Matt, I think the LS is still called a small block because GM called it a small block. From GM is it designated as a Gen 3/4 SBC. It's just nomenclature, as there are obviously smaller big block GM engines out there. I assume it is a bore center/stock deck height thing? You are right, though - you can buy a 500+" LS based engine if your wallet allows.
James, if the block is ok - you could use it as a core to buy a sleeved block? Not sure it that is an option for you or not. Either way...I'm sad to hear the engine let go. I'd be willing to bet money that the engine was over-revved.
If you a building a new motor, you might look at the 4.00"+ bore engines (LS2/LS3). They open up a wide range of cylinder head options.
Also - the stock motor in the ZR1 Corvette is not a 427, it's a 6.2 which is a 376. The gen 5 Camaro SS's are also 376 ci. The only Corvette that got the 427 LS7 (not LSX, which is iron) is the Z06, the upcoming Camaro Z28 will also use this engine.
As for this quote:
Central Texas Jets said:
Turning the rear wheels in a vette just don't compare to turning an impeller in a jet pump. Hence all the problems in an engine that was designed for a vehicle.nothing can compete for longevity with the tried and true big blocks. Just sayin :smile30:
How does the differ from any other engine that is typically put into a jet boat? Was the BBC (even Mercruiser - not counting the 1350/1650 engines - though those are NOT typical jet boat engines) or BBF designed around a different purpose? The engine in my boat was designed to drive a C5 Corvette (and subsequently a Camaro SS) - should I be worried about it's longevity/reliability?
Anyone who doesn't think the LS engine can be a viable boat engine is welcome to go for a ride in my boat - which is my 2nd successful jet boat.
I'll never argue that a full tilt LS engine can beat a full tilt BBC - because it simply can't, but whats the percentage of THB members that have full tilt 1800+ hp BBC engines in their boat? And of those people who have 1800+ hp big blocks...how many use them as lake cruisers that run all day, pull tubes, etc?
For an engine that is expensive, bulletproof, and makes stupid power - you need to look at a turbine. A turbine offers the absolute most power you can buy in the smallest package possible - with unmatched long term reliability - and run silly high revs. For the rest of us who are looking at engines that are $10k and under for our cruisers...the LS engine isn't the only choice, but it is a good engine to consider. As with any engine, it's important to educate yourself to the correct way to build, run, and tune one. Before we throw rocks at James' used LS for breaking, lets remember that my Liberator had a "newly rebuilt" 454 BBC when I got it...10 hours later I had a "newly rebuilt" 454 BBC with a hole in the oil pan and a rod sitting below it. Must be because that Mercruiser 454 was based on a design that was originally put in a Corvette...unless of course it was it was because it was a used engine of unknown history.
