calling Aussie car builders for help on GM LS engines

Tom · 03-06-06, 10:56 PM

Gentlemen,

A previous thread was started on the merits of using GM's LS series of engines. Interestingly, there is a new set of production heads for LS motors known as the L76/L92 head. These are cheap at $400 per pair bare, and flow approximately 310 CFM out of the box. Ported versions are supposedly running 350 cfm. Problem is that the appropriate low profile intake manifold is not available in the US yet. It is being supplied, however, on new Monaros that have the big engine option.

So the question is, do any of you Aussies know of a good GM parts supplier willing to ship to the USA? IF so, contact information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Tom

Steve Kulper · 03-07-06, 01:46 AM

Tom,
I am in Sydney, If you find a local Holden dealer near me I will pick them up for you and send them on, or have them deliver to me and I will send them on for you. Try wwww.yellowpages.com.au and do a search for new car dealers. I am in the Castle Hill area the local dealer here is called Heartland Holden. If you need me to make some calls on your behalf let me know.

Steve

DAZPT · 03-07-06, 05:54 AM

Steve,
I am fitting a LS1 in my DRB and at the moment have a unservicable engine as a templet but it would be great if the new 6ltr engine is a straight change over for a 5.7ltr. Do you know if they are. I have the engine and gearbox mounted and have just begun the exhaust.

Darrell

Steve Kulper · 03-07-06, 06:40 AM

Hi Darrell,
Long time no hear, I believe externally the engine is the same in all regard's It's only the internals that differ. I can find out more info if you like. How is the fit up going, what engine mounts and sump are you using? Have you got some pics? I have engine and box together and sitting in the eng bay with the shafts fitted? The shafts are off the shelf.

Steve

Tom · 03-07-06, 10:47 PM

Hello Steve,

Thanks for getting back to me. Unfortunately, I have not been able to get a part # for the new manifold as of yet, and have not had any luck searching Holden dealership parts counters.

As I understand it, the 6.0 liter engine (or is it 6.2L?) in the high performance model has had this manifold for the last 6 months or so. If you could talk with your local dealer and see if there is a part number, it would be great. The parts guy should be able to tell you if the manifold is made to fit the old "Cathedral" ports of the old 243 casting (LS6/LS2 heads), or the new rectangular ports of the new head.

If you can verify part numbers, I can almost guarantee the guy at the parts counter that he can sell multiples (i.e. 3 plus of them), right away.

Best regards,

Tom

Peter D · 03-07-06, 11:49 PM

Just a quick thought - are these manifolds made of plastic ? I seem to remember hearing that somewhere.

If so, do you reckon that they will stand up to the higher engine bay temps on GT40 ?

The reason I ask is that I just noticed that my plastic high-mount stop-light has distorted a bit from the heat !

Kind Regards,

Peter D.

DAZPT · 03-08-06, 01:56 AM

Hi Peter, my plastic welding specialist freind tells me there are many plastics and he feels that any plastic that bolts onto a motor is likly to handle the heat but high mount brake lamps are not usually mounted over a hot engine bay, not sure how to fix this one, maybe somone can make a sergestion before I mount my light.

Peter D · 03-08-06, 07:55 AM

Darrell, I might have imposed an unusual heat load on the Hella High-mount stop light ! 2 cyls missing for a few kms, dumping lots of unburnt fuel into one CAT - full meltdown & ceramic coating stuffed !

However, I am still a bit wary of plastic in the engine bay - after 10 years, the nice decorative plastic cover over my BMW 730 engine got quite brittle, and my daughter's 96 Eunos just blew a plastic radiator side tank. I reckon plastic is ok for the warranty period plus a bit, but is not going to be there in 20 year's time.

Tom, sorry to look like I have hi-jacked your thread, but I thought it might be useful info. Here in Oz we now virtually have to present a totally stock engine to get the tick for emissions - the plastic bits are necessary for this, but if there is a choice, I would go for metal parts every time.

Kind Regards,

Peter D.

DAZPT · 03-09-06, 04:57 AM

Peter I think you may be right, my sons BMW had a plastic water manifold break after it turned ten years old , may be a good reason to fit eight throtle bodies some time in the future. Tom if I find anthing regarding you inquiry I will post.

Darrel
DRB #46

Tom · 03-11-06, 05:20 PM

Peter,

I think GM has had some success with these intakes - they are light, insulate the intake charge from heat, and are quite a bit cheaper to set up than a single plane manifold with a throttle body. Mostly, they lie low enough that there is still the regulated space between the top of manifold and the hood (crush space). I suppose I could go to individual stacks, but that's big bucks, and a bit more involved to set up and balance properly.

I'm hoping that someone can come up with the part number for the new Holden 6.0 liter intake so I can my project moving again!

Thanks again,

Tom

Steve Kulper · 03-12-06, 05:14 AM

Hi Tom,
I am looking into it for you, I think the GenIII 6.0ltr you are talking about was a special order by a hot up group called HSV which stands for Holden special vehicles. I will look into for you some more.

Steve

Tom · 03-12-06, 11:43 AM

Thanks Steve!