Power limits for LA small blocks?

doogievlg said

I saw that this question has been asked before but I'm curious if anyone else has any recent builds or experience. I'm planning to build a small block stroker out of my 360. I'm going to use a forged kit with flat tops most likely and I would really like to put a procharger on it. I'm guessing the final number will be 600+ hp. Will a factory block handle that or will I have head gasket problems because of the stud lay out.

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It will make more power, bearings will look better and ring seal will be much better with a race block.

Once you get past 500 HP you can really see it in bearing wear and ring seal. You have to run more bearing clearance to keep it from snagging a bearing. And ring seal with. P-car block is a crap shoot. Not so much with a leak down tester but when measuring blow by you really see it.

That's why when I had the chance to snag an X block I did it. Even with my 375 HP I wasn't taking any chances.