Advanced Engineering Tech For the more hardcore LS1TECH residents

Are the L92/LS3 exhaust ports really weak?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 10, 2008 | 07:05 AM
  #1  
66deuce's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,027
Likes: 0
From: Goshen,In.
Default Are the L92/LS3 exhaust ports really weak?

if the L92/LS3 exhaust ports flow as bad as is believed,at least on the boards here,why did GM go with a smaller exhaust lobe for the LS3,as opposed to the 02 LS6?

02 LS6-218dur@.050/.547lift
08 LS3-211dur@.050/.525lift
discuss....
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2008 | 03:19 PM
  #2  
Old SStroker's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 3
From: Upstate NY
Default

Originally Posted by 66deuce
if the L92/LS3 exhaust ports flow as bad as is believed,at least on the boards here,why did GM go with a smaller exhaust lobe for the LS3,as opposed to the 02 LS6?

02 LS6-218dur@.050/.547lift
08 LS3-211dur@.050/.525lift
discuss....
It makes you wonder, doesn't it? What ARE those GM Powertrain guys/gals thinking of?


Jon
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2008 | 04:21 PM
  #3  
66deuce's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,027
Likes: 0
From: Goshen,In.
Default

Originally Posted by Old SStroker
It makes you wonder, doesn't it? What ARE those GM Powertrain guys/gals thinking of?


Jon
i bet a lot more than just numbers on a flowbench...
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2008 | 09:17 PM
  #4  
Steve Bryant's Avatar
LS1 Tech Veteran
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, Ks
Default

I have no way to know what they're thinking about exactly, but I'll hazard to take a guess or two. First, I do agree with 66duce that they are thinking about more than numbers on a flow bench . . . probably a lot more than an average enthusiast could imagine.

They may be thinking about reversion, emissions, favoring torque over HP, corporate average fuel economy guidelines within GM that they are supposed to adhere to even though it's a performance vehicle . . . lot's of things. My biggest question with the L92/LS3 heads is why the intake runner volume is so large. Why would they want to kill the velocity of the intake with such a large runner for a production engine? Now the intake to exhaust flow ratio on these heads defy all conventional wisdom of modern head design. They have such an excellent combustion chamber and other design features, but for me it's the intakes that I don't understand. The exhaust side doesn't bother me as much for a standard production vehicle. If they were designing for a more ***** to the wall vehicle (which they aren't) they'd probably have the exhausts flowing around 230 CFM at .600" valve lift.

Steve
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2008 | 08:34 AM
  #5  
ringram's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
20 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,691
Likes: 1
From: Sunny London, UK
Default

The exhaust valve size is 1.6" which is larger than the previous heads anyway. Exhaust pressure is significantly above atmos at valve open so traditional pressure flow numbers dont mean ****.
My 2p and guessing
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2008 | 08:47 AM
  #6  
Old SStroker's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 3
From: Upstate NY
Default

Originally Posted by Steve Bryant
I have no way to know what they're thinking about exactly, but I'll hazard to take a guess or two. First, I do agree with 66duce that they are thinking about more than numbers on a flow bench . . . probably a lot more than an average enthusiast could imagine.

They may be thinking about reversion, emissions, favoring torque over HP, corporate average fuel economy guidelines within GM that they are supposed to adhere to even though it's a performance vehicle . . . lot's of things. My biggest question with the L92/LS3 heads is why the intake runner volume is so large. Why would they want to kill the velocity of the intake with such a large runner for a production engine? Now the intake to exhaust flow ratio on these heads defy all conventional wisdom of modern head design. They have such an excellent combustion chamber and other design features, but for me it's the intakes that I don't understand. The exhaust side doesn't bother me as much for a standard production vehicle. If they were designing for a more ***** to the wall vehicle (which they aren't) they'd probably have the exhausts flowing around 230 CFM at .600" valve lift.

Steve
Curiouser and curiouser...
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2008 | 02:02 PM
  #7  
ringram's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
20 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,691
Likes: 1
From: Sunny London, UK
Default

Come on SStrokey give us the beans
What do you recon?
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2008 | 03:05 PM
  #8  
Old SStroker's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 3
From: Upstate NY
Default

Originally Posted by ringram
Come on SStrokey give us the beans
What do you recon?
I am just an observer, not a participant in GM or anyone else's port design. I don't want to pontificate any ideas that I may have, so I encourage people to keep thinking about why the ports and valve events are what they are.

