Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
#201
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
for anyone wondering this is the cx intercooler piping working with a 92mm ebay throttle body and a NNBS/TBSS intake, supposed to be the best stock intake. They are 130$ new on amazon! (I got this one locally for 100$) I am using holley fuel rails with the ls3 brackets the tall ict billet injector spacers and bosch 210s
Last edited by 89FormulaLS; 01-12-2018 at 11:54 AM.
#204
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
nice. How much clearance is on the pass side between the pass manifold and the top of the Kmember? I might have an issue if I did this because I'm using SBC universal motor mounts which are shorter than the solid 3rd gen mounts I believe.
no issues with the manifold inlet/outlets on the back side where the crossover bolts to? Looks like the Aarm mount is right below it.
no issues with the manifold inlet/outlets on the back side where the crossover bolts to? Looks like the Aarm mount is right below it.
#205
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
what alternator are you using? i have an LS1 alternator down low like that but it's not fitting because it has a plastic cover with the vent on the back of it. The vent part hits the k-member.
Last edited by battmann; 01-18-2018 at 05:52 PM.
#206
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
Just started tracking together the hotside. Might end up notching the frame rail 1” or so to lay down the turbo a little bit more. Still below the fender line where it is now. Tried to get a better picture of kmember clearance
#208
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
#209
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Car: 87 Iroc
Engine: Turbocharged 5.7 Pro-Fl-XT
Transmission: 700R4 for moment
Axle/Gears: 3.25 9 inch
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
Such a clean setup! Mine is all tubes, tubes and more tubes. Those manifolds will be leak free and will keep the heat concentrated. If I could push a button and make my setup different it would look just like yours.
#210
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
#211
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
It does on my stock formula power bulge hood. The map sensor is very close to the hood bracing and the TB just clears as does the 5.3 small case alt. But I run solid SBC mounts and my guess is they are a smidge shorter than the 3rd gen specific mounts. If that’s the case then no... your going to have to trim alittle perhaps.
#212
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
Just wanted to update this thread. We had a random warm day last week... Wednesday with 70* temps so I called out sick and dropped the car off the stands and took her out. 30min of driving and have to say I’m impressed with the FItech ultimate LS EFI and the turbo system worked good as well. A good bit of smoke from the wrap getting really hot and broken in but the car felt like it had a lot more low end compared to the supercharger and the 1 3/4” LTs going to a dual 3” merge into a 3” catback. Maybe the smaller 1 5/8” turbo header primaries and the turbo with the 3” down pipe brought some low end back or maybe it was the self tuning EFI. Either way the car drove perfectly without one issue. The EFI felt like it’s been on the car for years and really tuned quick. I did a quick 15 min trip and parked to shut down and checked for leaks and used a IR temp gun to verify nothing was cooking. Waited a bit and then went 15 min Home but decided to get on it alittle to datalog boost tuning. Got up to 6psi on the datalogs with like half throttle and tuning was spot on. I did 3 quick boost spurts and everything seemed good. Didn’t really hear any turbo spooling but did hear the BOV a few times. Car is stupid quiet and pretty excited to really get her out come the spring. Car has been detailed and parked, battery removed and car cover on. Won’t be able to update till the warmer weather is here full swing.
#213
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
According to my datalogs my on medium throttle I was getting into boost at about 3k. This would change once I really stomped it but to see me break into the 100kpa range at 3k means it could come in as low as 2500 with heavier throttle. Remember my cam is not a turbo grind but a custom supercharger cam 218/228 .561/.561 and 114.5+5.5. A triple 12 or something would prob increase spooling alittle.
#214
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
I figured I would throw an update on mine. I had two cylinders lose spark at high boost and blew out the ring lands in at least one piston and scattered it. I just picked up a stock 5.3 short block that I'll need to swap everything over. I'm getting the car towed home Friday night and won't be able to touch it at least until Sunday. The rear two spark plug wired on the driver's side seem to have a tough time staying fully seated on the plug itself. Anyone have any tips on this? I'm not ecstatic about blowing a motor on something so trivial.
