LS3 480 Drivability
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Instructor
Joined: Oct 2015
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From: Herndon VA
LS3 480 Drivability
Ok guys sure I am going to get jabs on this one from the "you can never have too much" or "you need to learn to drive" crowd, but oh well...
I am planning to do some significant work this winter including an engine swap. Plan was for an LS3 480 mated to a T56 Magnum, but after reading a few posts I am concerned about the long term drivability of that much hp/tq on a car this light. Asking for honest opinions from others, especially those that have near 500hp and how they feel about the fun factor and the safety factor of this set up on a C3. Other option would be to just use a stock LS3.
Final setup will be on 18x10 wheels with ridetech suspension and some big brake kit. Car would mostly be for cruising with some track time (hopefully). All thoughts welcome
I am planning to do some significant work this winter including an engine swap. Plan was for an LS3 480 mated to a T56 Magnum, but after reading a few posts I am concerned about the long term drivability of that much hp/tq on a car this light. Asking for honest opinions from others, especially those that have near 500hp and how they feel about the fun factor and the safety factor of this set up on a C3. Other option would be to just use a stock LS3.
Final setup will be on 18x10 wheels with ridetech suspension and some big brake kit. Car would mostly be for cruising with some track time (hopefully). All thoughts welcome
Last edited by CPTCroaker; Jun 23, 2016 at 08:33 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,114
Likes: 597
Ok guys sure I am going to get jabs on this one from the "you can never have too much" or "you need to learn to drive" crowd, but oh well...
I am planning to do some significant work this winter including an engine swap. Plan was for an LS3 480 mated to a T56 Magnum, but after reading a few posts I am concerned about the long term drivability of that much hp/tq on such a light car. Asking for honest opinions from others that have near 500hp and how they feel about the fun factor and the safety factor of this set up on a C3. Other option would be to just use a stock LS3.
Final setup will be on 18x10 wheels with ridetech suspension and some big brake kit. Car would mostly be for cruising with rare track time (hopefully). Thoughts???
I am planning to do some significant work this winter including an engine swap. Plan was for an LS3 480 mated to a T56 Magnum, but after reading a few posts I am concerned about the long term drivability of that much hp/tq on such a light car. Asking for honest opinions from others that have near 500hp and how they feel about the fun factor and the safety factor of this set up on a C3. Other option would be to just use a stock LS3.
Final setup will be on 18x10 wheels with ridetech suspension and some big brake kit. Car would mostly be for cruising with rare track time (hopefully). Thoughts???
I have a 2010 GS LS3 and this car is about 50lbs lighter than my 78 C3.
My 78 has a ZZ383 (stock) with a T56 magnum 2.66 first and a 3.08 diff.
A C6 corvette with a stock LS3 uses a 3.42 diff with a 6-speed or the LS7 (Z06) which would be closer to what you are looking at.
These cars a very street friendly (C6 Z06). Because the other upgrades you are planning big breaks, wider tires ridetech suspension you should find it with very good street manors and plenty of wildness.
To match the C6 setup I would be looking at a 3.36 or a 3.55 diff. or if you want a tamer street behavior, use a 3.08 diff.
For tires rear= 325(19), front = 275(18).
Using a C6 Z06 as a model is a good setup to follow. The C3 will be a heavier car so test drive a C6 Z06 to get a good idea on the wildness.
Other things to look at would be twin disc clutch to get the light feel like a C6. This will require hydraulic clutch setup to match the feel. The twin disc will also get you plenty of holding power that will match the torque of the engine or the rating of a T56 magnum.
Last edited by cagotzmann; Jun 23, 2016 at 08:41 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 189
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From: Herndon VA
I appreciate the comparison to the C6 and "wildness" is the perfect term 
I had not thought of the Z06 as a benchmark for comparison but I think you may be spot on. There were a few posts I read that stated anything near this HP would make the car unruly and quick to break free in any gear when you get on it (wildness). Although I was skeptical and had immediate questions about suspension/tire set up, it did make me pause and ask the question. Especially since these cars don't have a lot of the safety features like traction control.
I would keep gears as 3.08 for the time being just to get used to it if nothing else. I will have to call SST and ask about a heavier clutch since I think their stock one is rated to 425hp. Not sure about being able to fit that large of a rear tire since the Ridetech states it will fit a 10.5". I don't want to add flares so that might be a shortcoming.
Thanks again for your perspective it certainly helps me with this build.
I had not thought of the Z06 as a benchmark for comparison but I think you may be spot on. There were a few posts I read that stated anything near this HP would make the car unruly and quick to break free in any gear when you get on it (wildness). Although I was skeptical and had immediate questions about suspension/tire set up, it did make me pause and ask the question. Especially since these cars don't have a lot of the safety features like traction control.I would keep gears as 3.08 for the time being just to get used to it if nothing else. I will have to call SST and ask about a heavier clutch since I think their stock one is rated to 425hp. Not sure about being able to fit that large of a rear tire since the Ridetech states it will fit a 10.5". I don't want to add flares so that might be a shortcoming.
Thanks again for your perspective it certainly helps me with this build.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
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From: los altos hills california
I disagree with the Z06/LS7 vs C3/LS3 comparison as I've driven both cars. A C3 with a carb'd LS376/515 has comparable power to weight but the Z06 is a completely different driving experience with its electronic aids. The Z06 you may have read in stock form is prone to snap around on you under full power. I can attest that that is the case. The good news is the C3 is very controllable and streetable.
Last edited by ignatz; Jun 24, 2016 at 02:57 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
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I disagree with the Z06/LS7 vs C3/LS3 comparison as I've driven both cars. A C3 with a carb'd LS376/515 has comparable power to weight but the Z06 is a completely different driving experience with its electronic aids. The Z06 you may have read in stock form is prone to snap around on you under full power. I can attest that that is the case. The good news is the C3 is very controllable and streetable.
If you already think the C6 Z06 is too wild (with aids on vs aids off), then the C3/LS3 will be worse since you cannot match the tire size or suspension differences etc.
I have driven all the C6 models at Spring Mountain C6 GS,C6 Z06, C6 ZR1, C7 Z51 with and without aids on, and I never found any of the Models overly wild on the track, but if you only know 2 modes, no gas or full gas, then most corvette's are un driveable on the street. (500hp+).
I think this C3/LS3 with a T56 project, will make a very very fun C3 to drive.
