[radz28]

The LS3 and LS9 (or LSA for that matter) are completely different in terms of the short block. The LS9 is completely forged - forged steel crank, Ti rods, forged pistons, piston squirters, and forged main caps; then, it has larger 12mm (I believe) head bolts whereas other LSX engines run 11mm head bolts, specially cast cylinder heads, among other things. The LS3 has nothing forged and I believe the crank is a carry over from either the LS1 or better balanced LS6s. I'm not for certain on that, but I'm pretty sure that's what I've read. The LSA has much of the same components as the LS9, however, it has steel rods and cast pistons. I don't recall if the heads were the same rotary cast style as the LS9, but it runs less pressure. I believe the LS9 runs 10.5 lbs. max, and the LSA was closer to 9 or something. The LS3 has too high a compression to my understanding (something like 10.9:1 or something) to run around 10 psi. reliably; considering one of the lead engineers of the
Vette and ZR1 program said that much more boost than it's already running is not a good idea because they're on the brink, especially in terms of cooling.

I'll definately be looking at a 1900 or 2300 for my car, seeing as how what I was looking for is looking less likely. Hopefully, GMPP can offer something through their catalog, and have CARB certification, because Ford offers upgrade kits for GT500s that are legal.

JMHO.