#215
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
I figured I would throw an update on mine. I had two cylinders lose spark at high boost and blew out the ring lands in at least one piston and scattered it. I just picked up a stock 5.3 short block that I'll need to swap everything over. I'm getting the car towed home Friday night and won't be able to touch it at least until Sunday. The rear two spark plug wired on the driver's side seem to have a tough time staying fully seated on the plug itself. Anyone have any tips on this? I'm not ecstatic about blowing a motor on something so trivial.
#216
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
It has peaked 18-20psi several times without issue when all cylinders do fire, but I had noticed at least one cylinder seemed to be missing, but it was very infrequently and I couldn't pin it down. It popped at only 10psi in second. During initial tear down those two plug wires popped off with minimal effort. I'll have to check if I can knock the primaries in a bit to make more room for the plug wires. I'm just running generic replacement wires similar to OEM but without the metal heat shield around the plug.
#217
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
It has peaked 18-20psi several times without issue when all cylinders do fire, but I had noticed at least one cylinder seemed to be missing, but it was very infrequently and I couldn't pin it down. It popped at only 10psi in second. During initial tear down those two plug wires popped off with minimal effort. I'll have to check if I can knock the primaries in a bit to make more room for the plug wires. I'm just running generic replacement wires similar to OEM but without the metal heat shield around the plug.
i remember you having issues with your EFI system in the beginning. Are you sure if was the plug wires? I would be changing up those wires for a $35 set of SBC wires that you can cut to length and pick up some taylor LS coil coil boots so you don’t have to worry again. Could be the angle and stress on the boots as I kno the CX headers leave no room for even my low profile taylor wires that worked on the supercharger headers.
#218
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
I had the rings gapped pretty good and made sure to take all the precautions. AFR was safe, didn't have any knocking, no warning at all. I may change the plug wires, I'll have to see what I can get sorted otherwise. I want to use as many off the shelf parts as I can for consumables so if I get stuck on the road somewhere, any auto parts shop should have what I need. I'm taking this opportunity to relocate everything to the F body set up to get the hood on and get back to the sleeper status I was looking for. I'll be using the ICTBillet mounts. I don't remember if I said already, but I already picked up a 5.3 short block, just need to move everything over from the 4.8 and drop it back in. It shouldn't take more than a weekend. Just finding the time to actually get it done is going to be hard.
#219
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
I figured I would throw an update on mine. I had two cylinders lose spark at high boost and blew out the ring lands in at least one piston and scattered it. I just picked up a stock 5.3 short block that I'll need to swap everything over. I'm getting the car towed home Friday night and won't be able to touch it at least until Sunday. The rear two spark plug wired on the driver's side seem to have a tough time staying fully seated on the plug itself. Anyone have any tips on this? I'm not ecstatic about blowing a motor on something so trivial.
accidentally had the boost controller at 100% duty cycle not 0, it ripped up to 30psi and went poof coolant everywhere.
anyways slapped a new set of gaskets in and its back in action. taking it to the dyno this friday, ive street tuned to about 11psi. Car is literally uncontrollable after that on the street
#220
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
I used MLS gaskets, which I'm almost wishing I didnt. It may have saved my 4.8. I just got the ICT bracket set today, so I'll need to get a new PS pump and pulley, I may be able to use my alternator but I'm still not sure. Tomorrow night I'll have some time to pull the old engine out, but likely not much more than get the trans/clutch/flywheel off. I'd like to tear down the block and see what ended up failing. I got the heads off and found out the two plug wires I thought caused a failure we're not the case, as piston #6 failed, not #5 or #7. It cracked the oil pan on the way down, but I may be able to have a friend weld it back together for me. I'll have to see how it is.
A look down the cylinder. ARP rod bolts are shot.
#222
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
Well, I got a 5.3 short block and purchased the F body brackets from ICTBillet to line up with the truck water pump. I'm waiting on a new oil pan as the last one got trashed. I should have a lot of the work done this weekend, just waiting on some odds and ends to get it all wrapped up.
