LSA Performance upgrades

[Genros]

Guys,

I have the engine back at the shop. It has 11ooo miles on it, Its stock out of a 2011 ctsv. Figure now is the time to do any mods it needs. ANyone familiar with the LSA that can give me some recommendations? What should i do to it while its out of the car. The performance shop recomended pulley and 90lb injectors but that can be done in or out. Im looking for 700hp (but the most torque I can possibly get) torque is more fun than hp (to me)

[andrewb70]

Guys,

I have the engine back at the shop. It has 11ooo miles on it, Its stock out of a 2011 ctsv. Figure now is the time to do any mods it needs. ANyone familiar with the LSA that can give me some recommendations? What should i do to it while its out of the car. The performance shop recomended pulley and 90lb injectors but that can be done in or out. Im looking for 700hp (but the most torque I can possibly get) torque is more fun than hp (to me)

Increasing flow is the key to making power. If the budget allows a set of ported or even ported aftermarket heads, along with a cam will give you a substantial increase in power. If you install those mods, you should go with a smaller pulley and bigger injectors. Chances are you will make less boost AND more power, which is a win-win...

Andrew

[carguykeith]

I agree with Andrew that flow is HP but from what I've read heads aren't the major concern, its the cam and intake track/ exhaust.

How much are you willing to spend? Also I'm assuming you are talking flywheel hp, if you want 700whp you're talking some serious effort.

Cheapest power on a LSA I've read about is an LS9 cam, CAI, a ported snout, 2.55 upper and long tube headers which is good for a bit over 600hp and maxes out the stock injectors. If you do the instal this should be about $1k assuming $300ish for headers (not sure your application).

Once it is easire to breath the pulley change will really wake it up, but don't think you would get to 700hp without over spinning the blower. Figure another $1k for lower pulley and injectors

Next step is a custom cam, but that means valve springs etc too so figure another $5-600 but it should get you close to the 700 number.

Oh and at that power level you'll need a clutch also so add another $1k (if it's a manual)

Best to do it all together so you're only paying for one tune.

[Schwartz Performance]

You can get 700hp with what Keith said. These recently had a recall for the supercharger coupling failing, so get a solid one. Ported snout, pulley, cam, cai, and long tubes with exhaust, and of course a tune will get you very close to 700hp. Our 09 CTSV makes 560rwhp out of the factory exhaust manifolds, cats and exhaust.

-Dale

[Genros]

sooooooo, i order the cam kit, the injectors, upper and lower pulley and figure on fabbing a cai. Then off to the tune and see what she does. Anyone want an LS6 with 3000 miles on it ?

[Schwartz Performance]

Don't forget the coupler, and might as well port the snout (or have a reputable shop port it) for a few extra horses.

How much you want for the LS6?

-Dale

[Genros]

I'm not sure what to ask for the ls6. Any suggestions. I'm deep into it as it was just gone through

Doesn't the coupler come with the other parts as a kit?

[Genros]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/08/20140825_185752_zps55b5230c-1.jpg

[Genros]

guys i think i finally figured out how to put pics up. Do you see my car above?

[terrydmorgan]

Technology is a beautiful thing. Congrats! Now let's see your stuff.

[terrydmorgan]

Which injectors did you get?

[Genros]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/08/23_zpsb60a453f-1.png?t=1409135764

The LSA is scheduled for 95 lb injectors with upper and lower pulley, cam, possibly ported heads. What are you running

[terrydmorgan]

Not running yet, but I have an LSA motor with upper and lower pulleys, a ZL1 hat for the supercharger, and shorty headers. I'll be building my own CAI too, so keep us posted on your progress.


http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/domgw/23_zpsb60a453f.png?t=1409135764

The LSA is scheduled for 95 lb injectors with upper and lower pulley, cam, possibly ported heads. What are you running

[terrydmorgan]

Your car looks great! Where'd you get the injectors? I've been considering the same.

[Genros]

Powerhaus in nj

[Genros]

Currently engine install is scheduled for next week. I just got a good offer from a guy for a set of ported heads and a hotter cam. If I jump it will delay me a couple days. With that setup he put 758 rwhp through an auto trans. I can wait for that power

[salesguy01]

I doubt I can reccomend directly another forums, but I have a 2013 CTS-V and get a LOT of info from the forums directed at it.

