LSA supercharger on LS3...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 111
Likes: 8
From: PNW
LSA supercharger on LS3...
Hey all,
I've tried searching here but I'm not finding much luck. I see from Googling around that the LSA blower seems to be the hot ticket depending on your needs/goals...and it seems like it would be perfect for me. But I can't seem to find much info on *exactly* what's required for the install. I've got an LS3 C5Z (heads/cam/long tubes/etc, ~500whp on 91 octane), and I'm just looking for a mild/moderate gain and only looking to run low boost (~5 lbs or so). I'd be perfectly happy with ~600whp. I have ideas for intercoolers, but to be honest, I'm even considering running non-intercooled if I can lower the boost pressure enough and my octane will support it.
Anyway...are there walkthroughs with LSA installs on LS3's anywhere, or parts lists with what I need to start collecting? I'm new to LS motors so I'm having to figure things out as I go. Thank you in advance!
I've tried searching here but I'm not finding much luck. I see from Googling around that the LSA blower seems to be the hot ticket depending on your needs/goals...and it seems like it would be perfect for me. But I can't seem to find much info on *exactly* what's required for the install. I've got an LS3 C5Z (heads/cam/long tubes/etc, ~500whp on 91 octane), and I'm just looking for a mild/moderate gain and only looking to run low boost (~5 lbs or so). I'd be perfectly happy with ~600whp. I have ideas for intercoolers, but to be honest, I'm even considering running non-intercooled if I can lower the boost pressure enough and my octane will support it.
Anyway...are there walkthroughs with LSA installs on LS3's anywhere, or parts lists with what I need to start collecting? I'm new to LS motors so I'm having to figure things out as I go. Thank you in advance!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 111
Likes: 8
From: PNW
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 111
Likes: 8
From: PNW
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,999
Likes: 1,685
From: Southeast TX
One of the things you'll have to deal with is accessory spacing. It's different on the Caddy/ZL1's vs the Vette. And LSA's aren't as inexpensive as they used to be either. Sure, it can be done with enough time and money. Maybe easier starting with an LS9 blower though. I'm pretty sure there was a thread discussing this on the F/I nitrous board. This might help a little too https://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=435593
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 12,502
Likes: 3,629
Native, the LSA supercharger only makes around 9lbs of boost.
LS3 in stock form, and take 20lbs of boost no problems. LS9 can be pushed upwards of 26lbs without problems.
So to make real power with the LSA, going to need to really over spin it, and will just turn it into a heat pump you will be fighting instead.
So for the money, better off with a heartbeat super charger for the LS3 that can make that boost your looking for from the start, and does not have to be way over spun to turn it into a heat pump instead.
LS3 in stock form, and take 20lbs of boost no problems. LS9 can be pushed upwards of 26lbs without problems.
So to make real power with the LSA, going to need to really over spin it, and will just turn it into a heat pump you will be fighting instead.
So for the money, better off with a heartbeat super charger for the LS3 that can make that boost your looking for from the start, and does not have to be way over spun to turn it into a heat pump instead.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 111
Likes: 8
From: PNW
Native, the LSA supercharger only makes around 9lbs of boost.
LS3 in stock form, and take 20lbs of boost no problems. LS9 can be pushed upwards of 26lbs without problems.
So to make real power with the LSA, going to need to really over spin it, and will just turn it into a heat pump you will be fighting instead.
So for the money, better off with a heartbeat super charger for the LS3 that can make that boost your looking for from the start, and does not have to be way over spun to turn it into a heat pump instead.
LS3 in stock form, and take 20lbs of boost no problems. LS9 can be pushed upwards of 26lbs without problems.
So to make real power with the LSA, going to need to really over spin it, and will just turn it into a heat pump you will be fighting instead.
So for the money, better off with a heartbeat super charger for the LS3 that can make that boost your looking for from the start, and does not have to be way over spun to turn it into a heat pump instead.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2013
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Likes: 1,118
There’s a thread around here with a guy that did it. The end result wasn’t very pretty though, nor the results very impressive.
The hood is the easiest part. You can get a custom pulley/tensioner setup to deal with the accessories spacing, but you’re going to have to butcher the cowl and build a custom intake system to get it to fit and work on a C6, since the throttle body angle is way off from what it needs to be on a C6. If you’re willing to do all that to save a couple thousand dollars and end up with a smaller, inferior blower than a Heartbeat or E-force, then go for it.
The hood is the easiest part. You can get a custom pulley/tensioner setup to deal with the accessories spacing, but you’re going to have to butcher the cowl and build a custom intake system to get it to fit and work on a C6, since the throttle body angle is way off from what it needs to be on a C6. If you’re willing to do all that to save a couple thousand dollars and end up with a smaller, inferior blower than a Heartbeat or E-force, then go for it.
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 26,512
Likes: 351
From: ST. CHARLES IL
We've down a bunch of LSA swaps before. I can't sway we've done one on a Corvette because as weird as it sounds there are already a couple real good cost effective supercharger kits on the market from A&A and ECS. If you're looking for a roots style blower (gotta love the torque) you can LSA swap your car. We can get you set up with some of the parts you need. The hard parts like the blower, heat exchanger, pump etc.... that's all pretty straight forward. We have some hoods that will work for you as well.
Last edited by JUICED1; Mar 27, 2020 at 02:20 PM.