I purchased a LQ9 with LS3 heads and a upgraded cam. It was used as a test mule for Hot Rod magazine to test the increased power of different cams.
The last configuration made 530 on the dyno but the piston to valve clearance was really close. Most guys running these numbers will throw in dished pistons to compensate.
I think ultimately it depends how far your going to go with the motor and how custom you want to get. If you want something to throw in and drive an aluminum LS is a easy win. But if your going to stroke it, run high compression, boost it, I would go with the iron block because it can take a better beating.
Also FYI the iron to aluminum LS is approximately 80lbs more which is not alot when you look at the safety of running iron to aluminum.
-Armand
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