Corvette Performance - My LS3 C5 Build (some pics)

Hey guys. Nothing crazy here but I thought I would share my current LS3 build with you guys. Back in May I lost a couple main bearings in my LS6 to a damaged lifter and a eatened up cam lobe. Instead of tearing through the block again, I rebuilt it 3yrs ago, I decided to upgrade. Thing is I was on a budget so I decided to go with a LS3 build since parts are cheap and these motors are beast with little mods.

I was able to land a super low mileage L92 short block (same block casting and internals as an LS3 with the exception that the pistons have 2cc valve reliefs). I then got hold of a new LS3 top end, new intake from a friend and new heads from GMPP. A Ligenfelter converter box should allow me to run the LS3 without swapping the cam sensors and crank reluctor wheel.

Here's a list of whats going into this motor so far:
GMPP LS3 heads
LS3 intake w/90mm throttle body
PRC .675 valve springs
Stock rockers
L92 block, DOD delete
Ported and shimmed GM LS6 oil pump
TSP 231/236 .641"/.615" 114lsa cam
TSP 1 3/4 headers
Short x-pipe with two Dynomax bullet mufflers dumping under car
3600 SS Yank
Built 4L65E w/3.42's
LPE 24x58 tooth converter box
Knock sensor extension
MAP sensor extension

Getting started
http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/q580/C5natie/thebeginning.jpg

Clean bottom end. Really low miles
http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/q580/C5natie/cleanbottomend.jpg

Cam is in. New timing set and oil pump too
http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/q580/C5natie/newcapmp.jpg

New GMPP LS3 heads. Love the huge intake valves.
http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/q580/C5natie/ls3heads.jpg

Installing PRC EHT .675 valve springs
http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/q580/C5natie/vlvsprings.jpg

She's ready for the transplant
http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/q580/C5natie/c5bay.jpg

A little preview. I'll bolt the heads on once the motor is in the car. (yes the vlv cover is backwards. Lol)
http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/q580/C5natie/preview.jpg

A little heads up... It seems some modification to the motor mount brackets are needed to clear the knock sensors. One of the pictures you can see where I rounded off one of the corners of the bracket. On the passenger side I will have to notch the bracket to clear a boss on the block for one of the ac bolts.

http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/q580/C5natie/motormount.jpg

Headers got a new coat of ceramic paint. Rustoleum 2000.
http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/q580/C5natie/headers.jpg

For those wondering what is needed electronically when doing the swap, here is a little list. This is if youre keeping the LS1/6 ecu and wiring harness:

1) Fuel injector adapters, EV1 to EV6. To use the LS1/6 harness with LS3 injectors, if the manifold comes with stock ones (LS3). LPE carries these also. I personally prefer the ones in this link. Quality fit n finish, no wires.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/200771614538?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_t rksid=p3984.m1497.l2649#ht_610wt_681 (http://outboundlink.me/ib.php?DR_id=185&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2F200771614538 %3FssPageName%3DSTRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT%26_trksid%3Dp398 4.m1497.l2649%23ht_610wt_681&ibref=forums.corvetteforum.com%2Fajax.php%3Fdo%3Dq uickedit%26p%3D1581374959)

2) MAP extension, since the MAP is moved to the front of the intake (LS2/3 style). Caspers makes a nice one. http://www.casperselectronics.com/st...oducts_id=1223 (http://www.casperselectronics.com/store2/product_info.php?products_id=1223)

3) Knock sensor extension, to relocate the knock sensors to the side of the block. LPE carries the one made bt Racetronix.
http://www.lingenfelter.com/mm5/merc...gory_Code=C162 (http://www.lingenfelter.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LPE&Product_Code=RXC5-KSRH&Category_Code=C162)

4) LPE converter box. It connects the LS3 cam and crank sensors to the LS1/6 harness. Side note: an LS2 style timing cover is needed which has the cam sensor on the front.
http://www.lingenfelter.com/mm5/merc...ow=&range_high (http://www.lingenfelter.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=L460065397&Store_Code=LPE&search=trg-002&filter_cat=&PowerSearch_Begin_Only=&sort=&range_low=&range_high)=

no Katech rod bolts while motor is out? thats a must have(IMO) for any stock rod bolt'd LS motor while its out.

no Katech rod bolts while motor is out? thats a must have(IMO) for any stock rod bolt'd LS motor while its out.

