Which block would you use for a high horsepower build-up and why? The iron LQ9 block is cheaper at $695.13 while the aluminum is priced at $999.99. The aluminum is obviously lighter. So does that make up for the price difference? Which one is stronger? Later on, Nick.
6.0..iron or aluminum?
- Thread starter 1BAD81BU
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iron is way stronger. Several people have put ~1000 hp through iron 6.0 blocks. Factory ls1 blocks have broken around 500 hp. I dont know about the aluminum 6.0 though (ls2 block).
I haven't heard much about the Alum blocks breaking but have heard many issues with #7 piston/cylinder getting lean and breaking. Check over at LS1tech.com for any LS engine questions. Many, many 700+rear wheel HP over there on the stock blocks
I own both so i can pretty much give you a good idea,If you are spraying this motor go 6.0 iron,it is a common fact that they take big shots better,if this is a streeter go with aluminum,my racer is a 408 iron and streeter is an alum.5.7 LS1.Also the iron 6.0 is not as heavy as you think,it actually weighs 65lbs. less than an oldschool iron block.You can make big power from either one,my daily driver CamaroSS in my sig has 400rwhp and damn near the same in torque from a decent cam,headers,intake,TB and basic bolt ons.
I forgot one very important thing,There was a time when both my iron and alum,LSX motors were modded almost identical,the iron out torqued the alum.by at least 50 ft. lbs. on the dyno.
Keep the info coming guys! I was leaning towards the iron block simply because I wasn't sure of the strength of the aluminum. Later on, Nick.