Part of the block broke off
The rod and piston that let go was wedged against the oil pan and crank counterweight
The windage tray caught some of the mess
The windage tray caught some of the mess
#223
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
I ended up getting a junkyard L33 for the next go around, supposed to be 100lbs lighter than the iron. Its been sitting at the machine shop for almost two weeks now. Im actually putting this one together a little better than the last one.
#224
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Car: 1991 RS Camaro and 1999 Z28
Engine: Twin turbo 5.3 in RS and LS1 in Z
Transmission: Th400 in RS and 4l60E in the Z
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
Following to see how the CX Racing Turbos work for you guys. I recently bought twin 76's from CX and am curious how they work out for you guys.
#225
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
The 76/65 .81 AR journal CX turbo seemed strong at 6psi. It’s only been driven once but it was quick to spool up. I just purchased a VS racing cast 78/75 .96 AR to replace it if needed. The smaller turbo makes street driving a lot of fun tho.
#226
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Car: 1991 RS Camaro and 1999 Z28
Engine: Twin turbo 5.3 in RS and LS1 in Z
Transmission: Th400 in RS and 4l60E in the Z
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
These are the ones I bought...
CXRacing T76 0.96 A/R Q Trim Turbo Charger0.80 A/R Compressor Housing
The car is a drag only car ... 5.3 engine with forged internals ... th400 trans with a trans brake ... not sure on the stall yet and the cam as well ... am I going to have issues spoiling them up?
CXRacing T76 0.96 A/R Q Trim Turbo Charger0.80 A/R Compressor Housing
The car is a drag only car ... 5.3 engine with forged internals ... th400 trans with a trans brake ... not sure on the stall yet and the cam as well ... am I going to have issues spoiling them up?
#227
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
Yea probably. Would have been better with dual 70mm units and the smaller 65mm exducer in a small AR. But since its a drag car, you could put an obscene stall in there and get the trans brake to load the engine and get the turbos spooling at the line.
#228
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Car: 1991 RS Camaro and 1999 Z28
Engine: Twin turbo 5.3 in RS and LS1 in Z
Transmission: Th400 in RS and 4l60E in the Z
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
That's what I was kind of figuring too ... need to pair my cam, stall, gears, intake and heads to get the best possible combination. Been scouring the internet for possible combos but have been coming up dry... well mostly dry, find one here and there but the information on those builds is sorely lacking.
#229
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
I was able to get a bit done today. The "new" 5.3 block was all prepped and I got the trans on it and both in the car. I mounted the ICT billet brackets that orient the accessories like an F body, but still use the truck water pump and crank pulley. I'll need to change some wiring around also to account for moving the alternator. I also managed to get the hood on. This is the first time in about 3 years this car has had a hood. I still need to see what sort of clearancing I'll need to do once I get the intake and cold side piping back in there. I am changing jobs at the end of this week and gave myself a 3 day weekend, so hopefully I can use some of that time to hammer out the smaller things.
#230
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
Got some seat time today with mine. Running pretty good. Logs show im maxing around 140-142Kpa. It comes in soon and just hangs out so I’m wonderinf if the wastegate spring that came in the CX wastegate was a lower psi spring? It says 12psi on the website but the mix has other springs. Any idea what spring gives what pressure? I read it’s like the tials and I will need dual springs to get into 10+psi.
Logs are showing about 60% injector duty cycle at the 142Kpa at 60lb so she’s movin and feels good.
Logs are showing about 60% injector duty cycle at the 142Kpa at 60lb so she’s movin and feels good.
#231
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
lol you guys need to come to the darkside, vs racing s480 16psi 700whp on a mustang dyno. Going to a bigger cam and 20+ psi next week.
#233
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
Got some seat time today with mine. Running pretty good. Logs show im maxing around 140-142Kpa. It comes in soon and just hangs out so I’m wonderinf if the wastegate spring that came in the CX wastegate was a lower psi spring? It says 12psi on the website but the mix has other springs. Any idea what spring gives what pressure? I read it’s like the tials and I will need dual springs to get into 10+psi.
