LS2 LS3 combo questions
08-18-2014, 05:23 PM
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LS2 LS3 combo questions Hey guys,
Spent some time searching the site but I couldn't really find my answer.
So I picked up a new crate engine some time ago and I stripped it down to see exactly what I'm dealing with. So from what I can see its a LS2 block, 54tooth reluctor wheel. LS3 heads but single bolt cam, so LS3 as well?
It's all brand spanking new to.
Any ideas exactly what this is and if it is actually a crate motor or has been built?
What heads gaskets will I need, I'm assuming ls3?
In the near future I want to put the most aggressive cam I can into it, it's in a drift car, is there anyone that can spec a cam for my application and use?
Appreciate any help, hopefully I haven't asked a question that's been asked a bunch.
Cheers
Spent some time searching the site but I couldn't really find my answer.
So I picked up a new crate engine some time ago and I stripped it down to see exactly what I'm dealing with. So from what I can see its a LS2 block, 54tooth reluctor wheel. LS3 heads but single bolt cam, so LS3 as well?
It's all brand spanking new to.
Any ideas exactly what this is and if it is actually a crate motor or has been built?
What heads gaskets will I need, I'm assuming ls3?
In the near future I want to put the most aggressive cam I can into it, it's in a drift car, is there anyone that can spec a cam for my application and use?
Appreciate any help, hopefully I haven't asked a question that's been asked a bunch.
Cheers
08-18-2014, 09:45 PM
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If it is a crate L76, you should have DOD. If your valley cover has oil passages like this one that's what you got. Also your 1/2 your lifters should be different when you look in the tray.
If your crate engine was not a GM crate it could very easily be a LS2 (or DOD deleted L76) block that has LS3 heads on it. (L76 and LS3 heads/intake are identical - valves are different though) assuming the block is stamped 6.0. (6.2 = LS3) (6.2 DOD = L99)
No one is going to want to spec a max effort cam - especially if you don't know your engine specs. Nor should you believe them. Its just asking for bent valves. Call your cam manufacturer of choice when you figure out what you have and they will happily help you or direct you to someone reputable. Same goes for your head gasket - decide the route you want to go with your engine and cam first. All LS3 L76 cams are 1 bolt from the factory.
Like redtan said the casting number will answer your questions -or at least how your block started life.
If your crate engine was not a GM crate it could very easily be a LS2 (or DOD deleted L76) block that has LS3 heads on it. (L76 and LS3 heads/intake are identical - valves are different though) assuming the block is stamped 6.0. (6.2 = LS3) (6.2 DOD = L99)
No one is going to want to spec a max effort cam - especially if you don't know your engine specs. Nor should you believe them. Its just asking for bent valves. Call your cam manufacturer of choice when you figure out what you have and they will happily help you or direct you to someone reputable. Same goes for your head gasket - decide the route you want to go with your engine and cam first. All LS3 L76 cams are 1 bolt from the factory.
Like redtan said the casting number will answer your questions -or at least how your block started life.
08-19-2014, 06:45 AM
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I'll get some part numbers ASAP, block is at a friends at the moment but for sure it says 6.0 on it and heads are 0821
Yes that valley cover looks similar, it had a load of delco sensors on the underside, assuming it's the DOD system. When you say the lifters are different, some of them are straight and others have a 'kink' in them? I just put the valley cover from my old LS2 onto it...
If this is a l76 block and ls3 heads I'm guessing the power output isn't the same compared to a ls2 block and ls3 heads? I have an ls2 block in the garage.. Might use that instead
Yes that valley cover looks similar, it had a load of delco sensors on the underside, assuming it's the DOD system. When you say the lifters are different, some of them are straight and others have a 'kink' in them? I just put the valley cover from my old LS2 onto it...
If this is a l76 block and ls3 heads I'm guessing the power output isn't the same compared to a ls2 block and ls3 heads? I have an ls2 block in the garage.. Might use that instead
Last edited by -jamie-; 08-19-2014 at 09:15 AM.
08-19-2014, 08:13 AM
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Bit more searching leads me to believe the L76 is a ls2 bottom end, L98 heads but with the DOD bullshit Therefore the cam is specific to the DOD system. Now I have stock LS2 valve train in the garage (cam, timing gear, rockers etc). So if I put the ls2 cam and rockers into it and use the stock ls2 valley cover I should effectively have an ls2 bottom end (although 54tooth wheel) with l98 heads
The only thing I noticed was some people are saying the compression is different on the L76, or is that only for the truck version with concaved shaped pistons?
If this is the case would I be better of putting the crank/pistons from the l76 in my ls2 block, use the ls2 valve train and l76 heads and intake? Or just skim the heads .30 while they are of and stick with the 'l76' bottom end?
It's like a bloody puzzle
The only thing I noticed was some people are saying the compression is different on the L76, or is that only for the truck version with concaved shaped pistons?
If this is the case would I be better of putting the crank/pistons from the l76 in my ls2 block, use the ls2 valve train and l76 heads and intake? Or just skim the heads .30 while they are of and stick with the 'l76' bottom end?
It's like a bloody puzzle
Last edited by -jamie-; 08-19-2014 at 02:37 PM.
08-19-2014, 03:05 PM
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Sounds like you have a L76 plain and simple. Your ls2 valves won't work in the ls3 head. Valley cover will work.
If I were you, I would buy a DoD delete kit and a cam and call it a day. Get Ls3 valves if you want a lighter valve train. Look on the grrrr8 .net board on what people have achieved in g8 gt with the l76.
If I were you, I would buy a DoD delete kit and a cam and call it a day. Get Ls3 valves if you want a lighter valve train. Look on the grrrr8 .net board on what people have achieved in g8 gt with the l76.
08-19-2014, 04:57 PM
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Sounds like you have a L76 plain and simple. Your ls2 valves won't work in the ls3 head. Valley cover will work.
If I were you, I would buy a DoD delete kit and a cam and call it a day. Get Ls3 valves if you want a lighter valve train. Look on the grrrr8 .net board on what people have achieved in g8 gt with the l76.
If I were you, I would buy a DoD delete kit and a cam and call it a day. Get Ls3 valves if you want a lighter valve train. Look on the grrrr8 .net board on what people have achieved in g8 gt with the l76.
I'll take a look, thanks man
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08-19-2014, 07:12 PM
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Intake rockers are offset. 10.4 to 1 compression in the L76, I just finished building one around 6 months ago. You will be limited on cam choices, if you milled your heads .30 you really limit yourself.
I did not mill mine and am running a 231/242 duration 603/605 lift 113 lobe sep cam with no problems.
I did not mill mine and am running a 231/242 duration 603/605 lift 113 lobe sep cam with no problems.
