Which LS3 for my Camaro?

[IROC-Z]

I'm fixing to put a GM performance LS3 in my 69 Camaro. Which LS3 will be best for all around performance. I'm leaning toward the 525 hp. Trans is a TKO 600.

[z0sicks07]

I built my own from the ground up fully forged besides crank. Put dow 490 to the wheel and 440 torque w a very daily friendly cam through my t56 in my 69. Something to consider very easy build. Price isnt too different.

[dhutton]

I'm fixing to put a GM performance LS3 in my 69 Camaro. Which LS3 will be best for all around performance. I'm leaning toward the 525 hp. Trans is a TKO 600.

I think the 480 is a better option. The cam in the 525 hp does not have much low end torque and suffers from surging etc. Don't fall into the trap of worrying about horsepower bragging rights....

Don

[z0sicks07]

I guess it just comes down to what you want to do with the car and how the rest of your drivetrain is set up

[slimjim]

I'm considering this route also as opposed to buying a crate motor, especially because several parts can't/ won't be used in the swap(sump,exhaust manifolds, maybe intake manifold etc) and I'd still be left with buying all the same parts as if I started with a long block.
Did you source a brand new long block? short block? dropout? and if so, where from?



I built my own from the ground up fully forged besides crank. Put dow 490 to the wheel and 440 torque w a very daily friendly cam through my t56 in my 69. Something to consider very easy build. Price isnt too different.

[z0sicks07]

I bought a ls3 block picked up a stock crank (craigslist)and purchased mahle power pak pistons and scat i beam rods running king bearings. I built mine using a 24x reluctor set up and a 411 pcm. Machine work was done by a very reputable race shop qmp. I measured and assembled after they line honed balanced anf installed cam bearings. These motors are very simple to build especially if you're already used to sbc stuff. A brand new block and crank can be had for around 1500, rods 300 and pistons 700 that leaves you a 800hp short block ready to go.