LS3 block vs LSA block - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Chris82xx · 01-09-2014, 11:53 PM

As I'm getting ready to build a short block, I had a thought. Would there be any benefit if I was to use a LSA block. Will it handle more strength? I'm researching it but I can't seem to find a lot of info on this topic. Any help would be appreciated.

Detoxx03 · 01-10-2014, 12:24 AM

LS3 is fine. Make sure you have a nice set of aftermarket heads.

TinyToasta · 01-10-2014, 12:53 AM

LSA has piston oil squirters and might be a tad stronger than a LS3, other than that I don't see much more of a benefit.

If you get a decent deal on a LSA Block go for it, that's what I did.

blake-b · 01-10-2014, 01:55 AM

I am making over 1K to the wheels with the stock LS3 block with turbos. It may be on borrowed time but isn't showing any signs of it so far.

I believe you are using a Ysi and I made over 1k with it as well. A centri will typically be easier on parts than a turbo because of the way it builds boost with RPM.

I second toasta - if you can get an LSA block on the cheap go with it. Otherwise, you will be fine with an LS3 block.

1 SIK SS · 01-10-2014, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blake-b

I am making over 1K to the wheels with the stock LS3 block with turbos. It may be on borrowed time but isn't showing any signs of it so far.

I believe you are using a Ysi and I made over 1k with it as well. A centri will typically be easier on parts than a turbo because of the way it builds boost with RPM.

I second toasta - if you can get an LSA block on the cheap go with it. Otherwise, you will be fine with an LS3 block.

You running stock bottom end?

blake-b · 01-10-2014, 07:33 AM

Stock crank and block. Forged rods and pistons.

2SS45th · 01-10-2014, 08:45 AM

Centris are easier on the block per se, but they are harder on the crank. If I was going run a centri I'd spend the money on a forged crank.

Piccione Performance · 01-10-2014, 01:49 PM

The LSA block is reinforced for boost according to GM, after physically examining and building several of both the main difference is the oil squirters. That being said though they are an additional source of cooling for the pistons Which on a boosted application is definitely helpful.
As stated, if you can get an LSA block for the right price go for it, but properly built either one will be fine. We have done both between 800-1100 hp with no issues. The most important parts that are overlooked that cause failures on big H.P. Boost builds is the hardware used when assembling, don't skimp on your gaskets either.

Chris82xx · 01-10-2014, 10:21 PM

I threw the LSA out there because I was thinking of a different route. We know what applications that the LSA is used in, such as the CTS-V, ZL1, ZR1, but I was not sure what the differences were. If was able to handle boost better or what. TSP offers the LSA block for an extra $1K, but after much deliberation the end result is to go with a LSX block so I can get full use out of the 6-bolt heads that I already have.

2SS45th · 01-11-2014, 09:18 AM

Great decision, the LSX block is one tough cookie.

Chris82xx · 01-12-2014, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2SS45th

Great decision, the LSX block is one tough cookie.

I hope. It was a choice between doing a 408 and 427. I went with the 427, I'm just not too knowledgeable about how the LSX427 holds up to boost compared to a factory 7.0

Matt @ FSP · 01-12-2014, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris82xx

I hope. It was a choice between doing a 408 and 427. I went with the 427, I'm just not too knowledgeable about how the LSX427 holds up to boost compared to a factory 7.0

I wouldn't hesitate throwing 30lbs at a LSx block... Oh wait yes we're about to throw 35psi at one

The LS7 block is the weakpoint because of the core shift that we have seen without a girdle.

Chris82xx · 01-12-2014, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt @ FSP

I wouldn't hesitate throwing 30lbs at a LSx block... Oh wait yes we're about to throw 35psi at one

The LS7 block is the weakpoint because of the core shift that we have seen without a girdle.

What about the cylinder walls being too thin in the LS7?

bct10985 · 01-12-2014, 06:15 PM

I think a 427 ls7 and a 427 lsx are totally different. Not just one is aluminum one is iron.

01-09-2014, 11:53 PM	#1
Chris82xx Make your peace with God! Drives: 2011 Camaro SS/RS M6 Convertible Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Dirty Jersey Posts: 1,595	LS3 block vs LSA block As I'm getting ready to build a short block, I had a thought. Would there be any benefit if I was to use a LSA block. Will it handle more strength? I'm researching it but I can't seem to find a lot of info on this topic. Any help would be appreciated. __________________ ECS base supercharger (NOVI 1500SL), ECS AlKY control kit, 92mm TB, ARH 1 7/8" LT's non-catted, Borla 3" exhaust, ID850 injectors, Squash fuel system, ECS Big Blower Cam, MGW short throw shifter, DSS 1000hp axles, LGW differential cover, billet caps, Tech AFX heater hoses, Pedders differential bushings, Eaton TrueTrac differential, PRC dual valve springs, Katech C5R timing chain, ATI balancer, Meilings oil pump, Pfadt Trailing Arms, Pfadt Tie Rods, Pfadt Sway Bars, Pfadt End Links, DSS Aluminum Driveshaft 811RWHP/719RWTQ UNDER MAJOR OVERHAUL!!

