how strong is a LS3 block?
07-27-2014, 02:37 AM
#2
Drifting
Is the LS3 a wet sump or a dry sump? Dry sump LS3's have a forged crank with a longer snout to accommodate the two stage oil pump that is part of the dry sump system. A good question is what does the LS3 have in common and how does it compare to the same sized LS9.
07-27-2014, 02:51 AM
#3
Supremacy 1 car at a time
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07-27-2014, 03:12 AM
#5
Drifting
That's why I am suggesting that a more appropriate comparison might be the LS9 because it shares many of its dimensions wit the LS3, the LS7 has many differences from both the LS3 and LS9. The LS9 in stock form has the highest power density so it figures to be the most robust. Accordingly, it would seem to be more relevant to explore the similarities and differences between the LS3 and its more similar brother, the LS9, than what the LS3 has in common with its cousin, the not so similar LS7. Besides, the LS3 has proven very suitable for forced induction whereas the mor highly stressed LS7 seems to be a bit trickier to boost.
07-27-2014, 05:48 AM
#6
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That's why I am suggesting that a more appropriate comparison might be the LS9 because it shares many of its dimensions wit the LS3, the LS7 has many differences from both the LS3 and LS9. The LS9 in stock form has the highest power density so it figures to be the most robust. Accordingly, it would seem to be more relevant to explore the similarities and differences between the LS3 and its more similar brother, the LS9, than what the LS3 has in common with its cousin, the not so similar LS7. Besides, the LS3 has proven very suitable for forced induction whereas the mor highly stressed LS7 seems to be a bit trickier to boost.
07-27-2014, 05:51 AM
#7
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07-27-2014, 06:10 AM
#8
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The LS3 is the same block used for the ZR1....they used that block because of the thickness between the cylinders that the LS9 does NOT have. The LS3 is a SUBSTANTIAL motor and will handle the boost from a Supercharger.
07-27-2014, 10:22 AM
#9
Melting Slicks
If you're talking the blocks themselves: all LS blocks are very similar and have significant bottom end strength.
When you get into blown applications, you will need to be concerned with the heads lifting. This is why GM added an extra head bolt on their aftermarket LSX block.
When you get into blown applications, you will need to be concerned with the heads lifting. This is why GM added an extra head bolt on their aftermarket LSX block.
07-27-2014, 01:35 PM
#10
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If you're talking the blocks themselves: all LS blocks are very similar and have significant bottom end strength.
When you get into blown applications, you will need to be concerned with the heads lifting. This is why GM added an extra head bolt on their aftermarket LSX block.
When you get into blown applications, you will need to be concerned with the heads lifting. This is why GM added an extra head bolt on their aftermarket LSX block.
07-27-2014, 01:42 PM
#11
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Use the latest LS3 block you can get. The block has had casting changes since it's introduction in '08 to improve strength and crankcase breathing.
Although I don't know for a fact, but if the LS9 uses a slightly different casting, it was likely for additional strength. Again, get the latest version.
Resistance to cracking by radiusing/polishing sharp edges can be done on either block and it's possible that was part of the build process for a LS9.
If more strength is needed, use an iron LSX block like Snake Oiler noted.
Although I don't know for a fact, but if the LS9 uses a slightly different casting, it was likely for additional strength. Again, get the latest version.
Resistance to cracking by radiusing/polishing sharp edges can be done on either block and it's possible that was part of the build process for a LS9.
If more strength is needed, use an iron LSX block like Snake Oiler noted.