Logs are showing about 60% injector duty cycle at the 142Kpa at 60lb so she’s movin and feels good.
Logs are showing about 60% injector duty cycle at the 142Kpa at 60lb so she’s movin and feels good.
#235
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
Pressure tested the stock CX WG and found it started to crack the valve at 12psi, fully open by 14-15psi. Opened it up and found the largest DIA single spring installed. That 12psi cracking pressure was with the adjustment (preload) backed all the way out. I decided to try to swap a medium spring in and after alot of cuss words eventually got it installed. The CX WG came with 3 springs, 2 (small and medium) in the box and the large was installed. The medium spring cracked around the same pressure as the large one. I thought that was odd, the smaller ones seemed stiffer than the larger one. I said screw it and added the medium and the large and tested with my compressor. With the large and medium spring the pressure shot up to 24psi when it cracked. I decided to pull the spring and go back to the original. I originally had the WG referenced to the compressor (I read that was the best) but its not accurate to what the manifold sees pressure at. I knew that and figured pressure drop wasn't that much as It didn't seem like that much with low boost with my supercharger. I didn't think the exhaust pressure would be that high. So my guess is due to referencing at the compressor housing + pressure drop + exhaust back pressure caused my 12psi spring to really only produce 6psi in the intake. Since I was getting about half of what the spring cracked at I can figure I might have gotten half of 24psi with the dual springs which puts me at 12psi but who knows.
I referenced to the manifold this time and will see what I get. I will then increase preload and see what that gets me. Then move on from there, I also have a voodoo MBC that I could use instead of upping the springs which can cause boost creep, keep the lighter spring and then the MBC will provide double the gate pressure.
#237
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
finally started working on this project again today and my exhaust pipe won't connect to my turbo now. last fall when CXRacing reworked the PS header and crossover, i only installed those pieces when they came back to check the fit - and they looked good. i didn't think anything else would be affected by the reworked pieces. it appears the crossover section on my PS header is now too low and won't let me connect the exhaust pipe. in the picture below, i can't raise the exhaust pipe any higher because it hits the crossover pipe. i can't catch a break on this thing lately. i bought this kit because i thought all the piping was figured out. super frustrated.
i emailed CX today. hope they can help me out somehow. i'm almost ready to just go NA or buy a supercharger. i want to drive this thing some day!
i emailed CX today. hope they can help me out somehow. i'm almost ready to just go NA or buy a supercharger. i want to drive this thing some day!
#238
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
Frustration seems to be running rampant in this thread lately. I got my 5.3 all buttoned back up and test fired it a week or so ago, let it run for about 1-2 minutes and shut it down. Today, I fired it up to move it from the garage, and I have either a very very loud lifter tick, or rod knock. I was so frustrated I just left it alone. I'll have to pull the valve covers and see if I can determine rod knock for sure. I checked the short block pretty thoroughly and it all seemed solid. I'm really hoping just a lifter, but not optimistic. If this engine is junk the car will likely sit for a bit before I take the time to get another engine in it. 3 engines in 6 months is just too much.
#240
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
thats exactly what I did. I had a simple spring/ball (ceramic) MBC that I just installed. I tried referencing the WG from the compressor to the manifold and literally no change which is great bc that means I have NO pressure drop at 6psi. I cranked down on the spring preload adjuster and basically almost maxed it out. Went out and it logged 8psi max so boost went up, the car is a handful with the 8psi as the tried break loose when boost comes in which is instant. I set everything back to the safe 6psi and referenced the WG to the compressor again but installed the MBC. Teed into the bottom line of the WG (side) and the MBC outlet goes to the top of the WG. Going to see what it puts down base boost with the MBC as I’ve heard they add boost even at the lowest setting. Waiting to see what it does on the next warm nice day that I don’t have the kid with me. I’d like to be at 10-12psi for the moment, 8psi felt good tho.
