with the Buick.

[clu269]

I have purchased a used LS3. I am going to run E85 with a .624 / .605 234/247 cam with 12.2 to1 compression. for what I am using it for 580WHP is the new goal. this should be more than adequate for auto-cross.

[andrewb70]

Why e85?

Andrew

[Cavi Mike]

You should run much higher compression if it’s an e85 engine. People have run safely up to 16:1 on e85. 12.2 will not be able to extract enough power from e85 to make it worth the effort.

[badazz81z28]

Why e85?

Andrew


Some people like to live dangerously....lol. I don't know about your area...but E85 isnt on every corner around here. It would be equivalent to building a street engine that runs on Alcohol or NitroMethane.

[andrewb70]

Some people like to live dangerously....lol. I don't know about your area...but E85 isnt on every corner around here. It would be equivalent to building a street engine that runs on Alcohol or NitroMethane.

Yes, I get that. On top of that many people misunderstand the tuning requirements for e85...

Andrew

[clu269]

My builder / tuner is setting up flex fuel. it will be tuned to run 93 and or E85. he tells me cheap race fuel.

[andrewb70]

My builder / tuner is setting up flex fuel. it will be tuned to run 93 and or E85. he tells me cheap race fuel.

No doubt an expert...

Andrew

[70staged]

Late to the party but TA Performance has an aluminum Buick block.
What is your plans with the 470 in the car now?

[showdog75]

I have purchased a used LS3. I am going to run E85 with a .624 / .605 234/247 cam with 12.2 to1 compression. for what I am using it for 580WHP is the new goal. this should be more than adequate for auto-cross.

Who spec'd the cam? Seems like a odd split. Just curious