Tech / General Engine Is your car making a strange sound or won't start? Thinking of adding power with a new combination? Need other technical information or engine specific advice? Don't see another board for your problem? Post it here!

Lg4 or LO3

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-09-2005, 11:20 AM
  #1  
Member
Thread Starter
 
camaro86's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: socal
Posts: 244
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 91 z28
Engine: 350 tpi
Transmission: 700r4
Lg4 or LO3

which will you rather pick for performance a 1986 camaro z28 auto LG4 or a 1990 camaro rs LO3 5 speed? Which is faster when these both cars are stock and when they are modded?

Last edited by camaro86; 07-09-2005 at 11:22 AM.
Old 07-09-2005, 02:20 PM
  #2  
Moderator

 
Apeiron's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Mercedes Norte, Heredia, Costa Rica
Posts: 20,981
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 8 Posts
Car: 1984 Z28 Hardtop
Engine: 383 Carb
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44
Stock I'd probably pick the LG4. Modified I'd still pick the LG4, unless you were going to change the heads, in which case it doesn't make any difference.
Old 07-09-2005, 04:35 PM
  #3  
Supreme Member
TGO - 10 Year Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Fast355's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Hurst, Texas
Posts: 10,122
Received 429 Likes on 369 Posts
Car: 1983 G20 Chevy
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 14 bolt with 3.07 gears
LO3 is the only way to go. Main difference being alot less vacuum crap, more power stock, easier to mod, and easier to tune (once you get a prom burner). Plus you get the added driveability of the injection.
Old 07-09-2005, 04:36 PM
  #4  
Member
Thread Starter
 
camaro86's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: socal
Posts: 244
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 91 z28
Engine: 350 tpi
Transmission: 700r4
why will you pick the lg4 over the lo3 5 speed Apeiron ? what if they do a homemade dual snorkel for the lg4 will the lg4 be faster?

Last edited by camaro86; 07-09-2005 at 04:41 PM.
Old 07-09-2005, 04:46 PM
  #5  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (1)
 
305q_ta86's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Calgary, AB
Posts: 1,989
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1993 Nissan 240sx
Engine: Turbo KA24DE
Transmission: 5 spd
Axle/Gears: 4.08 VLSD
I took the LG4. No computer burning for me. I just think carburetion is the way to go, not some in-between thing. I dont want to mess with computer tuning right now, and since I am on a college budget here, yeah. LG4.
Old 07-09-2005, 05:12 PM
  #6  
Supreme Member
TGO - 10 Year Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Fast355's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Hurst, Texas
Posts: 10,122
Received 429 Likes on 369 Posts
Car: 1983 G20 Chevy
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 14 bolt with 3.07 gears
I choose a LO3 and it has been a wise one. I added a set of TPI 081 heads, a 350 TBI cam, and headers on an otherwise stock rebuild, bored .040" over. I topped it off with a TBI setup. The total cost for the prom tuning stuff was $150.00 plus the laptop I already had. It took a little research, some soldering, and some patience. I am running 15.9s @ 88 almost consistently in a full size van with a 3.08 rear end. I am also putting out right at 240 RWHP and 310 ft/lbs.
Old 07-09-2005, 05:40 PM
  #7  
Member
Thread Starter
 
camaro86's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: socal
Posts: 244
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 91 z28
Engine: 350 tpi
Transmission: 700r4
how can i get a lg4 to low or mid 14s
Old 07-09-2005, 05:42 PM
  #8  
Moderator

 
Apeiron's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Mercedes Norte, Heredia, Costa Rica
Posts: 20,981
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 8 Posts
Car: 1984 Z28 Hardtop
Engine: 383 Carb
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44
Originally posted by camaro86
why will you pick the lg4 over the lo3 5 speed Apeiron ? what if they do a homemade dual snorkel for the lg4 will the lg4 be faster?
Mostly for the better heads on the LG4. The manual vs. automatic thing isn't that big of a deal for me, especially when you consider that the T5 isn't all that great of a transmission. Although, neither is a stock 1986 700R4, really.

