LS3 - Picture reference for connections
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Staging Lane
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 66
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From: Las Vegas, NV
LS3 - Picture reference for connections I searched the FAQ's and other threads. I just got my LS3 and I need some help identifing the connections:
Sensors and Fittings - where do they go, what can be plugged or capped off, etc.
I dont have any pics yet but I will try and get a pic of each connection. If somone can help me ID each one and give and idea of what is it, what purpose it serves and what to do with it. I know the wiring harness I got (GMPP) has each connector labled, so I can probably figure those out.
For example:
The steam vent tube.
Allows steam pockets in the head to escape back in to the cooling sysytem.
Eliminates hot spots.
I got the idea it should probably be run into the thermostat housing.
Driver Side:
Back of valve cover
Back of engine:
White Cap:
Red Cap: Vacuum port for brakes
Passenger Side Block
Grey Connector:
Black Connector:
Passenger side - Front of valve cover
Connect to breather?
I figured this would be a great thread for poeple, like me, who have never dealt with LS motors before. Pictures help 1000x more then a description. I will also need help when there is something on my LS3 that was changed from the LS1 or LS2. I know knock sensors on the LS1 are in a different location then the LS3.
Sensors and Fittings - where do they go, what can be plugged or capped off, etc.
I dont have any pics yet but I will try and get a pic of each connection. If somone can help me ID each one and give and idea of what is it, what purpose it serves and what to do with it. I know the wiring harness I got (GMPP) has each connector labled, so I can probably figure those out.
For example:
The steam vent tube.
Allows steam pockets in the head to escape back in to the cooling sysytem.
Eliminates hot spots.
I got the idea it should probably be run into the thermostat housing.
Driver Side:
Back of valve cover
Back of engine:
White Cap:
Red Cap: Vacuum port for brakes
Passenger Side Block
Grey Connector:
Black Connector:
Passenger side - Front of valve cover
Connect to breather?
I figured this would be a great thread for poeple, like me, who have never dealt with LS motors before. Pictures help 1000x more then a description. I will also need help when there is something on my LS3 that was changed from the LS1 or LS2. I know knock sensors on the LS1 are in a different location then the LS3.
Last edited by MCMLXIX; Apr 9, 2009 at 12:33 AM.
TECH Resident
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From: Right here, right now!
I searched the FAQ's and other threads. I just got my LS3 and I need some help identifing the connections:
Sensors and Fittings - where do they go, what can be plugged or capped off, etc.
I dont have any pics yet but I will try and get a pic of each connection. If somone can help me ID each one and give and idea of what is it, what purpose it serves and what to do with it. I know the wiring harness I got (GMPP) has each connector labled, so I can probably figure those out.
For example:
The steam vent tube.
Allows steam pockets in the head to escape back in to the cooling sysytem.
Eliminates hot spots.
I got the idea it should probably be run into the thermostat housing.
RSZ: Factory location is to the top of the radiator. As you saw on PT, the merits of where have been well argued.
Driver Side:
Back of valve cover
RSZ: Optional Crank Case Ventilation take off. Blocked on this one. DOD/AFM cars/trucks (L76) use this vent port to feed to the intake manifold behind the throttle body.
Back of engine:
White Cap: RSZ: Oil Pressure Sensor.
Red Cap: Vacuum port for brakes
RSZ: Evap Emission Purge Solenoid. Evap Charcoal Canister vents through here.
RSZ: Coolant Temp Sensor.
RSZ: Knock Sensor.
RSZ: MAP Sensor. The short hose with two connectors is the PCV link from the crankcase via Valley Cover, and feeds into the intake behind the throttle body.
RSZ: Oil Temp Sensor and Oil Level Switch.
Passenger Side Block
Grey Connector: Crank Position Sensor
Black Connector: Knock Sensor
Passenger side - Front of valve cover
Connect to breather?
RSZ: Connects to Intake pre Throttle Body and supplies MAF measured clean air to the feed side of the PCV system.
