Will the stock sleeves last?

[NipTuckTaxi]

Hindsight years later, I had ERL build an ls3 aluminum short block. Best I can compare it to is the V4 with 9.7:1 compression ratio. Forged crank, rods, pistons etc but with stock sleeves. ERL rates it 550-650hp. Slapped on AGP TT's at 12 psi. Engine hp is 757. Rwhp: 652. How long should I expect this thing to last or is it just a ticking time bomb?

[blake-b]

I say it will last quite a long, long time. Sleeves are not really high on the list of engine failure causes as long as the tune is good and temps are kept in check. It is likely a valve will drop, rod will let go, piston land will break before a sleeve cracks.

I think engine manufacturers underrate their stuff. It makes their lawyers happy and give them a cushion.

Go to some of the other LS sites and see how many people are making 700-1000hp on stock everything with a turbo and maybe a cam change. LS bottom ends are quite stout and swapping in better parts makes them stronger. A good tune and proper fueling are the most important factors in engine longevity.

[frankwjr]

Plus your lucky....ERL is gone....

[NipTuckTaxi]

No wonder they are hard to get ahold of lately. They get bought out or just fold up?

[blake-b]

They no longer do engines commercially.
Feb 17th 2017

ERL Performance Customers and Dealers,

Today, we are announcing that the ERL Performance division of ERL Inc. is shutting down. We had a good run for over a decade supporting the aftermarket community. We appreciate all of the loyal and enthusiastic support of ERL Performance over the years. We have built many great racing engines & relationships, and have won a lot races, but it is time for us to move on. We have made the decision to focus our efforts on our primary business of Commercial Marine and Rail. We will be completing our open orders and selling our inventory at discounted prices over the next 6 weeks.

Sincerely,


Stephen Wilkins

President

ERL Inc.

[NipTuckTaxi]

Well I sure hope I'm not being too hard on the engine then

[fif_gen_powa]

Originally Posted by NipTuckTaxi

Hindsight years later, I had ERL build an ls3 aluminum short block. Best I can compare it to is the V4 with 9.7:1 compression ratio. Forged crank, rods, pistons etc but with stock sleeves. ERL rates it 550-650hp. Slapped on AGP TT's at 12 psi. Engine hp is 757. Rwhp: 652. How long should I expect this thing to last or is it just a ticking time bomb?

Should be fine up to +/-1000whp as long as everything else is in order

[Sakudog]

We JUST had this discussion on the Turbo Camaro owners FB page. Long story short, most of the power ratings people use versus the LS motors are from Supercharger systems, which zap a lot of power at the crankshaft vs a turbo setup. The reason I say this is you have about 100-150 rwhp cushion on most "power limits" you hear on any given motor (IMO).

With the AGP setup you only need LS9 head gaskets, ARP headstuds, plenty of fuel and a great tune to make 850-950 rwhp on a stock LS3 with a cam.

[ZX1truth]

Originally Posted by Sakudog

We JUST had this discussion on the Turbo Camaro owners FB page. Long story short, most of the power ratings people use versus the LS motors are from Supercharger systems, which zap a lot of power at the crankshaft vs a turbo setup. The reason I say this is you have about 100-150 rwhp cushion on most "power limits" you hear on any given motor (IMO).

With the AGP setup you only need LS9 head gaskets, ARP headstuds, plenty of fuel and a great tune to make 850-950 rwhp on a stock LS3 with a cam.

Thank you very much! That is a reaffirming statement/fact from you guys "in the turbo know" for my future goals. I am buying the AGP kit with the EFR 7670 turbos to kiss 1000 rwhp on a stock LS3 with all the supporting mods and tune. Of course I will be prepared to buy a forged short block, but let's see where this quest will lead. Dreksnot has really shown how well the stock LS3 can handle 850+ with regular abuse. His build is amazing as are several guys on this site! This forum is invaluable as are the people and all your fantastic information! I am very appreciative!