GM's LSA crate engine...

[Steve1968LS2]

What do you guys think? Seems Lingenfelter was able to get 630/630 out of it with just a pulley change, some tuning and a cold air kit... I would imagine that would bump up quite a bit with some long tubes and a ported heads, not to mention a cam swap.

One thing I can't find is info on the intercooler. I know it's different from the LS9, but is it still water based? If so I was thinging one could (if not running a heater) hardline from the unused waterpump ports to the intercooler.

Also, is there any reason why standard LS2 headers wouldn't mate up to the heads? They are just slightly modified LS3 heads right?
Looks like it might be promising for a swap and it's a ton cheaper than the LS9.

Also, I'm trying to find out if the alternator (low mount) sits equal to or higher than an f-body alternator. thoughts?

Lastly I'm trying to find this shot but without the plastic cover. Anyone?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[CarlC]

The intercooler is a seperate water-based heat exchanger system. Using the radiator coolant would be counter productive.

[WS6]

What do you guys think? Seems Lingenfelter was able to get 630/630 out of it with just a pulley change, some tuning and a cold air kit... I would imagine that would bump up quite a bit with some long tubes and a ported heads, not to mention a cam swap.

One thing I can't find is info on the intercooler. I know it's different from the LS9, but is it still water based? If so I was thinging one could (if not running a heater) hardline from the unused waterpump ports to the intercooler. Should be. I don't know of any factory roots style supercharger system that wasn't water to air. I also don't see how it could be anything other than water based. I've never thought about the heater line trick. However, the engine coolant gets much hotter than the intercooler coolant. The water pump for the intercooler is electric, light weight, and quiet. I'd just run that.

Also, is there any reason why standard LS2 headers wouldn't mate up to the heads? They are just slightly modified LS3 heads right?
Looks like it might be promising for a swap and it's a ton cheaper than the LS9. Should be able to just run 1-7/8" primary headers, yes.

Also, I'm trying to find out if the alternator (low mount) sits equal to or higher than an f-body alternator. thoughts? Looks more forward than anythign else. Looks lower to me. It is definitely not higher.

Lastly I'm trying to find this shot but without the plastic cover. Anyone? Would love to see this myself as I think the plastic cover is crappy looking. Why cover up a gorgeous supercharger?



I think it would be a great choice over the LS9. Much like I think a stroker LS2/3 is a better choice than an LS7.

[gordonquixote]

Not sure of any technical stuff....but I can't help but stare directly at the picture!

Getting on the fringe of the ZR1/LS9 performance potential on the cheap there for sure though.

[Steve1968LS2]

The intercooler is a seperate water-based heat exchanger system. Using the radiator coolant would be counter productive.


I sort of thought that.. so you would need a small pump to an seperate radiator. Hmmm... That's a packaging challenge.

[The WidowMaker]

how much cheaper than the ls9?

[Memphis]

I think around 8k cheaper. For that extra scratch you get a bigger blower, forged pistons, titanium rods and intake valves among other things.

[FirstGenZq8]

dunno if either of these will help.

http://blog.niot.net/blog-images/detroit-2008-chevrolet-ls9-cutaway-display.jpg

http://caddyinfo.com/wordpress/?p=551

when you get a chance, reply to those PMs i sent to you if you could.

[Steve1968LS2]

I think around 8k cheaper. For that extra scratch you get a bigger blower, forged pistons, titanium rods and intake valves among other things.

Actually it's more like 10-12k cheaper.. that's a LOT of cash..

[Memphis]

I thought the LSA is 15k and the LS9 is about 22

[tom_a]

I thought the LSA is 15k and the LS9 is about 22

LSA = http://paceperformance.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=249801 is $14,295.00

LS9 = http://paceperformance.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=248897 is $20,995.00

I am guessing special engine management system? don't know for sure but I would think yes.....

[LSXZ28]

Personally, I wouldn't do either one of those...

LS forged low compression shortblock (427, 440 or even use an LSX 454), a good set of heads (Trickflow 235's), a Magnuson supercharger, and meth injection... scrounge around for the covers/accessories... and you will have an easy 850 horsepower on pump gas for about what you are talking for the LSA.

And could easily be tuned with a factory computer by a good tuner...

