Backward LSA LS3 swap - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

larry_g · 04-30-2020, 09:13 PM

So it's pretty common to add an LSA blower to an LS3, but have you ever seen an LSA with an LS3 blower?

I bought a Whipple 2.9 for my LS3 but ended up having a cracked cylinder liner that sent me down an interesting path. I ended up finding a slightly used LSA short block with some new AFR heads and managed to build it for the Whipple.

The results below were much better than I expected. This is the new LSA Whipple setup vs my LS3 with long tubes and an intake last year.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

Greenhornet2 · 05-01-2020, 06:45 AM

Yes people upgrade from the LSA SC all the time. That's usually when you see the used lsa set up for sale. The lsa is a pretty small SC in comparison to the aftermarket world.

larry_g · 05-01-2020, 07:36 AM

I guess I never spent enough time in the ZL1 forums. I thought I did a pretty good job making it all work.

Greenhornet2 · 05-01-2020, 08:50 AM

What are the differences in the block? I know the bottom end is a little stronger on the LSA but isn't the block the same? Were you able to swap your stuff from your ls3 to bolt on the to lsa or did you run into problems? Those are nice numbers on 8psi.

Juiced1 · 05-01-2020, 09:05 AM

I wish Whipple made an LSA fitment blower. I'm sure that combo has a lot left in it too.

larry_g · 05-01-2020, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greenhornet2

What are the differences in the block? I know the bottom end is a little stronger on the LSA but isn't the block the same? Were you able to swap your stuff from your ls3 to bolt on the to lsa or did you run into problems? Those are nice numbers on 8psi.

Block looks the same but can definitely see that the pistons are lower compression. I was able to use all of my LS3 accessories. Fortunately the ATI LS3 damper is keyed so it bolted nicely to the crank and everything lined up to use the LS3 belt spacing. I'll definitely need more fuel before I can turn up the boost but I'm really happy with where it baselined.

larry_g · 05-01-2020, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Juiced1

I wish Whipple made an LSA fitment blower. I'm sure that combo has a lot left in it too.

If I made it work, I'm sure you guys can...it has tons of room left but it cost me way more than planned so I'm going to have to wait before I can turn it up. Besides, I have to get used to it.

Greenhornet2 · 05-01-2020, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larry_g

Block looks the same but can definitely see that the pistons are lower compression. I was able to use all of my LS3 accessories. Fortunately the ATI LS3 damper is keyed so it bolted nicely to the crank and everything lined up to use the LS3 belt spacing. I'll definitely need more fuel before I can turn up the boost but I'm really happy with where it baselined.

Yea the pistons are different, the rods are supposed to be a little stronger as well. Zl1 fuel pump jre fpcm and bap and i'm safe up to 750whp on 93. I could turn it up to 800whp on 100 octane with my set up but that's just too much money for gas lol. 700hp on the street is a lot i can't really see adding much more and it being effective.

gtstorey · 05-01-2020, 10:12 AM

LSA blocks are supposed to be stronger than LS3 blocks. Here is what one source says the difference is.

LS3 has a Cast Nodular Iron crank, LSA has a forged crank
LS3 no piston oil squirters, LSA have piston oil squirters
LSA block is 20% stronger than the LS3 short-block

LS3 Block is a deep skirt cast A356-T6 ALUMINUM ALLOY with pressed in cylinders.

LSA and LS9 Block is a deep skirt cast 319-T7 ALUMINUM ALLOY, with cast-in-iron cylinders
and uses 4-Bolts per cylinder to affix the cylinder heads to the block, just as does an LS3.

larry_g · 05-01-2020, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtstorey

LSA blocks are supposed to be stronger than LS3 blocks. Here is what one source says the difference is.

LS3 has a Cast Nodular Iron crank, LSA has a forged crank
LS3 no piston oil squirters, LSA have piston oil squirters
LSA block is 20% stronger than the LS3 short-block

LS3 Block is a deep skirt cast A356-T6 ALUMINUM ALLOY with pressed in cylinders.

LSA and LS9 Block is a deep skirt cast 319-T7 ALUMINUM ALLOY, with cast-in-iron cylinders
and uses 4-Bolts per cylinder to affix the cylinder heads to the block, just as does an LS3.

Good info, thanks.

TITANSFAN · 05-01-2020, 11:20 AM

larry_g I'm glad you liked the setup. My son delivered the motor to you for me. The LSA short block also has piston oil squirters to help keep the pistons cooler. The block is stronger than a standard LS3 block, and the crank is forged also.

larry_g · 05-01-2020, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TITANSFAN

larry_g I'm glad you liked the setup. My son delivered the motor to you for me. The LSA short block also has piston oil squirters to help keep the pistons cooler. The block is stronger than a standard LS3 block, and the crank is forged also.

I thought you were on here. It worked out really well, thanks.

TITANSFAN · 05-01-2020, 12:43 PM

No problem.

The 1LE has the ZL1 fuel pump doesn't it? I'd say you have that thing maxed out now. Should be able to make even more power if you decide to turn the boost up some. I'd say it's a blast to drive with where you are now, even if you never go for more boost.

