FROM MY RESEARCH, 6 BOLT MAINS? HEAVY DUTY CRANK AND RODS? I SEE PEOPLE WITH 4-500 RWHP AND NO MODS TO THE BOTTOM END OF THE ENGINE! THIS IS ONE OF THE REASONS FOR MY ATTRACTION TO THIS ENGINE. IS ALL THIS TRUE? I CAN BUILD THE TOP HALF OF THE MOTOR TO THE SKY AND NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THE BOTTOM HALF LETTING GO???

 

I think 500 is about the limit, but when you start talking about major power adders, it only makes sense to upgrade the bottom end!

 

Hell no they're not bulletproof! I've helped to rebuild two of them after catastrophic failure. Hyper pistons + boost=bad things man, bad things.

Is it a very strong engine? Yup. Can you make great n/a power? Sure.

But even stock they're breaking parts: pushrods, spun bearings, etc.

About the 6 bolt mains: They're necessary because of the weaker aluminum block. I'm not a big fan of aluminum for racing purposes, but it does have it's heat dissipation advantages.

 

but - if i am looking for 4-500 rwhp na, where the heads and pushrods and valvetrain are all replace by way of a head and cam package, will the bottom end be fine for this?

 

If that's all you've got planned, then yup! It will live just fine.

 

Big jim just wondering do you have an LS1 cause you post here in the tech alot, or do you just know alot about the cars?

Yes i think the bottom end would hold up fine.

 

Nope, don't own an LS1. I've owned an L98 and an LT1, and worked on many many LS1s however. I worked at Woodfield Chevy service back when I lived at home, and my brother has worked there for 5 years now.

To say I have a little LS1 experience would be an understatement.

 

They have a few advantages over the LT1 mainly in the form of larger crank journals and supposedly stronger rods. The pistons are also a bit lighter as well so there is less stress on the crank from less mass. I seriously doubt the aliminum block is any stronger than a regular 4 bolt iron. The stock bottom end on an LT1 is also good for around 450+ hp as well. It is also good for over 6500 rpm as well. If you want to learn more about the LS1 go to the idavette.com website and look for the report on the LS1 Millinium Motor.