RaleighSS

So help me out here ... I was looking to start a build this Jan on a 383 LS6 to swap into my C5 Z .... but then I ran across this LS376/525 HP CrateEngine from GM performance with a 24 Month 50K mile warranty. They can be found for about 7500 bucks ... http://www.superchevyperformance.com...p/19259233.htm
I would think these things would dyno at about what ?? 470-480 with headers and tune ?

My current LS6 was refreshed last year and has Texas Speed heads with a decent comp cam and runs about 417 RWHP ... I could sell it and recoup some of the cost ...

Anything wrong with that Idea? Is LS3 good track motor with wet sump? Any additional swap cost ?? Looking for opinions here ... maybe I am missing something but that seems like a win win ...

jcsperson

More folks might see this if you posted it on the C6 board.

RaleighSS

yea since I do more HPDE / RR events thought I would post it here as being reliable is kinda key for me ... could go LS6 stock route but was looking for more power so just thought I would get RR guys opinions

GettReal

Since you mentioned a 383, I'll mention that the HP is about the same on that motor as what my 383 makes. I'm 470hp/485trq. I'd be curious about the reliability of this motor as well. I wonder how the warranty will hold up if its being used as a track motor? If your LS6 is reliable I would stick with that though.. I think I remember there being a whole thread on LS3's not being great track motors but I'll wait for others to chime in on that one.

crimlwC6

This is the likely route I will take when my Ls1 gives up the ghost. I think (and I know this will be disputed) that the LS3 is fine for tracking/racing. I ran a LS3 on slicks for a year. The only issue is putting it in a C5 is you either have to put a different reluctor wheel in the motor or run a electronic bypass to run the c5 engine management system. IIRC the C6 operates on a 56 tooth wheel and the C5 on a 24.

RaleighSS

I think GM has been pretty good with track used motors as far as warranty and this video talks about it .. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=By-Fx-pJoRg

My LS6 has been good to me just was on route to plan my next steps and maybe start the build so I could just swap out next fall ... but heck if this pans out I could just sell my LS6 now and move to this :-)

fatbillybob

LS3 is a handgrenade without a drysump. Add $5000 to your previous estimate.

RaleighSS

dam... they also offer a circle track version of this wonder if all those guys are using dry sump

fatbillybob

It really is too bad but good it you got a C5. I think the reason the C5 has seen extra life in clubracing is because of the added expenses of running a C6. LS3's even with drysumps are not as relaible as wetsump LSsomething else motors. In T1 we race with just headers and sticky tires and the C6 is definately the better car if you can make it to the end of the race. The C5 is an old workhorse still pulling.

RaleighSS

Ok well a dry sump is not in the budget .... maybe LS3 is not the best thing but I wonder with an HPDE car no TT racing ect if the warranty would cover it when she blows

jlutherva

ZIP is installing one of those LS378/525's into my new C6Z race car this week. I'll keep you posted. Dyno is in the plan.

Jim

AU N EGL

LS3 without a dry sump is a hand grenade with the pin pulled, but the handle stuck.

That may be why GM replaced the heads for the new LT1 motor. LS3 block with new heads.

Good Luck

RaleighSS

great it will be cool to see some real time dyno number. are you going with a dry sump setup ? Any mods to the motor ?

DOUG @ ECS

We do a lot of LS3 conversions in C5's, they work out great, but for a track car I agree completely on the dry sump.

RaleighSS

ok ... guess I will work on the LS6 route no budget for the dry sump

Canam

A have a friend who was tired of his twin turbo RX7 blowing up all the time. Last year he dropped a LS3 376-488 from GM performance in, ran all season with zero problems and almost won the GT3 championship. He did dry sump it though. If I had the coin, when my 355CID goes that's what I'd do.

I also really like some of the stuff Mast Motors puts out.

crimlwC6

Maybe it's the tracks I run but no LS3 has blown up in my region with all the vettes I run with. 2 cents.
GM system from parts taxi:
http://www.partstaxi.com/parts/2011/...E&group=ENGINE

jlutherva

Yes, I'm going with the 3-stage ARE system. No other mods at this time other than a Quarter Master 7.25" clutch.

Jim

Canam

Wow lucky guys. There's even a thread here about "who hasn't blown one up on track'".

I hear someone has made a good road course race oil pan for LS3's. Wonder if that's had good success. I use a canton 8 quart road race pan and have no issues but then again my engine is not an LS3 motor. LS6's do not have oiling issues either.

C5ZEE06

local guy recently went with a GMPP wet sump LS3 in his HPDE C5 - batwing pan and accusump..anxious to see if it lives as its the logical upgrade for when the LS6 gives up.