#241
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
finally started working on this project again today and my exhaust pipe won't connect to my turbo now. last fall when CXRacing reworked the PS header and crossover, i only installed those pieces when they came back to check the fit - and they looked good. i didn't think anything else would be affected by the reworked pieces. it appears the crossover section on my PS header is now too low and won't let me connect the exhaust pipe. in the picture below, i can't raise the exhaust pipe any higher because it hits the crossover pipe. i can't catch a break on this thing lately. i bought this kit because i thought all the piping was figured out. super frustrated.
i emailed CX today. hope they can help me out somehow. i'm almost ready to just go NA or buy a supercharger. i want to drive this thing some day!
i emailed CX today. hope they can help me out somehow. i'm almost ready to just go NA or buy a supercharger. i want to drive this thing some day!
All in all the turbo system works pretty good. I’m at 100kpa starting at 3k exactly but never under heavy throttle or load as it just breaks the tires loose. I’m aure a smaller 2.25” or 2.5” would increase spool a little quicker if you really wanted boost before 3k. But boost that low can bend rods pretty easily due to the massive tq increase.
#242
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
Frustration seems to be running rampant in this thread lately. I got my 5.3 all buttoned back up and test fired it a week or so ago, let it run for about 1-2 minutes and shut it down. Today, I fired it up to move it from the garage, and I have either a very very loud lifter tick, or rod knock. I was so frustrated I just left it alone. I'll have to pull the valve covers and see if I can determine rod knock for sure. I checked the short block pretty thoroughly and it all seemed solid. I'm really hoping just a lifter, but not optimistic. If this engine is junk the car will likely sit for a bit before I take the time to get another engine in it. 3 engines in 6 months is just too much.
Hopefukly thay was my “tick” on the pass side but I for sure can hear my sewing machine Morel 5315s going at it at idle.
Also my turbo is supported Ted with a simple brace that holds up 90% of the weight so it’s not dangling off the header bolts. If I remove all the piping the turbo barely moves if it’s floating my itself so I know the brace is helping a lot.
Still tho that’s pretty shotty luck. I just ran a spare 5.3 on my test stand a few weeks ago (had 90k on it) and it looked pretty clean inside. Had a nice tick/knock on the pass side. I pulled it apart and decided it’s prob lifters so yanked the cam and lifters and put in a used LQ9 cam and new Johnson stock replacement lifters and LS6 springs. Just got new speedmaster head studs and hoping to button it up and get it on the stand and see if it fixed itself lol.
#243
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
I haven't even been able to drive on this motor, and I got the exhaust good and tight before starting it. I can feel the knocking through the intake, but not on the heads. On a better note, the shop I work at just had someone junk an '03 Silverado with a strong running LM7, just had a blown 60E and lots of rust. I'm going to take the short block and throw it in. Hopefully a month or so and it will be up and running. I'll tear down my current engine anday throw some bearings in it for a spare.
#244
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
Got it up to 10.2psi 1st gear, 2nd medium/heavy throttle is useless. Logs show 86.7% duty cycle on the 60lb or about 650hp+ at the crank.
Heres a quick vid from the dash cam of me coming out of the local show
Heres a quick vid from the dash cam of me coming out of the local show
#245
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
I FINALLY got the new engine in and running as well as a full exhaust system on the car. I used the summit 3" cat back. It has the typical 3rd gen sound, but it's very quiet and has already caught a few cars off guard. I am having a bit of an issue keeping temps reasonable. I have a stock replacement 3rd gen radiator with an aftermarket electric fan set to turn on at 180 but temps climb all the way to 215-220 while cruising and as high as 240 while putting my foot into it. What are you all using for radiators? Do I need another fan? I didn't have this issue in the last engine.
