Friday, February 18, 2011

LS3 Gen IV engine with 4L80E Transmission

After all of the pondering one could ever hope to do, I decided to install a drive-train modern in all aspects.  The engine is all-aluminum with coil-on-plug electronics and controlled by a computer.  The LS3 was introduced as the Corvette's new base engine for the 2008 model year. It produces 430bhp @5900rpm and 424lb-ft of torque @ 4600rpm. The block is an updated version of the LS2 casting featuring a larger bore of 4.06 in creating a displacement of (6.2 L; 376.0 cu in). It also features higher flowing cylinder heads sourced from the L92, a more aggressive camshaft with 0.551" lift, a 10.7:1 compression ratio, a revised valvetrain with (0.24 in) offset intake rocker arms, a high-flow intake manifold and 47 lb/hr fuel injectors from the LS7 engine.
You can learn more about these at the following links: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_4L80-E_transmission; and at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_LS_engine. 
I had to fabricate motor mounts from the existing set and add an LS3 mounting plate.  I have always had some doubts about the strength of the mounts, but won't know until it's running. I then installed a Strange Engineering 3" x .083 Chrome Moly Driveshaft with Spicer 1350 series yokes.

I have always wanted this project to look like a well kept old truck driven by an old man that can dust-off most cars on the road. This combination should help me get there.




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