A better air cleaner and exhaust would really wake either car up, but with the LO3 you'd still be stuck with the swirl port heads.

Once you've made a lot of modifications, it won't make any difference what you started with. You won't have an LG4 or an LO3 anymore, you'll just have a 305.

Last edited by Apeiron; 07-09-2005 at 05:45 PM.
Old 07-09-2005, 10:48 PM
  #9  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (1)
 
305q_ta86's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Calgary, AB
Posts: 1,989
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1993 Nissan 240sx
Engine: Turbo KA24DE
Transmission: 5 spd
Axle/Gears: 4.08 VLSD
Originally posted by camaro86
how can i get a lg4 to low or mid 14s
nitrous.

Or a good head porting (of the 416 heads) and a cam, headers, carb and intake manifold.

Oh, and weight reduction
Old 07-09-2005, 10:56 PM
  #10  
Moderator

 
Apeiron's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Mercedes Norte, Heredia, Costa Rica
Posts: 20,981
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 8 Posts
Car: 1984 Z28 Hardtop
Engine: 383 Carb
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44
Originally posted by 305q_ta86
carb and intake manifold
14's isn't a problem on the stock Q-jet and intake.
Old 07-10-2005, 01:12 AM
  #11  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (1)
 
305q_ta86's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Calgary, AB
Posts: 1,989
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1993 Nissan 240sx
Engine: Turbo KA24DE
Transmission: 5 spd
Axle/Gears: 4.08 VLSD
Well, er, right. Intake manifold MAYBE, and carb, i guess I should have been more specific. I meant carb tuning, proper setup, etc.
Old 07-11-2005, 12:57 PM
  #12  
Member
Thread Starter
 
camaro86's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: socal
Posts: 244
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 91 z28
Engine: 350 tpi
Transmission: 700r4
how about a 1986 z28 LG4 5 speed vs a 1992 rs TBI 5 speed? Which is faster when these both cars are stock and when they are modded?
Old 07-11-2005, 02:18 PM
  #13  
Moderator

 
Apeiron's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Mercedes Norte, Heredia, Costa Rica
Posts: 20,981
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 8 Posts
Car: 1984 Z28 Hardtop
Engine: 383 Carb
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44
Stock it would be close. The LG4 has better gears and makes peak HP at slightly higher RPM than the LO3, so I'd probably go with it.

When they're modded, who cares?
Old 07-11-2005, 03:10 PM
  #14  
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
 
urbanhunter44's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Brighton, CO
Posts: 4,345
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: '72 Chevy Nova
Engine: Solid roller 355
Transmission: TH350
Axle/Gears: 8.5" 10-bolt 3.73 Posi
Id go with the LG4 because:

1. Better heads
2. Carburated, so all you need to tune it is a screwdriver vs. PROM burning equipment
3. Z28s are cooler than RSs
Old 07-11-2005, 07:25 PM
  #15  
Moderator

 
Apeiron's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Mercedes Norte, Heredia, Costa Rica
Posts: 20,981
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 8 Posts
Car: 1984 Z28 Hardtop
Engine: 383 Carb
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44
Originally posted by urbanhunter44
3. Z28s are cooler than RSs
Maybe, but the 92 RS probably has the same suspension as the 86 Z28, making it a moot point. The only difference then is the badging.
Old 07-11-2005, 07:35 PM
  #16  
Supreme Member
TGO - 10 Year Member
iTrader: (16)
 
Street Lethal's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: NYC / NJ
Posts: 10,492
Received 193 Likes on 164 Posts
Re: Lg4 or LO3