#246
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
I FINALLY got the new engine in and running as well as a full exhaust system on the car. I used the summit 3" cat back. It has the typical 3rd gen sound, but it's very quiet and has already caught a few cars off guard. I am having a bit of an issue keeping temps reasonable. I have a stock replacement 3rd gen radiator with an aftermarket electric fan set to turn on at 180 but temps climb all the way to 215-220 while cruising and as high as 240 while putting my foot into it. What are you all using for radiators? Do I need another fan? I didn't have this issue in the last engine.
How is that 3" catback working out for you? Mine is apparently a large restriction lol. I keep getting slow spool (starts around 3k 100kpa+ and then builds boost up till like 4500 and then levels out) but its still making peak boost. Whats weird is that I get no turbo spool noise. I ended up installing a 3" electric cutout and boom open it up and I hear turbo spool whine and logs show boost happening faster. Decided to yank the 76/65 and swapped in a VS 78/75 so well see what happens.
Mins is a 3" summit catback with a dynomax ultraflow SS muffler (straight through perf core) into dynomax stock 2.5" mandrel tail pipes and its pretty quiet on the road. The cutout really opens it up below 40mph but on the highway it isn't that bad.
Running a AFCO dual 1" core racing rad, chevy traverse dual OE cooling fans (13" each or so) with integrated shroud. 160 Tstat and a flowkooler fbody waterpump with 3/4" spacers. Fans are set at 180on/170off and 190on/180off. I'm more in the 180range but my last logs show 190s beating on it in 92*F humid *** heat.
#247
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Car: 91' Z28, 92' Z28
Engine: 383, L98 stock
Transmission: Built 700R4, Stock 700R4
Axle/Gears: 12 Bolt 3.73, 10 Bolt 3.23
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
Factory radiator w/Derale dual fan with shroud PN DER-16826, you will have to cut out the lower driver side corner to clear your steering box and modify your stock radiator mount to hold the shroud in place. These fans are 4000 cfm combined and 49 amp draw, so you will need a 140amp or higher alternator. I'm running them with factory relay and stock fuse with no issues,160* thermostat, both fans come on at 180* off at 170*. Factory cast iron water pump. No issues what so ever, Been on the car for 4 yrs now and I have the exact same fans on my stock 92 Z28 Camaro. I run my A/C all the time here in Ga with no issues of overheating like the stock fans do when the A/C is on.
Also if you do not have your stock air dam, it will over heat all day long. You have to have that part installed. Some people get a little crazy and remove that for some reason or another!
Also if you do not have your stock air dam, it will over heat all day long. You have to have that part installed. Some people get a little crazy and remove that for some reason or another!
#248
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
Factory radiator w/Derale dual fan with shroud PN DER-16826, you will have to cut out the lower driver side corner to clear your steering box and modify your stock radiator mount to hold the shroud in place. These fans are 4000 cfm combined and 49 amp draw, so you will need a 140amp or higher alternator. I'm running them with factory relay and stock fuse with no issues,160* thermostat, both fans come on at 180* off at 170*. Factory cast iron water pump. No issues what so ever, Been on the car for 4 yrs now and I have the exact same fans on my stock 92 Z28 Camaro. I run my A/C all the time here in Ga with no issues of overheating like the stock fans do when the A/C is on.
Also if you do not have your stock air dam, it will over heat all day long. You have to have that part installed. Some people get a little crazy and remove that for some reason or another!
Also if you do not have your stock air dam, it will over heat all day long. You have to have that part installed. Some people get a little crazy and remove that for some reason or another!
#249
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Car: 91' Z28, 92' Z28
Engine: 383, L98 stock
Transmission: Built 700R4, Stock 700R4
Axle/Gears: 12 Bolt 3.73, 10 Bolt 3.23
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
I know LS engines do not have cast iron water pumps, your missing the point I was trying to make. By the way LS cooling system is reverse cooling, meaning the heads receive the coolant first from the radiator. GM first ran reverse coolant flow with LT1 which allowed them to run more timing and also help with emission too. You may already know this? But all the LS stuff I've tuned run between 195*-210* stock anyway. And guess what LT1's did the same thing. I was just pointing out that I have a stock radiator with very good cooling fans moving 4000 CFM of air. Just because you have a bigger radiator that holds more coolant does not mean your vehicle will run cooler especially if your cooling fans cannot move the air quick enough across a thinker radiator to remove the heat. So it's a matter of how fast can you get the air through the radiator to cool off. No need to stress over the size of the radiator, a factory LT1 or LS1 single core will work fine with a very good set of shrouded fans all day long even with your set up or the OP set up.
