LS3 max power
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 455
Likes: 11
From: Clovis CA
LS3 max power
I'm going to build an LS3 for my FRC. I am going to be going with all new parts including the block. My question is, what is the max power level for a stock LS3 block. I'm going N/A, but may spray occasionally, depending on the strength of the block.
Tia
Tia
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,649
Likes: 50
From: Goldsboro NC
All or none huh? Well, if you don't mind me asking, what is the purpose for the car? MAX power can seem straight forward, but in all reality with different driving styles, coupled with track use its become relative term. If you truly want MAX power than ive had a few buddies run anywhere from 800rw to 1000+ on boost with a LS3 block. That more so depends on the rotating assembly used, so on and so forth. But you said N/A so unless your gona spray a 2 stage with a **** of nitrous, your block will be fine. Its the pistons that take the punishment. I have a N/A TSP 418ci in my own. I didn't quite have the money for the heads of choice so am 490/486 to the ground with a mildish bump stick. In due time, I will have a set of Trick Flow 235's and shoot closer to 520-530 and be decent in drivability. This kinda goes without saying, a MAX effort build takes methodical research,even more so DEEP pockets. My build, to include installation, was over 11k. This is with me already having headers, exhaust and a clutch. Ima let the tranny ride out as long as she can.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 455
Likes: 11
From: Clovis CA
Well, I'm not trying to make max power, I'm trying to find the limit of the block so that I don't blow it up. I just read an article in the latest Vette magazine where they built a 415 with 576 hp and 566 tq. That's essentially what I want to do. Eagle rotating assembly, trick flow heads....pretty basic stuff.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,649
Likes: 50
From: Goldsboro NC
Well, I'm not trying to make max power, I'm trying to find the limit of the block so that I don't blow it up. I just read an article in the latest Vette magazine where they built a 415 with 576 hp and 566 tq. That's essentially what I want to do. Eagle rotating assembly, trick flow heads....pretty basic stuff.
Depending how OFTEN you went thru a bottle, I wouldn't look for longevity out of it. Nitrous pistons or not, its HELL on a motor. My old tuner 5-6 years ago had a 418 and made 550/53X with a 2 stage 300 shot that made almost 900rw
and cut a 1.5X and ran 9.81 at 144. He had to tear it down for rebuild around 40-50k. Needless to say, he is HARD on motors. For someone playing in spraying the streets (pending how large of a shot), id like to think you could at least double the miles.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 455
Likes: 11
From: Clovis CA
Yeah, those were dyno numbers. I say basic, because it's a street type build....no block filler, no complex valvetrain, girdles, etc. From what I've read the ls3 is a very strong block and like I had initially said, I am not trying to make max power, I just want to know what they can handle. If they can handle 900 boosted hp, then 600hp should live quite a while and give me piece of mind.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,332
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From: Frederick Maryland
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12, '14-'15-'16-'17-'18
You don't have to worry about the block strength on the LS3. We have a F1A 416 CID making 907 RWHP and ran 9.59 @ 146. It has forged rotating assembly and studed. You should be fine running NA.
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Last edited by Rick@RKT Performance; Apr 1, 2016 at 11:30 AM.
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Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,649
Likes: 50
From: Goldsboro NC
Yeah, those were dyno numbers. I say basic, because it's a street type build....no block filler, no complex valvetrain, girdles, etc. From what I've read the ls3 is a very strong block and like I had initially said, I am not trying to make max power, I just want to know what they can handle. If they can handle 900 boosted hp, then 600hp should live quite a while and give me piece of mind.
. You spraying nitrous, id be more concerned about the rotating assembly and less worried about the block.
