Generation IV Internal Engine 2005-2014 LS2 | LS3 | LS7 | L92 | LS9

ls7 with ls3 top end

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 4, 2013 | 08:57 PM
  #1  
zamora7's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 623
Likes: 5
From: Eeerrrwhere south, tx
Default ls7 with ls3 top end

Anyone done this? I'm looking to get reliability out of my ls7 with all these valve guides issues going around. Do they bolt right in without modifications or do they need to be reworked? Most likely custom length pushrod length but what about rockers, stock ls3? Most likely performance will be lost n/a bit I plan on adding boost. All help is appreciated
Reply
Old Oct 4, 2013 | 09:29 PM
  #2  
Tainted's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,425
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis
Default

get better heads with some quality valvetrain
Reply
Old Oct 4, 2013 | 09:52 PM
  #3  
Skypilot797's Avatar
Teching In
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by zamora7
Anyone done this? I'm looking to get reliability out of my ls7 with all these valve guides issues going around. Do they bolt right in without modifications or do they need to be reworked? Most likely custom length pushrod length but what about rockers, stock ls3? Most likely performance will be lost n/a bit I plan on adding boost. All help is appreciated
I did this. I used a new LS 7 short block RTA with Callies crank, comp star rods and wiseco pistons. Made 550 rwhp and 510 rwtq on a 239/251 cam using LS 3 heads and ls3 intake/ ls3 rockers.

I just switched over to ported LS 7 heads and a ported LS 7 intake. It appeared I made more power above 4500 rpm, but lost hp/torque under 4500 rpm. But waiting now for a better dyno day as when I dynoed it was very high on humidity/temp and they couldn't get the right factors set in.

On GM performance, they used LS 3 heads on a LS 7 short block, then bolted on a LS 9 supercharger and made over 800 at the crank. The LS 3 heads can use 1 3/4 inch headers, the LS 7 heads ported can use 1 3/4 but the its better with 1 7/8 inch.
Reply
Old Oct 4, 2013 | 10:24 PM
  #4  
zamora7's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 623
Likes: 5
From: Eeerrrwhere south, tx
Default

Originally Posted by Skypilot797
I did this. I used a new LS 7 short block RTA with Callies crank, comp star rods and wiseco pistons. Made 550 rwhp and 510 rwtq on a 239/251 cam using LS 3 heads and ls3 intake/ ls3 rockers.

I just switched over to ported LS 7 heads and a ported LS 7 intake. It appeared I made more power above 4500 rpm, but lost hp/torque under 4500 rpm. But waiting now for a better dyno day as when I dynoed it was very high on humidity/temp and they couldn't get the right factors set in.

On GM performance, they used LS 3 heads on a LS 7 short block, then bolted on a LS 9 supercharger and made over 800 at the crank. The LS 3 heads can use 1 3/4 inch headers, the LS 7 heads ported can use 1 3/4 but the its better with 1 7/8 inch.
Sweet, thanks for the info. So ls3 heads with stock ls3 rockers, ls7 lifters in assuming week work.
Did you use ls7 head gaskets? What about pushrods?
Reply
Old Oct 4, 2013 | 10:25 PM
  #5  
zamora7's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 623
Likes: 5
From: Eeerrrwhere south, tx
Default

Originally Posted by Tainted
get better heads with some quality valvetrain
I did, I got prc 265, six bolt heads. Not interested in using them.
Reply
Old Oct 4, 2013 | 10:31 PM
  #6  
Skypilot797's Avatar
Teching In
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Default

Yes, LS 7 lifters work. LS 7 head gaskets along with all the accessories off my LS 6. Wiring harnesses for the sensors and MAP. LS 7 MAP is front and same on the LS 3. Remember LS 3 fuel rail is different than LS 7 fuel rail. Had to relocate knock senors. Spliced the map wiring as it was in the rear on my LS 6 manifold. Injectors are the same LS7/LS3. Yes, different push rod lengths for the LS 3 and the LS 7.

Call maybe some of the vendors or Texas Speed and ask for John, he was a big help and has done this before.

Last edited by Skypilot797; Oct 4, 2013 at 10:48 PM.
Reply
Old Oct 4, 2013 | 11:53 PM
  #7  
zamora7's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 623
Likes: 5
From: Eeerrrwhere south, tx
Default

Awesome thanks for your help. I wonder if the map sensors from ls7 to ls3 are different. Did you use stock heads or aftermarket casting such as prc, mast, etc
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:54 AM.

story-0
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-1
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-2
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-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE