Saving for an LS3

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MechMan

Master Mechanic
Sep 13, 2018
337
139
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Kingsport, TN
I have changed my plans. Instead of using a LQ4 block and building that i have decided to just build a LS3. It will be eaisier to get the power and reliebility I am looking for. So I have started saving for the parts and started researchiing and picking out what i will need. I am looking at what I will need for the PCV system. Does the LS3 valley cover come stock with the PCV provision and would a catch can be the best way to go so oil isnt being drawn in to the throttle?
 

L92 OLDS

Comic Book Super Hero
Mar 30, 2012
2,872
3,050
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West Michigan
I have changed my plans. Instead of using a LQ4 block and building that i have decided to just build a LS3. It will be eaisier to get the power and reliebility I am looking for. So I have started saving for the parts and started researchiing and picking out what i will need. I am looking at what I will need for the PCV system. Does the LS3 valley cover come stock with the PCV provision and would a catch can be the best way to go so oil isnt being drawn in to the throttle?

Are you sure about the LS3? It's definitely a nice engine and has an aluminum block but for half the cost you could buy an LY6 take out and set it up for similar performance. The heads are virtually identical.
 
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CaliWagon83

Royal Smart Person
Nov 12, 2017
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Orange County, CA
Really depends on if you plan on going naturally-aspirated or turbocharged. For N.A. the LS3 makes sense, as it's about 80-100 lbs lighter than iron-block engines. But the iron-block engines generally hold up better under boost. The iron-block truck engines are also much cheaper used/salvage than the aluminum-block ones.
 

MechMan

Master Mechanic
Sep 13, 2018
337
139
43
Kingsport, TN
I will be doing N/A I may toy with the idea of forced induction much farther down the line but I have no plans of that right now. Yea the LS3 is the route I am looking to go. I know it is expensive but I plan on doing most of the work myself and I've got at least a year or two to save up.
 
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MC96

Master Mechanic
Dec 7, 2015
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Lingenfelter has a CNC program going for LS3 heads, send in your core and ~1200 bucks and you get heads rated at 600hp NA.
 
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MC96

Master Mechanic
Dec 7, 2015
458
492
63
I will be doing N/A I may toy with the idea of forced induction much farther down the line but I have no plans of that right now. Yea the LS3 is the route I am looking to go. I know it is expensive but I plan on doing most of the work myself and I've got at least a year or to save up.

Id do some research and see if the cam that comes in the CT525 is a good option for you, its a crate ls3 with a carb intake for dirt late models that makes 533 hp, with what I think are untouched LS3 heads.

Usually you can get the cam specs then punch them into summit and come up with an almost identical cam from another brand cheaper than a GMPP cam.
 
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