I finally had time to throw her on the dyno. The dyno was a DynoJet 224x.

I dyno operator mentioned that he recently had a Corvette dyno day where he mentioned that stock LS3's were throwing down 370-380 rwhp. After watching a few cars before mine it seemed that the dyno numbers were a tad on the low side, but either way it didnt matter because this was my baseline.

1st run- Coolant temp around 165

424rwhp@5900
458rwtq@4000


2nd run- Coolant temp around 210

434rwhp@5900
470rwtq@4000

It was very hard to tell exactly what the rwtq peaked at because the torque curve was so flat. There was also an issue with my car because my wires were too think, and the torque rating spiked in some areas, but I will add that at 2500 she made 450rwtq. Also the airfuel stopped working after the 2nd car which was a bummer, but I think I am somewhat close, but it would have been nice to see it.

The horsepower peaked at 5900, but stayed flat to 6300 rpm's then started a slight decline to 6500. I was kinda suprised that horsepower curve didnt drop more past 6000, but those heads still kept on trucking.

All in all I was pleased. I thought I would have made more rwhp, but I didnt think I would make that much rwtq. I do have to say that I am very impressed with that TPIS miniram intake as it makes power everywhere in the curve, and thats with 3.07's (4+3 still).

Many of you wanted to see what the little heads could do, and it is fair to say that these heads are maxed out. Everyone has there own opinion but I dont think this combo is maximized so there is a little left on the table.

The car was dynoed with the B&B reasonator, B&B mufflers, and 1 3/4 Hooker Headers. I do believe my exhaust is holding me back a tad (15-20rwhp). I will be making some changes and re-attending the dyno for some pulls.

All in all the car ran well, but I did notice that I had a header leak after the dyno runs. The car isnt quiet at WOT, and with the fan blowing on the car, it would have been very hard to hear that noise. I am kinda pissed off at myself for not checking the header bolts (bolt actually fell out, and other bolt was loose). Now I am not saying this affected my dyno number, but I do think its worth noting.

I am glad I got a baseline, and I am happy that Jim Barth built this motor. I wanted a motor to run on the street that was snappy and had excellent low, mid, and upper hp, and I got it!

Take care guys!

 

Awesome bud! I'm happy your happy, good work and patience. It's been a long haul I know. Congrats

Oh and remember a number is nothin more just that, a number. The butt dyne is what counts. Jim told me your car was nothin short of badazz fast. Get that baby to the strip

 

Well ya made a few less hp and more rwtq than expected, cant complain about that. Strong street car regardless.

 

Good job Rick, git'er tight now!

Hey..........I think I win the sweepstakes. Remember my guesstimates last month on IM?

 

Dyno jets all read high, Take it to the track and see what she does. Don't be like the supra guys.

 

This is very cool! i think it's very rewarding when a plan comes to fruition.

 

I think you will be able to get 450rwhp with your combination. A leaky header will effect the AFR. The O2 sensor will think the mixture is leaner than it is and add more fuel. So you need to go back when the AFR sensor is working. The torque is insane. So yes you have more left on the table.

 

Good numbers, hopefully this combination makes you happy for years.

 

Wish I could have been there Rick.
I will try to be there when you go back to re-test.

Amazing torque!!

 

The motor is still new, it has not been broken in yet, the torque should get better after you put more miles on it. Which gear did you test it in?

 

Nice!

 

Congrats Rick. I hope you are happy with your engine

 

I'll have to introduce you to Rick sometime.

 

That is a LOT OF TORQUE everywhere.Gonna be hard to plant it but when she does I hope you are pointed in the direction you want to go!
Gonna be a blast to ride in.

 

There's so many variables it isn't even possible to know how optimized the combo is. There's alot I want to say but it's just chatter since I'm no expert myself but I know I was spot on at guessingthe peak ! With a little tweaking of afr and timing and dropping those mufflers I think I would have been right on at guessing the #s too.

Sure the heads are undersized. I've believed it since i knew that the c6 zo6 uses a 427 with a 360+ cfm giant port. If anyone thinks they know more than GM engineers they need to face reality. The ls7 doesn't have a flat spot from 0-4000 rpm that's for sure. I don't actually think the heads are an issue here though. in my opinion With a bigger cam you would have had more torque across the range and held power longer if you wanted.

The dyno could be reading low and with tweaking you could end up with tons more power than you think you have. That's a ton of torque though wow !

 

Nice going Rick.

 

Lets get some WOT road vids

 

Nice numbers! This thread needs video though....

 

Thanks guys....

Caboboy- Yes you were mightly close in your predictions. Say I sent you a pm in regards to those 2 bolts.

Yedister- 1:1 gear which is 4th (4+3).

96 lt-4- My 315/30/18 (RT-615's) certainly have there work cut out, but have been somewhat up to the task.

bjankuski- Thanks, and I am sure it will!

1989TransAm- I "hope" you are right. Jim also mentioned the same thing about the leaky header. I will get it back on the rollers.

5abivt- Mike I agree that there is a bit left in the combo.....I should have the eliminators on is a week or two. I fixed the exhaust leak, and I would like to strap it down again.

 

congrats on the project Rick! It has definately been a long haul, but now that it's done, I hope you get a lot of fun from the car.
What's your driving impressions of just driving around? Off idle, thru traffic, how it runs just driving thru the gears, etc...