4.3L LV3 (Ecotec 3 V6)

dgoodhue

BuSTeD 4.3
Re: 4.3L LV3 (Ecotec 3 V6)

I don't know if this is going to be the next big thing. LS style heads on an update V6, direct injection, updated ignition, aluminum block/heads are all appealing, but their could be some obstacles that would affect the desirability of a swap like this.

How much boost is the 11.0:1 pistons going to be able to withstand? How hp will the block hold?

If the block will only hold 500hp, its not going to be a popular swap. Or on the flip side a junkyard motor with a few mods that make 1000hp it could be very popular.
 

QuinnSY

Donating Member
Re: 4.3L LV3 (Ecotec 3 V6)

I know Edelbrock and Magnuson make supercharger kits for the L86 and L83 engines (6.2 & 5.3). They both come with larger injectors but I have no idea where they come from. The Magnuson on the L83 is an extra 105 hp and 105 tq at 6 lbs of boost. It should do pretty well resisting detonation since it is direct injection but who knows on the factory bottom end. Maybe that is why the boost is limited to 6 PSI. I haven't seen anyone push the engine to its limits yet but it will be fun to see how much power the new design holds. I bet in the next year we will start seeing more performance parts for the engines and then I could see it replacing the LS engines.
 

dgoodhue

BuSTeD 4.3
Re: 4.3L LV3 (Ecotec 3 V6)

I don't think the injectors will be a problem as long as it share parts with the DI LT series motors.
 

QuinnSY

Donating Member
Re: 4.3L LV3 (Ecotec 3 V6)

Yep, not much info on the new engines on the web but it appears the LT-1 and L86 are the same block crank and heads. Maybe different Cam and intake manifold? I bet they do share the same injectors though.

Torquenews.com said:
In the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, the LT1 V8 offers 460 horsepower and 465lb-ft of torque while also hitting 17 miles per gallon around town and 29 miles per gallon on the open road. These figures make the 2014 Stingray the most powerful “base” Corvette ever but it is also the most efficient Corvette ever. The L86 in the 2014 GMC Sierra Denali uses the same engine block, cylinder heads and crankshaft as the Corvette’s LT1 but the truck version of the 5th gen GM small block utilizes unique intake and exhaust components along with an engine tune that allows it to better do “truck stuff”. The L86 engine in the Sierra Denali packs 420 horsepower and 460lb-ft of torque while offering better than 20 miles per gallon on the highway – making this engine the most powerful gasoline engine while still offering very solid fuel economy. The 5th generation GM small block will likely also power the upcoming Corvette Z06 with the new name LT4 and a big supercharger. - See more at: http://www.torquenews.com/106/2014-...ngine-one-industrys-best#sthash.Wi0lHURK.dpuf
 

68steiny

Member
Re: 4.3L LV3 (Ecotec 3 V6)

Yea, this is a new design, so chances are the design is very similar to the LT1. I really don't think this is going to need anything new internally for a double of the HP, guys over at LS1tech are making gonzo power with the 5.3s and they are already making huge numbers on the LT1s. I'll be on the hunt for one...
 

Darin

New member
Re: 4.3L LV3 (Ecotec 3 V6)

Has anyone looked into one of these yet? Looks promising. My weak assed google searches don't show much.
 

Syclones rock

New member
Re: 4.3L LV3 (Ecotec 3 V6)

I've looked into it a little bit. There are a few problems with that I can see just from looking, but anyone innovative could probably get around them. To start with, the engine has 11:1 compression, so at the very least, the pistons will have to be change out to lower compression. Either that, or someone could test their luck on e85 or maybe race gas. The bellhousing pattern is slightly different, with the top bolt for the bellhousing being slightly offset, but with the others looking the same. With a little bit of fabrication it shouldn't be too difficult to get an old 4l60 or 4l80 to work. The last is that it doesn't have a power steering pump and brackets will need to be built in order to use one. The harness shouldn't be too hard to deal with since there are already LTx standalone harnesses made, and whoever had made them should be able to do the same for the LV3.

Also, the bore and I think the stroke are different than any of the new generation engines, so pistons and possibly rods from the other new gen engines wouldn't be possible to use. At the very least, it may be necessary to have custom pistons made.

edit - It would also be necessary to at the very least have some custom engine mounts made. Which if you can weld isn't a big deal. Not sure about the oil pan and if it would need to be modified replaced with a custom unit.
 
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sae

Donating Member
Re: 4.3L LV3 (Ecotec 3 V6)

That's not too bad for a new engine and trans but I don't see that becoming too popular when the cost of swap and internals will cost more than an 8 with a better trans stuck to it, 6l80 would be garbage pretty quick too. Seems like it would cost thousands more only to be able to say its a 4.3L 6 still :oops: Once the original engine is out, you might as well go big IMO.
 

68steiny

Member
Re: 4.3L LV3 (Ecotec 3 V6)



























3" inches from bottom of engine mount to top of oil pan


4" inches from bottom of block to lowest point of front oil pan






Alternator in top, A/C on bottom




24" from front to rear






Air pump sticks out 7" from side of block in front of engine mount
















Approx 7-8" from back of block to rear bolt hole of engine mount




 

68steiny

Member
Re: 4.3L LV3 (Ecotec 3 V6)

Other notes:

Top of block to bottom front of oil pan - 13"

Oil pan sump was less than 9" from front to back

Accessories were 2' wide
 

dgoodhue

BuSTeD 4.3
Re: 4.3L LV3 (Ecotec 3 V6)

I am going to have to see a lot more than 425rwhp (which is essentially 500hp at the crank in a rwd engine) to start getting excited about LV3, the torque number are really low. My junkyard 96+ 4.3 Vortec motor will make that much hp without crazy high boost numbers (if I had to guess 15-16psi). A LV3 is a lot of work for that much hp. Obviously this is just the first example, but I wonder if the 11.1:1 is just too much compression. I don't have any experience or neither have even research rear mount turbo efficiency so make the relatively low numbers might be from that.
 

Mingus

Member
Re: 4.3L LV3 (Ecotec 3 V6)

I'd be more interested in an LF4 out of the ATS-V. They are making 464hp, 445 lb-ft stock, I would bet they wouldn't be any more work to install than the LV3.
 

Mingus

Member
Re: 4.3L LV3 (Ecotec 3 V6)

I'm sure it would still be a lot of work. They are going to be harder / more expensive to come by too.
 
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