Built LS3 - use Warren PCM & cable throttle or DBW setup??

[andrewb70]

Originally Posted by Nativefx

Hi Andrew, I appreciate your input and you have been a great help even earlier on when I was thinking about buying a used "refreshed" motor. Once I decided to go with a new motor I have been doing a lot of research and considering the GM crate motors and other options. In the end, I guess it's never "enough", so I wanted something a little more custom. If I was going to run a different cam, even a different GM cam, it would have voided any warranty which kind of tilted me towards a custom motor.

Thompson Motorsports seems to have a great reputation not only for the product they sell but also for taking care of any issues should they come up. This set-up comes with a 24 month unlimited mileage warranty, which Kyle was kind enough to work with me on. As I mentioned, I do have the option for DBW, which I believe he said would come with a GM E38PCM to go along with a a 58x reluctor. The harness is custom made, but i'm not sure who they are using but he did say it is farmed out.

I've just seen too many people choose "custom" this "custom" that and in the end be unsatisfied because their car doesn't run right. I know that it is tempting to get the biggest, baddest combination that you think you can afford, but in my experience, less can be more.

If you want a little extra power, choose the LS3/525 and the matching GM harness and ECU. That cam is gentle on valve train parts, sounds great, and has an excellent torque curve. You'll save a bunch of money, and have an engine that makes more power than the average person can handle.

Or...for that same (roughly) money as that "custom" LS3, I would do a LSA. Again, with the GM ECU and harness.

That's just my 2 cents on the subject.

Andrew