grn4dragon

from race world to hill-billy lawn mower racing and getting ready to start a 3500 (lx9) build. this will be the first heavy duty v6. while my best car was a 76' camaro with 350 runnin low 11's @ 128mph. so being Ive got the big time bug for doing another runner. I have been looking into hardening the lx9 block so it will last not only under 350bwhp+ as a second dd.

so does anyone have any idea how much strong this will make my block?
sorry I havent been able to find any link or person that is educated enough to know anything.

anything will help, thank you

AM91Camaro_RS

I don't really see it as necessary. 350hp isn't that much.

project89

iTrader: (1)

yeah thos eblocks are stronger then the old 2.8/3.1 block that i am running and i wam over that hp mark for a long time now with no issues

grn4dragon

so has anyone had any problems over 500hp with these blocks? and for how long has their engine ran that long with that much hp?

bl85c

iTrader: (2)

I've heard stories from circle track racers splitting 2.8/3.1 blocks after several seasons and early '95 ish 3100 blocks splitting because of poor casting (daily drivers no less), but nothing bad about 3.4 and later 3x00 blocks. Most claim if you keep it out of detonation you'll never see a problem.

grn4dragon

I would like to know if any one has hardend their block. How much stronger did it make the block and how would that block be expected to last hp/miles/usage?

AM91Camaro_RS

Honestly, I've never heard of hardening a block, before. Not saying it hasn't or couldn't be done, but, I haven't heard of it. One thing to keep in mind...hard metal becomes brittle.

grn4dragon

I've have heard of only a few times in high end racing. the process is to heat the block up to 1100 deg. and let it cool down slowly several times.(it suppose to give the block a black look through in and out.) I haven't had any luck finding someone that has done this or did at all. only people that knew of it being done. no answers anyehere as to how much stronger, how much longer it last( time /abuse).

Gumby

block fill, girdles n halo's will help too.

jensen73110

iTrader: (4)

I know of the first two, but what is this?

Gumby

girldes n halo's are the same, ones goes on the bottom, one on the top.......

grn4dragon

I dont see how filling the block would work for anyone that is going to use their vehical as a dd and that still want to hit the boost at the track. I already know my 3500 can take 32psi of boost that not what i'm looking for.

Gumby

depends on how much you fill and where, Usually allot of extra room in the water ports of the block, and the lifter valley too.

t-top havoc

iTrader: (3)

From what I've been told of block filling-- 1/2 fill or full fill,
adds weight,
BUT- doing this and allowing it to fully set up BEFORE boring will help keep cylinders truer longer,
And helps cooling. The filler helps pull & disipate heat.

Can use it in a DD, but it is mainly used in race blocks.

Nitrited cam will add life, as will thermal coated forged pistons, & of course, forged crank--rods.
All added up it may be some what expensive,.

So what's the cost of this treatment to a block??

grn4dragon

I dout that 1/2 fill or full fill would even be good at all for me.( I need this bitch 3500 to make a 10,000 mile trip oneway.) besides wanting to put insane amount of boost to f'in haul ***...... that is why i want to be heat treated but. cant find jack crap only hear say and no one or site, forum so far .....info