The LS3 and boost...

CALL911 · 06-06-2009, 01:33 PM

Forgive the lack of knowledge on this one, but help educate me here.

How will the LS3 hold up to boost? I know it is a higher CR engine, probably with non-forged internals. But what all would it take to make the LS3 completly boost friendly (and by boost friendly, I mean built to withstand a good 15-20#'s of boost on a regular basis either via a blower or turbo).

This is really more for learning on my part here than anything since to my knowledge there is no supercharger kit available yet (although I am confident it is only a matter of short time), and a turbo kit is even further out on the horizon.

91Z28350 · 06-06-2009, 06:59 PM

Magnusson's are already available, Techno is building a twin screw (supposedly around June/July delivery) Vortech is end of June delivery and I heard Edelbrock is making one as well. Lingenfelter, SLP and Hennessey already have demo SC'd Camaros, and Lingenfelter and Hennessey have plans for twin turbo Camaro's, so they are out there, just not many actually upgraded yet.

AS far as that high of boost, not really sure. Maybe an iron block LSX, with fully forged internals.

CALL911 · 06-06-2009, 08:01 PM

I wasn't really interested in options as far as the FI model goes. I am more interested in the aftermarket LS3 or L99 and how it would handle boost, or more specifically, what needs to be done to it in order to handle a moderate to high amount of boost? Rods? Different pistons ect?

JasonD · 06-07-2009, 07:57 AM

I am definitively interested as well.

2010_5thgen · 06-09-2009, 08:30 AM

why would you want to run 20lbs of boost every day? thats just NUTS. superchargers typically run 6-8lbs on a regular basis. turbos, obviously can run more boost but 20 is still quite alot for a turbo every day. i would say a safe 6 on a supercharger and 8-10 on a turbo.

supernova1972 · 06-09-2009, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2010_5thgen

why would you want to run 20lbs of boost every day? thats just NUTS. superchargers typically run 6-8lbs on a regular basis. turbos, obviously can run more boost but 20 is still quite alot for a turbo every day. i would say a safe 6 on a supercharger and 8-10 on a turbo.

He didnt say daily he said regularly, and seeing he has a 600+whp boosted lt1 id say he wants 800+ out of his ls3 if he gets one.

CALL911 · 06-09-2009, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2010_5thgen

why would you want to run 20lbs of boost every day? thats just NUTS. superchargers typically run 6-8lbs on a regular basis. turbos, obviously can run more boost but 20 is still quite alot for a turbo every day. i would say a safe 6 on a supercharger and 8-10 on a turbo.

Quote:

Originally Posted by supernova1972

He didnt say daily he said regularly, and seeing he has a 600+whp boosted lt1 id say he wants 800+ out of his ls3 if he gets one.

That would be correct. Just because some run low boost for their applications does not mean I want to. IMO, if you are going to set the car up to handle boost, and spend that kind of money and put forth that effort, only running light boost (under 10#'s), is a waste.

If I did this, I would want to have it be able to consistantly take the abuse that 15-20#'s of boost would put it through on a consistant basis. That doesn't mean I will rap it up to 20#'s of boost every day, but I am one to build the car so that it will handle boost. Not put boost on something it was not meant for and awaite the enevitable as some do.

The answer to my original question from my other findings seem to be; billet main caps, rods and pistons with good rings, head studs, etc. After swapping those out, the engine should take the abuse.

steven.collins · 07-02-2009, 02:43 PM

What I read on the LS3 is that it has the same Block thickness and very similar other characteristics as the LS9, just minus the horsepower. This block will flat out be able to take a beating and keep on going with the SS model. I'd defininely talk to a smart mechanic though if you are going to crank up 100 or more HPs on it though.

SSCamaro99_3 · 07-02-2009, 04:41 PM

Just on the mechanical end. All new crank, rods, pistons, cam (not for durability, but to maximize the package - pushrods and valve springs.), and a drop in compression ratio. From there programming and driveline upgrades.

That Camaro Guy · 08-08-2009, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CALL911

or more specifically, what needs to be done to it in order to handle a moderate to high amount of boost? Rods? Different pistons ect?

Interesting article on improvements of the LS3 over the previous generations:
http://www.camarohomepage.com/ls3/

From what I gather, lower compression pistons with the stock crank and rods would hold 10-15 PSI just fine all else being equal. If you were to slap on ported heads and a large blower cam, 10-15 PSI would be asking for trouble IMO. Remember boost is a measure of resistance and varies with temperature.

570hp-lpe · 08-19-2009, 10:18 AM

My Camaro is going to Lingenfelter for their 570hp (engine) TVS2300 S/C kit.

I get a 3 yr 36K mile warranty... That's why I had them do it instead of me doing it. Boost is set at 6 lbs.

You will need to change the pistons and rods (at least) to forged components to run more boost. Not sure what else you need to run 20 LBS of boost though... sounds like a LOT!