Turbocharging: Iron Block or Aluminum?

[Last Ride]

I know I probably asked a similar question before, but I was wondering if we could go over this again. I currently have an LT1 (1995) in my car. I have the opportunity to buy an LS1 to replace it. I am thinking about turbocharging the car at some point, so would I be better off keeping the LT1 with its iron block rather than going with an LS1? I know Lingenfelter uses an iron block for its 427 Twin Turbo, and there has to be a reason. Plus, the ability to use the LT1 would save a lot on the initial cost. Thanks for any comments.

 

[iron cross]

The aluminum block will not come apart any faster than an iron block. Plus it`s a damn sight lighter not weaker. We gave up using iron blocks in Fuel Drag racing years ago. The builders use of the iron block is probably only to keep HIS costs down.

 

[groovyjay]

You can go either way, if you want to stick to your current iron block LT1, that's ok. Iron blocks will hold up the pressure just fine. If you have extra cash laying around go for the LS1 aluminum engine. Main thread for aluminum blocks and heads is overheating. I saw the Lingefelter 427 TT in Beech Bend Race Way in June and it uses alu block and the car ran 9.15...

 

[Last Ride]

You can go either way, if you want to stick to your current iron block LT1, that's ok. Iron blocks will hold up the pressure just fine. If you have extra cash laying around go for the LS1 aluminum engine. Main thread for aluminum blocks and heads is overheating. I saw the Lingefelter 427 TT in Beech Bend Race Way in June and it uses alu block and the car ran 9.15...

My fault, I thought the Lingenfelter 427 used the iron block? My wife liked the idea of a $7000 total cost over a $12000 total cost for "Phase II" of my project, so it looks like I will be sticking with the LT1 at least on this project. I was just curious why one would use iron given the choice.

Bryan

 

[groovyjay]

Only thing that is keeping me out of using aluminum block is the cost. If you are adding two turbos, you'll also add intercoolers, lot of pipes, wastegates etc... All this adds even more weight to the front and aluminum block would be great choice to keep the overall weight down... If all goes well I should have a 540ci all alu BB with Whipple soon...

 

[Last Ride]

Only thing that is keeping me out of using aluminum block is the cost. If you are adding two turbos, you'll also add intercoolers, lot of pipes, wastegates etc... All this adds even more weight to the front and aluminum block would be great choice to keep the overall weight down... If all goes well I should have a 540ci all alu BB with Whipple soon...

Sounds like a winner, Jay. I thought about that (the extra weight that is). If money were no object, I would definitely be going with the LS1. The reality is, I don't want to spend the money if it would be better used somewhere else. Switching to an LS1 means a new wiring harness as well as a new computer. That adds up to $4500+ over the cost of the next phase in my project. On top of that, I might only see an extra $1000-1500 out of my LT1 with the wiring harness and computer. I will keep digging, but it looks like I might be tuck with the LT1 for now.

Bryan

 

[woobie1966]

as long as you can keep heat down (good radiator,water pump ect) you are safe either way. the problem of alum vs iron is one of weight/price/ heat dissapation. it is easier to get rid of excessive heat through aluminum, it can be done with iron, though it is harder. you are trying to avoid detonation which is caused by too much heat (as well as other contributing factors). if you have the $$ go for aluminum, it will be easier to get rid of heat, so you can run more boost, if $$ is a factor, run a couple of oil coolers and a alum radiator/high vol water pump to keep things cool. with judicious tuning/timing and boost control you can get alot of power out of it
good luck and give us an update
mike