13ashengrey · 05-01-2020, 01:31 PM

Some good #'s. You got one of the best tuners in the business

04-30-2020, 09:13 PM	#1
larry_g Drives: 2014 1SS/1LE Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 826	Backward LSA LS3 swap So it's pretty common to add an LSA blower to an LS3, but have you ever seen an LSA with an LS3 blower? I bought a Whipple 2.9 for my LS3 but ended up having a cracked cylinder liner that sent me down an interesting path. I ended up finding a slightly used LSA short block with some new AFR heads and managed to build it for the Whipple. The results below were much better than I expected. This is the new LSA Whipple setup vs my LS3 with long tubes and an intake last year. Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk __________________ 830 WHP 700 WTQ, Whipple 2.9 @ 13lbs Boost, Flex Fuel Tune by Blevins Tuning, LSA SBE, 3.5 GripTec, ATI LS3 Damper, AFR 260cc Mongoose, ARP Studs, Yella Terra Ultralites, Johnson 2110R, BTR PDS Stage 3, Melling 10355, Improved Racing Baffle, ID1050X, DSX Triple Fuel Pump, RotoFab CAI, NW 103mm TB, Stainless Works 1-7/8" LTH to 3" Speed Eng w/ X-pipe to NPP, Powermaster 9509 XS, Detroit Speed Motor Mounts, MGW, Monster LT1-S, ZL1 Calipers, DBA Rotors & Pads, Bilstein B6 Struts & Shocks, BMR 1.25" Drop Springs & Adj Rear Bar, Pegasus Solid Bushings, Z/28 Wheels, other misc parts.

05-01-2020, 06:45 AM	#2
Greenhornet2 Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS LS3 Whipple Join Date: May 2019 Location: Connecticut Posts: 1,925	Yes people upgrade from the LSA SC all the time. That's usually when you see the used lsa set up for sale. The lsa is a pretty small SC in comparison to the aftermarket world. __________________ Whipple 2.9 CAI ID1050x injectors ZL1 Pump JRE FPCM JMS Voltage booster JRE Rough Idle blower cam BTR .660 springs CHE trunnion kit 1 7/8 Speed Engineering Borla Atak JRE scoop 1.5" lowering springs BMR trailing arms and toe links Cradle inserts 704WHP 603WTQ 93 octane

05-01-2020, 07:36 AM	#3
larry_g Drives: 2014 1SS/1LE Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 826	I guess I never spent enough time in the ZL1 forums. I thought I did a pretty good job making it all work. Last edited by larry_g; 05-01-2020 at 09:16 AM.

05-01-2020, 08:50 AM	#4
Greenhornet2 Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS LS3 Whipple Join Date: May 2019 Location: Connecticut Posts: 1,925	What are the differences in the block? I know the bottom end is a little stronger on the LSA but isn't the block the same? Were you able to swap your stuff from your ls3 to bolt on the to lsa or did you run into problems? Those are nice numbers on 8psi. __________________ Whipple 2.9 CAI ID1050x injectors ZL1 Pump JRE FPCM JMS Voltage booster JRE Rough Idle blower cam BTR .660 springs CHE trunnion kit 1 7/8 Speed Engineering Borla Atak JRE scoop 1.5" lowering springs BMR trailing arms and toe links Cradle inserts 704WHP 603WTQ 93 octane

05-01-2020, 01:31 PM	#14
13ashengrey Drives: 2013 2SS Ashen Grey Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Corydon, IN Posts: 450 View My Garage	Some good #'s. You got one of the best tuners in the business __________________ 5.98 @ 115mph

05-01-2020, 09:05 AM	#5
Juiced1 Account Suspended Drives: 2012 2SS CAMARO 45th Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: St. Charles, IL Posts: 18,663	I wish Whipple made an LSA fitment blower. I'm sure that combo has a lot left in it too.

05-01-2020, 10:12 AM	#9
gtstorey Drives: 2010 Camaro SS2,L99, LSA SC Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 2,149	LSA blocks are supposed to be stronger than LS3 blocks. Here is what one source says the difference is. LS3 has a Cast Nodular Iron crank, LSA has a forged crank LS3 no piston oil squirters, LSA have piston oil squirters LSA block is 20% stronger than the LS3 short-block LS3 Block is a deep skirt cast A356-T6 ALUMINUM ALLOY with pressed in cylinders. LSA and LS9 Block is a deep skirt cast 319-T7 ALUMINUM ALLOY, with cast-in-iron cylinders and uses 4-Bolts per cylinder to affix the cylinder heads to the block, just as does an LS3.

05-01-2020, 11:20 AM	#11
TITANSFAN Drives: 1970 Pontiac Firebird L8T Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: MAYNARDVILLE, TN Posts: 73	larry_g I'm glad you liked the setup. My son delivered the motor to you for me. The LSA short block also has piston oil squirters to help keep the pistons cooler. The block is stronger than a standard LS3 block, and the crank is forged also.

05-01-2020, 12:43 PM	#13
TITANSFAN Drives: 1970 Pontiac Firebird L8T Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: MAYNARDVILLE, TN Posts: 73	No problem. The 1LE has the ZL1 fuel pump doesn't it? I'd say you have that thing maxed out now. Should be able to make even more power if you decide to turn the boost up some. I'd say it's a blast to drive with where you are now, even if you never go for more boost.