Small Block LS Engine Dyno Testing Part II - Big Power, Small Budget

Since the computer being used... 

   

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Since the computer being used for dyno test purposes is a stock 2001 LS1, which is connected to the motor via a Superior Harness aftermarket wiring harness, the fly-by-wire 90mm LS2 throttle body is replaced by a Precision Tool and Machine (P.T.M.) 92mm cable-driven throttle body (PN 25-PTM92; retail $349.99). Though sized at 92 mm, the throttle body mates to the L76's 90mm intake opening as well as the FAST LSX 92mm manifold without a problem. Trevor Doelling, Joseph Potak, and Jason Mangum (pictured left to right) of TSP work in concert to complete the wiring, throttle body cable, and coolant system in preparation for a baseline dyno run.

Conclusion
The latest Gen IV offerings from GM are potent performers in stock form, and when you build a bullet-proof short-block and then enhance the excellent flow of the stock L92/LS3 heads with top-notch porting and a rowdy cam, they offer phenomenal horsepower and torque output.

According to Trevor Doelling, "The redesign of the Gen IV block from the LS2 into the larger bore L92/LS3 not only increased the cubic inches of the engine, but allowed builders to offer stroker engine packages up to 427 ci without resorting to expensive cylinder liners and machine work. It's now possible to sell a top-quality 418ci or 427ci short-block or long-block at a budget price. We work with customers on a daily basis to build L92/LS3 packages that will offer over 500 hp with a mild cam and close to 675 hp for naturally aspirated race applications.

"For owners looking to make even more power, both engines are rated to take up to a 200-shot of nitrous, but we recommend a 418 over the 427 in those instances.

Since custom pistons are available to vary the stock compression from 11.1:1 down into boost friendly ratios of 8.5:1, a forced induction 418 engine can achieve over 1,000 hp. In fact, our twin-turbo street car was built for high-boost, and other than the camshaft and dished pistons, uses all of the same components as this build. If the L92/LS3 can live under the big boost and heavy boot of Jason Mangum to the tune of 1,063 rear-wheel horsepower, it shows just how robust this package is."

Whether you're looking for a race-oriented long-block for your street and strip Firebird or GTO, or simply a set of excellent flowing heads for your next project, TSP has you covered with an affordable alternative to the LS7

Baseline testing was conducted...        read full caption Baseline testing was conducted with an SLP 85mm mass airflow sensor (MAF, PN 38-23062; retail $194.99) designed for the '01-'02 F-body that will allow the computer to operate properly with the LS1 computer. For enthusiasts who already have an LS2-equipped GTO or L76-based G8, the factory GM 85mm MAF could have been used.	Once the 418 fired up and...        read full caption Once the 418 fired up and settled into an idle, a series of low-rpm break-in runs were performed to ensure it was operating properly. After a cool-down, the oil and filter were changed, and the engine was unleashed. In addition to working on various combinations of tunes, TSP was able to validate that its newly released 100mm billet MAF (PN 25-100MAF; retail $249.99) and sensor adapter harness could be tuned with relative ease and pay dividends as the engine's airflow requirements increased.
	Brand-new GM castings form...        read full caption Brand-new GM castings form the basis of the PRC cylinder head lineup including the L92/LS3 ported cylinder heads. PRC takes them through a full five-axis CNC program that results in increases to both intake and exhaust flow. In the base PRC configuration, the heads sell for $1,199.99 under PN 199-L92. This isn't a single head but a completely ported set.