Help me choose an LS3

[rubberbandit]

Hello,

I'm currently in the process of removing a BBC from my 69 Burban and will be placing a crate LS3. Chevrolet performance currently carries 3 different 6.2l motors:

430 hp
Standard cam

480 hp
Hot cam

525 hp
ASA cam

I'm not so concerned with price as I am driveability. This burb will be a daily driver (stop lights, traffic, etc). High performance isn't critical (like it is for my other truck) and I'd like to drive this thing on trips with the kids. If there really isn't a significant difference in driveability or fuel mileage than I wouldn't mind buying a little more HP. Which one should I purchase? The transmission will be a 4l80e so that won't be a concern.

Thanks guys

[mongocanfly]

As much as (I) would want the 525hp ...the 430hp would def be more stop and go driver friendly and still have more than enough hp to roast the tires..

[davepl]

I have the 430hp in my 69 Camaro. Even with a 9-inch and a locker first gear is theoretical only... more than enough power. I have no need or interest in adding the hot cam because it's plenty fast now (and my daily driver is a 650hp Z06, so I have context).

Remember the big blocks in these made like 220hp net, which is the same system the 430hp rating comes from. An LS3 is like having two 396s, almost.

The 430hp version is plenty fast, starts nicely, idles nicely, sounds decent. I'd stick with that all day long.

[truckster]

Originally Posted by davepl

Remember the big blocks in these made like 220hp net, which is the same system the 430hp rating comes from. An LS3 is like having two 396s, almost.

Not quite as showy, though:

[Advanced Design]

A stock 6.0 is in my Burb and we are very happy with how it performs. So the 430 hp version should be very impressive.

Which ever one you choose, hopefully you will have a build thread on the swap.

[DLW]

I'm with the rest, the 430 HP version will be a good fit for what you want. You also get to keep a stock stall.

[rubberbandit]

Well you've all definitely convinced me. Love this forum. the 430hp LS3 is on its way. Thanks for all the advice

Build thread coming soon

[clinebarger]

You made the right choice!!! The ASA & HOT cams are older grinds made for stock Valve Springs, I would seriously question an ASA cam putting down 525hp!

[66ChevyMax]

I have the 430 version, then added a supercharger. I can drive it like grandma's 4 door or blow the doors off. Good choice!

[solidaxel]

That was my choice last week!
I think rear tires will be my only concern

[66ChevyMax]

Sweet

[rubberbandit]

Originally Posted by clinebarger

You made the right choice!!! The ASA & HOT cams are older grinds made for stock Valve Springs, I would seriously question an ASA cam putting down 525hp!

Clinebarger, I have a transmission question for you. I am looking to buy a 4l85e but don't know which torque converter to get. Chevrolet recommends this one in their catalog:

http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet-Perf...99806/10002/-1

but they also sell this one:

http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet-Perf...17235/10002/-1

Which one should I get? The only difference is the stall and the price.

[DLW]

Stock LS3 would work fine with the smaller stall 2200-2400, and half the price for some reason. If there was a small to medium cam in it, then for sure a bigger stall would be better, like the 2400-2800 one.

[clinebarger]

Originally Posted by rubberbandit

Clinebarger, I have a transmission question for you. I am looking to buy a 4l85e but don't know which torque converter to get. Chevrolet recommends this one in their catalog:

http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet-Perf...99806/10002/-1

but they also sell this one:

http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet-Perf...17235/10002/-1

Which one should I get? The only difference is the stall and the price.

I wouldn't touch either of those converters with a 10 foot pole They are both built by the lowest bidder FOR GM. NOT built by GM.

The $470 one is a Remanufactured Stock Converter that has been tweaked internally to provide a higher than stock Stall, This is a $250 Converter in the "Real World".
I know this converter well, And it's junk!

The $840 one is a custom Converter with a Billet Cover & made to hook to a stock dished LS flexplate, I have seen a couple of these come apart & contaminate the trans with metal, Not sure who builds them & if the same outfit is still building them?? Not enough people buy them to get a good grasp on how reliable they really are.

Circle D is one of the leading Converter Builders in the country, I would do a 2500-2700 stall 265mm Pro II http://www.circledspecialties.com/p-...converter.aspx
I have had great luck with Circle D, I sent them a 4 year old converter for a refresh....They didn't charge me anything, I just had too pay freight!!
Warranty.....BEST in the business! http://www.circledspecialties.com/ho...tent_col1.aspx
GM gives a 12 month limited warranty which gets ate up most of the time during a Swap &/Or Build.

I can build a stronger 4L80E cheaper than what GMPP sells & give a far superior warranty (3 year-Unlimited mileage).....Starts from the time you start driving the vehicle. PM me if interested.
The GMPP 4L85E's are NEW, But have Sloppy Build quality, I have never seen one with Front/Rear End-Play or Clutch Clearance within GM's own specs.
They just throw them together & hope they work for a year. EVERY 4L80E built for new vehicle production were built at the Willow Run Plant by GM Powertrain, In 2010 the plant closed & 4L80E production for new vehicles ended.
GMPP 4L80E's are not assembled by GM Powertrain in a Production setting. Agian....They are built by the lowest bidder!

Your engine was assembled by GM Powertrain....The LS3 is still in production for the Chevy SS & your getting the same luck of the draw that any new production Chevy SS gets!!

[DLW]

Interesting.

I too went with a circle D for my mild cammed LS3/4L70E this round, good guys.
I have had good success with Yank and Vigilante in the past and for the race car I use Neal Chance. Clinebarger, not interested at the moment myself, but probably hit you up later on if/when the 4L70E gives up.