My '33 Hotrod is DONE....1/31/2023 update pics at post 515

[tptrsn]

To my way of thinking, the fact that the LS engine ISN'T overhead cam and still makes the power, is one of the biggest attractions to it. It's a very compact engine that crams a ton of power into a small space.

I wonder what Mercury would pull out of a 9L non-DOHC LS engine, since they aren't concerned with emissions or really even power band. Probably not too much less than the DOHC version.

[JimLev]

Yes it is a nice small compact engine. It's 1.2L larger than our 4.4L and physically smaller. So easy and CHEAP to hop it up too.

In need of space to open more boxes of parts the roof is now on top of the body and hoisted up to the ceiling.
Got the starter, A/C, and alternator mounted. I'm 1/4 way thru the wiring.
Started laying out the exhaust, will need to make custom pipes to connect the headers that I bought to the rest of the exhaust system.
Top idler pulley and belts coming tomorrow. As soon as the chrome plated steering column arrives I'll start working on installing the electric steering.

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[computiNATEor]

Tight clearances in that engine bay! Where does your LS3 source its accessory layout? CTS-V?

[tptrsn]

That's looking beautiful Jim! Do you see any obvious difficulties that have to be dealt with? In one pic it looks like the water pump connections might be in a bit of difficulty with the frame? Luckily, these water pumps come off with no trouble and can be chopped and welded if necessary.

I like your ICT Billet (?) alternator bracket. What does it accomplish for your setup?

[angeleye540i]

Saw the Mercury review in HotRod magazine last year, fantastic engine. Would be nice to have 750HP but in a 2400Lb car I'd probably kill myself. What I have now is a bit over the top.
That engine probably costs more than my whole build.

I don’t doubt it... and 2400lbs ?!? Holy $**t could use an M52 and be fast af


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[angeleye540i]

To my way of thinking, the fact that the LS engine ISN'T overhead cam and still makes the power, is one of the biggest attractions to it. It's a very compact engine that crams a ton of power into a small space.

I wonder what Mercury would pull out of a 9L non-DOHC LS engine, since they aren't concerned with emissions or really even power band. Probably not too much less than the DOHC version.

Probly not much more without the head


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[angeleye540i]

Wow! Thats gonna be fast!

No DOUBT


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[tptrsn]

Probly not much more without the head

I think you're overestimating the difference the DOHC head makes. A "regular old LS3" with just a cam can make close to 600bhp, at 6.2 liters.

[JimLev]

Tight clearances in that engine bay! Where does your LS3 source its accessory layout? CTS-V?

One can buy all of the CTS info, at a pricey $1200+, other companies sell all billet chrome parts for $1600-2500.
Don't remember if the CTS parts are high mount components or not.
The engine is a brand new, I don't want to have to replace the water pump, harmonic balancer, etc to use the above parts.

I wanted low mount alt and AC so I'm piecing it together, think I'm into it for about
Up front is tight. Got the new swivel t-stat today so that takes care of that issue.

[JimLev]

That's looking beautiful Jim! Do you see any obvious difficulties that have to be dealt with? In one pic it looks like the water pump connections might be in a bit of difficulty with the frame? Luckily, these water pumps come off with no trouble and can be chopped and welded if necessary.

I like your ICT Billet (?) alternator bracket. What does it accomplish for your setup?

Just figuring out the spacing for the alt and AC to get it aligned with the crank pulley took some time and many put it on, take it off.
T-stat is now replaces with one that swivels 360°.
The ICT was really for an LS in a truck that had a long shaft WP and harmonic balancer. It was only $85.
Just had to cut the spacers to get it aligned.

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I think you're overestimating the difference the DOHC head makes. A "regular old LS3" with just a cam can make close to 600bhp, at 6.2 liters.

One of the GM Connect and Cruise LS3 options was a 535HP. The sprinkle a little magic dust on it and your over 600.
The ZZ454 puts out 727HP, pretty pricey.
Don't need 4 stinking cams to make a lot of power.

[computiNATEor]

Well, I guess the CTS-V accessory drive kit wouldn't really fit, as it has provisions for a hydraulic power steering pump. It has the AC/alternator mounted in about the same place as your mounts do, though.

I think it's an out-of-the-box bolt on for any LS crate engine, but I could be wrong. I remember Turbo Tom using it in his LS3 Miata build.

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This kit:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/nal-19155066

As used in this Miata:

https://youtu.be/fL3ZEQ8dzns?t=3m18s

[JimLev]

Right, I'd need to dump the PS pump, plus I think the bracket for the AC and the compressor would hit my frame.
In a normal car/truck the CTS would be an OK option.
Good Miata video, it's going to be fast.