01-10-2014, 12:24 AM	#2
Detoxx03 ЯєŧąяĐ Єl¡m¡иąŧøя ™ Drives: 2008 Corvette Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Woodward Avenue Posts: 876 View My Garage	LS3 is fine. Make sure you have a nice set of aftermarket heads. __________________ D1SC Procharger 932/758 on E85 A Futral Motorsports Creation https://www.facebook.com/DetoxxAtomic

01-10-2014, 12:53 AM	#3
TinyToasta Drives: way too fast.... Join Date: May 2010 Location: Germany Posts: 297 View My Garage	LSA has piston oil squirters and might be a tad stronger than a LS3, other than that I don't see much more of a benefit. If you get a decent deal on a LSA Block go for it, that's what I did. __________________ custom build forged LSA, 379ci, TVS2300@15psi, 696rwhp/688ft-lbs, built by DH Individual, Customkingz, tuned by Jannetty Racing JRE rough idle cam, JRE ported lower intake manifold, OD cog drive, 6% OD crank pulley, ported ls3 heads, NW102mm TB, 1/2'' RDS spacer, IW 8-rib drive Pfadt Cradle Bushings, Arms & Rods, Pedders Supercar w/FE4 conversion, ZL1 sways, HE Twin Carbon Street Slayer, ZL1 Rear End (3.73) CTS-V Brake upgrade, Street: 22'' Vossen CV1, Strip: 18'' Forgestar F14 on MT Street Radials

01-10-2014, 08:45 AM	#7
2SS45th Drives: 11 Seconds or Faster Join Date: May 2012 Location: Arvada, Colorado Posts: 2,797 View My Garage	Centris are easier on the block per se, but they are harder on the crank. If I was going run a centri I'd spend the money on a forged crank. __________________ I Ain't About That Stock Life.

01-10-2014, 10:21 PM	#9
Chris82xx Make your peace with God! Drives: 2011 Camaro SS/RS M6 Convertible Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Dirty Jersey Posts: 1,595	I threw the LSA out there because I was thinking of a different route. We know what applications that the LSA is used in, such as the CTS-V, ZL1, ZR1, but I was not sure what the differences were. If was able to handle boost better or what. TSP offers the LSA block for an extra $1K, but after much deliberation the end result is to go with a LSX block so I can get full use out of the 6-bolt heads that I already have. __________________ ECS base supercharger (NOVI 1500SL), ECS AlKY control kit, 92mm TB, ARH 1 7/8" LT's non-catted, Borla 3" exhaust, ID850 injectors, Squash fuel system, ECS Big Blower Cam, MGW short throw shifter, DSS 1000hp axles, LGW differential cover, billet caps, Tech AFX heater hoses, Pedders differential bushings, Eaton TrueTrac differential, PRC dual valve springs, Katech C5R timing chain, ATI balancer, Meilings oil pump, Pfadt Trailing Arms, Pfadt Tie Rods, Pfadt Sway Bars, Pfadt End Links, DSS Aluminum Driveshaft 811RWHP/719RWTQ UNDER MAJOR OVERHAUL!!

01-10-2014, 01:55 AM	#4
blake-b Drives: 2009 ZR1 Join Date: May 2010 Location: KCMO Posts: 3,205	I am making over 1K to the wheels with the stock LS3 block with turbos. It may be on borrowed time but isn't showing any signs of it so far. I believe you are using a Ysi and I made over 1k with it as well. A centri will typically be easier on parts than a turbo because of the way it builds boost with RPM. I second toasta - if you can get an LSA block on the cheap go with it. Otherwise, you will be fine with an LS3 block.

01-10-2014, 07:33 AM	#6
blake-b Drives: 2009 ZR1 Join Date: May 2010 Location: KCMO Posts: 3,205	Stock crank and block. Forged rods and pistons.

01-10-2014, 01:49 PM	#8
Piccione Performance Drives: 2010 2ss/rs & 2014 Stingray Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Phoenix Posts: 124	The LSA block is reinforced for boost according to GM, after physically examining and building several of both the main difference is the oil squirters. That being said though they are an additional source of cooling for the pistons Which on a boosted application is definitely helpful. As stated, if you can get an LSA block for the right price go for it, but properly built either one will be fine. We have done both between 800-1100 hp with no issues. The most important parts that are overlooked that cause failures on big H.P. Boost builds is the hardware used when assembling, don't skimp on your gaskets either.

01-11-2014, 09:18 AM	#10
2SS45th Drives: 11 Seconds or Faster Join Date: May 2012 Location: Arvada, Colorado Posts: 2,797 View My Garage	Great decision, the LSX block is one tough cookie. __________________ I Ain't About That Stock Life.

01-12-2014, 06:15 PM	#14
bct10985 Drives: 2010 2SS LS3, 2013 duramax Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Dover, De Posts: 1,451	I think a 427 ls7 and a 427 lsx are totally different. Not just one is aluminum one is iron. __________________ ECS Ysi-B, cam, Tsp 2" longtubes, Squash dual pumps, Id1300s, meth, 4L80e, FTI 3600, ZL1 3.73 diff, BMR suspension, 15" conversion, weld rts mt 275 et street R. 9.6@147mph