Filmjay

6L80. And don't even start with debating percentages of loss, etc... There are far too many reputable sources that conflict on the matter. Some debate 15/10, some 20/16, etc, etc... The general accepted average is 18% for an auto, 15% for a manual. So no matter how you debate the topic, it still puts my motor between 660-680, give or take a few hp either way. The OT post is a nice motor, period. Like I said, I'm not trying to make this a pi**ing contest in which the only way to settle it would be to pull my motor and have it engine dyno'd....no thanks.

It runs on pump 93, idles at 800rpm, and I drive it every day. Making gobs of power in an LS3 isn't hard because the heads are so killer. (with this build showing, with the use of stock L92/LS3 heads) A simple cam change can gain 100hp on a stock LS3. I have a slightly bigger cam which probably accounts for the difference in power, curve, and idle. A cam and some mild head work can get you pretty close to those numbers. But instead of decking the heads to raise CR, he added domed pistons (which are actually .010 SMALLER in the stock bore with the rings making up the clearance...a dangerous proposition.) And my torque curve is pretty similar but without the surge/loss at 4K. I'm a member at LS1Tech and have seen that build thread. Other than the domed pistons bumping the CR and the 1 7/8" headers (I use 1 3/4"), my motor is damn near the same. I don't have an engine dyno graph, and am still waiting on the wheel dyno graph since I just finished it up a week or so ago. But it puts down a solid 570/550 to the wheels, so given the 18% loss through that automatic puts the motor right at the 670-ish mark. More if you like to consider it 20% loss through the trans. I have video and a crappy phone pic of the graph, but I'm not trying to turn this into a pi**ing contest. Not saying that's not a nice motor. I'd love to have a forged bottom end. Just saying that it's pretty common from LS3's.

Not bad. That's about 40 less than mine.

Thought I'd drop in and see how this discussion was going. AND HOLY CRAP! There's a MEMBER OWNED 180* SBC CRANK IN HERE!!! I'm soooooo jealous. I soooooo wish I could stuff that in my LS3. IF it'd fit, I'd make an offer. lol! and hmmmmmm....Lingenfelter you say? They just loooove Corvettes. I wonder what they might have in an LS-journal flavor. If you're interested, I know where there's a brand new GMPP LS3 shortblock that a guy is trying to unload....

Google "Remote Turbo Systems" and keep your current exhaust.

I have a 6L80e. When I start digging into the car in a couple weeks, I'll try to remember and measure it for you guys.

That would be your cheapest bet, and the best way to be 100% sure you know what's going into it. And if your Z is pre-emissions for your state, the world of affordable short blocks is at your fingertips...depending on what you can afford. lol. An LS1 build would be quite nice, imo. The earlier Gen III LSx engines are pretty widely supported and are a great foundation for a muscular motor with modern drivability and performance.

FYI...a stock bottomed LS3 will handle 550hp just fine. There are stock-based LS3's pushing 700hp. But to get it to that point you WILL be adding turbos or a supercharger. (I'm assuming you're hoping to get 550 at the wheels) In which case, you'll probably want a good meth injection setup as well. If budget is of concern, keep looking. LS3 aftermarket parts aren't widely plentiful yet, and are VERY expensive relative to a Gen 1 SBC. If it were me, I'd stick to the plan of the Gen 1 383 (or bigger) to drop in a Z. You'll get the power you want, for FAR cheaper.

I have an LS3...only it's got a pesky '08 Corvette body wrapped around it. lol. The LS376/480 is a stock LS3 with the GM hot cam. The 515hp version is also stock, but with the LS7 cam and a carb intake. A stock LS3 is 430hp, or 436hp with the factory dual-mode Corvette exhaust system. Unless you're a hardcore racer or an old musclecar guy, you won't like the LS376. If you happen to find a pull-out LS3, make sure you get the right ECM. An '09 LS3 ECM won't work with an '08. Another option would be to pick up a forged LS3 short block and do a build up. If you plan on auto-x or any type of road racing with it, you will also want to especially concentrate on the oil system. The LS3 has had reported starvation issues in long corners. (fixed with the new dry sump oiling system offered in the '10 Corvette Grand Sport.) I have a lot of info for LS3's. Just ask. As for dropping it into a Z, I couldn't tell ya. It's been done...it's not as common as the Gen 3 LS motors(LS1, 2, & 6)...but it's been done. The really cool thing about the stock LS3 is that it LOOOOOVES aftermarket products. A cam alone is worth upwards of 50hp.... I'm putting a 224/232, 113* cam in my LS3 in a few weeks...along with hardened pushrods, and dual-springs. Although I know it's a Corvette and this is a Z site, I'll post results if anybody's interested.

Looks awesome! I have the same motor...only it's got a Corvette wrapped around it. lol! Got any video?

Thanks for all the offers and PM's. I've bought a car.

LQ4 is an iron block 6.0L (no sleeves)....so with the available Lunati kit, you can stroke it to a 427. Some LS2 heads...and you're smokin'...probably even putting down more than your SBC, and with better mileage. Then again, if it's 20mpg you're after....nvm.

Nah, I was referring to Zerrari's VR...it's not the first unfinished VR I've seen available lately. I'm still looking for either an unfinished project, or that certain 280Z to base the project on. But I've had to put those dreams on hold b/c of worsening medical issues. And 400mm...thank you.

Awwww...that's too bad. Why the differences in the rules for different classes? Is it because it's easier to do with certain body styles/aero packages/engine combos? I'm rooting for you guys though. I feel like you guys are kinda like my hometown team. I know you'll get there.

Still following you guys closely! Congrats on bumping your top speed. I can only wish to one day earn a spot in the 200mph club, and that snazzy jacket.