[computiNATEor]

That seems like something I would have expected Factory5 to figure out for you. Or do they? Is the chassis designed for a classic SBC or...?

[JimLev]

They offer the kit without engines and trannys.
You tell them what your going to use (GM, Ford, Chrysler, etc) they supply the mounts to fit it into the chassis.
You buy the engine from wherever you want, new or used.

AC/heater box installed
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New t-stat swivel housing. The OE t-stat is 86°C, no 108°C crap. Main belt will be here tomorrow.
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Tranny dipstick and fuel regulator.
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[computiNATEor]

Good Miata video, it's going to be fast.

Very fast. LS3 525. 2731 (+157 vs stock) pounds w/ hardtop, 54%/46% F/R (+1%/-1%). 433whp, 410wtq. ~11.6s @130mph.

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I hope you don’t mind me drooling over the pushrod suspension!

[angeleye540i]

I think you're overestimating the difference the DOHC head makes. A "regular old LS3" with just a cam can make close to 600bhp, at 6.2 liters.

I’m not overestimating anything I’m just stating some factual info about setup and the output of over 100BHP per liter of the SB4... and makes 250 more HP than it’s pushrod brother... ALSO, all that cam modding is essentially to make up for the lack of a higher tech valve train and comes with sacrifices... idle is piss pour and could make one vomit from motion sickness lol... I’m not hating on push rods or LS... but we are talking about a crate motor with a warranty Bone stock... sure u can stroke, Cam, breath, and tune an LSx, but it’s warranty is void at that point... . As large or as small the difference is between a DOHC Motor vs a pushrod motor with the same specs, the DOHC will have the better efficiency (HP/MPG etc.) with regard to size, better power and tq curve, both shape and peak numbers... in this case the difference is about 250HP... but it’s much larger so there are sacrifices also...
for the record I never said u needed DOHC to make power and the compact size of them without is one of the most appealing parts to them.... also without “magic dust” I can’t find any making much more than even at 500, I saw one with all the bolt ons making almost 500 wheel... but it had thousands of $ If parts and work in it.... all I was ever trying to. Say is the SB4 turn key swap is a step in the right direction for Mericans.... pros and cons to each, and the LS3 crate motor is DEFINITELY on my swap list.... the others LS7-SB4 are still 5 figs.... I’m just a fan of technology...


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[BimmrMeUpSnotty]

Holy crap Jim! You’re really scooting along on that build! Pretty soon, that thing is gonna be really scooting you along! Awesome work!

[angeleye540i]

Very fast. LS3 525. 2731 (+157 vs stock) pounds w/ hardtop, 54%/46% F/R (+1%/-1%). 433whp, 410wtq. ~11.6s @130mph.

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I hope you don’t mind me drooling over the pushrod suspension!

Tell me about it, I friggin love suspension like that...


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[angeleye540i]

I just drooled for quite some time over all the pics.... reminds my (kind of) if my buddy who just built an Exocet


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[tptrsn]

LS3 crate motor with a cam, comparing the LS3 intake against the Mast Motorsports intake:

LS3 With a Cam - Comparing Intakes.jpg

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Whether 575-ish bhp satisfies the definition of "almost 600bhp" or not is up to you.

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I love the cantilever front suspension too Jim!! That is going to look so clean!

[angeleye540i]

LS3 crate motor with a cam, comparing the LS3 intake against the Mast Motorsports intake:

LS3 With a Cam - Comparing Intakes.jpg

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Whether 575-ish bhp satisfies the definition of "almost 600bhp" or not is up to you.

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I love the cantilever front suspension too Jim!! That is going to look so clean!

That’s impressive... I did snag I found one just shy of 500 wheel so I wasn’t calling u out... but only found one...


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[angeleye540i]

And yes close to 600 would include anything over 560 IMO...


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[JimLev]

Holy crap Jim! You’re really scooting along on that build! Pretty soon, that thing is gonna be really scooting you along! Awesome work!

Steve, hope to have the engine running in a few weeks, probably with open headers.
Still have a butt load of wiring to do.

[angeleye540i]

So Jim, not that u need it in your Sub 3klb car... but knowing “your style” I’m wondering if u plan on spraying any magic ? If I had to guess without reading every post I’d guess not fresh out of the gate but probly down the road...


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[JimLev]

I've thought about it but for the first year or so it'll stay stock. HP is something that we never seem to have enough of.
I may not need more...did I just say that?
The B7 looks pretty good!