Generation IV External Engine LS2 | LS3 | LS7 | L92 | Bolt-Ons | Intakes | Exhaust | Ignition | Accessories
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

LS3 Heads

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-20-2009, 01:47 PM
  #1  
TECH Addict
Thread Starter
iTrader: (81)
 
dmracing's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: HERE
Posts: 2,252
Received 8 Likes on 6 Posts

Default LS3 Heads

Are they the same as L92 heads?
Old 07-20-2009, 03:55 PM
  #2  
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (127)
 
NemeSS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Houston,TX
Posts: 6,888
Received 7 Likes on 7 Posts

Default

same castings, l92,ls3, l76 use same castings. 823 and another 4 digit casting
but iirc the ls3 have lighter intake valves
Old 07-21-2009, 11:23 AM
  #3  
Staging Lane
 
millertime034's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by NemeSS
same castings, l92,ls3, l76 use same castings. 823 and another 4 digit casting
but iirc the ls3 have lighter intake valves
So what makes the LS3's intake and heads so much better? I see alot of people that do a head/intake mod go with the l92 heads and/or the l76 intake to go with it.
Old 07-22-2009, 08:42 AM
  #4  
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (9)
 
1lejohn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Pasadena Texas
Posts: 1,318
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

The LS3's and 92's are rectangular intake port heads. The LS3's have hollow stem intake valves ,the 92's don't. They flow good #s out of the box on the intake side, not so good on the exhaust. The LS3 intake is a great factory piece, kind of like the early LS6 compared to the LS1 intakes. You have to run a L76 or LS3 intake with the LS3 or 92 heads. The LS3 intake manifolds only draw back is that it was tuned to make peak power at around 6300 rpm. With the flow capability of these heads and a 400 cid plus engine this intake seems to be the limiting factor for making huge power.
These heads are a good upgrade if you want something different, they make good low end and great midrange power for a street driven car. Most of the builds that I've seen make over 400 lbft from off idle to the cams torque peak.
I'm building a 414 with these heads and a 76 intake. I had my heads ported by The Head Shop here in Houston. They got some great #s out of them they flow in the mid 300's from .500-.700 lift and 342 at .700. On the exhaust side they did even better mid 200's from .400-.600 and mid 250.s from .600-.700. These guys are great to work with.
The cam is most important factor with these heads and bigger is not better. These heads were not used on the LS7 for a reason. They don't like huge lifts and long duration cams. I'm having a custom cam ground for mine from FTI.
Good Luck with what ever you decide.
Old 07-23-2009, 02:40 PM
  #5  
12 Second Club
iTrader: (72)
 
RyanSws6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 827
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

I Just ordered my TSP LS3 heads, since this stuff is all still a little new, aftermarket heads/int not available. I'm going with a stock intake for now and like everyone else, wait for the LS3 FAST.

I had LS6 ported heads 90/92 FAST on my 408 but didn't my whp goal. I tore it all off and waiting for my new heads.

My current cam specs ar below and for now leaving it. May do a Cust Cam when I swap to the Fast.
Old 07-23-2009, 05:13 PM
  #6  
12 Second Club
iTrader: (12)
 
hookemdevils22's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Tempe, AZ
Posts: 1,411
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts

Default

2009 gmpp catalog gives PNs for each set of heads. valves and springs are different. l92 springs are good to .530 or .560 (i think?) depending on which part of the catalog you look at.
Old 07-23-2009, 08:30 PM
  #7  
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (9)
 
1lejohn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Pasadena Texas
Posts: 1,318
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

I wouldn't run the stock springs on a performance build. Some vendors are installing the early model LS6 springs on them and calling that an upgrade.
The soild stock 92 valves are heavy. I bought a set of LS3 valves they are pretty nice. I would recommend PAC 1518's as performence spring.
Old 07-23-2009, 08:45 PM
  #8  
TECH Resident
iTrader: (28)
 
Petraszewsky's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 895
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post

Default

So which flows better for the intakes? The L76 or the LS3?
Old 07-23-2009, 11:07 PM
  #9  
TECH Resident
 
Johny GTO's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Florida
Posts: 844
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Petraszewsky
So which flows better for the intakes? The L76 or the LS3?

exactly what i was going to ask. What is the difference between the 2 intakes? Is the power band different? Are they different sized, different runner lengths, etc?
Old 07-24-2009, 07:42 AM
  #10  
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (9)
 
1lejohn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Pasadena Texas
Posts: 1,318
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

The LS3 has some foam between the inner and outer layer of plastic for NVH on the vettes. I think the map sensor mounts different. Do a search LG had some photos of the LS3 on this site. I don't know of any one doing a test of these manifolds against each other. They are basically the same. The 76 was on a Holden car the 3 the vette.
Old 07-24-2009, 09:45 AM
  #11  
12 Second Club
iTrader: (12)
 
hookemdevils22's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Tempe, AZ
Posts: 1,411
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts

Default

LG Comparo LS3 v. L76

@1lejohn - i agree. i got comp 921s since I'm running a healthy cam. but a spring upgrade is a must for any performance build.
Old 07-24-2009, 09:49 AM
  #12  
TECH Resident
iTrader: (28)
 
Petraszewsky's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 895
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post

Default

Yeah I read that awhile back...I purchased a LS3 since the L76 isn't made anymore...I was just wondering if for some reason the L76 flowed better even though the LS3 intake is a newer design...Like does it have the same design problem as the LS2 intake being plastic "welded" toegether and air seeping out...etc....
Old 07-24-2009, 10:24 AM
  #13  
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (2)
 
WKMCD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 3,416
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts

Default

There is no internal design or flow difference between the L76 and the LS3 intake.
Old 07-24-2009, 11:30 PM
  #14  
12 Second Club
iTrader: (72)
 
RyanSws6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 827
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

I bought the LS3 I figure since it its on the vette it can't be bad. I'm also having it ported and even the floor lowered. Should get some decent flow. I hope to get my 500+whp goal.
Old 07-24-2009, 11:36 PM
  #15  
TECH Resident
iTrader: (28)
 
Petraszewsky's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 895
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post

Default

^^^Who's doing your port work??? I think I'm gonna go with Comtech/VMax motorsports....
Old 07-25-2009, 12:28 AM
  #16  
12 Second Club
iTrader: (72)
 
RyanSws6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 827
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Jeremy at fasterproms.net they were recomended by TSP, plus they are in FL so shipping is one day each way. Seems like they've got some decent #s. Time will tell, once I get my heads and on the dyno that will tell the story. They are also going to cut and lower the floor. At least I won't have to jump at the Fast when it comes out...



Quick Reply: LS3 Heads



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:56 PM.