Boosting for this dummy

[honeybucket99]

If anyone could give some input, I would be much obliged. I am going to supercharge my LS3 next month. I have just about decided to go with a KB. I already have LT headers. I was talking to the guys at APF today and they recommend a change of cam to a LS9 cam for what I want (I simply want good torque and power. I am old enough that I probably will never use it; I know I will never race it. I just want it. Kind of like, "Why did you climb the mountain? Because, it was there.") So, with that said, I don't mind driving until the clutch goes out, or something in the transmission or rear end breaks, if they ever do.

My question is this--What do you guys think is essential to be done to the engine at the time boost is added to ensure longevity? Is adding a supercharger and cam just asking for trouble? Or, is it all in the way you treat the car after the mod?

Any help is greatly appreciated because I know very little about this subject.

Thanks

[zr1gary]

I went with Whipple...but people also like KB and many other superchargers...so if you like KB...go with it. I also added LS9 cam and new timing chain.
The guys at APF have done this before...I'd go with what they recommend!
Here is a start (may have seen already)
http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79456

[honeybucket99]

thanks for the link. i missed that thread. i guess i am just a nervous nellie on this one

[old motorhead]

As long as the boost is mild and the tune is right, you shouldn't have any problems with the motor. I don't think the LS9 cam is enough of an upgrade over your stock cam to fool with. It is cheap though

[JM10]

I have been thinking in buying the LS9 cam.....but dont know if its worh it?

What are the average gains (hp and tq) of this cam?


JM

[2010 SS RS]

LS3 6.2L Tech Specs Part Number:
19201992


Balanced:
Internal


Block Part Number:
12584727


Block Type:
Cast aluminum with 6-bolt main caps


Bore x stroke (in):
4.06 x 3.62 (103.25 x 92mm)


Camshaft duration (@.050 in):
204 degree intake / 211 degree exhaust


Camshaft Part Number:
12603844


Camshaft Type:
Hydraulic roller


Compression ratio:
10.7:1


Connecting rods (P/N 12617570):
Powdered metal


Connecting rods (P/N 12617570):
Powdered metal


Crankshaft (P/N 12597569):
Nodular iron


Crankshaft (P/N 12597569):
Nodular iron


Cylinder heads (P/N 12598594):
LS3 rectangle port; as cast with 68cc chambers


Cylinder heads (P/N 12598594):
LS3 rectangle port; as cast with 68cc chambers


Displacement (cu in):
376 cu in (6.2L)


Engine type:
LS Series Gen IV small-block V-8


Maximum recommended rpm:
6600


Pistons Part Number:
19165089


Pistons Type:
Hypereutectic aluminum


Recommended fuel:
92 octane


Reluctor wheel:
58X


Rocker arm ratio:
1.7:1


Rocker arms exhaust Part Number:
10214664


Rocker arms exhaust Type:
Investment cast, roller trunnion


Rocker arms intake Part Number:
12569167


Rocker arms intake Type:
Investment cast, roller trunnion


Valve Lift (in):
.551 intake / .522 exhaust


Valve size (in):
2.16 intake / 1.59 exhaust


http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/En...049&engCat=lsx

LSX376 Tech Specs Part Number:
19171049


Engine Type:
LSX-Series Gen IV Small-Block V-8


Displacement (cu in):
376 cu in (6.2L)


Bore x Stroke (in):
4.060 x 3.620 (103.25 x 92 mm)


Block (P/N 19244055)::
LSX cast-iron with 6-bolt, cross-bolted main caps


Crankshaft (P/N 12597569):
Nodular iron


Connecting Rods (P/N 12624231):
Powdered metal


Pistons (P/N 19244016):
Forged aluminum


Camshaft Type (P/N 12603844):
Hydraulic roller


Valve Lift (in):
0.551" intake / 0.522" exhaust


Camshaft Duration (@.050 in):
204? intake / 211? exhaust


Cylinder Heads (P/N 12615869):
LS3 rectangular port; with "as cast" 68cc chambers


Valve Size (in):
2.160 intake / 1.590 exhaust


Compression Ratio:
9:1


Rocker Arms (P/N 12569167 int):
Investment-cast, roll trunnion


Rocker Arms (P/N 10214664 exh):
Investment-cast, roll trunnion


Rocker Arm Ratio:
1.7:1


Recommended Fuel:
92 octane


Maximum Recommended RPM:
6600


Reluctor Wheel:
58X


Balanced:
Internal


I put these two comparisons up for a point and one that should be considered.
The ls3 stock is not built for boost. And the KB or Whipple are far from small displacement SC's The lsx is set up and engineered for boost by a GMPP SC which will not be as large as the KB or Whipple.

