How do you convert a ls1 to a ls7 or ls6? Can you even convert it to a LS7? how hard is it?

 

LS1/LS6 use a different block than the LS2 and especially the LS7.
A LS6 is basically an LS1 with better heads and cam with a 3.9" bore, while LS2 is a 4.0" bore block, and LS7 is a 4.125" bore. There are other subtle differences between LS1/6, LS2, LS7 blocks as well that I'm sure some others will fill in on.

 

it's not an LS7...but it's close

www.victoryracingengines.com

Victory Lane 427ci Longblock

Description:
All of our VRE 427ci engines utilize a Compstar M.I.D. Wet-Sleeve block, forged internals, and coated pistons. As part of our Victory Lane series this engine features coated bearings through-out the entire short block. Whether your building a retro street machine or a modern day track warrior the Victory Lane 427 is the ultimate choice for power.
Specs:
Compstar M.I.D. Block
Compstar 6.125" LS1 Rods
Eagle 4.000" Crankshaft
Diamond Custom Pistons
Diamond Pro Select Rings
ET Perforamnce CNC Cylinder Heads
Comp Cams Hydraulic Lifters
GM Production Rocker Arms
Cometic MLS Head Gaskets
VRE Custom Spec Camshaft
VRE Ported LS6 Oil Pump
Adjustable Timing Set
Chromemoly Pushrods
Clevite Rod Bearings
Clevite Main Bearings
Clevite Camshaft Bearings
ARP Main Studs
ARP Head Studs
All Bearings Coated
Fully Machined Block w/Deck Plates
Balance Rotating Assembly
Blueprint and Assemble


Price:
$11,399.00*Price does not include shipping*

 

Hey teke, does that 427 include a warranty at that price?

 

not sure...it may...talk to VRE

but it's $1600 less than an LS7...

 

Yeah, but it's about the same price as a GMPP ZZ572, and that has a two year warranty and a metric crapload of torque.

(Yes, I know it's bigger)

 

and it'd be a bitch trying to install the BB in the engine bay...it can and has been done...but it's not easy.

the 427 has the same dimensions as the LS1

 

Here, I'll fix it for you:
IMO, anyone that can afford to drop twelve grand on a motor can afford a bit more to squeeze in a big block.

 

I s there any design difference in the ls2 and ls7 compare to the ls1 and ls6 respectively?

 

i dont think the actual ls7 fits too easily with the dry sump system

nick or eric at victory racing will take of you with a kick *** engine

 

In the Z06, yes, the LS7 has a dry sump system. IMO, there's no reason you couldn't put a normal LSx oil pan on there and run a wet sump system. I'm sure there are lots of higher HP engines than the LS7 running around without dry sump systems.

 

The answer is that you can make an LS1 close to the '01 ls6/Z06 by swapping the LS1 heads, cam, and intake with the #243 cast heads, Z06 Cam, and LS6 intake. Z06 cam specs changed in the 2002 model year and the 2002 Z06 had slightly taller valves that are sodium filled. The LS6/Z06 has an upgraded rod bolt and the '02 LS6/Z06 got a different shape piston with teflon coating on the skirts. The parts will all fit the LS1. You could make an LS1 into an LS2 but I think you'd have to resleeve the cylinders and that's too expensive. It'd be cheaper to just buy an LS2 block or crate engine. I don't know if the LS7 heads will bolt on to an LS1 or not. But the LS7 is a dry sump as already pointed out and it has a bunch of high end exotic metals in the engine that would probably make it cheaper to just buy the crate engine.

 

so the all the lsx's start with the same basic block?

 

same basic block design, not same basic blocks.

 

The LS7 dry sump system allows the whole unit rev more while under load. The crank isnt splashing oil from the baffles in the wet sump system. Dry sump keeps the oil off the crank so it can naturally hit higher rpms.