On Injectors get the ID-850's They will handle the power you will put. Even with a Stock CTS-V going with a pully, tune, intake, Stock injectors are about Maxed.

[Genros]

I'm scheduled for 95lb inj now not stocks. I've done research and still doing. So many "tuners" so many secret recipes

[salesguy01]

yea next from the ID 850 are the ID 1000 ... they are NOT cheap though!! 95 will work great!

[CarlC]

Don't forget a fuel pumping system with sufficient capacity as well.

[Genros]

Using a walbro 400.

[Genros]

and the project begins. The ss convertible went in to the shop today. The LS6 comes out tomorrow, The LSA (along with ugrades) then goes in. Should be over 720 at the motor

[BLWN1]

http://www.briantooleyracing.com/lsa-ls9-and-roots-style-supercharged-camshafts.html
Only way to go... ^

[Genros]

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/domgw/5A5B9F92-39D8-4AF8-BF7D-48400943390A_zpsfxamlt6h.jpg
Two steps back for a great leap forward!!!!!!

[Genros]

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/domgw/5A5B9F92-39D8-4AF8-BF7D-48400943390A_zpsfxamlt6h.jpg
engine out, tank out, cam springs etc...going into new engine.
Just ran into a new hang up. Different bolt pattern on flywheel from lsa to ls6 (to t56) think i may need to buy a clutch (uggggg more $$$$$$$)

[ajjones44]

What are you selling your LS6 for? Are you willing to ship it to TX? 76544 (Fort Hood)

I just sold my CTS-V last month and had considered building a LSA for my current project. Good luck....its a great motor and I miss the power already.

Upper/lower pulleys are great. 2.5 Upper and 8.6 lower is what I would recommend. The 9.1 would produce to much additional heat. Ported heads are a must. I would also recommend porting the Snout and TB too. Leave the supercharger itself alone you will increase the chance of breaking the bearings.

BTR 2.5 or 3 would make a good cam. Lvl 3 since you have a manual. Get a OEM Clutch!!!!!

With Headers I put down 650rwhp. PM me a price on the LS6. Thanks!

[Sparky67]

Guys,

I have the engine back at the shop. It has 11ooo miles on it, Its stock out of a 2011 ctsv. Figure now is the time to do any mods it needs. ANyone familiar with the LSA that can give me some recommendations? What should i do to it while its out of the car. The performance shop recomended pulley and 90lb injectors but that can be done in or out. Im looking for 700hp (but the most torque I can possibly get) torque is more fun than hp (to me)

Probably should have called Thomson Automotive, and Brian would recommend the best upgrades for your CTS-v. Power is being made in change with ported heads and new cam. My LS3 418 with LS9 was re-built by Thomson Automotive, and I upgraded my L92 ported heads to Brian's new LS9 CNC ported heads. Same as Mark Stielow engine, and new cam. 85cc for the fuel injectors. I am at 841 hp and 816 ft/lbs of torque at only 11 psi. Dave never tested my engine at 15 psi. Brian is making more power without headers, but he uses the stock corvette manifolds. I plan to use Ultimate headers on my 67 Camaro.

My old test results were 684 hp and 787 ft/lbs of torque at 15 psi, but ported L92 heads and different cam.

[Genros]

I did speak to Thomson. An awesome encyclopedia of knowledge, however that all comes at price. I couldnt justify the extra 10g it wouldve cost me to not only ship it to him and back plus the added expense of Thomson. I completely appreciate you pay for the best. I just went to the best locally.

What sc are you running

[Sparky67]

If you get an engine built by Thomson automotive, and you want 650rwhp from the supercharger. Main issue for any SC application is building bottom end and compression ratio to be compatible with boost. It's all about the combination and making all components work together. Brian only buys the best USA made parts. Oliver rods, Callie cranskhaft (usa made), diamond pistons, etc. Cost might seem rather high, but if you want that power, then you have to build an engine that can handle it. LSA was only designed to handle 556 hp. LSA has smaller supercharger 1.9L, cast pistons, etc. Your car has to be built to handle the power as well. The car has to be structurally sound, so you have to replace lot of sheet metal. I know exactly the parts in mine, because we did the work. Transmission, rear end, fuel, cooling, etc.

