LSX Short Block Crate Engines | High Performance Options

Expert Engine Builders Building LSx Short Block Legends

When it comes to building a high-performance engine that delivers exceptional horsepower and torque, the foundation matters more than anything else. Golen Engine Service has established itself as a premier destination for LSx short block engines. We offer a comprehensive range of options that cater to everything from street performance to competition-level builds capable of handling over 1,500 horsepower.

The Foundation of Performance: What Sets Golen Apart

Golen Engine’s approach to short block construction begins with an unwavering commitment to quality. Every build starts with brand new GM blocks, which serve as the rock-solid foundation for each engine. This isn’t about rebuilding used components – it’s about starting fresh with factory-grade materials that provide the structural integrity needed for serious performance applications.

The company’s in-house machine shop capabilities ensure that every cylinder is honed to perfection, guaranteeing they are both round and straight. The crankshaft mainlines undergo precise line honing, and oil clearances are meticulously set on both main and connecting rod housings. This attention to detail in the machining process translates directly to improved performance, longevity, and reliability.

Street/Strip LSx Short Blocks: Power Meets Practicality

For enthusiasts looking to upgrade their daily drivers or weekend warriors, Golen’s Street/Strip LSx short block lineup offers an ideal balance of performance and reliability. These crate engines utilize new GM factory crankshafts paired with Scat 4340 forged steel connecting rods secured with ARP bolts – a combination that provides the strength needed for increased power output while maintaining streetability.

The inclusion of Mahle Motorsports forged pistons and Plasma Moly rings ensures optimal compression and durability, while Clevite Main and Rod Bearings provide the precision tolerance required for smooth operation. Each rotating assembly is carefully balanced, and all components undergo thorough inspection and cleaning before final assembly.

The displacement range for these street/strip applications spans from 370 cubic inches to 454 cubic inches for naturally aspirated applications, with boosted options available from 370 to 440 cubic inches. This variety allows builders to select the perfect displacement for their specific power goals and vehicle requirements.

Competition-Grade Excellence: Built for Maximum Performance

When street performance isn’t enough, Golen’s Competition LSx Short Blocks step up to meet the demands of serious racers and performance enthusiasts. These engines incorporate top-quality components from renowned manufacturers, including GM, Callies, Mahle Motorsports, Wiseco, Clevite, and ARP.

The competition series showcases impressive engineering capabilities. Take, for example, the 427ci LS7 Boosted Competition Short Block, which is engineered to handle up to 1,000 horsepower. For those seeking even more extreme power levels, the 427ci LSX Boosted Competition Short Block is capable of supporting builds exceeding 1,500 horsepower. These aren’t just marketing claims – they represent real-world capabilities backed by precision engineering and quality components.

The 454ci competition short block demonstrates how displacement translates to performance advantages. Using a new Dart SHP Pro cast iron block with 4.185″ bore and 4.125″ stroke to produce the large 454ci, the larger cubic inch allows for more low-end torque and provides a good foundation for higher horsepower applications.

Boosted Applications: Engineered for Forced Induction

Modern performance often revolves around forced induction, and Golen’s boosted short block series addresses this demand head-on. These crate engines are specifically designed to work with centrifugal superchargers, twin screw style superchargers, and can be custom configured for turbocharger applications.

The boosted series utilizes premium components including Callies forged cranks and rods, Wiseco forged pistons, and Clevite H-Series Performance Bearings. This combination of materials is specifically chosen for its ability to withstand the increased cylinder pressures and thermal stresses associated with forced induction applications.

The Complete LSx Short Block Advantage: Turnkey Performance Solutions

While short blocks provide an excellent foundation for custom builds, Golen Engine also offers complete turnkey engines that showcase the full potential of their engineering capabilities. Their LSX 454ci complete engine produces an impressive 725 horsepower at 6,700 rpm and 580 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm, operating on 91+ octane pump gasoline.

The value proposition of complete turnkey crate engines extends beyond just convenience. These engines undergo comprehensive dyno testing and tuning, ensuring that every component works in harmony to deliver optimal performance. The testing process validates not only peak power numbers but also the engine’s behavior across its entire operating range, from 2,500 to 6,700 rpm in the case of the 454ci complete engine.

Precision Engineering and Quality Control

What truly distinguishes Golen Engine’s offerings is its commitment to precision. Every competition short block is balanced and blueprinted to exact tolerances before final assembly. This level of attention to detail ensures that each engine not only meets its power targets but does so reliably and consistently.

The machining and preparation process includes torque plate honing, which simulates the stresses the cylinder will experience when the head is installed and torqued down. This process ensures optimal cylinder roundness under actual operating conditions, leading to better ring seal, reduced blow-by, and improved power output.

The Performance Value Equation

When evaluating the cost of a high-quality short block versus the alternative of building from used components or lower-grade new parts, the value proposition becomes clear. Golen’s approach of starting with new GM blocks and utilizing premium aftermarket components provides several key advantages: enhanced reliability, increased power potential, longer service life, and the peace of mind that comes with professional assembly and testing.

The horsepower and torque gains available through these short blocks are substantial. Moving from a stock configuration to a properly built short block can result in power increases of 200-400 horsepower or more, depending on the specific combination and supporting modifications. More importantly, the increased displacement and improved internal components provide a broader, more usable power band that enhances both performance and drivability.

The Final Word on LSx Short Block Crate Engines

Golen Engine’s LSx short block offerings represent more than just engine components – they’re the foundation for achieving specific performance goals while maintaining reliability and longevity. Whether the objective is a streetable 400-horsepower daily driver or a competition engine capable of producing four-digit horsepower numbers, their range of options provides the engineering expertise and component quality necessary to succeed.

The combination of new GM blocks, premium aftermarket components, precision machining, and careful assembly creates short blocks that don’t just meet expectations – they exceed them. For enthusiasts serious about performance, Golen Engine’s short blocks offer the perfect starting point for builds that deliver both the power numbers and the reliability needed for long-term satisfaction.