I figured this would be a great thread for poeple, like me, who have never dealt with LS motors before. Pictures help 1000x more then a description. I will also need help when there is something on my LS3 that was changed from the LS1 or LS2. I know knock sensors on the LS1 are in a different location then the LS3.
Sensors and Fittings - where do they go, what can be plugged or capped off, etc.
I dont have any pics yet but I will try and get a pic of each connection. If somone can help me ID each one and give and idea of what is it, what purpose it serves and what to do with it. I know the wiring harness I got (GMPP) has each connector labled, so I can probably figure those out.
For example:
The steam vent tube.
Allows steam pockets in the head to escape back in to the cooling sysytem.
Eliminates hot spots.
I got the idea it should probably be run into the thermostat housing.
RSZ: Factory location is to the top of the radiator. As you saw on PT, the merits of where have been well argued.
Driver Side:
Back of valve cover
RSZ: Optional Crank Case Ventilation take off. Blocked on this one. DOD/AFM cars/trucks (L76) use this vent port to feed to the intake manifold behind the throttle body.
Back of engine:
White Cap: RSZ: Oil Pressure Sensor.
Red Cap: Vacuum port for brakes
RSZ: Evap Emission Purge Solenoid. Evap Charcoal Canister vents through here.
RSZ: Coolant Temp Sensor.
RSZ: Knock Sensor.
RSZ: MAP Sensor. The short hose with two connectors is the PCV link from the crankcase via Valley Cover, and feeds into the intake behind the throttle body.
RSZ: Oil Temp Sensor and Oil Level Switch.
Passenger Side Block
Grey Connector: Crank Position Sensor
Black Connector: Knock Sensor
Passenger side - Front of valve cover
Connect to breather?
RSZ: Connects to Intake pre Throttle Body and supplies MAF measured clean air to the feed side of the PCV system.
I figured this would be a great thread for poeple, like me, who have never dealt with LS motors before. Pictures help 1000x more then a description. I will also need help when there is something on my LS3 that was changed from the LS1 or LS2. I know knock sensors on the LS1 are in a different location then the LS3.
TECH Senior Member
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Can somone show me a pic showing this routing? I am uncertian still.Passenger side - Front of valve cover
Connect to breather?
RSZ: Connects to Intake pre Throttle Body and supplies MAF measured clean air to the feed side of the PCV system.
thanks
Connect to breather?
RSZ: Connects to Intake pre Throttle Body and supplies MAF measured clean air to the feed side of the PCV system.
thanks
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Teching In
Joined: Jun 2008
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First of all, thanks to the original poster and to RSZ for the input. I am mostly a "reader" as I am new to this and don't have much to contribute (yet). This thread and the pictures have been very helpful to me as I am installing my LS3 crate engine.
I have a question that hopefully someone can answer. I have done a search and can't find exactly what I am looking for...
I see where the fresh inlet air goes into the PCV system--to the port on the front of the passenger side valve cover.
But where does the "foul" air go--i.e. how do the crankcase fumes get to the intake in order to be burned with air/fuel? It would seem that I would need to run a vacuum line from a port somewhere to the intake manifold. There is a port on the back of the drivers side valve cover...is that the source for the crankase fumes? Or, is this done "internally" somehow?
I have a question that hopefully someone can answer. I have done a search and can't find exactly what I am looking for...
I see where the fresh inlet air goes into the PCV system--to the port on the front of the passenger side valve cover.
But where does the "foul" air go--i.e. how do the crankcase fumes get to the intake in order to be burned with air/fuel? It would seem that I would need to run a vacuum line from a port somewhere to the intake manifold. There is a port on the back of the drivers side valve cover...is that the source for the crankase fumes? Or, is this done "internally" somehow?
Teching In
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Thank you!
It looks as if the hose #716 in the first diagram is the piece of the puzzle I was not seeing. It is already on the engine, so I should be able to just connect a tube with MAF-metered air to the other port and should be good to go.
It looks as if the hose #716 in the first diagram is the piece of the puzzle I was not seeing. It is already on the engine, so I should be able to just connect a tube with MAF-metered air to the other port and should be good to go.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1
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Thanks everyone for a great thread. I'm curious what the plug is on the LS3 just above the crank sensor on the engine's rear passenger side?