As a matter of fact I would go as far to say that if you installed a factory radiator in you car it may cool off even better with those 13" Traverse fans.
Just my, what works for one person may not work for others.
Last edited by zz17iroc; 06-21-2018 at 04:56 AM.
#250
Re: Installation of CXRacing's LS based third-gen turbo kit
I know LS engines do not have cast iron water pumps, your missing the point I was trying to make. By the way LS cooling system is reverse cooling, meaning the heads receive the coolant first from the radiator. GM first ran reverse coolant flow with LT1 which allowed them to run more timing and also help with emission too. You may already know this? But all the LS stuff I've tuned run between 195*-210* stock anyway. And guess what LT1's did the same thing. I was just pointing out that I have a stock radiator with very good cooling fans moving 4000 CFM of air. Just because you have a bigger radiator that holds more coolant does not mean your vehicle will run cooler especially if your cooling fans cannot move the air quick enough across a thinker radiator to remove the heat. So it's a matter of how fast can you get the air through the radiator to cool off. No need to stress over the size of the radiator, a factory LT1 or LS1 single core will work fine with a very good set of shrouded fans all day long even with your set up or the OP set up.
As a matter of fact I would go as far to say that if you installed a factory radiator in you car it may cool off even better with those 13" Traverse fans.
Just my, what works for one person may not work for others.
As a matter of fact I would go as far to say that if you installed a factory radiator in you car it may cool off even better with those 13" Traverse fans.
Just my, what works for one person may not work for others.
First off I have the derale fans, I ran them on my car for over a year and have them in my basement currently. They are fine but don’t let high amps determine air flow and quality of fans. Mine were dual 11” fans for a 24.5” core and pulled 3750 Cfm supposidly, derale doesn’t post static drop Cfm like SPAL so it’s really a crap shoot how much they actually flow at a given pressure. They are powerful and pull a lot of amps so I would assume they flow decent under restriction. More amps usually means more powerful motor but it has a lot to do with fan blade design, size and lots of other things. What are the size of your fans? To fit in a 3rd gen or LT1 rad core they can’t be bigger than 11-12” each right? So your going to tell me that my OE quality (lots more r&d and time invested from the biggest car manufactures in the world) fans aren’t as good as some aftermarket fans? I have to run a 27.5” core to fit these fans and the stock 3rdgen isn’t that big. The integrated shroud covers 100% of the core. Mine flow just as much as the derales but are quieter and will last longer at less than 1/2 the price. So stick to the facts, big turbo hp requires what in a cooling system? Capacity and airflow. Derale fans are good as I have run them so there’s airflow but you still need capacity which you don’t get with a stock single core rad. You will always gain by adding capacity to a system and good fans to pull air through a thicker core. In a cooling system you always try to fit the biggest that space will allow. There is a point of diminishing returns as not all rad cores are created equal so a champion 4 core with 5/8” cores is not as good as a quality dual 1” core and airflow would be reduced. Fin count and style of fins also affects cooling. The real stock rads are of decent quality (core and fin) and thus cool better than stock aftermarket replacements. But once you Double the hp and heat of the engine the stock rad will struggle to keep up. It’s all about BTUs.
Also have you ever tested the opening temps of actual thermostats? They usually don’t open till later than there rated temp. I know for sure bc I tested 3 different ones for my setup. My 160 cracked opened at 170+, 180 cracked opened at like 185 and a new stock vette Tstat (lower than Truck temp) opened at 198 I believe. So even with a 160 Tstat in the pump it would be really hard to run 160s or cooler than the Tstat opening temp even with good cool ambient air.