I have LS9 supercharger 2.3L in the new build of my engine. Although, I am selling my Harrop TVS 2300. There is a guy interested, so I have to see if it sells. So technically, I have 2 superchargers...
Mine was built to handle more power, so I have crower crankshaft, crower billet rods, custom forged ross pistons, arp studs, bolts. Originally, I had my engine built at a local race shop to save money. That was a mistake on my part, but Brian went through my engine and we increased the power to 841 hp. I just dropped my engine at Thomson's Automotive, to save on shipping costs. One trip, I got to drive Brian's 72 Chevelle supercharged LSX454 Chevelle.

Jeff

[Genros]

I can't agree with you more. I just kept it close to home this time around. How much for your sc?$$$ pm me as I don't want to change the subject of the thread (I have two other projects I'm working on that would love a 2.3 sc)

[Genros]

Got the car back together!!!!first dyno pull rendered 550rwhp
Later tuning and a different throttle body (og was acting up) pulled 580 and still tuning

[sheck44]

Pics or video pleeeease ...
Steve

[Genros]

guys,

When under the car i found the original builder went from crimped bent 2 1/2" eaxhaust to the mufflers then out of the muffler with 2" bent over the axle between the panhard bar and axle tube. Its strangling the engine big time. I installed a 3" into 31/2" into 4" muffler and dumped at the axle but it rattles the filling from my teeth with drone. I am goig ot try to put a turn down on it today. Anyone do anything trick to get 3" over the axle when running a 4link with panhard bar?

[dhutton]

You may have to go under the axle. Several folks doing this. Otherwise you end up making pockets in the trunk floor to clear the exhaust. The drone may be from the Flowmasters. Less drone from Magnaflow in my experience.

Don

[Genros]

order some 3" madrels today, along with ultraflows. Im thinking the 4" along with being flowmasters was the dang reason

[piratebaseball]

I'm looking at doing the same swap that you did in your camaro except for running the 6l90 behind it. My wife had a '12 cts-v and I love the way it drove. I can't imagine how much fun it would be driving in a lighter camaro. With that being said, if you don't mind, I do have some questions.

Which wiring harness did you go with?
What computer did you use?
How did you modify the accessories to get them to fit?
What engine mounts / oil pan did you use?

Thanks buddy, I appreciate all your help!

And to answer your question, I would go with a Lingenfelter cam and their supercharger pulley kit and let it ride with long tube headers. The pulley kit comes with the upgraded coupler. You can do more for more power, but with the amount you will be making, I'd drive it first like that to see if you actually do want more power. To me, if you can't hook it, it doesn't really matter if you add more.

[srh3trinity]

This thread was dangerous for me. It made me start looking at supercharging my 418 and doing the math on the parts. I am holding off for now, but it is tempting.

[Trevor @ Texas Speed]

Very cool build! The LSA is my favorite pick of the LS engines for retrofits! I'm installing one in my '69 Camaro vert, as well as my '61 Chevy Parkwood station wagon. I also have a '14 CTS-V wagon, and it's very easy to max out the stock injectors. My V wagon has nothing more than our TSP 9.45" lower pulley, Airaid CAI, ported snout, and ported throttle body, and injector duty cycle was at 104%. Next round of mods will be Injector Dynamics 850cc injectors, heads/cam, and ported blower. The best part is you can keep the cam mild and make it drive like stock, until you put your foot down! The '61 Parkwood is currently at Roadster Shop in IL getting one of their Fast Track chassis installed. The LSA and 6L90 trans will get slipped in place on the chassis before the body gets bolted down. It will have heads/cam, 9.55" lower pulley, ID850 injectors, ported blower, and long tube headers. We plan to have it at a few events next year to run around the road course, as well as down the dragstrip!

Post up some pics under the hood if you can. I'd love to see it completed!

Trevor

[cwylie]

Any updates on this project?