I'm trying to find a location for a third coolant temp sensor and hoping i can put it there. I have one in the driver's side head for my engine computer, one in the passenger's side head for a dash temp gauge, and I need a third for an aftermarket PWM fan controller. I know I can use an in-line fitting in my rad or heater hoses but would prefer not to go that route.
Any thoughts?
Thanks,
-Michael
I'm trying to find a location for a third coolant temp sensor and hoping i can put it there. I have one in the driver's side head for my engine computer, one in the passenger's side head for a dash temp gauge, and I need a third for an aftermarket PWM fan controller. I know I can use an in-line fitting in my rad or heater hoses but would prefer not to go that route.
Any thoughts?
Thanks,
-Michael
Teching In
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 26
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What you are describing may be a knock sensor... I believe there is one on each side of the block.
You can hook two wires to your additional temp sensor (one for gauge, one for PWM controller). That is what I am doing anyway... It worked ok like that with my old engine.
You can hook two wires to your additional temp sensor (one for gauge, one for PWM controller). That is what I am doing anyway... It worked ok like that with my old engine.
Last edited by daniel76309; Apr 2, 2011 at 06:52 AM.
Thanks everyone for a great thread. I'm curious what the plug is on the LS3 just above the crank sensor on the engine's rear passenger side?
I'm trying to find a location for a third coolant temp sensor and hoping i can put it there. I have one in the driver's side head for my engine computer, one in the passenger's side head for a dash temp gauge, and I need a third for an aftermarket PWM fan controller. I know I can use an in-line fitting in my rad or heater hoses but would prefer not to go that route.
Any thoughts?
Thanks,
-Michael
I'm trying to find a location for a third coolant temp sensor and hoping i can put it there. I have one in the driver's side head for my engine computer, one in the passenger's side head for a dash temp gauge, and I need a third for an aftermarket PWM fan controller. I know I can use an in-line fitting in my rad or heater hoses but would prefer not to go that route.
Any thoughts?
Thanks,
-Michael
Staging Lane
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
I'm trying to figure this out also. I have a truck engine which has no provision to connect the #716 hose to, which my car intake has. So...what can I do? Went to dealer and they want $150+ for the valley cover. I'm not sure its worth that. Found one on ebay but he wants over a 100 for it with shipping. Are these things the missing link or something?
And the port on the driver side valve cover. Does it just get capped?
Thanks!
Teching In
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
When I was originally searching for info, I found this:
http://www.camarohomepage.com/ls3/index.htm
It mentions how they made several improvements to the LS3 regarding oil control, etc.--the point being that the PCV system in the exploded diagram above may be unique to the LS3. That doesn't answer your questions, but I think you need to ask specific to whatever engine you have--it may be totally different for an LQ4 or LY6 for example.
http://www.camarohomepage.com/ls3/index.htm
It mentions how they made several improvements to the LS3 regarding oil control, etc.--the point being that the PCV system in the exploded diagram above may be unique to the LS3. That doesn't answer your questions, but I think you need to ask specific to whatever engine you have--it may be totally different for an LQ4 or LY6 for example.
Staging Lane
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
This thread is great, because we buy an LS376 and you get an engine with very little "hook up" information. Thsi thread has answered some questions I could not find answers to. If someone else has further inputs, step in as you can see some of us have had problems with the swaps.
Teching In
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 31
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I found this thread searching for some knock sensor stuff. Great thread.
I'm also trying to mate an LS3 to a T-56 magnum and can't determine where the following connection goes. It's labeled "VEH SPD" and has a 2-pin connection. Any ideas? The gauges that I"m using are Dakota Digital (69 firebird) in case it some how integrates to the vehicle speed.
I'm also trying to mate an LS3 to a T-56 magnum and can't determine where the following connection goes. It's labeled "VEH SPD" and has a 2-pin connection. Any ideas? The gauges that I"m using are Dakota Digital (69 firebird) in case it some how integrates to the vehicle speed.