Power level to switch from 4 to 6 bolt heads. - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

SSBUSDRVR · 01-26-2014, 07:36 PM

Going to see if the heads are salvageable. What ballpark power level limit (FW or RW) should you try to stay in before 4 bolts become an issue. Looking at just buying a 416-418 Shortblock. However if the head(s) are shot, going to have to spend the money anyway and probably just switch to 6 bolt and LSx Thanks

Chris82xx · 01-26-2014, 07:46 PM

There are a lot different answers to that question. What kind of power are you making now, and what are you looking to go to? A lot of budget shortblocks will reuse the stock block, forcing you to stay with 4 bolts. But....you can use 1/2" studs which will have a lot of clamping force.

I recently bought 6-bolt heads to use on my stock block. However issues arose and I was going to 1/2" studs, but then decided for the extra money to go with the LSX

SSBUSDRVR · 01-26-2014, 07:58 PM

Thanks. Was mid 600's until self destruction. probably somewhere around 750 rwhp or a little more if lucky. Block is shot.

Chris82xx · 01-26-2014, 08:04 PM

It's really up to you at that point. I went 811 on the stock block and heads. If you want peace of mind, go LSX. If you want to save a few bucks, do the 1/2" head studs at minimum.

Supercharged SS · 01-26-2014, 08:14 PM

http://paceperformance.com/i-1308917...ine-block.html

Look into these. They had them at their Camaro fest display. I was talked out of it when my engine blew in August. Seems like a very good option. I'll be relooking into these over next winter.

Motion427 · 01-26-2014, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Supercharged SS

http://paceperformance.com/i-1308917...ine-block.html

Look into these. They had them at their Camaro fest display. I was talked out of it when my engine blew in August. Seems like a very good option. I'll be relooking into these over next winter.

What would a guy use for an oil pan?
I'm not sure if the stock pan would work.It uses the older main caps.

Supercharged SS · 01-26-2014, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motion427

What would a guy use for an oil pan?
I'm not sure if the stock pan would work.It uses the older main caps.

Pace has is worked out. I have no f'in clue. My department is finances , not tech support!

Motion427 · 01-26-2014, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Supercharged SS

Pace has is worked out. I have no f'in clue. My department is finances , not tech support!

Just make sure you leave the keys so that I can take your hot rod for a spin in march.I'll test it for you since you don't know how to shift a T-400 yet.

Supercharged SS · 01-26-2014, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motion427

Just make sure you leave the keys so that I can take your hot rod for a spin in march.I'll test it for you since you don't know how to shift a T-400 yet.

To much power for you. I'll have Matt pull a few plug wires to help you out!

Motion427 · 01-26-2014, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Supercharged SS

To much power for you. I'll have Matt pull a few plug wires to help you out!

Wires or the ZR1 plugs?

Sorry,I had too......

Supercharged SS · 01-26-2014, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motion427

Wires or the ZR1 plugs?

Sorry,I had too......

I got 8's now. I'm all grown up.

Chris82xx · 01-26-2014, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Supercharged SS

I got 8's now. I'm all grown up.

Slow down there killer. Baby steps first.

Unreal · 01-26-2014, 08:53 PM

Depends on the heads and setup. I've seen 1100-1200rwhp on 4 bolt setups.

blake-b · 01-26-2014, 09:27 PM

I've got several 1Krwhp dyno runs on a 4 bolt block but using 6 bolt heads (the extra bolts go unused). I did this because I know down the road I am getting a 6 bolt block. The heads also have a .750 thick deck.

Studs, LS9 gaskets, and tuning go a looong way in keeping your 4 bolt cylinders sealed.

It also depends on what you are going to be doing with the car. Events such as the Texas Mile or similar events such as racing in Mexico are harder on an engine than an 1/8 or 1/4 mile run because the engine is under a longer period of stress.

If you have the money, go with the 6 bolt set up. What are you forced induction plans?

01-26-2014, 07:36 PM	#1
SSBUSDRVR Drives: '11 2SS/RS IBM/BLK M6 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Central FL Posts: 3,748 View My Garage	Power level to switch from 4 to 6 bolt heads. Going to see if the heads are salvageable. What ballpark power level limit (FW or RW) should you try to stay in before 4 bolts become an issue. Looking at just buying a 416-418 Shortblock. However if the head(s) are shot, going to have to spend the money anyway and probably just switch to 6 bolt and LSx Thanks __________________ '11 IBM 2SS/RS Built and Tuned by Vengeance Racing Vengeance PCM Vengeance Racing Mast Black Label LS7 Headed 416 ProCharger Stage II D1X Race ,Monster Triple,Alky Control Meth Inj, Forgestar F14 Drag Version and a bunch of other blah blah blah.838/688 at 12lbs Street Friendly

01-26-2014, 07:46 PM	#2
Chris82xx Make your peace with God! Drives: 2011 Camaro SS/RS M6 Convertible Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Dirty Jersey Posts: 1,595	There are a lot different answers to that question. What kind of power are you making now, and what are you looking to go to? A lot of budget shortblocks will reuse the stock block, forcing you to stay with 4 bolts. But....you can use 1/2" studs which will have a lot of clamping force. I recently bought 6-bolt heads to use on my stock block. However issues arose and I was going to 1/2" studs, but then decided for the extra money to go with the LSX __________________ 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!!

01-26-2014, 07:58 PM	#3
SSBUSDRVR Drives: '11 2SS/RS IBM/BLK M6 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Central FL Posts: 3,748 View My Garage	Thanks. Was mid 600's until self destruction. probably somewhere around 750 rwhp or a little more if lucky. Block is shot. __________________ '11 IBM 2SS/RS Built and Tuned by Vengeance Racing Vengeance PCM Vengeance Racing Mast Black Label LS7 Headed 416 ProCharger Stage II D1X Race ,Monster Triple,Alky Control Meth Inj, Forgestar F14 Drag Version and a bunch of other blah blah blah.838/688 at 12lbs Street Friendly

01-26-2014, 08:04 PM	#4
Chris82xx Make your peace with God! Drives: 2011 Camaro SS/RS M6 Convertible Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Dirty Jersey Posts: 1,595	It's really up to you at that point. I went 811 on the stock block and heads. If you want peace of mind, go LSX. If you want to save a few bucks, do the 1/2" head studs at minimum. __________________ 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!!

01-26-2014, 08:53 PM	#13
Unreal Drives: 2006 Z06 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 5,712	Depends on the heads and setup. I've seen 1100-1200rwhp on 4 bolt setups. __________________ Nick Corvette Z06 -1200ish rwhp

01-26-2014, 08:14 PM	#5
Supercharged SS Account Suspended Drives: 2010 Camaro Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Sandy Hook, CT Posts: 11,927	http://paceperformance.com/i-1308917...ine-block.html Look into these. They had them at their Camaro fest display. I was talked out of it when my engine blew in August. Seems like a very good option. I'll be relooking into these over next winter.

01-26-2014, 09:27 PM	#14
blake-b Drives: 2009 ZR1 Join Date: May 2010 Location: KCMO Posts: 3,205	I've got several 1Krwhp dyno runs on a 4 bolt block but using 6 bolt heads (the extra bolts go unused). I did this because I know down the road I am getting a 6 bolt block. The heads also have a .750 thick deck. Studs, LS9 gaskets, and tuning go a looong way in keeping your 4 bolt cylinders sealed. It also depends on what you are going to be doing with the car. Events such as the Texas Mile or similar events such as racing in Mexico are harder on an engine than an 1/8 or 1/4 mile run because the engine is under a longer period of stress. If you have the money, go with the 6 bolt set up. What are you forced induction plans?