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

[Vega$69]

Originally Posted by andrewb70

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

X2

I ran a built LS7 in my last 69 approx 640 HP with a T56

My new car is an LS3/525 with a T56 Magnum F9 with 3.70 and 335/30/18s

It runs better on the street at lower rpm (taking off from stops and cruising) then the LS7 with the big cam and honestly feels just as strong.

Plug and play with the GM Performance and ECM.

I just added a Holley Mid Rise intake more for looks then power.

[TomM]

Makes it a little clearer now. For what you describe as your use, and to echo what Andrew said, try to stay with the GM parts. The E38 is a good ECM, and can be found anywhere at a dealer or online should a replacement be needed. The 58X with a MAF and IAT combo is much "friendlier" as it were, for street driving and occasional track use, and the part throttle driving experience is very linear. Speed density is an option with just about any setup, but no real need for speed density for what you are doing....IMO...

Sounds like you have a good plan and are using some quality parts in your build...keep us posted...

T,

[andrewb70]

Originally Posted by TomM

Makes it a little clearer now. For what you describe as your use, and to echo what Andrew said, try to stay with the GM parts. The E38 is a good ECM, and can be found anywhere at a dealer or online should a replacement be needed. The 58X with a MAF and IAT combo is much "friendlier" as it were, for street driving and occasional track use, and the part throttle driving experience is very linear. Speed density is an option with just about any setup, but no real need for speed density for what you are doing....IMO...

Sounds like you have a good plan and are using some quality parts in your build...keep us posted...

T,

To clarify, the GM ECU and harness kits come with the E67 ECU, which more advanced than the E38.

Andrew

[Vega$69]

Originally Posted by andrewb70

To clarify, the GM ECU and harness kits come with the E67 ECU, which more advanced than the E38.

Andrew

GM Performace E67. PSI and others use the E38 as well