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Starting my build - All motor LS3 on Corn Juice

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Old 02-05-2016, 12:55 PM
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jesse82nc
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Default Starting my build - All motor LS3 on Corn Juice

So we'll start with some background. So a few months back I decided to buy a 2009 C6 LS3 M6 with the Z51 and NPP packages. I knew full well going into it that I would be modifying it (just as I have done with the last 15 vehicles I owned). So mileage was less of a concern and I was able to find one for a great deal.

After having it a couple weeks I threw on some Kooks 1-7/8" headers and a catless X-pipe. I also got DSteck's Flex Fuel kit, some FAST 85# injectors, and a new Z06/LS7 fuel pump. Had it tuned by a friend at RPM Motorsports in Garner, NC for both 93 and E85 so I could easily run either. I put down a respectable 435 rwhp and 435 rwtq. That's where it sits right now.

I wanted to do something a little different than what everyone else was doing. I didn't want to go forced induction, and I don't need a lecture on how it would be cheaper and/or better. It's my money and my car. So we decided to go all motor (with the option for nitrous down the road) and stick with the Flex Fuel (by me I can get E85 that is actually 85% at about 20 gas stations for under $1.20 a gallon). We are about to tear apart the motor now and build it a little better. Here's a list of some of the parts on order right now waiting to be delivered:
CALLIES COMPSTAR CRANK 58 TOOTH WHEEL
CALLIES COMPSTAR RODS
WEISCO PISTON 4.005 BORE
CLEVITE ROD AND MAIN BEARINGS
ARP HEAD BOLTS
PEFORMANCE OIL PUMP
GM LS7 LIFTERS
RPM MOTORSPORTS CUSTOM CAM
DUAL VALVE SPRINGS
ARP CAM BOLTS
GM GASKET KIT
LS9 HEAD GASKETS
LS2 TIMING CHAIN
LS7 CLUTCH KIT
SLAVE CYLINDER
PILOT BEARING

Also as part of this process we will be stroking it out to a 418 and upping the static CR to 12:1 with the help of some machine work. Hoping to be around the 550 rwhp range all said and done.

In the late spring I also plan to do the heads, intake, TB, etc. Maybe pick up another 30-50 hp.

I'll keep this post updated along the way with some details of how everything is going.

Here's a little photo of how it looks if that matters

Old 02-05-2016, 01:04 PM
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dennis50nj
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sounds like a sweet build
Old 02-05-2016, 01:33 PM
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guido1205us
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Nice. As a fellow LS3'er, I'm going to follow your build.

Also, thanks for e85 info - something I wanted to do before going the supercharger route.
Old 02-05-2016, 02:07 PM
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Default Thanks for sharing...

Hey Jesse I'm glad you opted to feed him corn should make him highly energetic, may i recommend Melling Performance Oil Pump P# 10355

Please verify you have the correct ls3 bore diameter pistons.
Old 02-05-2016, 02:17 PM
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Dano523
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Not a fan of pump grade E-85, since most of the time, it not e-85 to start with. So ethanol sensor in the mix will solve those problems of when you are getting less than a true e-85 fuel. As for the down side, your loosing around 15% mileage from the E85, and this can bite you when just cruising around.

So the better method, go with pump gas, and run a meth kit instead. Basics cruising, your just running on pump gas with it 15% better mileage per gallon, and when you do get on the throttle, the meth kit will kick in to bump you to the needed Octane level that you have the tune set for instead.
Old 02-05-2016, 02:35 PM
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timd38
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Originally Posted by Dano523
Not a fan of pump grade E-85, since most of the time, it not e-85 to start with. So ethanol sensor in the mix will solve those problems of when you are getting less than a true e-85 fuel. As for the down side, your loosing around 15% mileage from the E85, and this can bite you when just cruising around.

So the better method, go with pump gas, and run a meth kit instead. Basics cruising, your just running on pump gas with it 15% better mileage per gallon, and when you do get on the throttle, the meth kit will kick in to bump you to the needed Octane level that you have the tune set for instead.
I work for an oil company and we sell 85 and you won't find it in anything I own. The variability in content that is allowed by law, is HUGE.

If you tell me that you are going to use, say Rocket Brand E85, I would do it, but not pump E85.

Last edited by timd38; 02-05-2016 at 02:37 PM.
Old 02-05-2016, 02:41 PM
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jesse82nc
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Originally Posted by Dano523
Not a fan of pump grade E-85, since most of the time, it not e-85 to start with. So ethanol sensor in the mix will solve those problems of when you are getting less than a true e-85 fuel. As for the down side, your loosing around 15% mileage from the E85, and this can bite you when just cruising around.

