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

How to increase RPM on a stock LS3...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 25, 2014 | 12:55 AM
  #1  
Mr. Sandog's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Veteran
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,662
Likes: 0
From: Sun Diego
Default How to increase RPM on a stock LS3...

Looking at a Chevy SS, and have a few basic questions on how to up the RPMs on a stock LS3 - going from just raising the rev limiter, to upgrading valve train components.

First of all, what can you safely raise the RPM to in a stock LS3? Just by reprogramming the redline...?

Next, for a minimum of outlay, would I be able to just upgrade the springs? If so, which spring(s), and what would be the max RPM I would be looking at as a result, with just a spring upgrade?

That's about the extent of my personal knowledge, so what's next after springs? I remember reading about rod bolts...
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2014 | 01:43 AM
  #2  
COSPEED2's Avatar
LS1Tech Sponsor
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 901
Likes: 0
Default

The engine will not make much power above the stock redline without something to help it breathe and a better tune. You cannot just raise the rev limiter and pray.
The springs are ok and should be good on a brand new car. A tune will likely wake it up alot.
Next up would be exhaust (which we have avail from Kooks) and intakes (likely K&N, Cold Air Inductions, Airaid, etc) then after that I would recommend camshaft. You could put in a camshaft with all stock components and pick up power and RPMs but it would be lacking in quite a few areas.
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2014 | 01:50 AM
  #3  
Mr. Sandog's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Veteran
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,662
Likes: 0
From: Sun Diego
Default

I did not ask about how much power above redline it would make, nor did I ask about a "tune" or "waking up" the car.

I will be going F/I later on. Question is about RPM right now.
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2014 | 01:55 AM
  #4  
COSPEED2's Avatar
LS1Tech Sponsor
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 901
Likes: 0
Default

Anything over stock shouldnt run stock springs. Easy enough?
If you did homework on the LS3s which have been around for quite a while, you would see the normal recommendations for them. HD springs with boost is always a good idea. The rest should be alright if you arent breaking into the engine.
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2014 | 06:10 AM
  #5  
mOtOrHeAd MiKe's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,149
Likes: 62
From: Saskatchewan, Canada - where arguing "DA" is for the slow and weak...
Default

Originally Posted by Mr. Sandog
I did not ask about how much power above redline it would make, nor did I ask about a "tune" or "waking up" the car.

I will be going F/I later on. Question is about RPM right now.
This has to be the dumbest most empty headed post I have seen in a long time. Yes, set the rev limiter to over-9000 and let the big dog eat.... float those valves!

Asking a vague question such as this without context and then shitting on others for providing salient information to both you and the community at large is just ******* sad.
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2014 | 06:31 AM
  #6  
427zm's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 0
From: Georgetown, Tx
Default

Originally Posted by Mr. Sandog
I did not ask about how much power above redline it would make, nor did I ask about a "tune" or "waking up" the car.

I will be going F/I later on. Question is about RPM right now.
Originally Posted by mOtOrHeAd MiKe
This has to be the dumbest most empty headed post I have seen in a long time. Yes, set the rev limiter to over-9000 and let the big dog eat.... float those valves!

Asking a vague question such as this without context and then shitting on others for providing salient information to both you and the community at large is just ******* sad.
Not to mention, OP, to raise the Redline, you will HAVE TO "tune" it! It won't raise on its own. BTW, the stock redline will be 6500, so the limiter should be 67-6800. So bounce it off the limiter if you want, but making no additional power it will only make you slower.

PS: That's was a serious jerk response to Cospeed. He was politely telling you it's a stupid idea when making no more power, all you risk is spinning bearings and floating valves.
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2014 | 08:11 AM
  #7  
BFASTNOTLAST's Avatar
Teching In
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by 427zm
Not to mention, OP, to raise the Redline, you will HAVE TO "tune" it! It won't raise on its own. BTW, the stock redline will be 6500, so the limiter should be 67-6800. So bounce it off the limiter if you want, but making no additional power it will only make you slower.

PS: That's was a serious jerk response to Cospeed. He was politely telling you it's a stupid idea when making no more power, all you risk is spinning bearings and floating valves.
^^^^ There is one of those guy's in every forum. Don't be this guy!
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2014 | 08:46 AM
  #8  
KCS's Avatar
KCS
Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (20)
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,859
Likes: 323
From: Conroe, TX
Default

Originally Posted by Mr. Sandog
I did not ask about how much power above redline it would make, nor did I ask about a "tune" or "waking up" the car.

I will be going F/I later on. Question is about RPM right now.


Yeah dude. Get a spring kit and hardened pushrods, then tune that bad boy to turn 7500RPM.
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-1

Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-5

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-8

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Mar 25, 2014 | 11:17 AM
  #9  
Mr. Sandog's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Veteran
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,662
Likes: 0
From: Sun Diego
Default

Okay, I'll try this again. This is kinda what I am looking for in the way of guidance:

1) If you replace the stock springs with upgraded springs, you can bump the RPMs from 6250 to 6750

2) If you replace the pushrods in addition to the springs, you can bump the RPMs up to 7250

3) If you replace the rod bolts in addition to the springs and pushrods, you can bump the RPMs to 7500
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2014 | 11:38 AM
  #10  
DietCoke's Avatar
10 Second Club
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,869
Likes: 60
From: Richmond Hill, GA
Default

Stock springs/pushrods are fine to 7k - I wouldn't rev past that. Rod bolts aren't the weak link in the LS3 rod, no need to change/replace them until you go to a forged rod (they're cracked rods anyway).