Make the assumption that what GM is selling works fairly well. Now develop theories that explain why it works. Discuss those theories. Remember the theories do not change the facts. When your theory is at odds with the facts, find a new theory.


From what I have seen in the aftermarket, some folks seem to have figured things out enough that they can improve considerably on the OEM stuff...and some have not.



Jon
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-1

Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-5

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-8

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Feb 11, 2008 | 03:59 PM
  #9  
Stang's Bane's Avatar
TECH Addict
15 Year Member
iTrader: (22)
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,649
Likes: 1
From: Mont Belvieu, TX
Default

Originally Posted by Old SStroker
I am just an observer, not a participant in GM or anyone else's port design. I don't want to pontificate any ideas that I may have, so I encourage people to keep thinking about why the ports and valve events are what they are.

Make the assumption that what GM is selling works fairly well. Now develop theories that explain why it works. Discuss those theories. Remember the theories do not change the facts. When your theory is at odds with the facts, find a new theory.


From what I have seen in the aftermarket, some folks seem to have figured things out enough that they can improve considerably on the OEM stuff...and some have not.



Jon
But yet they can still sell evey one they make because their "improvements"
subscribe to common theories.
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2008 | 05:21 PM
  #10  
66deuce's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,027
Likes: 0
From: Goshen,In.
Default

Originally Posted by Old SStroker
I am just an observer, not a participant in GM or anyone else's port design. I don't want to pontificate any ideas that I may have, so I encourage people to keep thinking about why the ports and valve events are what they are.

Make the assumption that what GM is selling works fairly well. Now develop theories that explain why it works. Discuss those theories. Remember the theories do not change the facts. When your theory is at odds with the facts, find a new theory.


From what I have seen in the aftermarket, some folks seem to have figured things out enough that they can improve considerably on the OEM stuff...and some have not.



Jon
my theory on this is: the smaller exhaust valve/port has a lot of velocity,helping to draw the intake charge in,compensating,in a way,for the slower velocity of the big port/valve on the intake side..and the exhaust port actually flows pretty good until the higher lifts..i would think high lift flow on the exhaust is not as critical as on the intake,considering the blow down effect when the exhaust valve is cracked open..
but my understanding of airflow,on a flowbench or running engine,is very limited...so i could be way off here..any thoughts?
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2008 | 05:40 PM
  #11  
3.4camaro's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,203
Likes: 0
From: Galveston, TX
Default

I still am a firm believer in magic.
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2008 | 08:06 AM
  #12  
edcmat-l1's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,782
Likes: 4
From: Va Beach
Default

Originally Posted by 66deuce
my theory on this is: the smaller exhaust valve/port has a lot of velocity,helping to draw the intake charge in,compensating,in a way,for the slower velocity of the big port/valve on the intake side..and the exhaust port actually flows pretty good until the higher lifts..i would think high lift flow on the exhaust is not as critical as on the intake,considering the blow down effect when the exhaust valve is cracked open..
but my understanding of airflow,on a flowbench or running engine,is very limited...so i could be way off here..any thoughts?
You may not be far off at all. At least in considering the intake when discussing the exhaust.
Just a SWAG, but possibly the intake is SO GOOD that they have to limit the exhaust flow to prevent scavenging? The last thing GM wants is some of the intake charge goin straight thru. So open it later, and close it sooner.
Their (the GM engineers) primary concern has to be emissions. Even at the expense of performance. Secondary, longevity.
Wudaya think about that Old SStroker?
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2008 | 09:20 AM
  #13  
ringram's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
20 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,691
Likes: 1
From: Sunny London, UK
Default

Dont forget that no intake charge is going to get drawn in if the valve is still closed, which with emissions etc these days is more likely.

.. which raises an interesting point. Perhaps the large intake port with low initial velocity works nicely to minimise charge waste out the exhaust port? If velocity is low then its less likely to make it to and through the exhaust port by the time it closes in comparison to a racey small port, high velocity head?