So the better method, go with pump gas, and run a meth kit instead. Basics cruising, your just running on pump gas with it 15% better mileage per gallon, and when you do get on the throttle, the meth kit will kick in to bump you to the needed Octane level that you have the tune set for instead.
Ran a meth kit on my last car, almost $1k for the kit, and $4/gallon for meth, plus always having to fill it up. Not worth it.

My E85 is always 83-85% ethanol from my test kit and my FF sensor, and costs $1.20/gallon. Even with the 15% loss in mpg, it's still cheaper in $/mile than 93 octane.
Old 02-05-2016, 02:46 PM
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jesse82nc
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Originally Posted by timd38
I work for an oil company and we sell 85 and you won't find it in anything I own. The variability in content that is allowed by law, is HUGE.

If you tell me that you are going to use, say Rocket Brand E85, I would do it, but not pump E85.
That's why I test it at every fill up. So far every fill up for the past 7000 miles has been within a tolerance of 2-3% of each other.
Old 02-05-2016, 02:47 PM
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Originally Posted by jesse82nc
Ran a meth kit on my last car, almost $1k for the kit, and $4/gallon for meth, plus always having to fill it up. Not worth it.

My E85 is always 83-85% ethanol from my test kit and my FF sensor, and costs $1.20/gallon. Even with the 15% loss in mpg, it's still cheaper in $/mile than 93 octane.
Sounds like you have done your homework.

Enjoy!
Old 02-05-2016, 03:10 PM
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jesse82nc
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I should also mention that this is my DD, I put between 1500-2000 miles on it a month depending on the weather. I have a beater Suburban for the bad weather days.

That said, this is not being designed to be the most badass track car, garage queen, etc that could be built. Just looking to do something different than everyone else and make my 40 mile commute to and from work a little more fun.
Old 02-05-2016, 06:12 PM
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Mick14
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I don't think it matters. My car has an A&A kit tuned with a flex fuel kit, so I can run anything from 91 to e98. My tuner says that you will not see much of a difference in performance from 65% on up, unless it is tuned to the extreme edge. BTW, they set my dashlogic to show the percentage of e85 in the display. Mine had a mix of 91 with e98. The percentage after dyne was around 70%.
Old 02-05-2016, 06:13 PM
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old motorhead
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Doing a build like this, I'd be hard pressed to put the stock heads back on. While you have it apart, why not do the heads? Adding the intake and throttle body later is a cake walk compared to a head swap.
Old 02-05-2016, 06:27 PM
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jesse82nc
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Originally Posted by old motorhead
Doing a build like this, I'd be hard pressed to put the stock heads back on. While you have it apart, why not do the heads? Adding the intake and throttle body later is a cake walk compared to a head swap.
Because the heads add another $3k to a build that is already north of $8k. Need several more months to come up with that cash. I will probably end up just doing the heads, intake, tb, etc all at the same time at the end of the Summer.

Last edited by jesse82nc; 02-05-2016 at 06:27 PM.
Old 02-05-2016, 08:36 PM
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Sounds awesome! I'll be following!
Old 02-15-2016, 08:17 PM
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jesse82nc
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Added in an SLP underdrive pulley, Dewitts Radiator, FAST 102 manifold, NW 102 TB, Halltech Super Bee MF108.

Some parts are in, waiting on the rest of them, hopefully within the next week or so. Then it goes under the knife.
Old 02-16-2016, 09:15 PM
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berk4422
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Will you need a z06 fuel pump for the volume demand at 550 hp?
Old 02-16-2016, 09:39 PM
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jesse82nc
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Originally Posted by berk4422
Will you need a z06 fuel pump for the volume demand at 550 hp?
Already have one as mentioned in the first post.
Originally Posted by jesse82nc
After having it a couple weeks I threw on some Kooks 1-7/8" headers and a catless X-pipe. I also got DSteck's Flex Fuel kit, some FAST 85# injectors, and a new Z06/LS7 fuel pump

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Old 02-16-2016, 10:23 PM
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Looks like you got your bases covered, good luck with your build. See you around town.
Old 02-17-2016, 09:58 AM
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Looks like a nice build! It's nice to see something different being built. It should be a monster on spray!
Old 02-19-2016, 09:30 AM
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jesse82nc
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Engine is being pulled today, should have it all back together in 2 weeks or so


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