Originally posted by camaro86.which will you rather pick for performance a 1986 camaro z28 auto LG4 or a 1990 camaro rs LO3 5 speed?
I'd go with the LG4. Burn a chip that only controls the LG4's electronic spark control, then slap on a much better carburetor of you're choice. You're in for a very nice surprise, result wise...
Old 07-11-2005, 08:31 PM
  #17  
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
 
urbanhunter44's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Brighton, CO
Posts: 4,345
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: '72 Chevy Nova
Engine: Solid roller 355
Transmission: TH350
Axle/Gears: 8.5" 10-bolt 3.73 Posi
Originally posted by Apeiron
Maybe, but the 92 RS probably has the same suspension as the 86 Z28, making it a moot point. The only difference then is the badging.
Oh I'm well aware of that, I'm just saying, Z28s are cooler
Old 07-12-2005, 09:31 PM
  #18  
Senior Member
 
MikeDirntRulez's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Moreno Valley, CA
Posts: 748
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1990 Camaro RS
Engine: 305 TBI (L03)
Transmission: 700R4 (MD8)
Axle/Gears: 2.73 Open (GU2)
Originally posted by urbanhunter44
Oh I'm well aware of that, I'm just saying, Z28s are cooler
True, but when you have a 170 HP Z28, then people laugh at you.

When you have a 170 HP RS, people expect it and don't laugh at you as much.
Old 07-12-2005, 09:51 PM
  #19  
Moderator

 
Apeiron's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Mercedes Norte, Heredia, Costa Rica
Posts: 20,981
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 8 Posts
Car: 1984 Z28 Hardtop
Engine: 383 Carb
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44
Originally posted by MikeDirntRulez
True, but when you have a 170 HP Z28, then people laugh at you.

When you have a 170 HP RS, people expect it and don't laugh at you as much.
Both have ground effects, and nobody can read your badges in their rear view mirror anyway, so they'll be laughing at you either way.
Old 07-13-2005, 11:46 AM
  #20  
Moderator

iTrader: (14)
 
five7kid's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Littleton, CO USA
Posts: 43,169
Likes: 0
Received 36 Likes on 34 Posts
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: LS1/LQ4
Transmission: 4L60E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
Re: Re: Lg4 or LO3

Originally posted by Street Lethal
I'd go with the LG4. Burn a chip that only controls the LG4's electronic spark control, then slap on a much better carburetor of you're choice. You're in for a very nice surprise, result wise...
Yes, like a real dog.

The ECM requires input from the carb, which it won't get if you try to "slap on a much better carburetor of you're choice", because there is no other feedback carb other than the stock q-jet.
Old 07-13-2005, 12:02 PM
  #21  
Member
Thread Starter
 
camaro86's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: socal
Posts: 244
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 91 z28
Engine: 350 tpi
Transmission: 700r4
which will be easier to mod ?
Old 07-13-2005, 12:19 PM
  #22  
Supreme Member
 
Nate86's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Pensacola, FL
Posts: 1,104
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: 1999 Saturn SL2
Engine: 4 cylinder
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
LG4, hands down.

Unless you are a real computer whiz. Then go with the L03.
Old 07-13-2005, 12:28 PM
  #23  
Supreme Member
TGO - 10 Year Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Fast355's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Hurst, Texas
Posts: 10,122
Received 429 Likes on 369 Posts
Car: 1983 G20 Chevy
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 14 bolt with 3.07 gears
I think the LO3 would be easier to mod. It may take a little more logic and thinking to mod the LO3, but when you get into tuning the engine such as at the track, I don't even have to open the hood or get greasy. Just punch in some numbers, burn the chip, and stick it in. The computer practically tells you what you need to do via the datastream.

Keeping the engine computer friendly is easy. Get you some 081 heads, go with the LT1 or LT4 (non hot cam) since the LO3 already uses a roller cam (you pay big money to do this in a LG4), use the Edelbrock TBI intake, perform the ultimate TBI mods, add some standard 350 injectors, full exhaust system including headers, add an open element, get a 2,000 rpm stall, and a EPROM burner. First change the BPWC to be compatible with the 350 injectors. Then tune the engine while driving under part throttle. My engine went from horrible to good in 3 times, it has taken me about 20 more burns to fix small things such as a high idle with the A/C on, the torque converter clutch locked to soon and unlocked too easy, etc. All I can say is the little 305 TBI and 3.08s will fry the tires in a 5,000 lbs G-machine.