Pay close attention to major difference in Compression and forged vs cast internals. Also fuel delivery will be an issue that should be addressed before adding power.

Always build from the inside out and you will be one happy camper for a long time to come.

[Capthowdy]

the ls9 is a good blower cam...stock it does add a slight gain and idles near stock so there is worry if warr is an issue...

[mikepage0007]

well, if you are gonna cam, do it now,because labor will eat you up the 2nd time around...a good boost grind cam will get you 75-100 hp and actually lower your boost so you can put on smaller pulley..i have the kb and thought the same way..learn from my mistakes...do the kb, with 3 3/4 pulley, nice blower cam , dual fuel pump, you can resell the bap that kb comes with..and your done with motor, you will run about 9 - 9.5 boost and get approx 650 rwhp , maybe more , maybe less..depends on tuning factors and type of dyno..imo...you will run about 89% duty cycle on your kb injectors @ wot..apf has good following and will and john will def help you get on track...these are my opinions..based on my kb build...good luck..

[honeybucket99]

Thanks for all the replies! I am beginning to think that the 4 most expensive words in this endeavor are gonna be "While we're at it..."

[SSE 4 2SS]

Originally Posted by honeybucket99

Thanks for all the replies! I am beginning to think that the 4 most expensive words in this endeavor are gonna be "While we're at it..."

OMG, I could not agree more... I was going with a bolt on Twin Turbo set-up... now, my builder currently has in his shop...

Cam,
Chains and gears
Injectors, 80#
Dual Fuel Pump,
BAP,
Gauges, soon, gotta find the ones I like
Axles,
Clutch,
Trailing Arms,
Toe Rods,
Delrin Diff Bushings,
Line Lock, soon, gotta order it... while I'm at it...
Heads,
Valves
Springs
and on the way are the
ERL, LS-3 Stroker 427 with Callies Crank,
Billet Rods,
Forged Pistons,
Full 3" exhaust...
and the item we originally started with... Twin Turbo Kit with 10 lb waste gate springs...

And a lot of other things I can't remember right now...

"Hey, while you're at it...." to the tune of about 60 dollars per 1 HP gained...est... Won't know this until it's all finished...

[zr1gary]

Originally Posted by zr1gary

I went with Whipple...but people also like KB and many other superchargers...so if you like KB...go with it. I also added LS9 cam and new timing chain.
The guys at APF have done this before...I'd go with what they recommend!
Here is a start (may have seen already)
http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79456

Main reasons I used the LS9 cam were:
The cam is perfectly suited to MY build...
I did not want to have to do springs and push rods. It is a proven blower cam on the ZR1...I know ZR1 does not use 2.9 Whipple.
It is a mild cam and very streetable....
Now before the experts beat me up....I know there are MANY great cams that one can choose from that would make more power, but with the Whipple with 3.875 pulley and my other mods...AND stock internals...I don't need more power :flag2:

[GSUNCSU]

Bottom line is you are in good hands with the APF guys, if I had gone KB they would have been my vendor of choice. I decided to do the install myself, so I went with the MagnaCharger. KB is one of many great choices for these cars, have fun.

[zr1gary]

Agree with 'GSUNCSU'....If you are going with APF (and it seems like a good thing to me)....take their advice. They will treat you right and from what I've heard, they do a great job.
Keep us posted.

[1stTimeV8r]

Originally Posted by zr1gary

Main reasons I used the LS9 cam were:
The cam is perfectly suited to MY build...
I did not want to have to do springs and push rods. It is a proven blower cam on the ZR1...I know ZR1 does not use 2.9 Whipple.
It is a mild cam and very streetable....
Now before the experts beat me up....I know there are MANY great cams that one can choose from that would make more power, but with the Whipple with 3.875 pulley and my other mods...AND stock internals...I don't need more power :flag2:

Agree totally with your reasons on the LS9 cam and why I went with it too.