Gen4 stroker build using an aluminum LC9-5.3L block from a 2008 truck
12-07-2017, 02:39 PM
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
Gen4 stroker build using an aluminum LC9-5.3L block from a 2008 truck
So I found a good deal today for an aluminum block LC9-5.3L long block with 243 heads for $400 and I'm gonna pick it up tonight. I know the heads alone are worth that, so it is a drop in the bucket for me, but what I don't know a lot about, is the block.
What I DO KNOW, is the LC9 is an aluminum Gen-4 5.3L truck engine. What I am having a hard time finiding out, is if I can build a 400+ci stroker out of it. I have been biding my time until a good opportunity came along to pick up a cheap engine I can strip down for the block, and this might be it.
Now, I don't honestly know hardly anything about LSX stroker motors, but I DO KNOW that the extended skirts, and larger bore spacing especially are important if you want to build a 402/408, since the bore spacing on the LS1 is under 4" you can't actually house those cubes in a Gen-3 block.
I have been scouring the net, but there just doesn't seem to be many people using this block, and I think it is because it was newer, and the 5.3 was still commonly available from the previous generation for cheaper.
So here is a good question: If the bore spacing really is 4.40" then wouldn't the 243 casting heads not fit, since they were designed for the gen-3????
If I pull the 243 casting heads off this LC9, will they fit on the 2001 LS1 in my C5???
But I suppose the biggest question is...can I resleeve, or bore this block to build a budget LS3 stroker??? Will I be able to use the better square port heads???
Link to LC9 specs....
https://summitracing.custhelp.com/ap...9-engine-specs
Link to LS3 specs...
https://summitracing.custhelp.com/ap...id/4874/kw/Ls3 bore spacing
Thanks for your time in advance! Pictures are of the car I want to build a Gen-4 stroker for
What I DO KNOW, is the LC9 is an aluminum Gen-4 5.3L truck engine. What I am having a hard time finiding out, is if I can build a 400+ci stroker out of it. I have been biding my time until a good opportunity came along to pick up a cheap engine I can strip down for the block, and this might be it.
Now, I don't honestly know hardly anything about LSX stroker motors, but I DO KNOW that the extended skirts, and larger bore spacing especially are important if you want to build a 402/408, since the bore spacing on the LS1 is under 4" you can't actually house those cubes in a Gen-3 block.
I have been scouring the net, but there just doesn't seem to be many people using this block, and I think it is because it was newer, and the 5.3 was still commonly available from the previous generation for cheaper.
So here is a good question: If the bore spacing really is 4.40" then wouldn't the 243 casting heads not fit, since they were designed for the gen-3????
If I pull the 243 casting heads off this LC9, will they fit on the 2001 LS1 in my C5???
But I suppose the biggest question is...can I resleeve, or bore this block to build a budget LS3 stroker??? Will I be able to use the better square port heads???
Link to LC9 specs....
https://summitracing.custhelp.com/ap...9-engine-specs
Link to LS3 specs...
https://summitracing.custhelp.com/ap...id/4874/kw/Ls3 bore spacing
Thanks for your time in advance! Pictures are of the car I want to build a Gen-4 stroker for
Last edited by ErikwithAK01; 12-07-2017 at 02:42 PM.
12-07-2017, 05:19 PM
#2
Safety Car
243 heads will bolt on, no problem
You can probably sleeve the engine. Call Race Engine Development (RED) in California to talk about re-sleeving the engine. Installing Darton sleeves isn't something you want your average machine shop doing. RED charges around $2100 for the sleeves + install assuming your block is in perfect shape. You'd probably be better off taking the 243s and selling the block to someone looking for a budget build.
You can probably sleeve the engine. Call Race Engine Development (RED) in California to talk about re-sleeving the engine. Installing Darton sleeves isn't something you want your average machine shop doing. RED charges around $2100 for the sleeves + install assuming your block is in perfect shape. You'd probably be better off taking the 243s and selling the block to someone looking for a budget build.
