rayluka

Anyone ever thought of installing an LLT V6 or LFX motor in a C3. Its 308 hp. Advertised output. Probably 265 at the crank. I get 15 mpg in my CTS-V tribute car.Its a big car. And that motor feels really nice mated to that 6 speed.. Sure I could get 18 to 20 in the 76 easy Bet it would feel nice. Would be a little technical with high pressure fuel system ECU..etc but I think I would like it.....Hmmm. Thoughts?

bashcraft

MrJlr

69427

If you've got the technical ability (or money) to do the swap I say go for it. The lighter weight and rearward c/g location of an (aluminum?) V6 should make your car quite fun (and quick) on an autocross course (the better street mpg is a nice bonus too). And 308hp is more than probably 75% of the C3s on the road anyway.
Less weight improves the performance in every dimension.

SteveG75

Well,

I have a 496 BBC with EFI and T56 Magnum in my '75. It gets 20+ mpg just cruising down the highway and I have 430hp at the rear wheels. No need for that V-6.

69427

How well will that 496 brake or corner compared to an aluminum V6?

There's more to life than just going in a straight line.

Garys 68

Personally I like the idea of more of the unconventional swaps being done. If not for the vette, for other cars.
The issue will be support of various aspects of the V6 (harness, programming, etc), it's simply not nearly available as the V8s.
A 300-350hp, aluminum 5.3 8 would be a lot easier, but always good to see others taking some initiative, doing something different.

Robert Thomas

I guess you want opinions or you wouldn't have posted this. This is my weak opinion! If a person wants to go through all that just to get better handling and mileage, buying a C5 would be easier, handle better and get better MPG. I'm picturing people looking under the hood with puzzled faces and turning around trying to hide their grins. There is a lot of consideration for keeping the tradition of V8 Corvettes. It's not my car and I'd hope years from now you're not still trying to get the car to work.

Richard454

If the last thread didn't answer your question- Go ahead and do it- If they can fit it in a Miata- then you certainly can fit it in a Vette!!!

I like the idea of moving up in cylinders myself.....

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...s-in-a-c3.html

OMF

I think if you have the ability to do that swap then run with it. We have one of those in our GMC Acadia, and for a heavy vehicle it moves along pretty good. We also use it to tow our 5000 lb boat and trailer and it does a respectable job of that too.
The downside would be those engines need to rev to make power....we regularly see 5000 rpm in normal acceleration onto the highway, and the six speed auto is always shifting.....not to mention all the computer crap to deal with and the finger pointing from the weird exhaust tone "that corvette" has.....

AirBusPilot

If I had to do an unconventional engine swap, I'd swap in an LS3, or 7. Hardly heavier than this v6 with far more power, along with there are kits that make it a simple bolt in.

69427

You're absolutely right. But nobody gives a C5 a second glance or a thumbs up when you're driving down the road.

bashcraft

Oh, and a C3 with a V6 would be better?

69427

As opposed to the 180 horsepower cast iron wonder in most late model C3s?

bashcraft

We were talking about C5's, but yes, I would take any V8 in a C3 over any V6.

MrJlr

IF......IF you ever go to sell it someday, most buyers, myself included, would run, not walk, run from a C3 with a V6 transplant.

But it's yours right now so have fun with it

Just saying that down the road it's going to hurt the value of the car.

Auto Gear

Turbo is a great equalizer...IJS.
People WOULD notice a high RPM turbo 6.

Garys 68

I was just thinking the same thing....

69427

Got a turbo in my C4. Few automotive experiences can rival an engine under boost.

augiedoggy

The idea is cool and while it makes logical sense from a technical standpoint most of us dont own these cars for logical reasons... It would be like a classic harley cruiser with a sport bike engine swapped into it... Sure the sportbike engine is superior in design and functionality over the v twin but thats not why the bike is desirable... Its the marketing and image created around the bike and the corvette for that matter that is the driving force for their survival and existence IMHO.

It ruins the "Image" of a car (and value and that Image is the biggest thing the car really has going for it when looking at it logically. still its all in the eye of the beholder so if thats what you want I say go for it...