Updates are after the LS3 Specs
LS3 6.2L Small Block Chev
The hottest new small-block now available in a box
Starting with the ’08 Corvette, the world was first introduced to GM’s latest small-block V-8 creation—he 6.2L LS3. A continuation of the industry leading V-8 engines from GM, the LS3 kicks out 430 horsepower and 424 lb.-ft. of torque. (In the Corvette, those numbers go to 436 hp and 428 lb.-ft. of torque with the optional dual mode exhaust system.)
The LS series of engines has broken new ground for efficiency and performance from a pushrod platform engine. The LS3 continues the engineering breakthroughs with revised cylinder heads featuring rectangle ports borrowed from the L92. The heads feature 63cc combustion chambers, 2.16" hollow-stem intake valves (reminiscent of the LS6), and 1.59" exhaust valves. The camshaft features an aggressive .551" of lift on the intake side with less overlap (than the LS2) for even greater airflow and power. Rocker arms with a 1.7:1 ratio sit on top of the heads. In the bottom end, the aluminum 6-bolts/main block features 4.06" bores and 3.62" stroke. A nodular iron crankshaft, powdered-metal rods, and aluminum pistons (10.7:1 compression ratio) round out a rev-happy short block. Red line for the LS3 comes at 6600 rpm, and you will get there very quickly.
With a high-tech GM foundation, aluminum block, and high flowing rectangular-port heads, the LS3 is the new standard in the small-block world. The LS3 helps power the new Corvette to a top speed of 190 mph. What will it power you to?
Starting with the ’08 Corvette, the world was first introduced to GM’s latest small-block V-8 creation—he 6.2L LS3. A continuation of the industry leading V-8 engines from GM, the LS3 kicks out 430 horsepower and 424 lb.-ft. of torque. (In the Corvette, those numbers go to 436 hp and 428 lb.-ft. of torque with the optional dual mode exhaust system.)
The LS series of engines has broken new ground for efficiency and performance from a pushrod platform engine. The LS3 continues the engineering breakthroughs with revised cylinder heads featuring rectangle ports borrowed from the L92. The heads feature 63cc combustion chambers, 2.16" hollow-stem intake valves (reminiscent of the LS6), and 1.59" exhaust valves. The camshaft features an aggressive .551" of lift on the intake side with less overlap (than the LS2) for even greater airflow and power. Rocker arms with a 1.7:1 ratio sit on top of the heads. In the bottom end, the aluminum 6-bolts/main block features 4.06" bores and 3.62" stroke. A nodular iron crankshaft, powdered-metal rods, and aluminum pistons (10.7:1 compression ratio) round out a rev-happy short block. Red line for the LS3 comes at 6600 rpm, and you will get there very quickly.
With a high-tech GM foundation, aluminum block, and high flowing rectangular-port heads, the LS3 is the new standard in the small-block world. The LS3 helps power the new Corvette to a top speed of 190 mph. What will it power you to?
May 23, 2013
Wow, it has been a year since my last post in this category and now I have an engine that runs. I have not test drove it yet, the weather is not that great out, rain coming down. Check out the YouTube videos.
May 25, 2012
Have put the intake in with the Mass Air Flow. With haveing the the Mass Air Flow piece in place it made the overall lenght the long. I will cut the middle tube so there will be room for the air cleaner.
May 14, 2012
The intake tubes are the same as what Rumrunner had used. This sure finishes off the engine compartment. I went with the tubes on the drivers side as too the pass side. I just have too much stuff like fuel regulator, filter and return line on the pass side.
Mar 29, 2012
Started on the fix for the belt pulley. I had to first cut it at 5.2 cm. Once I had it two pieces I got the lathe out and machined the two ends down to the proper size. I think with out the lathe this would be tough to get it straight. I painted the fix parts with black paint, they sure look good now.
Nov 18-28
Still tring to get the wiring in the right spot. Every time I look at them I see another problem and need to rewiring everything. The gas pedal that I received from SMC was alittle different than the one that came with the donor kit. So I has to do more fabing to get it to work, it hangs down past where the old had been bolted too. Then I had to move the brake pedal to the left it was just to close your foot would most likely hit it.
Nov 08-10, 2011
The new pulleys and engine hrness went in. The engine harness I purchased from Shawn at SMC performance it is a self contained unit it has the fan control and fuel pump built into it. The fly wire is also extended to fit the GTM. The computer was also mounted using a bracket that I purcased from Shane at Vraptor. All of this went in with out any problems.
Nov 01, 2011
I did not like the way the Compressor plug was pointing at a cross member so I had to take it to the local Shop and have them move the plug from the 8:00 oclock position to the 11:00 oclock position. With it in this psition there is no chance that it will hit the cross member. Kemp on the form had this done and I thought that it would help when if the engine is excellerated. It is a simple task you just need the right tools. Some people notch the cross member but this was alot more piece of mind. Also put the Alternator in with all belts starting to look good. The bracket that Factory Five supplied with the kit fit perfect bolting up to the LS3 block. I put in one spacer on the back side of the Alternator. The belts all line up as they should.
Oct 30, 2011
This was a huge day as the LS3 Crate Engine went into the GTM. I had the intake reversal and the A/C unit complete so I went ahead and installed the motor. I put it in myself as I was just to excited to wait for a good friend or my son to help. The motor went in just over an hour and a half to install. As long as you get the the A/C side motor mount in first it can be done with one person. I also had the water pump on too. Most people install the engine with the water pump off. On the back of the motor as I don't have a transaxle yet I just have a ratchet strap holding it for now.
Oct 27-29, 2011
The engine harness along with all other parts came in the complete the Engine reversal. Shawn at SMC Performance built this stand alone engine harness with fuel pump and with fan control. The throttle control wire is also extended to reach the front of the car. I also purchased the LS1 water pump from him. This pump is alittle bit smaller (thinner) than the on that came with the LS3 crate engine. All of the pulleys lined up and are at the right spacing.
Intake reversal - Went with with out any problems the manual gives the torque specs along with the pattern. This was a concern for me but turned out relatively a simple task.
Front A/C and other Accessory Drive complete
Oct 08, 2011
I started to fab the second motor mount heat shield. With this one I had made the notches closer with less gaps. With the long weekend things have slowed down on the build.
Oct 03 05, 2011
I had seen someone put a heat shields around the rubber motor mounts. It lookes like a good idea so I started to fab up some for mine. I first started with a piece of cardboard to make a template. With the template made I started to cut on from stainless steel. After about an hour or two I had the first one made not to bad for an Operator. The next one I won't make the teeth so wide there are some good size gaps but it will do.
Sept 20, 2011
The new LS3 crate engine is in my garage. These are some pictures as it is still in the box. Iam back on shift so I will only be able to work on it after work. Yahooo!