Why the two different engines in the SS? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

cal45 · 12-09-2013, 03:19 PM

Did a quick search here and didn't get an answer ...

Why did GM decide to go with different engines on the SS...LS3 for stick, and L99 for auto. Since 2008, the Corvette had been running the LS3 w/both stick and auto - so why couldn't this been done with the Camaros? You would think it would have been easier for the factory to keep with one base engine for the SS. Explains why there is a power difference between the two and why you cannot get the NPP Performance Exhaust option with the automatics.

Also, anyone know if GM uses the L99 in other vehicles?

Jeffm · 12-09-2013, 03:24 PM

Gas guzzler tax on auto if it didn't have afm the gas milage would have been to low

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

hrpiii · 12-09-2013, 03:26 PM

the L99 is basically an LS3 with the AFM/DOD mods on the internals. You can easily convert the L99 to the LS3 and keep the auto. It's really not "two" different engines because what ever mods you can do to the Manual, you can do to the Auto.

cal45 · 12-09-2013, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hrpiii

the L99 is basically an LS3 with the AFM/DOD mods on the internals. You can easily convert the L99 to the LS3 and keep the auto. It's really not "two" different engines because what ever mods you can do to the Manual, you can do to the Auto.

Didn't know that...Thanks.

RollaMo · 12-09-2013, 03:37 PM

To meet government CAFE standards.

There is no technical reason to have two different engines.
As mentioned, they used the LS3 with both auto and manual in the Corvette.

But the Camaro is a MUCH higher production volume car, and that would have affected the corporate average.

In the real world driving, an individual would not notice the very slight difference in fuel economy.
But in the fuel economy testing these cars have to go through, it makes a difference.

ravensjeff · 12-09-2013, 03:39 PM

Yes, I believe it was a gas guzzler thing and trying to keep costs down during the initial Camaro re-birthing.

This is what was done to convert my L99 to LS3 by Lingenfelter:

Convert to LS3: lifters, front cover, 3 bolt cam conversion,
LS3 hollow stem intake valves, Inconel exhaust valves

Wolvie70 · 12-09-2013, 03:53 PM

In addition to production run as stated above. Corvette being much lighter probably helps the mileage as well.

Angrybird 12 · 12-09-2013, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Comrando

Personally, I don't think rebuilding an engine with new pistons, camshaft, lifters, PCV, etc. is anything easy.

Oops, forgot the valves.

Wouldn't you need to also change the ECM and wiring harness?

slick rick · 12-09-2013, 04:09 PM

How much is the gas guzzler tax on the Chevy SS? It's an LS3 with automatic transmission

Angrybird 12 · 12-09-2013, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slick rick

How much is the gas guzzler tax on the Chevy SS? It's an LS3 with automatic transmission

I think I read it's $1300 on the Chevy website.

trashmanssd · 12-09-2013, 04:12 PM

government

you don't do what they say then

firedrop · 12-09-2013, 05:45 PM

i personally would've rather paid $1,300 for the gas guzzler tax than be burdened with AFM and a weaker engine than the ls3.

not · 12-09-2013, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by firedrop

i personally would've rather paid $1,300 for the gas guzzler tax than be burdened with AFM and a weaker engine than the ls3.

26HP is next to nothing between the two and the A6 gearing is a bit more aggressive I think.....but M6 gets 3.45 and A6 gets 3.27 final gears.

I don't drag race but my buds who do........the ones with automatics anyways, state the A6 will beat an M6 in the quarter-mile.....

Okay, open up the floodgates on this one..

Denis · 12-09-2013, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Comrando

Personally, I don't think rebuilding an engine with new pistons, camshaft, lifters, PCV, etc. is anything easy.

Oops, forgot the valves.

You need do even half of that for an LS3 conversion.

http://www.phastekperformance.com/20...o-l99tols3.htm

12-09-2013, 03:19 PM	#1
cal45 Drives: 2015 Blue Velvet Metallic ZL1 Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Orlando & Flagler Beach,FL Posts: 1,453	Why the two different engines in the SS? Did a quick search here and didn't get an answer ... Why did GM decide to go with different engines on the SS...LS3 for stick, and L99 for auto. Since 2008, the Corvette had been running the LS3 w/both stick and auto - so why couldn't this been done with the Camaros? You would think it would have been easier for the factory to keep with one base engine for the SS. Explains why there is a power difference between the two and why you cannot get the NPP Performance Exhaust option with the automatics. Also, anyone know if GM uses the L99 in other vehicles?

