V6 version of the LS6
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Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,285
From: Albany, NY
V6 version of the LS6
THe LS1 and LS6 are great engines. So how come GM hasn't used the LS1 gen III tech to make a V6 version? they did that with the old 350 to make the truck 4.3L V6 and they made the shortstar version of the northstar. The 3800 seems to be stuck at 200HP and the new pushrod 3.5L will also only be 200HP. it seem to me like the best way to break this 200HP pushrod V6 hump would be with an LS6 version. If they made a 4.2L V6 version of the LS6 in theory it should put out about 3/4 the HP of the LS6 which would be 300HP!! how sweet would this motor be for a base engine in the 5th gen, Grand Prix/Am, or Monte SS
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 681
From: Houston, TX USA
Too much vibration, or there would have to be a power-robbing balance shaft. I imagine the HFV6 and really even the high-value V6 could be more easily made to put out more power. If they ever figure out how to make a four-valve 3.4L again, maybe they can start another generation of High Output High Value V6s.
In any case, I don't see an LS0.75 being produced.
In any case, I don't see an LS0.75 being produced.
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 8,504
From: Ohio
I had the 4.3 V6 in my 97 S10 ZR2... I have the 3.8 V6 in my 2002 Monte Carlo SS
I'd have to say I perfer the 3800 in every regard.
It has 20 more HP, is smoother, quiter, more fuel efficient... it wins hands down.
That doesn't mean something better can't be made though.
I'd have to say I perfer the 3800 in every regard.
It has 20 more HP, is smoother, quiter, more fuel efficient... it wins hands down.
That doesn't mean something better can't be made though.
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 16,176
From: Chicagoland IL
There were some rumors afew years ago that a V6 might be built off the GENIII smallblock architecture.
I guess it comes down to how many different V6's you want to have in your catalog.
-The HV V6 ...which is essentially a revised current 60* V6
-The HF V6 family
-The 90* 3800.
The 3800 may be on it's ninth life...but it keeps hanging on. As long as this motor is around..I really don't see the justification for a 3/4 LS1. The 3800 still has P*L*E*N*T*Y of development potential IF GM Powertrain were willing to spend the money.
New heads, aluminum block, DOD, direct injection, etc.
Supposedly a HF high torque version will replace the old 3800....but of course, we've heard all that before.
I guess it comes down to how many different V6's you want to have in your catalog.
-The HV V6 ...which is essentially a revised current 60* V6
-The HF V6 family
-The 90* 3800.
The 3800 may be on it's ninth life...but it keeps hanging on. As long as this motor is around..I really don't see the justification for a 3/4 LS1. The 3800 still has P*L*E*N*T*Y of development potential IF GM Powertrain were willing to spend the money.
New heads, aluminum block, DOD, direct injection, etc.
Supposedly a HF high torque version will replace the old 3800....but of course, we've heard all that before.
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 412
From: SAY Town
At a HP per Cubic inch ratio of 0.94:1 (that of a '98-00 LS1) a 3.8L would make 217 horsepower.
Built like an '01-02 LS1 it would make 254 horses.
Built to the specs of a Z06 engine, the 3800 would produce 270 naturally aspirated Horsepower.
Combined with the superlight weight of an all aluminum V6, and 270 horsepower (stock LT1 made 275) a V6 Camaro would run into the high 13's in the quarter with a posi-3.23 rear and a pair of 275's!
More than anything, GM wouldn't do it because of the cost vs the demand. The iron block 3.8L works. Tried and true. It puts out enough horsepower and torque to make most any GM sedan feel 'sporty' and that is enough to make the sales.
Which I can appreciate, but I think simillar to you. If the LS1 is so great, make a six, and sell that to the masses and make that your new 'majority' engine. Everyone would love it!
As done on the GTP and Regal, hypothetically if you built a factory produced supercharged LS family 3.8L it would make a legitimate 318 to 338 horsepower. And in hot trim would belt out
405 horsepower. Now THATS a ZO6!!!
Hot Rod Magazine did a story in Octobers' edition on a Vortec Supercharged 4.3L V6 that kicked out 501 HP and 434 Ft-lbs. at 12 PSI.
If you start thinking about older 3.8L's, particularly the Forced induction versions. The GNX was making 270 horsepower and 360 ft-lbs of torque. And I've seen then heavily modified to produce over 800 horses at the rear wheels. But that's not really practical.
Needless to say if BMW can build a 333 horse six. GM has a lot of room for improvement.
Built like an '01-02 LS1 it would make 254 horses.
Built to the specs of a Z06 engine, the 3800 would produce 270 naturally aspirated Horsepower.
Combined with the superlight weight of an all aluminum V6, and 270 horsepower (stock LT1 made 275) a V6 Camaro would run into the high 13's in the quarter with a posi-3.23 rear and a pair of 275's!
More than anything, GM wouldn't do it because of the cost vs the demand. The iron block 3.8L works. Tried and true. It puts out enough horsepower and torque to make most any GM sedan feel 'sporty' and that is enough to make the sales.
Which I can appreciate, but I think simillar to you. If the LS1 is so great, make a six, and sell that to the masses and make that your new 'majority' engine. Everyone would love it!
As done on the GTP and Regal, hypothetically if you built a factory produced supercharged LS family 3.8L it would make a legitimate 318 to 338 horsepower. And in hot trim would belt out
405 horsepower. Now THATS a ZO6!!!
Hot Rod Magazine did a story in Octobers' edition on a Vortec Supercharged 4.3L V6 that kicked out 501 HP and 434 Ft-lbs. at 12 PSI.
If you start thinking about older 3.8L's, particularly the Forced induction versions. The GNX was making 270 horsepower and 360 ft-lbs of torque. And I've seen then heavily modified to produce over 800 horses at the rear wheels. But that's not really practical.
Needless to say if BMW can build a 333 horse six. GM has a lot of room for improvement.
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 499
From: Raleigh, NC
It'd not only be more expensive, but I bet everyone doesnt want to put premium gas in every V6 car that Chevy offers.
I think GM would be better off developing OHC motors with variable valve timing. Look at honda for example. No one really does it better than them. They mass produce small displacement 4 and 6 cylinders that put out good numbers.
I think GM would be better off developing OHC motors with variable valve timing. Look at honda for example. No one really does it better than them. They mass produce small displacement 4 and 6 cylinders that put out good numbers.
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