BTR Trinity on N/A Application?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,338
Likes: 5,115
From: Charles Town WV
2024 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
2022 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
BTR Trinity on N/A Application?
So figured I'd as a quick question. At what point would the BTR Trinity make sense on an N/A LS3 setup. I see that its intended to as BTR put it "bridge the gap between N/A and Boosted applications". The intake is pretty decent looking but I wouldn't want to sacrifice performance or drivability to have a cool looking intake. Is this something that could see gains for a mild cam only build or is it more intended for all out heads cam fast spinning builds. I see the Optimum range is 6000-8500, I dont typically spin mine much above 6200 so I'm not sure I'd see much benefit. If I could see some sort of gain out of it I'd be all in but my setup is a pretty mild cam only (BTR stage 2) otherwise stock LS3 (full exhaust/headers). Would love to hear some thoughts on it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,002
Likes: 1,687
From: Southeast TX
For stock cubes with a mild cam, I'd lean more towards a ported and rod modded stock LS3 intake manifold. That's what I'm using along with CNC ported and milled heads along with a few other goodies. Also running a milder can that what you're considering. Decent fuel eco along with perfect manners. 500/454 at the wheels.
Here's an intake manifold test done by Gwatney: The Ultimate LS3 Intake Manifold Dyno Shootout! - Gwatney Performance
A little more testing by Gwatney: LS3 / L99 Heads, Cams, and Intake Manifolds Research & Development - Gwatney Performance
While the Trinity wasn't tested, I'd bet it would slot in there with some of those other max effort type intake manifolds. On a stock cubed, mild cammed LS3, you'd lose power in an RPM range you actually use and never see the increases these manifolds promise because you don't rev your LS3 that high. I can see these higher end intake manifolds being right at home on a stroked 416 LS3 with killer heads, big cam, 2" headers, and 7500 rpm capable valve train. I love reading about those bad girls, but have no desire to try to live with one
Here's an intake manifold test done by Gwatney: The Ultimate LS3 Intake Manifold Dyno Shootout! - Gwatney Performance
A little more testing by Gwatney: LS3 / L99 Heads, Cams, and Intake Manifolds Research & Development - Gwatney Performance
While the Trinity wasn't tested, I'd bet it would slot in there with some of those other max effort type intake manifolds. On a stock cubed, mild cammed LS3, you'd lose power in an RPM range you actually use and never see the increases these manifolds promise because you don't rev your LS3 that high. I can see these higher end intake manifolds being right at home on a stroked 416 LS3 with killer heads, big cam, 2" headers, and 7500 rpm capable valve train. I love reading about those bad girls, but have no desire to try to live with one
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,338
Likes: 5,115
From: Charles Town WV
2024 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
2022 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Kinda my thoughts as well, Rod mod is where I'm currently leaning. Figured never hurts to ask though. I'd hate to loose down low power band because the car lives there most of the time. I want to keep it autocross/track day happy.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,002
Likes: 1,687
From: Southeast TX
The stock LS3 intake mani isn't horrible as is. When I put my LS3 together four years ago, it was pretty much ported/rod modded LS3 manifold or FAST. I looked at lots of test data and just didn't see anything that would sway me towards the FAST. I knew I'd go mild on the camshaft as I absolutely hate nasty manners in a street car. Not throwing shade at the FAST, it just didn't fit my program.
I understand that VERY little racing takes place below 4500 or 5000 rpm. I saw little or no improvement below 6000 rpm though. And below that the FAST was a little on the lazy side. Plus, the modded LS3 intake was $400 and the FAST was $900. I wasn't on a super tight budget, but didn't want to spend money that didn't show an obvious increase in power. And power = fun!
I understand that VERY little racing takes place below 4500 or 5000 rpm. I saw little or no improvement below 6000 rpm though. And below that the FAST was a little on the lazy side. Plus, the modded LS3 intake was $400 and the FAST was $900. I wasn't on a super tight budget, but didn't want to spend money that didn't show an obvious increase in power. And power = fun!
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,918
Likes: 451
From: Central NJ
The stock LS3 intake mani isn't horrible as is. When I put my LS3 together four years ago, it was pretty much ported/rod modded LS3 manifold or FAST. I looked at lots of test data and just didn't see anything that would sway me towards the FAST. I knew I'd go mild on the camshaft as I absolutely hate nasty manners in a street car. Not throwing shade at the FAST, it just didn't fit my program.
I understand that VERY little racing takes place below 4500 or 5000 rpm. I saw little or no improvement below 6000 rpm though. And below that the FAST was a little on the lazy side. Plus, the modded LS3 intake was $400 and the FAST was $900. I wasn't on a super tight budget, but didn't want to spend money that didn't show an obvious increase in power. And power = fun!
I understand that VERY little racing takes place below 4500 or 5000 rpm. I saw little or no improvement below 6000 rpm though. And below that the FAST was a little on the lazy side. Plus, the modded LS3 intake was $400 and the FAST was $900. I wasn't on a super tight budget, but didn't want to spend money that didn't show an obvious increase in power. And power = fun!
I ran mid 9s NA with a 441 ls7 through a 90mm TB and stock ported intake
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,180
Likes: 537
still falling off after 6, just like the stock intake, stock heads
little loss below 4300, but gains everywhere else
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