irnwkrkev

I haven't been able to find any LS3 forged replacement pistons. I don't want to swap rods and rebalance the motor. It's in a 2011 Camaro with 2500miles. From what I understand the stock rods are pretty stout and use a floating pin. All I keep seeing from LS3 failures are cracked or chipped pistons. I'm sure thousands could be sold for a boosted application...but I want some flat tops with valve reliefs to put a nice sized cam and spray it with a 2-stage kit. J/E's new assymetrical pistons look like they would be the hot ticket with upgraded rings and thicker wall pins but still try and keep the weight close to stock. Anyone info would be appreciated. Thanks, Kevin

raymond mckinney

iTrader: (4)

Diamond makes a no-balance ls3 piston for stock rods. But i just broke a rod on my set-up and i only spray a 150hit. It put a whole in the block so idk about a two stage.

68 SS

iTrader: (23)

There is a reason you are having trouble finding them...If you are going to go to the trouble of pulling it down far enough to replace the pistons why would you not spend the little bit extra time/$$ and put a good set of rods in it? The stock cranks are tough enough but I would not trust the PM rods for much NOS or FI. Put a good rod in it then you will not have to worry about buying curtains for the new window under your hood...
Just my .02

irnwkrkev

Because I wouldn't even drop the crank. Take out the rods 1 by 1 swap pistons, pins, and rings. Maybe upgrade the rod bolts and gap the rings for a decent shot. I can't see doing all the machine work, new bearings and balancing on a motor w/ less than 2500 miles. For that I'd do a 416 or 427, but I'm not trying to spend that much money. Instead of renting a head and cutter to flycut for $150, I could put that money toward some forged pistons w/ valve reliefs.

Raymond, did the rod let go in the beam or the big end? This is the first I've heard about a rod going before the pistons. What kind of power are you making on your head/cam set up? I've seen people run bolt on LS3's with a 150 shot all day long... but not on a 500rwhp motor.

Edit: After thinking about it. Would the bores have to be at least honed for new rings to seat?

raymond mckinney

iTrader: (4)

I dont know how much power as i dont dyno. My car traps 103.85mph on motor and 113mph on spray in the 1/8 mile.

irnwkrkev

Sounds pretty stout. Can't really compare your info with the gen5 stuff since I'm sure the car is 300lbs lighter and hooks, especially with a A3. But seems like a pretty stout combo none the less. What did you rev it to? I'm just thinking that instead of going with a bigger cam and exhaust, I could strengthen the motor up some and spray it to compensate. I'm currently at 89.5mph in the 1/8 with a 2.05 60' and no tune on motor. I would of course also like to have the option to upgrade cam, heads, and exhaust later when I get bored. Then on to the shortblock....etc

smokin91rs

iTrader: (16)

im interested in this as well. i would like more compression with out fly cutting the stock pistons, not sure if it was here or on the vetteforum some one said the ls3 rods broke at the 900-950hp range otherwise they have only seen pistons, i would swap pistons re bearing most likley and a quick deglaze. my c5 traps 127mph 1/4 prpbably 490rwhp and i want to hit it with a 200 shot. or ill bump it to 13:1 and go e85