LS build - LQ9 reliability and slight performance bump
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 228
Likes: 37
From: Northeast Ohio
And just like that, the tables turn (in my favor). Long story short, moving slow in my build (and being patient) continues to open up opportunities. Needless to say, I don't need to worry about the LQ9 question as I literally just got my hands on an LS3.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,245
Likes: 685
The LS3 is a 58 tooth reluctor wheel crank. Not a big deal but you will need a ECM and a TCM if you are running a auto. If you are going manual only the ECM is needed. If you go manual my tuner guy says a VSS signal to the ECM is nice to fine tune the tune.
If the LS3 came out of a auto Camaro it will have VVT and maybe DOD I believe. Some folks delete the VVT but I'm guessing all delete the DOD.
I haven't done a LS3 but on my L92 LS swaps dressed like a LS3 both in 2 gen Camaros I deleted the VVT and added a small-medium cam (225I/230E .600 lift). 420 RWHP on the chassis dyno.
Super easy to tune. On the Power Tour 20 plus MPG.
If the LS3 came out of a auto Camaro it will have VVT and maybe DOD I believe. Some folks delete the VVT but I'm guessing all delete the DOD.
I haven't done a LS3 but on my L92 LS swaps dressed like a LS3 both in 2 gen Camaros I deleted the VVT and added a small-medium cam (225I/230E .600 lift). 420 RWHP on the chassis dyno.
Super easy to tune. On the Power Tour 20 plus MPG.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 228
Likes: 37
From: Northeast Ohio
It was just a fluke, really. I had called EVERYONE it seems when I was looking for a reman that could be here before the end of the year, and literally the same day that the shop called me and said it would be end of Jan now (instead of end of Dec), another shop I had called gave me a call and told me of a new Chevy Perf Crate LS3 (the 430hp long block) that came back to them from a guy who decided to get the fully dressed LS3 from them instead, but it was returned with a different oil pan (a truck pan) so they hit him up with a restock fee. So I snagged it for about $1500 more than the reman LQ9 was going to be. Pure luck. Already shipped and it will be here Monday.
