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Old Feb 16, 2008 | 04:14 PM
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Default starter interchangeability

Is there any difference in a starter for an iron block LS1 (camaro, firebird, gto, etc) and a C5 aluminum block? Specifically, the throw, or how far out the drive goes.
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Old Feb 16, 2008 | 04:27 PM
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There is no such thing as an "iron block LS1".

F bod and GTO use the same aluminum block LS1 as the C5. The only engine differences on those cars is some of the external accessories (water pump, balancer, throttle body, etc).

I'm not sure about the starter, but most likely they are the same part.


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Old Feb 16, 2008 | 04:35 PM
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OK, maybe I'm looking for the wrong information. The flexplate in the C5 is not flat, but recessed. A flexplate from a iron block truck engine, even a 5.3, 5.7, whatever, is flat. If I used a flat flexplate would the Corvette starter work or would I need a starter with more (or less) throw. The vette engine will not be in a vette, but using a older truck bellhousing. As I understand it a non-LS bellhousing with a flat flexplate won't require the converter mounting lugs or crank snout to be modified.
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Old Feb 16, 2008 | 04:46 PM
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As you described it, I think you should be shopping for a truck starter.
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Old Feb 16, 2008 | 10:18 PM
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So that brings me back to my original question, will that starter bolt up to an LS alum block?
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Old Feb 17, 2008 | 01:29 AM
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Originally Posted by Y2Kvert4me
There is no such thing as an "iron block LS1".
F bod and GTO use the same aluminum block LS1 as the C5. The only engine differences on those cars is some of the external accessories (water pump, balancer, throttle body, etc).

I'm not sure about the starter, but most likely they are the same part.


Yes, there is an iron block for the LSx series.

Sorry, I don't know about the starter.
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Old Feb 17, 2008 | 08:14 AM
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Originally Posted by timemender
Yes, there is an iron block for the LSx series.
There are Gen III Iron block V8 engines, yes. They are as follows.

LR4 4.8
L33 5.3
L59 5.3
LQ4 6.0
LQ9 6.0


There were only two LS V8 engines made in the Gen III platform, and they are both aluminum blocks:

LS1
LS6

So, yes, my comment that there is no such thing as an iron block LS1 engine is correct.


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Old Feb 17, 2008 | 10:24 AM
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i directly swapped out my starter from my ls1 to an iron lq9.
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Old Feb 17, 2008 | 11:34 AM
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Now I'm assuming a LQ9 is the same as a 5.3, so a flat flexplate and bellhousing from a 5.3, along with the corvette converter (without changing the mounting lugs) with a 5.3 or 6.0 starter will all work together.
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Old Feb 17, 2008 | 11:38 AM
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Y2Kvert4me, I think I was wrong in asking if those other engines were LS based. I guess I should have called the iron engines vortecks. Regardless, it looks like I got my answer. I will be looking for all components from the 5.3 then cross my fingers.
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Old Feb 17, 2008 | 12:31 PM
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This is what I was going by -- from The GM Parts Catalog: (Note the LSx reference below)

Chevy LS Series Quick Reference Chart
Origin Part Material Deck Bore Main Cap Crankshaft Oiling Rear Main Max Max Hp Usage Page
Number Height Bolt Material Jnl Dia. Seal Stroke Number
LS1/LS6 12561166 Alum 9.240 3.89" 6 Iron Std. LS (2.56) Wet 1 pc 4.00" 450 Street 267
LS2 12568950 Alum 9.240 4.00" 6 Iron Std. LS (2.56) Wet 1 pc 4.00" 450 Street 268
L92/LS3 12584727 Alum 9.240 4.065" 6 Iron Std. LS (2.56) Wet 1 pc 4.00" 525 Street 269
LS7 17802854 Alum 9.240 4.125" 6 PM Std. LS (2.56) Dry 1 pc 4.10" 550 Street 270
LS7 25534427 Alum 9.240 4.125" 6 PM Std. LS (2.56) Dry 1 pc 4.10" 550 Street 270
C5R 12480030 Alum 9.240 4.117–4.160" 6 8620 Steel Std. LS (2.56) Wet 1 pc 4.10" 900 Pro 271
LQ9 12572808 Iron 9.240 3.98" 6 Iron Std. LS (2.56) Wet 1 pc 4.00" 500 Street 268
LSX 19166454 Iron 9.260 3.99–4.250" 6 1045 Steel Std. LS (2.56) Wet 1 pc 4.25" 1500+ Street/Pro 272
LSX 19166097 Iron 9.700 3.99–4.250" 6 1045 Steel Std. LS (2.56) Wet 1 pc 4.50" 1500+ Street/Pro 273



Otherwise I stand corrected.
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