My LS3 C5 Build (some pics)
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
Clean bottom end. Really low miles
Cam is in. New timing set and oil pump too
New GMPP LS3 heads. Love the huge intake valves.
Installing PRC EHT .675 valve springs
She's ready for the transplant
A little preview. I'll bolt the heads on once the motor is in the car. (yes the vlv cover is backwards. Lol)
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
Clean bottom end. Really low miles
Cam is in. New timing set and oil pump too
New GMPP LS3 heads. Love the huge intake valves.
Installing PRC EHT .675 valve springs
She's ready for the transplant
A little preview. I'll bolt the heads on once the motor is in the car. (yes the vlv cover is backwards. Lol)
Last edited by C5natie; Jul 22, 2012 at 02:26 AM.
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.
Headers got a new coat of ceramic paint. Rustoleum 2000.
Headers got a new coat of ceramic paint. Rustoleum 2000.
Last edited by C5natie; Jul 22, 2012 at 02:07 AM.
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
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
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
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=
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
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
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
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=
Trending Topics
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..
Some examples..
Last edited by C5natie; Jul 24, 2012 at 01:38 AM.
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Verdad Gallardo 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.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/gen-5-cam...-carbconn.html
http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=221083
https://ls1tech.com/forums/gen-5-cam...-carbconn.html
http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=221083
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.
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.
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.
Last edited by C5natie; Jul 28, 2012 at 08:38 PM.