PRI 2017: Energy Manufacturing’s Billet LS Block Is A Jewel

As part of the Callies Performance Products family, the team at Energy Manufacturing has access to some of the aftermarket’s brightest engineering minds. Setting out to build an LS-engine block from billet material is not an undertaking for the faint-of-heart, especially not when creating one to handle the stresses of thousands of horsepower. Energy’s engineers were interested in building an engine block capable of holding thousands of horsepower, investing considerable time and problem-solving skills to develop the end product – the all-billet, intricately-designed engine block seen here.

“This is manufactured out of one solid billet block of 6061-T6 heat-treated aluminum that starts out at 490 pounds and ends up around 85-89 pounds when completely machined,” says Energy’s Ben Mens. “We have really good machines, really good tooling, and really great talent putting it all together. It’s like a jewel.”

Six-bolt mains keep cap walk to a minimum.

The LS block is roughed out prior to the heat treating process, then final machining is completed once the heat-treat process is done on the block. Mens explained that the threads throughout the block are rolled and not cut, which improves their strength as there is no material removed from the block during the thread forming process. As the material is displaced rather than removed, material grain orientation is redirected, which improves surface finish and improves resistance to corrosion. Ultimately, a more consistent thread with uniform dimensions is produced using this process.

Stroker clearance is standard for a 4.375-inch stroke, and there are racers out there using 4.500-inch-stroke crankshafts in the block. Nearly 500 cubic inches is possible from the Energy Manufacturing LS block with the right rotating assembly configuration.

“There is a lifter crossover galley in the valley, and provisions for restrictors. You can run .904-inch or .937-inch lifters, and those can run either on the parent aluminum material, or the holes can be bushed with standard or keyway bushings,” says Mens.

Lifter oiling is aided by this crossover machined into the lifter galley, and provisions for restrictors are available. Mens also explained that there is a zero-leak plug which goes into the top of this tower to help maintain oil pressure. Priority main oiling circuits ensure the crankshaft gets the first drink.

Of course, since this is a billet LS block, many parameters can be changed to suit the application. For example, Energy gives the option to move lifter bore locations, standard-dimension or 60mm raised camshaft tunnel for stroker clearance, and even modifications to the deck height (9.240-inch is standard, 9.750-inch is optional) depending upon customer specifications. Ductile iron cylinder sleeves are standard, with 4.125-inch to 4.165-inch bores possible.

Main caps are offered in two forms: 4140-billet steel, or 7075-billet aluminum. Half-inch ARP main studs are standard, and there are two additional 7/16-inch ARP side bolts per cap to give six bolts per main.  Mens says these excel in high-horsepower, high-boost, high-power applications.

So how do you get to those high-horsepower applications to run? Well, Energy Manufacturing isn’t just in the business of building blocks. They’ve also pulled out all the stops on an induction package to top off the block with everything a racer needs to make big power from the LS engine platform. In conjunction with well-regarded induction specialist Dave Visner of Visner Engine Development, the company has developed a canted valve cylinder head arrangement and intake manifold to match. It’s best to call to discuss your particular needs.

A partnership with Visner Engine Development helped with the creation of induction components to support 3,000-plus horsepower.

Solid LS products form a solid platform for performance – check ’em out if you’re looking to make monster power!

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About the author

Jason Reiss

Jason draws on over 15 years of experience in the automotive publishing industry, and collaborates with many of the industry's movers and shakers to create compelling technical articles and high-quality race coverage.
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