ls9 block

[sccagt1racer]

I see the ls9 12623969 bare block has droped from 4000 to 1900 in price. It has oil squirters built in and can handle 635 plus hp. Is there any reason not to use this block over a standard ls3 block for a carbed high rpm engine build?

[jed]

I can't see any reason why u can't. Go for it.

[CGT]

Sounds like a bargain. They are definite advantages over a LS3 block.

[Newold1]

That's a massive price drop for a great LS block for LS engine builds! This will keep the LS engine performance market rocket blasting into the future!
No wonder this performance engine platform is so frigg'in huge!

[A_VAS]

uses larger head bolts than other LS, so depending on what head you plan to use, may need to open the holes up a bit in the head. Not a biggie
I wish the LS7 blocks would come back down to earth in price.

[sccagt1racer]

uses larger head bolts than other LS, so depending on what head you plan to use, may need to open the holes up a bit in the head. Not a biggie
I wish the LS7 blocks would come back down to earth in price.

Where are you finding that information on the head bolts?

[af2]

https://help.summitracing.com/app/answe ... gine-specs

12 mm vs 11 mm

[Newold1]

This is also a reason if you are going to add serious boost to standard LS blocks with supercharging or turbo charging you should be getting rid of the GM stock head bolts and use ARP head studs for increased clamping under stretch. GM obviously discovered this with the LSA and L9A engines and went to a 12mm higher strength bolt.

[A_VAS]

uses larger head bolts than other LS, so depending on what head you plan to use, may need to open the holes up a bit in the head. Not a biggie
I wish the LS7 blocks would come back down to earth in price.

Where are you finding that information on the head bolts?

I've built 2 LS9 engines, so I found out 'first hand' that the bolts were different when we went to plate hone the blocks
I did not try to fit say a '243' head to those blocks, so I'm not sure if the holes in the head need to be opened up.
I have used the 1/2" stud conversion on a LS block, and that one did need the head bolt holes drilled bigger. 1/2" bolt is 12.7mm vs. LS9 = 12mm
The squirters, strength of the casting, and stronger main cap (steel doweled) make it a very nice block for sub $2K price.