LS3 vs LS9 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

BumbleDs · 09-22-2009, 11:21 PM

I was told that the LS3 and the LS9 (minus the supercharger) are almost the same. I was told I wouldnt have to change anything (even injectors) by adding a supercharger. True, not true? Anyone know about this? Could I get the GM LS9 supercharger, drop her on and get a tune? Headers or cam differnace??

1320junkie · 09-22-2009, 11:22 PM

No..its not as simple as getting the LS9 supercharger and dropping it in it..Look up both engine specs and compare them...lol..im not going to do the work for ya..lol

*radz28* · 09-22-2009, 11:49 PM

Simply - I think the easiest way to put this is about the only thing that's similar is the block casting. Shoot, even that's different (LS9 uses, what, 12mm bolts instead of the standard 11mm, or something.) There's probably one or two shared components, like the cam retainer and lifter retainers, lol; okay, maybe the oil pan gasket... Different heads, dry-sump oil, different flywheel, the whole reciprocating assembly is forged on an LS9, I think the plug wires are shorter even, more layers in the head gaskets, LS9 has forged main bearing caps, is pretty much blue-printed (well, maybe not balanced, but the block is assembled special), dual-mode fuel system, dual-disc clutch, Ti intake valves, cam is different, and way more.

It's really a different animal altogether

There's no comparison, really.

BumbleDs · 09-22-2009, 11:55 PM

hm. that sucks. but all in all, would a GM supercharger for the 6.2 LS9 be complable with the 6.2 LS3?

gtbaldini · 09-23-2009, 12:20 AM

Yes and no. The LS9 can handle a lot more boost and horses due to it's forged internals. You could run about the same horses but one can handle the stresses much better. The LS9 is a very special motor.

BumbleDs · 09-23-2009, 12:27 AM

agreed, I researched it a little bit and the LS3 was just a based platform for it i guess. In reality, what supercharger would perform close or exceed that of an LS9, for around the same quality and price? Im assuming thats a bit much to ask.

Tal · 09-23-2009, 12:29 AM

It's not the supercharger but building the rest of the engine up to support that level of boost from the supercharger. No matter what parts you use adding more than 200+ reliable horsepower is going to be serious work and expense. You might look at doing something closer the LSA, you'll be around 550 instead of 650 horses but the cost and effort will be more in line with what you were wanting.

BumbleDs · 09-23-2009, 12:37 AM

So either way the plant HAS to be removed-so rebuild it for the numbers matching aspect in the future, or wait untill I find a wreched V series Caddy or ZR1?

66DeuceLS1 · 10-02-2009, 08:12 AM

No, you would not have to tear down to make numbers similar to the LSA motor. There have been a few folks out knocking down mid 500RWHP with the Magnacharger on the stock short block. Do some more research and you will see that it can be done. Picking up an LSA or LS9 mill through the salvage markets will still be pretty costly and you can accomplish what you are shooting for now and for less $.

Crowley · 10-02-2009, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BumbleDs

agreed, I researched it a little bit and the LS3 was just a based platform for it i guess. In reality, what supercharger would perform close or exceed that of an LS9, for around the same quality and price? Im assuming thats a bit much to ask.

You could put a blower on your stock LS3 and be ok and make very good numbers. However, the LS9 is has forged internals and is ready for you to turn the boost up, you won't be able to do that on the LS3 (at least not for too long). The LSA isn't much better, a little lower compression and a few other tidbits, but again, I'm not sure how much boost it could handle.

For 6 - 7 lbs, you should be just fine for a stock LS3 and make great numbers. If you are looking to put in a lot of boost and make some BIG numbers, go fully forged and low compression .. skys the limit then

Crowley

09-22-2009, 11:21 PM	#1
BumbleDs Drives: 2010 Camaro RS/SS TF Edition Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Des Moines Posts: 629 View My Garage	LS3 vs LS9 I was told that the LS3 and the LS9 (minus the supercharger) are almost the same. I was told I wouldnt have to change anything (even injectors) by adding a supercharger. True, not true? Anyone know about this? Could I get the GM LS9 supercharger, drop her on and get a tune? Headers or cam differnace??

