LS6 to LS1 hand me downs!!

[chris308]

Ok folks, I see a lot of guys on the other site, upgrading parts on their Zo6's and selling them off. i was wondering what are all the things from that engine could i use on mine for a little more HP's.

My goal for the car is to eventually go forced induction, I'm still on the fence if i wanna SC or go turbo(s).

Thanks.

[Rich Z]

Actually I think just about everything is transportable between the LS6 and the LS1. The thing is, that if you go with heads and/or cam, I would probably go with an aftermarket if the price isn't too far off. I think you would get more bang for your buck that way, in my opinion.

The biggest limitation to your FI goals will be the pistons, as they are cast (weaker) rather than forged (stronger). So you will have to keep the boost rather moderate with the stock pistons. I'm running 6.5 psi with my STS turbos and think I could maybe get away with a little bit more, but I'm not tempted to push it. My motor has 70K miles on it so I'm sure it's going to have to be replaced in a year or three anyway.

[chris308]

Thanks for the reply Rich. Yea, i see what your saying.

I was thinking, after i purchase what ever setup i go for, i will start on a forged engine project maybe using an LS6 or Ls2. Seeings how its just a matter of time before the LS1 gives up the ghost under boost.

Have you though about meth, so you can turn up the boost a little?

[Rich Z]

No, I haven't really looked into meth at all. 533 rwhp is plenty for me. Any more, and then I need to upgrade the clutch, upgrade the output shaft, put on a transmission brace and probably beef up the rear end. And replace the rear tires every month.

Honestly, the limitation is how much power your lower end can handle with stock pistons. Straight boost will produce WAY more than your lower end can handle, without any other assistance. If using methanol injection, you do reduce the tendancy for destructive detonation in the cylinders, but I don't think you would gain a whole lot with a stock lower end if the turbos are already being limited to protect your motor.

Besides, with meth, I would have something else I would have to worry about going empty and have to check periodically. I don't believe running out of meth on a motor tuned for it when running hard would be a real good thing to have happen.........

[FRC Tom]

Chris,
The only thing that will benefit you from a LS6 would be the intake manifold.
The LS6 heads would increase your your CR.
The LS1 heads are able to to let you run 10lbs of boost all day.
Now if you really want to run some serious boost on a stock bottom end for minimum dollars get heads from an escalade or silverado. they have the same flow like a LS6 head but the chambers are at 71.06cc vs 64cc.
This will bring your CR down to around 9.6:1 which will take 12+ lbs.
Been there and have done it. I paid only $350.00 for LQ9 heads some 3 years ago. Check Ebay.

LS1 10.1 CR
LS6 10.4 CR

[chris308]

Now that is some great information!! I am guessing i can use the complete heads (LQ9) from the late model escalades/silverados?

Thanks for the reply Tom!!

edit to add: how about the LS6 throttle body, upgrade or don't worry about it?

[FRC Tom]

Originally Posted by chris308

Now that is some great information!! I am guessing i can use the complete heads (LQ9) from the late model escalades/silverados?

Thanks for the reply Tom!!

edit to add: how about the LS6 throttle body, upgrade or don't worry about it?

LS1 TB is the same as the LS6.

[Rich Z]

Originally Posted by FRC Tom

Chris,
The only thing that will benefit you from a LS6 would be the intake manifold.
The LS6 heads would increase your your CR.
The LS1 heads are able to to let you run 10lbs of boost all day.
Now if you really want to run some serious boost on a stock bottom end for minimum dollars get heads from an escalade or silverado. they have the same flow like a LS6 head but the chambers are at 71.06cc vs 64cc.
This will bring your CR down to around 9.6:1 which will take 12+ lbs.
Been there and have done it. I paid only $350.00 for LQ9 heads some 3 years ago. Check Ebay.

LS1 10.1 CR
LS6 10.4 CR

Tom, just out of curiosity, will that lowering of compression have any unwanted side effects performance wise? Say, for example, with the STS twin turbos. Will the lower end of the RPM band suffer any until the boost actually does kick in at the higher rpm band?

Thanks.

[FRC Tom]

Nothing that will be noticeable Rich.
I put bone stock LQ9s on my car with no decrease in the lower band.
There are a number of companies that buy the iron block 6 liter engines for marine use that do not use the al. heads and sell them with no miles on them for peanuts.
Check Ebay.

[FRC Tom]

her you go guys, brand new.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/6-0-l...spagenameZWDVW

Can turn up your boost to 12 lbs with no meth and no worries with these Rich.