ls3 upgrades - Lateral-g Forums

mikeextrafast · #1 12-25-2013, 01:25 PM

Getting ready to take the ls3 plunge,However i want a little more hp. I am wanting to do a set of ported heads and a small cam ... What would be the best way to go with this? Buy a new crate engine and put the new heads on and sell the stock ones? have a complete engine built?? Any other ideas? looking for the most cost effective way

**WSSix** · #2 12-25-2013, 01:39 PM

You may find the LS3 crate engine from GM your best bet if you haven't bought anything yet. I'm referring to the 500 something horsepower model.

If you decide on a different path, the stock LS3 heads support a good deal of power. No need to go aftermarket typically. Not sure on costs but you may also find fully ported LS3 heads well within your budget. Or simply have your stock heads ported on the exhaust side to potentially save even more money and make good gains.

RdHuggr68 · #3 12-25-2013, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeextrafast

Getting ready to take the ls3 plunge,However i want a little more hp. I am wanting to do a set of ported heads and a small cam ... What would be the best way to go with this? Buy a new crate engine and put the new heads on and sell the stock ones? have a complete engine built?? Any other ideas? looking for the most cost effective way

Mast Motorsports sells a combo kit, cam and heads suppose to be a sweet setup!If you have the funds.

**Rybar** · #4 12-25-2013, 08:29 PM

My buddy made 499 rwhp and 463 rwtq with a Mild cam and otherwise stock dry sump LS3 in his Grand Sport C6 corvette. I would look into the same cam he has its from Geoff at Engine Power Systems (EPS)

http://www.engpwrsys.com

71RS/SS396 · #5 12-26-2013, 05:03 PM

I wouldn't spend the money on porting the LS3 heads you won't see a huge gain, I would use that money for trunnion mods to the rocker arms, better retainers, and springs.

**WSSix** · #6 12-29-2013, 02:58 PM

The crate motor I was thinking of is this one https://sdparts.com/details/chevrole...mance/19301360

fishface · #7 12-29-2013, 08:49 PM

I will be looking for.pretty much the same with good.idle and driveability. I am planning on a.stock ls3 with a Katech Torquer cam and springs and trunion upgrade. With headers and tune hoping to be between 480-500 hp.

Firebirdsteve · #8 12-30-2013, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WSSix

The crate motor I was thinking of is this one https://sdparts.com/details/chevrole...mance/19301360

I have this....you wouldn't be disappointed!!!

gnx7 · #9 02-07-2014, 12:20 PM

I would look for a take out LS7 and do a cam/dual spring swap and upgrade exhaust valves to s/s if they haven't been done already. 50+ cubic inches with a medium size cam will paint a big smile on your face and have 50rwtq+ over an LS3.

Probably won't cost much more than an LS3 with upgrades.