C5natie

iTrader: (1)

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)

C5natie

iTrader: (1)

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.

C5natie

iTrader: (1)

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=

BES Stroked Nova

iTrader: (24)

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

C5natie

iTrader: (1)

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

C5natie

iTrader: (1)

Made the notch for the bracket to fit. Not pretty but it worked.

ThumperNC24

iTrader: (1)

what kind of power are you expecting from this build?

C5natie

iTrader: (1)

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..

C5natie

iTrader: (1)

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

ThumperNC24

iTrader: (1)

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

Detoxx03

iTrader: (14)

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.

C5natie

iTrader: (1)

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.

Imstock2

iTrader: (6)

Nice build

C5natie

iTrader: (1)

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

TransAmcoupe98

iTrader: (10)

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!

C5natie

iTrader: (1)

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.

C5natie

iTrader: (1)

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.

35th SS

iTrader: (2)

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

C5natie

iTrader: (1)

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

C5natie

iTrader: (1)

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.