LSA Conversion - Intercooler Questions - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

schul274 · 12-03-2015, 09:42 PM

I've been digging into adding an LSA supercharger to my LS3 engine for a few months now an have gone as far as to start collecting some pieces. I've found a number of threads on why this isn't a cost effective way to do it, but I still have to ask some questions.

I've heard from other late model muscle car guys and some friends from the strip have told me that an intercooler may not be needed if I stay below 10lbs of boost. This takes the cost of the conversion down a lot.

My main question is: Can I run the LSA supercharger on the LS3 without an intercooler? Is anyone running a procharger or other supercharger without an intercooler setup?

hammdo · 12-04-2015, 12:17 AM

I would not skimp. Too many successful installs using the intercooler and heat exchanger.

-Don

LTRS777 · 12-04-2015, 08:43 AM

The water pump/HE and lines wouldn't be much IMO, but I am sure there are ways to get around it possibly with meth or similar?

your muscle car guys are probably talking about centrifugal blowers and not PD blowers... in which case there are procharger and similar options without ICs. I remember ~6psi being the limit though or to add methanol/water for charge cooling. That being said, the heat generated by both can be quite a bit different.

JANNETTYRACING · 12-04-2015, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schul274

I've been digging into adding an LSA supercharger to my LS3 engine for a few months now an have gone as far as to start collecting some pieces. I've found a number of threads on why this isn't a cost effective way to do it, but I still have to ask some questions.

I've heard from other late model muscle car guys and some friends from the strip have told me that an intercooler may not be needed if I stay below 10lbs of boost. This takes the cost of the conversion down a lot.

My main question is: Can I run the LSA supercharger on the LS3 without an intercooler? Is anyone running a procharger or other supercharger without an intercooler setup?

I would not go Non intercooled for anything over 5 psi boost..

Heat rises about 11 degrees per LB of boost so at 10 PSI you could easily see 200 degree IAT which can not only kill power but kill the engine.

Ted.

schul274 · 04-25-2016, 09:03 PM

If you guys were curious. I ended up landing a zl1 heat exchanger and a ctsv pump for around $120 total. Still need a reservoir and hose, but it definitely ended up being reasonable.

Thanks for the advice!

12-03-2015, 09:42 PM	#1
schul274 Drives: 2011 Camaro SS2RS, 1970 Camaro SS Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 168	LSA Conversion - Intercooler Questions I've been digging into adding an LSA supercharger to my LS3 engine for a few months now an have gone as far as to start collecting some pieces. I've found a number of threads on why this isn't a cost effective way to do it, but I still have to ask some questions. I've heard from other late model muscle car guys and some friends from the strip have told me that an intercooler may not be needed if I stay below 10lbs of boost. This takes the cost of the conversion down a lot. My main question is: Can I run the LSA supercharger on the LS3 without an intercooler? Is anyone running a procharger or other supercharger without an intercooler setup?

12-04-2015, 12:17 AM	#2
hammdo 'It's an experiment' Drives: [COTW 2/09/15] '11 GPI LSA SC Z/LE Join Date: May 2014 Location: Dallas TX Posts: 8,690 View My Garage	I would not skimp. Too many successful installs using the intercooler and heat exchanger. -Don __________________ 747 RWHP 794 RWTQ "Horsepower sells cars, torque wins races." - Enzo Ferrari See My Build: http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=385577

12-04-2015, 08:43 AM	#3
LTRS777 Drives: 2014 Saleen 620 White Label #14-011 Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: AL Posts: 610	The water pump/HE and lines wouldn't be much IMO, but I am sure there are ways to get around it possibly with meth or similar? your muscle car guys are probably talking about centrifugal blowers and not PD blowers... in which case there are procharger and similar options without ICs. I remember ~6psi being the limit though or to add methanol/water for charge cooling. That being said, the heat generated by both can be quite a bit different. __________________ '14 Saleen 620 White Label #14-011 ADM LSA Stage 1 Kit, ADM 2.75 Pulley, DEKA 63lb injectors, ZL1 Fuel Pump, JLT 123MM Big Mouth intake, TSP 2" LTHs, BW TB, 2.5" Catback, Scott Culbert/GEN3PERF tuned! 573WHP/557WTQ @ 10psi. Build Thread Here: http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=390708

04-25-2016, 09:03 PM	#5
schul274 Drives: 2011 Camaro SS2RS, 1970 Camaro SS Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 168	If you guys were curious. I ended up landing a zl1 heat exchanger and a ctsv pump for around $120 total. Still need a reservoir and hose, but it definitely ended up being reasonable. Thanks for the advice!