GM Performance 495 LS3 engine - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

rich2342 · 06-29-2022, 10:51 AM

I am looking at options currently.

Does anyone know about the GM performance crate engine in the 495hp variety?

Has anyone further cammed one out of the box after receiving it? If someone went this route, what would all be recommended in detail of doing so?

I am aware of any warranty issues, but looking to hear any firsthand experience and selection of anything needed.

Thanks

Bob570 · 06-30-2022, 10:11 PM

The only difference between a regular LS3 and the LS3 495 is the camshaft. It won't be any different than camming a regular one.

rich2342 · 06-30-2022, 10:13 PM

None of the valve train is upgraded?

The idea is to have a warranty. Short supply of anything these days

SS_CTS-V · 07-01-2022, 10:02 AM

What Bob570 said is correct. It's just a cam swap in a regular LS3. Off the top of my head, I'm pretty sure it's the GM LS Hotcam in there, which is pretty small and conservative for the LS3. Google confirmed:

https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/19432416.html

IMHO it's not worth the extra expense over a crate LS3, and certainly not if you are going to swap the cam. I had that same cam in a 2002 Tans Am LS1, and while it was fun for a "drop in" cam, I regretted not going bigger. For the LS3 it's almost not worth the effort.

ariZona28 · 07-02-2022, 12:09 AM

I have the 495hp engine in my '03 Z06 track car. Installed for the previous owner by Vengeance Racing in Georgia it's an absolute blast. With LG 1-3/4" headers, 3" exhaust and LG mufflers it has a nice lope at idle with a bit of slow speed bucking that magnifies the cars personality. Yes, it has a better cam but the nice thing about it is GM went with higher duration instead of an increase in lift to obtain higher HP. If I was going to purchase a GM crate I'd probably go with the 525 HP version but I'm pretty happy with my current setup.

CamaroCracka · 07-02-2022, 10:17 AM

If you don't want to mess with valve springs etc. The ASA spec cams are pretty lumpy and runs on the stock valvetrain.

06-29-2022, 10:51 AM	#1
rich2342 Drives: 2010 CGM Camaro SS Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: MA Posts: 515	GM Performance 495 LS3 engine I am looking at options currently. Does anyone know about the GM performance crate engine in the 495hp variety? Has anyone further cammed one out of the box after receiving it? If someone went this route, what would all be recommended in detail of doing so? I am aware of any warranty issues, but looking to hear any firsthand experience and selection of anything needed. Thanks

07-02-2022, 12:09 AM	#5
ariZona28 Give speed a chance Drives: 2015 Camaro 2LS, 2015 Camaro Z/28 Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: Mesa, Az Posts: 2,223	I have the 495hp engine in my '03 Z06 track car. Installed for the previous owner by Vengeance Racing in Georgia it's an absolute blast. With LG 1-3/4" headers, 3" exhaust and LG mufflers it has a nice lope at idle with a bit of slow speed bucking that magnifies the cars personality. Yes, it has a better cam but the nice thing about it is GM went with higher duration instead of an increase in lift to obtain higher HP. If I was going to purchase a GM crate I'd probably go with the 525 HP version but I'm pretty happy with my current setup. Attached Images __________________ 2LS: a TREMENDOUS machine. Z/28: it's a BIT MORE POWERFUL, of course.

07-02-2022, 10:17 AM	#6
CamaroCracka Drives: 2010 Turbo LS3 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Palm Bay, FL Posts: 2,729	If you don't want to mess with valve springs etc. The ASA spec cams are pretty lumpy and runs on the stock valvetrain. __________________ 2010 SS - On3 kit with downpipe cutout, CTR 78/80, CompCam 239/251 620/632 122+4, E85, Z28 suspension and ZL1 diff with Outlaw axles. Gen6 ZL1/1LE brakes. 2011 Vert - 416/w 230/236 .612/.602 115lsa, 1LE suspension w/32mm rear bar. Z28 diff. ZL1 brakes.

06-30-2022, 10:11 PM	#2
Bob570 Drives: Chevrolet Camaro SS Join Date: May 2022 Location: West Michigan Posts: 10	The only difference between a regular LS3 and the LS3 495 is the camshaft. It won't be any different than camming a regular one.

06-30-2022, 10:13 PM	#3
rich2342 Drives: 2010 CGM Camaro SS Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: MA Posts: 515	None of the valve train is upgraded? The idea is to have a warranty. Short supply of anything these days

07-01-2022, 10:02 AM	#4
SS_CTS-V Drives: 2015 SS, 2006 CTS-V (wrecked...) Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Tampa Posts: 128	What Bob570 said is correct. It's just a cam swap in a regular LS3. Off the top of my head, I'm pretty sure it's the GM LS Hotcam in there, which is pretty small and conservative for the LS3. Google confirmed: https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/19432416.html IMHO it's not worth the extra expense over a crate LS3, and certainly not if you are going to swap the cam. I had that same cam in a 2002 Tans Am LS1, and while it was fun for a "drop in" cam, I regretted not going bigger. For the LS3 it's almost not worth the effort.