I have an '05 showing ~20K miles with the APS TT kit installed, all APS upgrades. This Vette is the APS test car that was used as the company showcase for the C6 platform for several years; twice taken to Australia for APS mods. I imported back to the US.


Anyhow the engine is hurt, with #7 showing 50psi cranking compression. All others fine. The car actually runs quite well, just has a CEL code and has lost compression.


I have been recommended to sleeve one of the LS blocks to get some additional cubes, while adding a complete LS3 top end package.


My goals would be to have a 600-750WHP Vette with excellent reliability (I don't want to have to build again). Also would like to be able to fully swap everything from a fully built long block assy replacing what I have currently; possibly in a weekend.


1) Does anyone have comments about what is being recommended?
2) Where does one source the sleeved blocks?
3) I had thought of an RHS aluminum block, but was told it was a completely unnecessary expense for the power levels I was seeking. Thoughts?
4) Where is the best place to source LS3 top-end package? Or is there something better recommended in a 5-bolt head package?
5) What are recommendations on a decent cam that would go with this package and fit with my goals?
6) I was recommended to ditch the muffler set-up and just run straight pipes as the twins will muffle the exhaust. Thoughts?
6) Any idea on anticipated cost with this package?


Thank you in advance for sharing your expertise on this build.

 

Factory block with decent pistons and rods. Hell I would just do a take out ls3 and call it a day.

 

Is the take out LS3 going to be fine with the boost, and all of the factory electronics (ECM, sensors, etc).

 

stock ls3 imo would be fine at that point. I'd probably just gate a low mileage ls3 like unreal said.

just fyi the 2005 has kind of a funky ECU though, at 650-700whp probably not an issue but if you ever push >15psi you will want to upgrade to 2.5 bar map sensor

https://www.dedicatedmotorsports.com...ct_p/25bms.htm

 

Put good rods and pistons in your current engine and a set of cnc'd ls9 heads with good head studs. Between those and a cheap ls9 cam, you'll make a nice reliable setup assuming you have enough fuel for it.

 

Keep it simple man rods/.005" Pistons. I assume you have the c6 kit with smaller turbos so I would not really push the cubes. Get your stock heads CNC'd if you want with a decent turbo cam. Should be a nice setup with great response.

 

Yep, spend the money on cooling, fuel, octane (meth or flex fuel), and drivetrain (clutch, rear end, axles, etc).

 

So, excellent reliability is the top priority.

What kind of usage?

- quarter mile runs?
- standing mile runs?
- "road racing" ( = several laps in a road racing circuit)?
- occasional WOT runs at highway for a several seconds or so?
- just cruising nights with dyno graph on the passenger seat... :-)

Stock LS2 is pretty stout, but it already failed in your car.

 

Yep. Or go with ported LS2 heads and stock intake.

 

RELIABILITY is of vital importance. Mainly street driven, but it has been to the 1/4 mile track previously. I do regularly run WOT on the highway.

 

Thanks for all of the comments! They are appreciated.

Some questions that keep surfacing:
1) Will a complete LS3 simple bolt in and work withal of the '05 factory sensors and computer? Obviously, I know that I will need to tune.

2) People keep suggesting a turbo cam. Are there any commonly known turbo cams that would be recommended?

3) Suggestions of the LS9 heads and cam. I have been told by several that the LS3 and others (LQ series) are better heads and that each just improve further over the LS9 when equally modified. And any of the suggested are far better than the LS2 heads. Thoughts?

4) It was suggested good rods and pistons in my block. What are the specific recommendations?


I appreciate all of the feedback. I have been doing lots of research. ERL looks like a good block for more cubes in an OEM package. AllPro heads seem to be nice. PMC makes a nice intake. Just not sure if I want to go this radical on this project.

 

Your crazy even looking at Erl, allpro, PMC for that level. Are you going for 650-800 or 1400+? Those are high end high budget items for all out builds, more than your turbo kit can support.

BTR or Pat G can spec a cam.

LS9 heads/cam is a really good suggestion. What is your budget will really define what to do. Sure you can spend $40k on a crazy setup that can support 2000hp, but why if you only want to make <800.

Stock ls3 block, stock ls3 crank. Compstar rods, any decent piston (weisco, ross, diamond, je, etc).Then either just stock ls3 heads/intake, or LSA/9 with a very mild cam. Reliable 800-1000 all day long. Spend the money on fuel system/suspension/drivetrain.

 

The one question I keep asking....


Will the LS3 simply bolt in to the '05 chassis? Are the electronics / computer compatible?


I'm just trying to get an idea of what I may be facing.


Thanks for all of the help.

 

Only thing you need to worry about is the reluctor wheel. Electronics all swap over. Any Gen 4 LS motor will drop right in, and have no issue as long as reluctor wheel is correct. 2005 vettes/e40 ecms use 24 tooth reluctor, so just make sure any motor has that. So if you swap a out of box ls3, will need adapter. If you build a motor, just select the right reluctor.

 

Awesome! This adapter can be purchased from? Cost?

 

http://www.lingenfelter.com/product/L460065397.html

 

As I told you, The limiting factory is the APS turbo setup.

 

KSA Aaron are you located in Saudi?

If you already have the aps kit 600-750rwhp goal should be easy

 

Yes, I am located in Saudi, on the West coast. But the car is back in Houston, TX


And I do already have the APS kit on the car.

 

I would suggest not going with a reluctor conversion box. Ton of horror stories on LS1tech about guys using them and being stranded because the box craps out. You can build a LS3 block, just when selecting the crank get a 24x reluctor instead of the 58x.

Easy enough.