LS9 Build up
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 10,230
Likes: 885
From: Alexandria, Virginia, USA VA
LS9 Build up
thinking down the road. I really like the LS9 short block and am hoping gm sells these for a reasonable price tag. the oil squirters for the pistons, ti rods, and the pistons seem like they would make a good foundation. a good set of aftermarket heads (don't like the ls9 "swirl ports") or maybe just port the heads, add my ttiX turbo kit, and it seems like it would be a good combo.
now the question, would it be cheaper to just build up an ls3??? my engine is doing well right now but I'm thinking down the road.
the other big issue is that I have an automatic, and I know the ls9 has a 9 bolt crank which would likely need a custom flexplate (maybe not a show stopper)
what do you guys think about this new engine as the basis for an 800 rwhp street ride? I'm thinking that the newer blocks would be much stronger than redoing the current ls6 block,
thanks for any thoughts!
now the question, would it be cheaper to just build up an ls3??? my engine is doing well right now but I'm thinking down the road.
the other big issue is that I have an automatic, and I know the ls9 has a 9 bolt crank which would likely need a custom flexplate (maybe not a show stopper)
what do you guys think about this new engine as the basis for an 800 rwhp street ride? I'm thinking that the newer blocks would be much stronger than redoing the current ls6 block,
thanks for any thoughts!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,047
Likes: 252
From: San Diego
Opinion 1, I would build an LS3 for boost with aftermarket rotating assembly with some good heads with ARP hardware and then add your turbo system. Then get a speed density tune and call it good.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,960
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From: West Norriton PA
St. Jude Donor '08
Just picked up a LS3 (416) short block. Add your power booster and presto.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 791
Likes: 52
A few things to consider:
* GM doesn't sell assembled shortblocks for the LS motors.
* IF (a big if) they sell the LS9 as a complete crate motor, it would be very expensive.
* Gen IV motors (including the LS9) have a 58x reluctor wheel pressed on the crank which is not compatible with the LS1 PCM's.
As mentioned above, a well built aftermarket shortblock would ultimately be cheaper and certainly strong enough to handle your hp goals.
* GM doesn't sell assembled shortblocks for the LS motors.
* IF (a big if) they sell the LS9 as a complete crate motor, it would be very expensive.
* Gen IV motors (including the LS9) have a 58x reluctor wheel pressed on the crank which is not compatible with the LS1 PCM's.
As mentioned above, a well built aftermarket shortblock would ultimately be cheaper and certainly strong enough to handle your hp goals.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 10,230
Likes: 885
From: Alexandria, Virginia, USA VA
the big thing I was after was the oil piston squirters which probably isn't that big a deal as the TT cars live without them just fine.
good point about the reluctor teeth, that would require a different or aftermarket ECM.
I had heard that eventually the LS9 block will phase out the LS3 so at that point it shouldn't be too expensive.
I'll keep chugging with what I have hopefully for many years to come and thanks for the advice!
good point about the reluctor teeth, that would require a different or aftermarket ECM.
I had heard that eventually the LS9 block will phase out the LS3 so at that point it shouldn't be too expensive.
I'll keep chugging with what I have hopefully for many years to come and thanks for the advice!
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 10,924
Likes: 78
From: Forney Texas
I don't care for titanium rods. They're fine with N/A, but boost..... no way. Swirl is good for emissions and low load burn. Remember you can achieve your goal with a 347 using the TTiX. A 416 would just do it on lower boost. LS3 would be my choice if you're wanting to stay with an aluminum block. Besides, you can get started right now!!!
Last edited by BLOWNBLUEZ06; Aug 6, 2008 at 08:27 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 21,473
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From: Palmdale, Ca----- 2009 Cyber Gray 4LT A6 F55 452 RWHP 422 RWTQ- RIP 1998 C5 734 RWHP & 585 RWTQ-----
plus achieving 800 RWHP will be a snap for this combo!Why wait and see if they do the LS9 because you can have the LS3 now and then later do a build on a LS9 say they sell them later
Man the LS3 would be sooooo streetable and you will probably have to tune it back to stay at 800 RWHP (and as ststed above go with a SD tune
)IMHO! Only
Thanks,Matt
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 10,230
Likes: 885
From: Alexandria, Virginia, USA VA
ls3 it is!! just need to be on the lookout for a reasonable core, maybe one with hurt pistons as I'll step up to better rods
I like the ls3 heads, but not so much the intake, seems to be pretty flow limited in comparison to the heads
I'm running 600 hp on pump and 800 on meth, but looking for something maybe just a bit stronger if I turn up the wick even more plus the bigger bore to allow the better heads
interested in what you guys think about good aftermarket heads for an ls3, I have some older afs on the "small bore" ls6, and they certainly seem to work well for the lil ol 346
I like the ls3 heads, but not so much the intake, seems to be pretty flow limited in comparison to the heads
I'm running 600 hp on pump and 800 on meth, but looking for something maybe just a bit stronger if I turn up the wick even more plus the bigger bore to allow the better heads
interested in what you guys think about good aftermarket heads for an ls3, I have some older afs on the "small bore" ls6, and they certainly seem to work well for the lil ol 346
