The foundation of any LS build is an engine block, and picking one that will hit a rock-bottom price point while still providing ample cubic-inch capability is a no-brainer. Look no further than GM's 6.0L iron block, as used in the LQ9 (and LQ4) truck engines. Featuring a 4-inch factory bore and strength to support hundreds of horsepower over stock, this Gen III block is a superb choice for not just N/A builds like our own, but power-adder applications as well. If you're lucky, you can find a used LQ9 block for just a few hundred bucks, or just opt for a new one under GM PN 12572808; major retailers like Summit or Scoggin-Dickey sell them for around $725. Sure, there's a bit of a weight penalty that comes along with iron, but we're saving hundreds of dollars versus going for the comparable LS2 aluminum block--and the L92/LS3 blocks, with their slightly larger bore, go for double the price of an LQ9 block or more!