You have to up the limiter in the tune and change limiter source from GMLan to Calibration (tune)
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2014 | 11:43 AM
  #11  
Mr. Sandog's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Veteran
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,662
Likes: 0
From: Sun Diego
Default

Originally Posted by DietCoke
Stock springs/pushrods are fine to 7k - I wouldn't rev past that. Rod bolts aren't the weak link in the LS3 rod, no need to change/replace them until you go to a forged rod (they're cracked rods anyway).
Interesting. So there are no upgrades you are aware of that would allow you to safely go north of 7K? And you are saying that no upgrades are necessary to go to 7K?
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2014 | 11:52 AM
  #12  
DietCoke's Avatar
10 Second Club
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,869
Likes: 60
From: Richmond Hill, GA
Default

Correct. No valve float is present and the rods are fine for that rpm.
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2014 | 11:53 AM
  #13  
1989GTA's Avatar
TECH Junkie
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,092
Likes: 11
Default

"Interesting. So there are no upgrades you are aware of that would allow you to safely go north of 7K? And you are saying that no upgrades are necessary to go to 7K?"

What is your purpose in reving the motor to 7K or more? If it is for more power, than the 2nd post answered your question.
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2014 | 03:14 PM
  #14  
COSPEED2's Avatar
LS1Tech Sponsor
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 901
Likes: 0
Default

He IS talking with boost. And if you are putting enough boost to warrant a 7k or higher redline, then you are either pushing alot of boost, or you will have a cam in the car, which defeats the entire purpose of this thread.
You will notice all the problems you are asking about WITH BOOST and a stock valvetrain above ~6000. The stock pushrods are roughly .080 wall anyway, but the tolerances are junk that is why they are replaced. If you are going to push it above 6500 then a larger pushrod is needed, likely an 11/32 which will take no machining to work.
To say you can push the stock valve train to 7k isnt very accurate nor considerate of the stock components.
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2014 | 07:24 PM
  #15  
DietCoke's Avatar
10 Second Club
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,869
Likes: 60
From: Richmond Hill, GA
Default

Originally Posted by coSPEED2
He IS talking with boost. And if you are putting enough boost to warrant a 7k or higher redline, then you are either pushing alot of boost, or you will have a cam in the car, which defeats the entire purpose of this thread.
You will notice all the problems you are asking about WITH BOOST and a stock valvetrain above ~6000. The stock pushrods are roughly .080 wall anyway, but the tolerances are junk that is why they are replaced. If you are going to push it above 6500 then a larger pushrod is needed, likely an 11/32 which will take no machining to work.
To say you can push the stock valve train to 7k isnt very accurate nor considerate of the stock components.
Every post you make you try to sell someone something. Go back to the for sale forums.
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2014 | 08:23 PM
  #16  
COSPEED2's Avatar
LS1Tech Sponsor
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 901
Likes: 0
Default

I am sorry, what am I trying to sell here? I am giving technical advice.
You were basically trying to sell him a new engine telling him what you did.

I am a SPONSOR. I do sell parts, I do install parts, I do run these parts, and I do give quite a bit of technical info.
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2014 | 08:26 PM
  #17  
KCS's Avatar
KCS
Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (20)
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,859
Likes: 323
From: Conroe, TX
Default

Originally Posted by DietCoke
Every post you make you try to sell someone something. Go back to the for sale forums.
Do you have any idea how much it costs to sponsor this forum? Lol, I wouldn't blame him!
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2014 | 08:49 PM
  #18  
COSPEED's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (331)
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 768
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by DietCoke
Every post you make you try to sell someone something. Go back to the for sale forums.
I did not know this board was owned by you. Kids like you are a dime a dozen. In the end it's "yeah I was just playin around, can you hook me up on this xxxx part?"

He's giving relevant info. If you don't like it, do better, or better yet, pay for our advertising fees and we'll go back to the for sale forums.
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2014 | 12:07 AM
  #19  
ez2cdave's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 651
Likes: 10
From: North Carolina
Default

So, if you want to "wind it up" . . .

(1) Break out your check book

(2) Forged Crank, Rods, and Pistons

(3) New SOLID LIFTER cam and SOLID LIFTERS

(4) Lightweight Valves

(5) New Valve-Springs ( to match your new RPM limit )

(6) 3/8" Chrome-Moly Pushrods

(7) C5R Timing Chain

(8) Larger Fuel Injectors

(9) Strengthen rest of Drivetrain

(10) Re-Think your priorities
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2014 | 12:12 AM
  #20  
COSPEED2's Avatar
LS1Tech Sponsor
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 901
Likes: 0
Default

You have been reading too much Dave. We have this handled.
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:15 PM.

story-0
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-1
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-2
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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-7
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-8
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-9
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