Can I Slap an LT4 Supercharger on My LS3? Need Insights!

Chevrolet Technology and Innovations
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Overview

I’m delving into a supercharger swap for my LS3 and have been wondering about the feasibility of using an LT4 supercharger. Specifically, I’m curious if it would be a straightforward install or if there are significant hurdles to consider.

Key Points to Consider:

  1. Compatibility:

    • Are there major differences between the LS3 and LT4 that would affect the installation?
    • What kind of modifications would be necessary to ensure a proper fit?

  2. Performance Gains:

    • For those who have made this swap, what kind of performance improvements did you notice?
    • Is the added power worth the effort and cost?

  3. Supporting Mods:

    • Do I need to upgrade my fuel system or tuning software?
    • Any suggestions for exhaust upgrades or other modifications to support this supercharger?

  4. User Experiences:

    • Would love to hear from anyone who’s done this swap before!
    • Any tips or pitfalls to watch out for?

Conclusion

I’m really eager to hear from you all about your experiences or advice on this. It seems like a solid upgrade path, but I’d appreciate some insights before I dive into it. Thanks!

Looking forward to your thoughts!

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The LT4 supercharger can indeed be slapped onto an LS3, but you’ll need to make a few modifications. The intake manifold will need replacing, and possibly the fuel injectors as well due to the higher demands.

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Are you sure about the wiring harness adjustments? I’ve heard they might need some tweaking to accommodate the LT4’s sensors.

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Yes, the wiring harness is crucial! You may also need to tweak the ECU to avoid any compatibility issues. It’s not just a plug-and-play situation, unfortunately.

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I’ve done similar swaps in the past. The biggest challenge is indeed the ECU tuning. Make sure you have a solid plan for that; otherwise, you could run into performance issues.

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It sounds like this could turn into a real project! What about the exhaust setup? Will stock headers work?

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That’s a good point! The stock headers may not flow well enough. You might need aftermarket ones to make the most of the LT4’s power.

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Besides fitting mods, what’s the anticipated power gain? I’m curious how much horsepower we could realistically expect from this swap.

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Good question! With the right tuning, you could see an increase of around 150-200 horsepower. Just ensure your drivetrain can handle that kind of power boost.

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Is there a specific year of the LT4 you suggest? There are slight differences, so I wonder which version might be best for an LS3.

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I believe the 16+ versions come with better internals and cooling. It might be worth investing in one of those!

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For what it’s worth, my buddy did this swap and ran into some plumbing issues with the coolant lines. Just a heads-up for your project!

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Yikes! That’s the sort of thing that could really derail a weekend project. Better to be wary ahead of time.

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Just ensure that you use quality gaskets and check for leaks regularly post-install. Avoid any headaches down the line!

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I can only imagine the power, but are you prepared for potential reliability issues? These swaps can put a strain on your engine system.

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At the end of the day, it’s about having fun. Just be ready for the maintenance that comes with big power gains!

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Installing an LT4 supercharger on your LS3 can significantly boost performance. Expect an increase of around 150-200 hp and a decent boost in torque too. Just be prepared for the added stress on your engine components!

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That’s a huge jump! Have you considered what that would mean for your drivetrain? It’s not just the engine that will need to handle that power.

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I did a similar upgrade, and while the performance was fantastic, I had to upgrade my fueling system for reliability. Make sure your fuel pump can keep up with the increased demand!

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Good point, Brian! A stronger fueling system is essential. What about tuning—did you need a custom tune after your install?