Looking for reviews on the LSX376/525

[Damn True]

Considering this engine for my project.

Wondering though if it pulls enough vacuum to support power brakes? Not sure if I'll run them but I want the option.

How radical is the idle?

Does it require a fairly open exhaust to be "happy" or will it be ok with an exhaust on the quieter end of the spectrum? I don't mind a bit of lope and rumble but I get along well with my neighbors and Id like that to remain the case.

Any low speed drivability issues?

From what I've read, it seems they benefit from a tune. Apparently many feel the GM controller is off to the rich side. Is this an issue with the early releases that has been rectified or is it still the case?

Thanks!

[fishface]

Hey Mike, could you give us some input on the post below about the ls3/525? Kinda wonder the same thing about driveability/ idle quality etc. Thanks!!

[Mike Norris]

I can but I do not see a thread link.

Mike

[Mike Norris]

If it is about the 376/525 crate using the ASA cam, that cam is a 226/236 on a 110 LSA. This has 11 degrees of overlap which is not crazy but aggressive and will have a choppy idle and buck at low RPM speeds, especially in an manual trans car.

It is close to the cam I use except I put it on a 114 LSA and overall 2 degrees of overlap. Sounds awesome and drives nicely.

Bottom line, at least for me, I would not use an ASA cam for a street car. Hope that helps.

Mike Norris

[Damn True]

Is nobody running this engine? That doesn't give me a warm/fuzzy feeling.

[fishface]

Check out the Mike Norris thread below. I asked about it for you as I had the same questions. Figured he would know if anyone. Lol

[Wissing72]

I won't know for another month or so until mine gets finished. I am running the 525 ls3, I have heard them but only for a minute. They sound really good. My builder has used them before and his customers are very happy with them, sorry I don't know what specs for exhaust etc. yet.

[Damn True]

Here is the thread he was referring to: http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=44957

Good info on the 525. Thanks. Sounds like the 480 variant might be a better call. If I want more power later I can add a more sophisticated cam and tune to it right?

[Mike Norris]

I m not a big fan of the "Hot Cam" either, but definitely more street-able then the ASA cam. Just remember that both the 480 and 525 engines come with stock beehive springs and will require a good upgrade there also if changing cams. The reason being that the ASA and Hot Cam both have lifts of only .525" and those heads can easily use .600" lift.

I would be tempted to just get a stock LS3 engine, but the cam swap would need more parts (change timing gear & bolts, damper), but could be less expensive in the end and make it more "your" engine and not a cookie cutter. And please do not judge a "good cam" or "awesome cam" on idle sound alone. It does not take a lot of cam to get that sound. and a lot has to do with tuning.

Hope that makes sense.

Mike Norris

[fishface]

I won't know for another month or so until mine gets finished. I am running the 525 ls3, I have heard them but only for a minute. They sound really good. My builder has used them before and his customers are very happy with them, sorry I don't know what specs for exhaust etc. yet.

That will be interesting to see what your impressions are. I am starting to think personally when the time comes I will order a stock Ls3. For the difference in price I can do a cam/springs as well as trunion upgrade and pushrods. I am looking for something with a milder idle. Have been looking at the Katech Torquer cam.

[fishface]

Great info Mike. We appreciate your expertise on this and sorry it it changed direction of your thread. I am about an hour ir so north of you and will be in touch with you on a cam change and tune.

[Damn True]

I m not a big fan of the "Hot Cam" either, but definitely more street-able then the ASA cam. Just remember that both the 480 and 525 engines come with stock beehive springs and will require a good upgrade there also if changing cams. The reason being that the ASA and Hot Cam both have lifts of only .525" and those heads can easily use .600" lift.

I would be tempted to just get a stock LS3 engine, but the cam swap would need more parts (change timing gear & bolts, damper), but could be less expensive in the end and make it more "your" engine and not a cookie cutter. And please do not judge a "good cam" or "awesome cam" on idle sound alone. It does not take a lot of cam to get that sound. and a lot has to do with tuning.

Hope that makes sense.

Mike Norris

We should probably move this discussion out of your thread and into mine so it doesn't muck up your original topic.

That said, I could give a rip about the level of "lope" in the idle. I care about the nature of the power delivery (more so than peak) and drive-ability. I get along with my neighbors and would like that to remain the case.

[Damn True]

Thanks!

[paulk68]

That will be interesting to see what your impressions are. I am starting to think personally when the time comes I will order a stock Ls3. For the difference in price I can do a cam/springs as well as trunion upgrade and pushrods. I am looking for something with a milder idle. Have been looking at the Katech Torquer cam.

I think katech actually offers a crate ls3 with there torquer cam already installed

[Bigbore500r]

Motor is a LS3 with a horrible camshaft. Too much overlap, for how little HP it actually produces. Much better cams can be used to acheive better driveability and more HP. 110 LSA is pretty tight for a L92 intake port, with that much overlap. Not saying tight LSA's dont work, but this cam is not a good match for the motor.

Your question "how is drivability" - It will have a low RPM surge that you probably will not be able to tune out. Should be fine from 2000 on up. If car is a manual, you can drive around it. But it would irritate me because it does not need to be this way with a different cam

[Jay Hilliard]

I would buy the ls3/430 hp and change cam, instead of buying the 480 or 525 hp. Same engine and save some money. I think you can get the 430hp version for $6100-6300.