Want more power from your LS3 SS?

I've been preaching for the last few months that anyone who wants a more focused, original Z/28-style Camaro should buy an SS and do a mild cam swap, some weight reduction, and suspension mods and call it a day. When modified this way, the LS3 makes LS7-level horsepower and torque.

The following video is pretty impressive, to say the least. It's an '08 LS3 C6, with nothing more than a CAI and a cam swap. I don't know the specs on the cam, but judging by the sound of the car at idle, it sounds pretty tame.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VwDPEXkQYE

That's 498 RWHP and 457 RWTQ. From a cam swap. With 3.90 gears. That's far above the LS7's output, and will definitely put a smile on your face if you mash your right foot to the floor.

Yep the LS3 is extremely responsive to mods. I've seen 475 rwhp + with just bolt-ons and tuning. And the LS3 sounds damn good too. :cool:

Or GM could offer it as an rpo code that combines a more aggressive cam with a 1le package a few other tidbits. :)

Or GM could offer it as an rpo code that combines a more aggressive cam with a 1le package a few other tidbits. :)

That would be nice, but it's probably just wishful thinking.

No exhaust work? Sounded pretty loud.

Awesome to see the LSx continue to pack on power with each motor. They better though with the ever increasing weight of the cars.

Evolution of teh LSx.(feel free to modify)

.......stock.......boltons....cam
LS1: 300-320 . 340-360 . 380-420
LS2: 340-360 . 380-400 . 430-450
LS6: 340-360 . 380-400 . 440-460
LS3: 380-400 . 430-450 . 480-500
LS7: 420-440 . 460-480 . 530-570

Can't wait to see what the Gen V's do. ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40-smkr7Ijk

Although the coupe kept jumping it looks like a cammed LS3 does well against a LS7.

I've been eyeing the LS376 from GM as a crate for my 4th gen. Would be a nice motor to start with.

Just a cam swap on an LS3 and it puts out "480 hp". Looking at the power band it looks like the horsepower is available earlier along with the torque and it idles like stock.

http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/EngineShowcase/index.jsp?engId=LS376480&engine=LS%20376/480&sku=19171224&engCat=ls

http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/EngineShowcase/tech_specs.jsp?engId=LS376480&engine=LS%20376/480&sku=19171224&engCat=ls

No exhaust work? Sounded pretty loud.


The car probably has the dual mode exhaust that was available starting in '08.

The car probably has the dual mode exhaust that was available starting in '08.

I also forgot how high they rev now, who woulda thought 7k RPM small blocks being the solution to everything.

I for one am expecting some serious power from the LS3 in just stock trim. With it now in the hands of the Camaro buyers at that price point the LS3 aftermarket development will take off. It's crazy to think that and NA SBC now puts out a healthy 422-436 hp and can get to near 500 with basic performance upgrades.

Lets hope the LS3 has enough grunt to offset the increase in weight the Camaro is not set with. I think it will.

I for one am expecting some serious power from the LS3 in just stock trim. With it now in the hands of the Camaro buyers at that price point the LS3 aftermarket development will take off. It's crazy to think that and NA SBC now puts out a healthy 422-436 hp and can get to near 500 with basic performance upgrades.

Lets hope the LS3 has enough grunt to offset the increase in weight the Camaro is not set with. I think it will.
small blocks have been putting out that much for YEARS now.

I've been preaching for the last few months that anyone who wants a more focused, original Z/28-style Camaro should buy an SS and do a mild cam swap, some weight reduction, and suspension mods and call it a day. When modified this way, the LS3 makes LS7-level horsepower and torque.

The following video is pretty impressive, to say the least. It's an '08 LS3 C6, with nothing more than a CAI and a cam swap. I don't know the specs on the cam, but judging by the sound of the car at idle, it sounds pretty tame.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VwDPEXkQYE

That's 498 RWHP and 457 RWTQ. From a cam swap. With 3.90 gears. That's far above the LS7's output, and will definitely put a smile on your face if you mash your right foot to the floor.I've seen the posts about this car. This vette is a "cam only" which means cam and supporting mods. Still very impressive and shows the potential of the LS3 and what it can do in the camaro SS.

A buddy of mine has an LS3 in this vette with 600RWHP from a supercharger and a few other tricks, tunes etc. I drove the car a few weeks ago and it scared the hellout of me. The LS3 has tons of potential.

I've also been doing some research on LS3 performance and it throws really sexy numbers with little investment. Make that baby breathe better, add a cam, and it's gonna scream.

I would really love to see a turbo kit put together. My Cobalt's supercharged... now it's time for a turbo. I'd be more than willing to lighten the valvetrain up, drop in some forged pistons/rods (is the LS3 crank forged?), and set up some good boost on my LS3 a couple years after I take delivery of my SS.

small blocks have been putting out that much for YEARS now.

In production trim...

Will a cam void the warranty? Say the LS3 Hotcam for instance???

Thanks