09-22-2009, 11:49 PM	#3
radz28 Petro-sexual Drives: Ultra-Grin Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Crazy Coast Posts: 15,192 View My Garage	Simply - I think the easiest way to put this is about the only thing that's similar is the block casting. Shoot, even that's different (LS9 uses, what, 12mm bolts instead of the standard 11mm, or something.) There's probably one or two shared components, like the cam retainer and lifter retainers, lol; okay, maybe the oil pan gasket... Different heads, dry-sump oil, different flywheel, the whole reciprocating assembly is forged on an LS9, I think the plug wires are shorter even, more layers in the head gaskets, LS9 has forged main bearing caps, is pretty much blue-printed (well, maybe not balanced, but the block is assembled special), dual-mode fuel system, dual-disc clutch, Ti intake valves, cam is different, and way more. It's really a different animal altogether There's no comparison, really. __________________ '20 ZL1 Black "Fury" A10, PDR, Exposed CF Extractor Magnuson Magnum DI TVS2650R // RFBG // Soler 103 // TooHighPSI Port Injection // THPSI Billet Lid // FF // Katech Drop-In // PLM Heat Exchanger // ZLE Cradle bushings // BMR Chassis-Suspension Stuff // aFe Bars // Diode Dynamics LEDs // ACS Composites Guards // CF Dash // Aeroforce // tint // other stuffs

10-02-2009, 08:12 AM	#9
66DeuceLS1 Drives: 2010 2SS/RS SIM M6 Hockey Kit Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Platte City, MO Posts: 92	No, you would not have to tear down to make numbers similar to the LSA motor. There have been a few folks out knocking down mid 500RWHP with the Magnacharger on the stock short block. Do some more research and you will see that it can be done. Picking up an LSA or LS9 mill through the salvage markets will still be pretty costly and you can accomplish what you are shooting for now and for less $. __________________ 2SS/RS SIM M6 Polished 20's, Hockey Strips, GFX, Kooks LT's, High flow CATS, Magnaflow x-pipe, Vararam CAI

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09-22-2009, 11:22 PM	#2
1320junkie Drives: The Imperial Army Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: The Darkside Posts: 15,742	No..its not as simple as getting the LS9 supercharger and dropping it in it..Look up both engine specs and compare them...lol..im not going to do the work for ya..lol

09-22-2009, 11:55 PM	#4
BumbleDs Drives: 2010 Camaro RS/SS TF Edition Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Des Moines Posts: 629 View My Garage	hm. that sucks. but all in all, would a GM supercharger for the 6.2 LS9 be complable with the 6.2 LS3?

09-23-2009, 12:20 AM	#5
gtbaldini Drives: 2010 Cyber Grey 2SS/RS LS3 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 153	Yes and no. The LS9 can handle a lot more boost and horses due to it's forged internals. You could run about the same horses but one can handle the stresses much better. The LS9 is a very special motor.

09-23-2009, 12:27 AM	#6
BumbleDs Drives: 2010 Camaro RS/SS TF Edition Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Des Moines Posts: 629 View My Garage	agreed, I researched it a little bit and the LS3 was just a based platform for it i guess. In reality, what supercharger would perform close or exceed that of an LS9, for around the same quality and price? Im assuming thats a bit much to ask.

09-23-2009, 12:29 AM	#7
Tal Drives: Old Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: OK Posts: 726	It's not the supercharger but building the rest of the engine up to support that level of boost from the supercharger. No matter what parts you use adding more than 200+ reliable horsepower is going to be serious work and expense. You might look at doing something closer the LSA, you'll be around 550 instead of 650 horses but the cost and effort will be more in line with what you were wanting.

09-23-2009, 12:37 AM	#8
BumbleDs Drives: 2010 Camaro RS/SS TF Edition Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Des Moines Posts: 629 View My Garage	So either way the plant HAS to be removed-so rebuild it for the numbers matching aspect in the future, or wait untill I find a wreched V series Caddy or ZR1?