Last edited by Fast355; 07-13-2005 at 12:34 PM.
Old 07-13-2005, 01:00 PM
  #24  
Supreme Member
TGO - 10 Year Member
iTrader: (16)
 
Street Lethal's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: NYC / NJ
Posts: 10,492
Received 193 Likes on 164 Posts
Re: Re: Re: Lg4 or LO3

Originally posted by five7kid.Yes, like a real dog.
I beg to differ.

Originally posted by five7kid.The ECM requires input from the carb, which it won't get if you try to "slap on a much better carburetor of you're choice", because there is no other feedback carb other than the stock q-jet.
I honestly don't know much about you're tuning skill, but it seems to work just fine for the tuners over here. They've re-programmed #1226455 to control the spark alone.

The quadrajet's TPS, and idle mixture solenoid...along with the O2 sensor, and electronic spark control, all work hand in hand to control the engine from the factory.

If you re-inspect my post, I didn't imply to just remove the CC-Carb... and throw on a Holley. You have to re-program the ECM (which I mentioned).
Old 07-13-2005, 01:16 PM
  #25  
Senior Member
 
MikeDirntRulez's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Moreno Valley, CA
Posts: 748
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1990 Camaro RS
Engine: 305 TBI (L03)
Transmission: 700R4 (MD8)
Axle/Gears: 2.73 Open (GU2)
Just like fast355 said, it takes more to learn about the L03, but once you do learn it, it's a hell of a lot easier than dealing with an LG4.
Old 07-13-2005, 01:20 PM
  #26  
Moderator

 
Apeiron's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Mercedes Norte, Heredia, Costa Rica
Posts: 20,981
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 8 Posts
Car: 1984 Z28 Hardtop
Engine: 383 Carb
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44
I wouldn't even say one is really easier to tune than the other. You're doing essentially the same thing on both, just that in one case you're doing it mechanically and in the other you're doing it electronically. Which is easier is just a matter of preference.
Old 07-13-2005, 07:17 PM
  #27  
Member
Thread Starter
 
camaro86's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: socal
Posts: 244
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 91 z28
Engine: 350 tpi
Transmission: 700r4
how much will it cost to change LO3 heads and if i change them will it perform better than the LG4?
Old 07-13-2005, 07:25 PM
  #28  
Moderator

 
Apeiron's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Mercedes Norte, Heredia, Costa Rica
Posts: 20,981
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 8 Posts
Car: 1984 Z28 Hardtop
Engine: 383 Carb
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44
That would partly depend on what heads you put on instead.
Old 07-14-2005, 07:50 PM
  #29  
Supreme Member
 
PhLaXuS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Posts: 1,034
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 91 Camaro RS
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73 Posi w/Disc
Sounds like he's asking if you can slap the LG4 heads on an LO3
Old 07-14-2005, 07:53 PM
  #30  
Moderator

 
Apeiron's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Mercedes Norte, Heredia, Costa Rica
Posts: 20,981
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 8 Posts
Car: 1984 Z28 Hardtop
Engine: 383 Carb
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44
Originally posted by PhLaXuS
Sounds like he's asking if you can slap the LG4 heads on an LO3
You could, sure.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
anesthes
TBI
5
09-21-2015 10:24 AM
64Chief
Transmissions and Drivetrain
4
09-12-2015 08:05 AM
Stroopwafel
Tech / General Engine
7
09-11-2015 06:38 AM
podiatra
Electronics
12
08-31-2015 09:53 AM
ambainb
DFI and ECM
0
08-29-2015 12:43 AM



Quick Reply: Lg4 or LO3



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:15 AM.