12-09-2013, 03:24 PM	#2
Jeffm ICANHAZ Drives: 2013 CRT 1SS/RS Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Skiatook, Ok Posts: 983 View My Garage	Gas guzzler tax on auto if it didn't have afm the gas milage would have been to low Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk __________________ http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=254430 Build Thread

12-09-2013, 03:37 PM	#5
RollaMo Drives: 2017 2SS Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Rolla, MO Posts: 1,106	To meet government CAFE standards. There is no technical reason to have two different engines. As mentioned, they used the LS3 with both auto and manual in the Corvette. But the Camaro is a MUCH higher production volume car, and that would have affected the corporate average. In the real world driving, an individual would not notice the very slight difference in fuel economy. But in the fuel economy testing these cars have to go through, it makes a difference. __________________ 1996 Corvette - LT4 2017 Camaro 2SS 2019 GMC Sierra 2500 HD 2015 Harley Davidson Ultra Limited

12-09-2013, 03:39 PM	#6
ravensjeff 100% Chevy & Harley Man Drives: 2010 2SS: Blown LSX 376-B15 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Eldersburg,MD Posts: 2,211 View My Garage	Yes, I believe it was a gas guzzler thing and trying to keep costs down during the initial Camaro re-birthing. This is what was done to convert my L99 to LS3 by Lingenfelter: Convert to LS3: lifters, front cover, 3 bolt cam conversion, LS3 hollow stem intake valves, Inconel exhaust valves __________________ LSX 376-B15, TVS2300 SC, Harland Sharp Rockers w/ Trunion Bearings, ATI Balancer/keyed, AR LT Headers/Borla Catback Exhaust, DSS 1400 HP Axles, DSS aluminum driveshaft, 3.70, Hotchkis Springs/Sway bars, Forgeline SO3P Aluminum Wheels (20x9.5 F/20x11 R)w/ Hidden Titanium Hardware, Nitto NT05 Tires (27540ZR20 F/31535ZR20 R), Billet LPE brake/gas pedals, Escort 9500ci Radar Detector Laser Jammer, Roto Fab CAI with Ice Silver box, Carbon fiber tube/MAF Housing Assy, LPE Aluminum coil covers, SS9 Sleeper Fiber Glass Hood (ACS), Carbotech 1521 ceramic brake pads, Elite catch can.

12-09-2013, 04:09 PM	#9
slick rick SoCal Mayhem Drives: 2010 Camaro 1SS/RS Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Foothill Ranch, CA Posts: 5,488 View My Garage	How much is the gas guzzler tax on the Chevy SS? It's an LS3 with automatic transmission __________________

12-09-2013, 03:26 PM	#3
hrpiii AKA "Beefcake" Drives: 2023 ZL1 Sharkskin Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Indy Posts: 8,573	the L99 is basically an LS3 with the AFM/DOD mods on the internals. You can easily convert the L99 to the LS3 and keep the auto. It's really not "two" different engines because what ever mods you can do to the Manual, you can do to the Auto.

12-09-2013, 03:53 PM	#7
Wolvie70 Drives: 2016 2SS, Summit White, A8, NPP Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Arkansas Posts: 717	In addition to production run as stated above. Corvette being much lighter probably helps the mileage as well.

12-09-2013, 04:12 PM	#11
trashmanssd Drives: Black 14 2SS/1LE/RS 14 Tundra Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Plymouth, Ma Posts: 2,414	government you don't do what they say then

12-09-2013, 05:45 PM	#12
firedrop Drives: 2012 2ss/l99 a6, victory red Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: philadelphia Posts: 387	i personally would've rather paid $1,300 for the gas guzzler tax than be burdened with AFM and a weaker engine than the ls3. __________________ 2012 2ss l99/a6 CAI, custom catback with flowmaster series 10s