LS9 question

[prorac1]

I dont want to side track the other post so I figured I would start a new thread here. I heard that the LS9 thats in the Cadillac and "might" be in the z28 (thats the rumors ive been hearing) has cast or hypertecnic pistons. Why would they do that? Ever since I saw the Hennesey Camaro with the LS9 in it ive thought thats what the z28 should be. JMHO, not trying to start flame wars, just trying to understand. And one other question, is the Caddillac motor and the ZR1 motor the same animal? Thanks Eric L

[Fbomb]

Probably because if the caddy motor is supercharged...if it's the LS9 it's not seeing enough boost to need forged pistons. They went the cost-effective way and said good enough with the hypereutectic's.

Same reason why it's 2009 and the Corvette is still a 2V/cylinder car.

[c0ncEpT]

The same reason why every engine out there doesn't have fully forged internals. It would be a hell of a lot stronger and I'm sure we would see less engine failures but its all about the green backs my friend $$

[prorac1]

I agree, but heres what im thinking. The Z28 is looking to be direct competition for the GT500. With that being said the GT500 has forged internals and a tough drivetrain. Eric L

[DETROITMUSCLE]

$$$$$$$

[prorac1]

So i guess what were saying is that Ford can build a better car cheaper? Cause I dont know about you but if I paid $50,000 for a car with cast pistons and a blower id be pissed. Again, JMHO. Thanks for all the input Eric L

[1BADAIR]

cost and NVH.
forged pistons are noisey and require warm up

[DETROITMUSCLE]

Who said the Ford was better?

[SSTODD]

The 540hp GT500 just had it a$$ handed to it by a GS vette with 430hp so I think the focus needs to be on putting the power to the ground since the GT500 can barely break the 13 second mark in the 1/4 mile. The Camaro will need to get it hooked up too or its just an expensive smoke machine.

[prorac1]

This is true, but out of the box times are one thing, bolt on a set of drag radials and a pulley on the GT500 and watch out. The more I think about it, you may be right though. Why start a HP war. Make the Z28 hook and handle VERY well, and put the power to the ground. Some minor computer tweaks and exhaust and Your looking at damn near 11s with a stick. I guess thats why we have these formuns. Thanks for opening my opinion to other options. Thanks Eric L

[DanO]

well for starters, you guys are universally saying that hypereutectic pistons = weak

I will say they are alot stronger than you think. I can guarantee that the majority of engine failures due to piston breakage was due to improper tuning. Yes, forged pistons can take more knocking abuse, but you shouldnt be knocking them to death in the first place...

There are 9 second cars out there with stock hypereutectic pistons...

[JoeliusZ28]

well for starters, you guys are universally saying that hypereutectic pistons = weak

I will say they are alot stronger than you think. I can guarantee that the majority of engine failures due to piston breakage was due to improper tuning. Yes, forged pistons can take more knocking abuse, but you shouldnt be knocking them to death in the first place...

There are 9 second cars out there with stock hypereutectic pistons...

agreed.

[prorac1]

I also agree, but. If im spending $50,000 for a flagship model, I would think GM could spend the extra couple hundred dollars for forged pistons. Recently I ran 7 psi of boost on a LT1 with 168,000 miles on it with my own tune. I never hurt a thing, not even a plug. But its good insurance to have forged. I dont know about anybody else but my main point is. "The GT500 has forged internals, it can be taken a lot further than factory rated output, and is direct competition for the z28" So should the z28. Eric L

[prorac1]

And I must also add. Going 9s on Hypertecnic pistons is one thing. Providing a factory warrenty while doing so is something differant. In the name of cost, durrability, and keeping a good name, imho forged pistons are the only way to go on a performance vehicle. Eric L

[bri2203]

$$$$$$$

ding ding ding Winner!!
I was surprised a few year ago they started adding GM emblems on the doors/fenders of many GM cars. Now a spare tire is an additional cost to the car.

If my cobalt was rear wheel drive or AWD..... Is would be Killer!! But I guess it cost a lot to change a car from a FWD platform to a RWD platform lol.