[Samckitt]

This is a cool shot:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[Steve1968LS2]

LSA = http://paceperformance.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=249801 is $14,295.00

LS9 = http://paceperformance.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=248897 is $20,995.00

I am guessing special engine management system? don't know for sure but I would think yes.....


Wasn't the LS9 about 28k when it first came out? I imagin the LSA will drop as well once it's bee out for awhile. $7k isn't as big of a price difference as I thought (although it's still a lot of $$$)

And this is all just theoretical talk since GMPP was talking with me yesterday about selling LSA crate engines.

[Camaroholic]

So what's the hunk-of-something off on the drivers' side of the oil pan - oil cooler?

[Steve1968LS2]

So what's the hunk-of-something off on the drivers' side of the oil pan - oil cooler?

Yep, all GM's hipo stuff has that cooler now, even the 2010 Camaro.

[tom_a]

Wasn't the LS9 about 28k when it first came out? I imagin the LSA will drop as well once it's bee out for awhile. $7k isn't as big of a price difference as I thought (although it's still a lot of $$$)

And this is all just theoretical talk since GMPP was talking with me yesterday about selling LSA crate engines.

I think you are right as I recall it was a high number like 28K. I think Street and Perf was selling around 23-25K. One of the guys there told me they had sold (14) LS9's so I am sure we will see more popping up in projects. I am not sure if the Pace numbers are valid so I was only going by their web content.

[CarlC]

If I can fit the pump and intercooler ltr (low temperature radiator) in mine, it for sure will fit in yours.

[Steve1968LS2]

If I can fit the pump and intercooler ltr (low temperature radiator) in mine, it for sure will fit in yours.

Well, this isn't for Penny.. too complicated and like to keep that car simple.

But we are looking at putting on in the American Hereos car this year.

Since I KNOW they will ask me to write it I'm just studying up.

Although it is tempting since GMPP would shoot me over one for Penny.

[CarlC]

There's a boatload of room in that car. It would take some fabrication to get the LTR in front of everything, but it should be pretty straight forward.

The accessory drive on that engine is super nice and would be fairly simple to adapt to the chassis. Doing a good cold air system would be the hardest thing. I smell a custom cowl induction system.......

[Steve1968LS2]

Yea, I was digging the drive system.. it would even be easy to ditch the AC since it's on a seperate pulley.

[Bowtie racing]

Is the LS9 dry sump motor like LS7??

[XLexusTech]

Rehashing an old thread, anyone know if thier is any aftermarket drive systems for the LSA yet? I cannot run a low mount Alternator due to steering rack interference.

[terrydmorgan]

Street & Performance put together a drive system for my LSA. Alternator is mounted high on driver side and AC is mounted high on passenger side. I have a TCI front subframe.

[dstryr]

I call dibs on your LS2 :)

[Blevinator]

I spoke to Ron Davis a few days ago.
They quoted me 700-800 for a custom made, front mount intercooler.
I saw one a while back in a project on the forum. Was thinking this would
be a great way to go, as it looks like it came with my 68 Camaro, even notched
out to clear the hood latch. Might even add dual fans to it, if clearance allows.

[XLexusTech]

I spoke to Ron Davis a few days ago.
They quoted me 700-800 for a custom made, front mount intercooler.
I saw one a while back in a project on the forum. Was thinking this would
be a great way to go, as it looks like it came with my 68 Camaro, even notched
out to clear the hood latch. Might even add dual fans to it, if clearance allows.

Why would you want that? to augment the heat ex-changer? from what I read THE lsa EXCHANGER IS very efficient and even better then the LS9 version

[T.K.]

car uses two heat exchangers. one in the intake tophat and one in the front. the front heat exchanger is commonly referred to as the intercooler. the intercooler is not air to air like you are used to seeing in a turbo car. it cools fluid that runs to the heat exchanger

lingenfelter has shown that thestock units support some serious power but it is still a common upgrade

[ace_xp2]

I don't see it mentioned here, so keep in mind that the LSA has a 8 bolt flywheel pattern. Not a big deal, but it would suck to get the engine and then have to wait for a different flywheel to ship out.

[DirkDiggler]

Note this Jegs pricing typo last Friday. I "bought" one. They called me the next day about the missing digit in the price....it was worth a shot. What a great story that woulda been.https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/ebf21283c8a8c93bc696605f994c69ce-1.jpg

[garys 68]

Bought one? I would have bought 10! lol