LSA advice please?

[C6Z06]

Hello everyone. This is my first post but I've been reading and learning from all of your posts for some time now. Now that I'm actually starting the build of my first serious pro touring car I would like some advice if you are willing to give it.
The car is a 69 Camaro that I have had since 1986. The 383 stroker motor is going to be replaced by a brand new LSA crate motor with factory ECU. I want to have the LSA upgraded with modified heads, supercharger inlet porting, cam, heat exchanger update and tune.
I've seen tuners have already been breathing on CTS Vs and even the new ZL1s producing amazing results with those mods.
How safe do you think it is to do all those mods without upgrading the rotating assembly? Do you think the powdered metallurgy rods and cast pistons will hold up to weekend cruising and occassional track duty or should I buck up to upgrade them too?
The rest of the drive train will include a T56 Magnum and Ford 9 inch rear end.
Thanks
Lou

[BlackPearl]

I have the exact set-up you are about to build. With that said, I don't see the need to do all those modifications but maybe you do? I have a stock engine with ported charger and inlet with one size smaller on the pulley and I'm putting out like 780hp. What's your goal? I can drive my car everyday or race it all weekend and drive it home without any problem. My two cents on that.

The people that know anything you could want to ask, about this engine, is D3 in Signal Hill California. Give them a call and they can tell you exactly when you need to up-grade internals. If you want a name, I work with Greg and he's very helpful & knowledgeable.

If you have any problems or questions about the build let me know and I will try to help as much as I can.

Bob

[C6Z06]

Thanks for your response Bob. It's good to hear that you did not need to beef up the lower end.
I'm new to posting. I got too anxious and asked my technical question in my first introduction posting. Perhaps this thread should be or will be moved accordingly.
I am looking for north of 700 HP. I would be thrilled with the HP level you have. Does your car have a little nasty lope to it at idle without losing drive ability? That's what I want too.
Lou

[CarlC]

Great project. The LSA is a great bang-for-the-buck engine.

When the time comes to put a fuel system together for yours you may also want to talk to Bob. He's running the first fully PWM controlled fuel system for an LSA. More info on the system in the link below.

[C6Z06]

Thank you for the tip Carl. I already ordered virtually everything Detroit Speed makes for the 69 Camaro from their subframe to their quadralink to their narrowed fuel cell and pump system which they claim will be good for up to 1000 HP. I figured their stuff is all proven and tested for my specific application. I even ordered their headers which look like works of art.

[CarlC]

Welcome to the site and our little slice of addiction.

Good call Lou. DSE makes great systems and components. Their Supertanks use the VaporWorx mounting and control systems.

[BlackPearl]

Lou,

My car does not have a lope and is very smooth. The sound comes in when I get on it, the thing literally explodes then it emits a growling sound with a whinny sound from the charger. D3 makes their own cams for this engine that are custom ground to match your goal and your engine. If you prefer old school lope then they can achieve that for you. I don’t work for them or anything but I am so impressed with their work that I confidently promote their services.

In addition, as Carl stated I am using one of his set-ups for fuel and I'm not familiar with DSE's stuff but I would check to make sure you don't want to change over to the CTS-V pump instead of the A1000. I was more after duplicating the factory type fuel pressure system where pressure increases under boost, and not by using vacuum which doesn't work for this application, but as done with only the LSA & LS9 series engines. Maybe DSE's set-up does that also just with using another pump as it sounded like Carl thought it was ok. Good luck and let me know if I can help further.

Bob

[C6Z06]

Bob,
I will check to see how DSE achieves the extra fuel under boost with the system I ordered from them. Better to know now than AFTER I put my foot in it.
Would you be willing to make a suggestion relative to a heat exchanger that fits well in the front of the 1 st gen Camaros? Also does your intercooling system utilize a resevoir like the ZR1? Have you had any problems keeping safe temperatures during hot weather with a heat exchanger in front of the radiator? I plan to use the Tech AFX spoiler to throw some cooling air up into the radiator area but I'm a little worried about overall cooling since I will be adding AC and an intercooler heat exchanger.

Lou

[C6Z06]

Carl,
Thank you for the link to your website explaining the aspects of modern fuel systems. Very informative and easy to understand. I appreciate it.
Lou

[burnoutbruce]

Awesome build......i have the same idea, but you are a little ahead of me and will be asking for your advice and do and donts on this build. Awesome build, cant wait to see pictures!!

[BlackPearl]

I have the stock CTS-V heat exchanger, custom mounted to the center of my radiator support along with the A/C condensor. I have not had any issues yet with heat or over heating plus the large BeCool radiator helps to solve engine heat concerns. I am using the factory CTS-V resevoir but I think D3 is up-grading that to one they currently offer. D3 explained that if I were to increase Hp much further, I would mostly likely need to up-grade the heat exchanger also. D3 offers a small packaged one and I think lingenfelter and/or hennessey performance also have one. I would just up-grade out of the gate and get it done with. I wouldn't get too concerned about over heating though, not like the old days.

Sounds like your build is going to be sweet, I will look for pics to come.

Bob

[Yenko boy]

I've been wondering how much does a Lsa weigh?

[BlackPearl]

I can't remember the numbers but I recall it being less than my stock 350. Also my stance dropped slightly in the front.

[C6Z06]

Perhaps a stupid question but here goes:

Does the GM engine controller kit sold with their LSA crate motor (includes controller part number 19259294) have fuel pump modulation capability built into it or do you have to buy an additional module for that feature?

We're planning to use the 1000 HP fuel tank provided by DSE.

Earlier in this thread, CarlC indicated that DSE's 1000HP tank comes with the Vaporworx system.

Does that mean the tank kit will come with everything we need to just hook up to the ECM or do we still need to get another controller that goes betweeen the ECM and the pumps in the tank?

I have a very capable builder who undoubtedly will figure this all out but I figure others may also be trying to figure this out for their builds since the LSA crate motor is gaining in popularity.

[CarlC]

No such thing as a stupid question when it comes to these systems. It's a lot to swallow.

The GM ECM does not have PWM capability. The OE system is totally different, requires a separate Fuel System Control Module (FSCM), and runs over a CAN buss. The VaporWorx kit is stand-alone. The only thing it needs from the ECM is the fuel-enable signal to turn it on.

I believe the DSE Supertank 1000HP comes with a controller, but it would be wise to double check. No other modules or controllers are needed when using the VaporWorx PWM system.

[C6Z06]

You were right Carl. The DSE Supertank 1000HP does come with your VaporWorx system including the controller.
Thank you for your quick and knowledgable replies.

[MCB Matt]

Have you talked to daytonayellaz about a harness? He makes some VERY high quality pieces!

The LSA is flat out a BADA$$ motor! Local dealer let me "borrow" a sedan when the new gen first came out, even at stock HP its insane.....

Great choice!

Matt