Its not gonna be that crazy of a build, just a cam. I thought about it though.

Made the notch for the bracket to fit. Not pretty but it worked.
http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/q580/C5natie/IMAG0622.jpg

http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/q580/C5natie/IMAG0624.jpg

what kind of power are you expecting from this build?

what kind of power are you expecting from this build?

Hopefully around 470-480 with this combo. I did a search and found a couple guys in the mid to high 480's with this cam on basically stock LS3's, with bolt-ons of course. A few guys getting close to 500 with ported heads and intake. I guess it'll come down to my tuner. My 4L65E should use up less power then the A6 cars and I have a very high flowing exhaust setup.

Some examples..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVbVJRWZzW8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OS1ucAuOPUc

Some cool 231/236 TSP cam results. 1 7/8 headers are in my future. I think TSP said they got 568hp on an engine dyno. Take away 15% drivtrain loss and youre at 482rwhp.

http://ls1tech.com/forums/gen-5-camaro-tuning-diagnostics-dyno-results/1345160-tsp-231-236-470rwhp-sae-carbconn.html

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=221083

so ported LS3s and a fast 102 should put you over the 500whp mark....

The auto will kill some power but cam only bolt on LS3's make 470-500 or more easy. Can't wait to see results.

so ported LS3s and a fast 102 should put you over the 500whp mark....

With 1 7/8 headers also, maybe. That would be awesome. Im building this for enjoyment. Im not chasing a hp number but being at or close to 500hp would be sweet.

Nice build

Found these LS3 badges. Thought they were cool and subtle.

http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/q580/C5natie/333145304_tp.jpg

http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/q580/C5natie/IMAG0595.jpg

http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/q580/C5natie/IMAG0596.jpg

Man a cam really wakes up a ls3. I think your going to be sitting real close to 500 wheel. I would like to do this eventually but I will be throwing boost at it. You have a really good foundation and able to make some great power. Good build thus far. Subscribed!

Thanks TransAm. I love how gmhightech called the LS3 "an all aluminum race motor without the race cam, just add the cam". These heads flow so good that a cam really does wake them up big time.


Got the converter box from LPE today. This thing is way easy to hook up. Just four connectors, cam in/out crank in/out, and a red and black wire for power and ground. Everything is plug n play. They also include shrink tubing and connectors for the ground. And if youre connecting it to an older LS2 ('05), they include an extra harness with the correct connectors. Great product so far. Hopefully it works as well. Once I get it mounted I'll get some pics in case anyone wants to use it as reference.

STEP 1 of install is complete, the block is in(thanks Adrain n Carlos). Hope to fire it up Tue/Wed next week since I got a long weekend ahead. Probably gonna start getting the harness and wiring where it needs to go tomorrow and slap the heads on if I dont get lazy.

http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/q580/C5natie/IMAG0626.jpg

http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/q580/C5natie/IMAG0627.jpg

nice build.keep your ls3 intake no gains goin to a fast 102 unless your goin FI down the road.

nice build.keep your ls3 intake no gains goin to a fast 102 unless your goin FI down the road.

Yeah I sold my LS6 FAST 102. Figured a LS3 intake flows enough for my needs.

Motor is basically complete. Cranked it today to prime the oiling system. Rotated smoothly, so far so good. All thats left is some wiring and installing the cooling and power steering systems.

http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/q580/C5natie/IMAG0633.jpg

looking good.

bad ass build. im doing the same build in mine. Im gonna start a build thread soon. I got my motor assembled and the old one out and sold. Im running a Eps custom grind cam, Advanced Induction heads and a FAST 102

I had a couple people ask me what my custom exhaust setup looked like, so here is a picture. It weighs A LOT less then a complete xpipe with traditional mufflers. These are NOT cherry bombs. Its a moddified TSP xpipe with a pair of Dynomax 3in bullet mufflers and turn downs. The placement of the mufflers isnt the best for low speed exhaust scavenging but I put this together for wot performance. I gained .3 and 3mph at the drag strip with this setup. Oh yeah...its loud.

http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/q580/C5natie/IMAG0635.jpg

It's looking pretty good so far!

