How much HP can a stock c5 enige handle without internal mods?

 

The older models have weak rod bolts. I am sure someone can chime in on the years. I have a 99 and in no way would I take it above 425 rwhp, personally, on the stock rod bolts. I have my redline at 6600 and I like not being scared at that engine speed (I enjoy letting my engine rev into the upper ranges).

What do you have in mind? I am sure there are guys running large doses of nitrous on stock bottom ends without problems, maybe they will speak up.

 

Even the older LS1's can handle more than that. The rod bolt issue becomes more of an issue as you spin the motor higher. You should be able to get 450 to 500 rwhp with out to much issue as far as the motor holding together goes.

 

 

I'm running a procharger which they claim around 540 rwh. I haven't had it tuned yet.

I would like to get around 600 I know the crank is steel but do you think the rod would be an issue?

 

The crank is cast, but it's plenty strong.
Weakest thing is pistons, next is rods.
But 600 rwh on an otherwise totally stock motor is beyond the ragged edge.
Some people manage it on the stock bottom end with the supercharger, cam and headers, and maybe heads.

 

You can also add a meth inj kit (from ECS). This helps preventing pinging and allows the motor to survive a little longer! 550-580 RWHP would be were I'd stop with a meth kit (that would make a reliable DD)
However quicksilver, a member here, is running 700 RWHP on his stock bottom end and a meth kit for a long time already

 

Other than reading it on LS1/6 performance book, I havent read on here where someone has broken a rod nut/bolt.

I do here alot of number 7 cylinders burning up, Valves making contact with pistons, and more guys racing in the upper 6000RPMs where the motor let loose. Id like to see what failed in those motors.

I be interested to see of those who have ruined a motor, how you mod'd the motor and what failed.

I bet you'd find more of these answers at LS1tech.com