I'm in the middle of the latest project for the SS - adding an LSA Supercharger! I will be updating this thread with the latest updates from the install.
I picked up this LSA blower for really cheap - all that it needs is a new isolator coupler.
This blower is the start of a budget build for my SS - I'll be using a mix of new/used parts.
My goal is to have an affordable supercharged cruiser.
This supercharger came off of a Camaro ZL1 - the original owner had complained about the supercharger being noisy. So GM removed the blower and replaced it - without tearing down this one.
All that was wrong with this supercharger is the isolator coupler inside of the blower.
After replacing the coupler - it will be good as new!
I also picked up a new ZL1 lid for the LSA swap for Summit Racing. I wish I had gotten it a few years ago as the price almost doubled for the swap.
I am going to break down the lid and send the coolant intake manifold out to be modified.
Once the manifold gets back - it will have two -12 AN fittings tig welded to it.
I plan on running -12 AN lines for the coolant system and get rid of the ugly GM plastic piping.
Now for some pics:
Below are my latest Youtube videos showing the latest project progress:
The next step in Supercharging the SS - is to reassemble the ZL1 lid. I tore the lid down previously to send the intercooler coolant manifold out to get modified. I sent the manifold out to a shop to have two -12 AN fittings Tig welded to it - that way I could use the AN fittings and lines for the intercooler coolant system.
I did not want to use the stock GM plastic pieces - they will get brittle over time - and look terrible.
To help the manifold blend in with the rest of the ZL1 setup - I cleaned up the manifold after I got it back from the shop - and primed/painted it. This way the AN fittings, the manifold itself, and the ZL1 lid are all black.
After everything dried - I fully assembled the manifold, the AN fittings, and put the intercooler brick back inside of the ZL1 lid.
Parts Used:
ZL1 Lid - 12622236
-12AN Fragola 90* Fittings: FRA-229012-BL
In order to start the LSA install - I first need to start preparing the blower.
I removed the factory ZL1 boost control solenoid - this sensor is not used in the SS application. It needs to be unplugged, the vaccum port tubes attached to it need to be removed as well. Take out the 10mm bolt - and your are good to go.
I also readjusted the boost control valve inside the supercharger. By loosening the 2 10mm bolts on the outside of the blower - and angling the valve assembled toward the firewall - this ensures that the valve is fully closed. By fully closing the boost bypass valve - you will gain up to an extra 1.5 PSI which will be good an additional 15 whp or so.
I also identified what ports need to be plugged - and which way to route the vaccum ports connecting the blower bypass valve - the supercharger - and the blower snout.
I also installed the fuel evap sensor on the front of the blower - and tightened it down with the 10mm bolt.
The next part of my install - was prepping and painting the LSA/LS9 valve covers.
I had used a set of Holley LS valve covers on my E-Force install on the Corvette - and I had nothing but issues with them.
I had PCV/oiling issues since the E-Force eliminated the valley port vent - and made you use the drivers side rear port vent for the new PCV routing.
This lead to a lot of oil getting sucked up through the Holley valve cover - and went straight into the blower. The Holleys did not have a built in check valve - and this contributed to the oiling issue.
The Holley Valve covers also leaked oil out of the center bolt holes - as well as the perimeter gaskets as well.
This lead me to return the Holleys and go with the LSA/LS9 valve covers.
I prepped and painted the valve covers - and added a check valve/catch can on the Corvette and this solved all of my pcv/oiling issues.
Since I did not want to repeat/have any of those issues on the SS - I bought another set of LSA/LS9 valve covers.
I tore the new valve covers down, cleaned up the outer surface - and then painted them with VHT Engine primer and then VHT GM Flat Black Engine Paint.
It took 3 coats of primer - 2 light coats, 1 heavy coat and I was ready to paint. It took 3 coats of base - again 2 light and 1 heavy coat.
I begin the tear down by removing the factory LS3 intake, LS3 fuel rail/injectors - and TB. This didn't take too long as you really only need one special tool - the fuel line quick disconnect tool - and a set of sockets and ratchets to remove the fuel rail, tb, and the intake manifold itself.
Then I started with the lower blower housing - installed the bolts and torqued to spec.
Then I installed the ZL1 lid/intercooler housing - and torqued to spec.
I finished off the day by installing the fuel injectors, fuel rail, brake booster vacuum hose, TB, and the fuel evap purge solenoid.
When I started out - I only meant to mock up the blower itself - but in the end I almost finished up the entire install!
To continue with the blower install - I installed the STG Motorsports custom front heat exchanger.
I was originally going to go with the ZL1 heat exchanger - and it would have bolted up with some custom bracing - I would have had to move a bunch of sh*t to get it to work.
I would have had to move the transmission cooler - as well as move the windshield tank container.
I installed the CTS-V style intercooler pump - as well as ran the Magnuson IC pump wiring harness.
I installed the LSA front accessory drive - this includes the LSA crank pulley, LSA idler bracket, and the LSA tensioner.
I also pinned the LSA crank pulley - and installed an ARP crank bolt/LSA supercharger belt.
I installed an Elite Engineering Catch can on my LSA Supercharged SS.
The install is pretty straight forward - I had to cut the lines to the length that I needed, then assemble the AN fittings - and tighten everything down.
The catch can intstalls between the Blower and the Valley vent tube.
This catch can should help catch any oil coming from the engine and going back into the system by being trapped before the blower snout.
I also instaledl the PCV system - using the ZL1 PCV tube - I connected the drivers rear port, the passenger front port - and connect to the intake tube.
I added a check valve - and plugged this into the 90* Spectre intake hose before the throttlebody. I then plugged in the ZL1 PCV tube into the check valve.
I also fired up the car for the first time! Sort of - the car won't hold an idle with the bigger injectors, new MAP sensor, as well as the Corvette style MAF sensor.
For more info on the catch can - please watch my video below:
For more info on the PCV system - please watch my video below:
Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
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