I have 3in turn downs on my car as well... Saves 35lbs from my borla axleback..

Its exciting and congratulations!

In my opinion, not getting too indepth, the vent on oil filler cap will caused problems. I don't know how you feel about heat, but coil relocation is a good idea. Stock rocker needle bearings if retained on your setup will be marginal to say the least!

Good luck and have fun!

First startup. Fired right up, idled good and all temps and gauges looked good. Great oil pressure.

Here a lil idle clip. Ill get a driving video soon.
http://static.photobucket.com/player.swf?file=http://vid1164.photobucket.com/albums/q580/C5natie/VIDEO0094.mp4

Smotthing out the idle, small revs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrWDOgGnDWw&feature=plcp

Its exciting and congratulations!

In my opinion, not getting too indepth, the vent on oil filler cap will caused problems. I don't know how you feel about heat, but coil relocation is a good idea. Stock rocker needle bearings if retained on your setup will be marginal to say the least!

Good luck and have fun!

I never mind someones opinion when theyre trying to help. The current tune in the car was done with the valve cover breather in place so that it wouldnt read extra air coming into the system. I have had no issues with it for 3yrs. I plan on upgrading the bearing in my rockers soon but Ive seen many stock setups last a very long time with a correctly setup valvetrain. Still, Comp Cam trunions are in my plans and Im definitely having fun, so far. Thanks. :cheers:

Nice looking project:cheers:I've been beating MY L92 416 for years with the L76/s3 intake. To me its not worth the $ for the extra 5-10hp or so. Have fun with it and keep being patient until its ready to be beat on:drive:

I hope to get some time on the dyno this month but I ran the car with a tuning wideband on today to see where its at. The existing tune from my old setup is very close. Cruising afr's are great, car idles awesome and pulls plenty of vacuum. WOT afr is at 12.5, when the car kicks down, 4th to 2nd, it goes to 12.2 and immediately picks up to 12.5. No knock. Gonna try to get some driving video soon.

sounds pretty lopey for a 114lsa tsp cam.nice build.Congrats.

^^
Thanks. It is pretty lopey but it is a bit smoother while driving then my old cam which was a 112. Hopefully they sent me the right cam. Lol



I just ordered an AEM UEGO wideband afr gauge (30-4100). I read many good reviews on it and felt it should get the job done. I was wondering if anyone here has used that gauge and if not, which one do you guys use?

running the plx on the 2 fbodys.look up aeroforce interceptor.looking around also for the c6 when I go FI.

Sounds NASTY! i love it!

subscribing for numbers.

Just a little update, going to WesTech Performance this Friday to put her on the dyno. They do a lot of engine and chasis dynoing for all the big performance magazines. Also installed an AEM UEGO wideband last week. Great gauge so far.

368908

I'll get better vid soon. This is just a lil test merging on the hwy.

http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/q580/C5natie/th_VIDEO0097.jpg (http://s1164.photobucket.com/albums/q580/C5natie/?action=view&current=VIDEO0097.mp4)

Well, the car still needs quite a bit of tuning but I got a baseline on my current rough tune. Car dynoed at 460/455 on a Superflow eddy current dyno. Needs less timing up top and a lil less fuel. 1 7/8 headers and intake porting are in my future plans.

(Forward vid to 1:08)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xClOO8xxVM

http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/q580/C5natie/IMAG0712-1-1.jpg

solid setup. just got mine fired up.How or did u get rid of the abs and traction control messages from popping up on the display. mine keep displaying and my brakes feel pretty soft after my 6.2 swap