I know these heads are designed with emissions in mind as I understand the combusion chamber was designed to require more timing to help burn completion.
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2008 | 01:25 PM
  #14  
ringram's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
20 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,691
Likes: 1
From: Sunny London, UK
Default

I think I recall reading somewhere that the smaller exh port also allowed more heatsink material around the exhaust as well to keep temps under control. Not sure how relevant that is to the topic.
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2008 | 01:31 PM
  #15  
Scoggin Dickey's Avatar
LS1TECH & Trucks Sponsor
20 Year Member
Photogenic
iTrader: (34)
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,523
Likes: 35
From: Lubbock, TX
Default

Originally Posted by Old SStroker
Make the assumption that what GM is selling works fairly well. Now develop theories that explain why it works. Discuss those theories. Remember the theories do not change the facts. When your theory is at odds with the facts, find a new theory.
I believe that would be a safe assumption to make, and a good train of thought to follow
__________________

800-456-0211 / PM / Facebook
WHIPPLE Superchargers, Procharger, Magnuson, Powerbond Sale, HPTuners packages!, Trickflow, AFR, PRC, CHE Trunion upgrade, $100 7.400" pushrod set, Custom Cam of your choice


Reply
Old Feb 12, 2008 | 10:32 PM
  #16  
Old SStroker's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 3
From: Upstate NY
Default

Originally Posted by 3.4camaro
I still am a firm believer in magic.
In spite of evidence to the contrary, 3.4.

It is only magic to those who do not understand why things are happening. However, "magic" may be more correct than some theories. No offense meant to anyone posting here, BTW.

If you had never studied any engines before seeing LS7 or L76/L92 heads would you be asking the same questions? Would you be giving the same answers? If not, why not?

Low emissions and good power are not necessarily mutually exclusive.
Reply
Old Feb 13, 2008 | 03:38 AM
  #17  
ringram's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
20 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,691
Likes: 1
From: Sunny London, UK
Default

Very true, good clean combustion is always best, emissions usually suggest incomplete combustion or overzealous cylinder scavanging. A large valve and port will allow way more charge to enter under the right circumstances. Which its logic to assume this head is designed to achieve.

Anyway, instead of idiots like me making semi wild guesses about this stuff. How about some of you more experienced guys making some semi (or fully) educated guesses to add to the topic. Afterall its a public forum for the dissemination of information and education of all. Including the idiots amongst us

If there was nothing to learn none of us would be reading this.
Reply
Old Feb 13, 2008 | 03:52 PM
  #18  
66deuce's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,027
Likes: 0
From: Goshen,In.
Default

Originally Posted by ringram
Very true, good clean combustion is always best, emissions usually suggest incomplete combustion or overzealous cylinder scavanging. A large valve and port will allow way more charge to enter under the right circumstances. Which its logic to assume this head is designed to achieve.

Anyway, instead of idiots like me making semi wild guesses about this stuff. How about some of you more experienced guys making some semi (or fully) educated guesses to add to the topic. Afterall its a public forum for the dissemination of information and education of all. Including the idiots amongst us

If there was nothing to learn none of us would be reading this.
probably won't get too many gurus discussing this..a few have it figured out,and are making money from selling cams and such..not that i blame anyone,i would be tight lipped about it if i was in the business,and i knew something that my competitors didn't...
Reply
Old Feb 14, 2008 | 02:18 AM
  #19  
ringram's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
20 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,691
Likes: 1
From: Sunny London, UK
Default

Well knowledge of engines is freely available, but it still takes a good shop to build one right. Not sure why people dont want to discuss how the heads work. Still loads of missing information between that and an optimal camshaft, but I guess it does head in that direction.
Sad this forum does not attract that sort of response
Reply
Old Feb 14, 2008 | 08:43 AM
  #20  
Alvin's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 718
Likes: 1
Default

Originally Posted by 66deuce
if the L92/LS3 exhaust ports flow as bad as is believed,at least on the boards here,why did GM go with a smaller exhaust lobe for the LS3,as opposed to the 02 LS6?

02 LS6-218dur@.050/.547lift
08 LS3-211dur@.050/.525lift
discuss....

The key here is the ports flow "bad" in respect to how well the intake flows. They do not flow "bad" by any means for a 6.2L stock engine. In fact the exhaust flows very "good" for a 6.2L. Early IVC is key for these heads
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:21 AM.

story-0
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-1
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-2
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-3
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-4
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-5
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-8
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-9
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE