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Rough start on LS3

Old Jul 27, 2021 | 09:06 PM
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Default Rough start on LS3

When starting my dry sump GS after it sits for a couple days, I am noticing that the ls3 has a rocky start and revs high initially Then after 30 to 45 seconds, it calms down and idles smoothly.

This is a little less dramatic if I crank the engine before starting it. It does not set off any codes and runs fine once after the idle smooths out. The car only has 7700 miles. The Mobil 1 oil has been changed by the original owner on a regular basis. (I recently purchased the car. ) Is this normal or should I have cause for concern?

If this were any other car, I would think this condition would cause excessive engine wear.
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Old Jul 27, 2021 | 09:23 PM
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My GS is the same way, sounds like it has an aftermarket cam, but then settles in.
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Old Jul 27, 2021 | 09:34 PM
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Originally Posted by Musclefreak
When starting my dry sump GS after it sits for a couple days, I am noticing that the ls3 has a rocky start and revs high initially Then after 30 to 45 seconds, it calms down and idles smoothly.

This is a little less dramatic if I crank the engine before starting it. It does not set off any codes and runs fine once after the idle smooths out. The car only has 7700 miles. The Mobil 1 oil has been changed by the original owner on a regular basis. (I recently purchased the car. ) Is this normal or should I have cause for concern?

If this were any other car, I would think this condition would cause excessive engine wear.
Any codes or CEL's?

If not, maybe check the plugs and wires. And check to make sure everything is tight on the intake clamps. Not a bad idea to check the bolts holding the intake manifold to the engine. Basically, check for any air leaks as this can cause rough running.
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Old Jul 28, 2021 | 04:11 PM
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It probably wouldn't hurt to clean the MAF and put a bottle of Techron fuel system cleaner in your gas. But, it's most likely the open-loop fueling map at cold idle that's contributing to the lope, until the O2 sensors get up to operating temps when the ECM switches to closed-loop.

This condition is normal on my '09 LS3 and it sounds like I have a cam... wish I did!
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Old Jul 28, 2021 | 10:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Spaceme1117
Any codes or CEL's?

If not, maybe check the plugs and wires. And check to make sure everything is tight on the intake clamps. Not a bad idea to check the bolts holding the intake manifold to the engine. Basically, check for any air leaks as this can cause rough running.
No codes at this point, but you were right about the wires and plugs. My tuner tested and replaced the wires. #7 cylinder was misfiring, the plugs also were brown on the electrodes so he also replaced those (and the gaps on the original plugs were off). He says the fact the car was sitting, the ethanol fuel may have starting separating or the octane may have dropped. He said he got in running smoothly now. I will also run Seafoam to clean the fuel system when I get it back.

Thanks for the input!

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Old Jul 28, 2021 | 10:12 PM
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Originally Posted by 1RFLMAN
It probably wouldn't hurt to clean the MAF and put a bottle of Techron fuel system cleaner in your gas. But, it's most likely the open-loop fueling map at cold idle that's contributing to the lope, until the O2 sensors get up to operating temps when the ECM switches to closed-loop.

This condition is normal on my '09 LS3 and it sounds like I have a cam... wish I did!
Thanks for the input. I will let you know how it runs when I drive it back!
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Old Jul 29, 2021 | 10:18 AM
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This could be normal, its just hard to determine without hearing the car in person. These cars have quite a bit of lope, especially on a cold start. My C5 had a somewhat aggressive idle, but the C6 is noticably more aggressive. No codes and issues with my car, was told by a bunch of people on here it was normal from day 1. Smooths right out (still a tiny chop as I call it) when the revs drop back down. I honestly wish these cars idled a smidge higher because its too damn quiet at idle.
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Old Aug 1, 2021 | 10:52 PM
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This is exactly what my 2011 LS3 does. On a cold motor it revs high on initial startup and then stumbles a bit then evens out shortly… sounds a lot like a cammed car. I put new plugs and wires on recently and it still does it, have not tried cleaning the maf yet…sounds like this may be pretty common tho.
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