Crate LS3 – The Hottest New Small-block Now Available In A Box

As enthusiasts and builders continue to beat down the door to the latest and greatest products offered up the The General, it’s no wonder they’re making all new crate engine packages for the late-model crowd available. While the LS platform is already showing its age, its finally getting the attention it deserves. If you want a true, start and go drivetrain for your project or daily driver, there’s no denying the super-reliable family of LS crate engines. While there’s more LS engines available, including the 556HP LSA engine, we’ve decided to focus on the crate LS3. This time around, Chevrolet has put together an entire LS drivetrain system, which includes the electronics, all in one package. It truly is a “Connect and Cruise” solution for your hot rod conversion needs. Chevrolet Performance engineers were able to develop this package with the aftermarket hobbyist in mind, which is now available through Pace Performance.

What’s Hot?

  • 430 horsepower
  • 376 cubic inches
  • 24-month GMPP warranty
  • Bring the latest GM small-block to an old friend
  • Put between the frame rails of your latest project car
  • Don’t forget the GMPP harness and controller
Starting with the ’08 Corvette, the world was first introduced to GM’s latest small-block V8 creation – the 6.2-liter LS3. A continuation of the industry leading V8 engines from GM Powertrain, the LS3 kicks out 430 horsepower and 424 lb.-ft. of torque. (In the Corvette, those numbers go to 436 hp and 428 lb.-ft. of torque with the optional dual mode exhaust system.) It’s a brute of a small-block with 376 ready cubes at your beckon call.

The LS series of engines from GM Powertrain have broken new ground for efficiency and performance from a pushrod platform engine. The LS3 continues the engineering breakthroughs with revised cylinder heads featuring rectangle ports borrowed from the vaunted LS7. The heads feature 63 cc combustion chambers, using a set of 2.16-/1.59-inch intak/exhaust valves. The camshaft features an aggressive 0.551-inches of lift on the intake side with less overlap (than the LS2) for even greater airflow and power. Rocker arms with a 1.7:1 ratio sit on top of the heads.

In the bottom end, the aluminum 6-bolt main block features 4.06-inch bores and 3.62-inch stroke. A nodular iron crankshaft swings while a set of powdered metal rods, and aluminum pistons (10.7:1 compression ratio) round out a rev-happy short-block. Red line for the LS3 comes at 6600 rpm.

With a high-tech GM foundation, aluminum block, and high flowing rectangular-port heads, the LS3 is the new standard in the small-block world. The LS3 helps power the new Corvette to a top speed of 190 mph. What will it power you to?

Each engine in the Crate Powertrain packages comes complete with a specified engine harness, fuel injection control system and engine management package, a high-performance electronically controlled automatic transmission and the transmission controller system — a complete powertrain system that is developed all guaranteed by the Chevrolet Performance engineers to provide years of trouble free service.

About the author

Sean Haggai

The former Associate Editor of Chevy High Performance, joins publication Chevy Hardcore, Sean is a true blue Bow Tie guy and a core do-it-yourself technician. If it doesn't run a "mouse motor" or a big rat between fenders, Sean ain't interested.
Read My Articles

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