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Any crazies here replaced their ls2 for ls3 engines?

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Old 04-01-2008, 10:21 PM
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HyperX
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Default Any crazies here replaced their ls2 for ls3 engines?

Saw some people on the camaro forums swapping LS1 engines for LS3s. Wondering if any of you C6 owners did this yet? I see the LS3 engines go for about $7k and a swap is around $2k more. With the LS wiring harness, it's seems easy enough. I guess just changing heads, adding a cam and maybe throwing a supercharger is more bang for the buck, but curious if anyone attempted an engine swap in a C6.
Old 04-01-2008, 10:34 PM
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johnodrake
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Originally Posted by HyperX
Saw some people on the camaro forums swapping LS1 engines for LS3s. Wondering if any of you C6 owners did this yet? I see the LS3 engines go for about $7k and a swap is around $2k more. With the LS wiring harness, it's seems easy enough. I guess just changing heads, adding a cam and maybe throwing a supercharger is more bang for the buck, but curious if anyone attempted an engine swap in a C6.
Mine is being done as I type at DTE Powertrain (I am doing a bit more than just a swap)
Old 04-01-2008, 10:40 PM
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Originally Posted by johnodrake
Mine is being done as I type at DTE Powertrain (I am doing a bit more than just a swap)
Really cool!!
Old 04-01-2008, 10:44 PM
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Originally Posted by HyperX
Really cool!!
Thanks. I hope to be posting more pics soon.
Old 04-01-2008, 11:51 PM
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How about a 402? Does that count?
Old 04-02-2008, 12:07 AM
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runutzzzzz
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Originally Posted by johnodrake
Mine is being done as I type at DTE Powertrain (I am doing a bit more than just a swap)
Heeyyy.. Your sig changes... Did you gain a few CI? I would have added another 12CI tho...
Old 04-02-2008, 12:32 AM
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Noran Raad
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Did a ls7 swap on my 05 -- then put a Vette Dr. cam in it.
Old 04-02-2008, 02:34 AM
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Originally Posted by HyperX
Any crazies here replaced their ls2 for ls3 engines?
Haven't heard of any but a few crazies actually replaced their ENTIRE LS2 C6s with an LS3 version!
Who would do such a thing?! ...Oh wait, the LS3s are ALL a full half second quicker and 5mph faster in the 1/4 mile so it really is worth it.
Oh and with just bolt ons they can out run stock C6 Z06s too!
Old 04-02-2008, 06:35 AM
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If you ask me swapping a stock LS2 for a stock LS3 is crazy when you consider the cost.....If you want to spend like 10K for 30 hp, go for it ......Give me 10K to put into my LS2 and it will make more power than 3 LS3's
Old 04-02-2008, 09:53 AM
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Originally Posted by runutzzzzz
Heeyyy.. Your sig changes... Did you gain a few CI? I would have added another 12CI tho...
Nope Always been a 415. Stroking an LS2 gives you 403ci, stroking an LS3 gives you 415. The gains from building a 427 were not cost effective - in my mind - and I liked the new stuff that GM did with the LS3 block.
Old 04-02-2008, 11:05 AM
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I replaced the LS2 in my Vert and with a forged LS7 shortblock from LME plus TSP ported LS7 heads, small cam FOR DRIVABILITY, plus ancilliary mods to go with the conversion. Cost effective? That is debatable. The basic cost differential versus a stroked LS2 was not significant, especially because I sold my LS2 longblock to help fund the LS7. So rather than kick myself later, I went ahead with the swap to a genuine LS7 (actually 430 cubic inches) and have been happy. I have tons and tons of TORQUE for the street with manners to boot from a "sedate" 228/232 112LSA. Going back to my tuner for final adjs in a few weeks after breaking in the LS7. I'm expecting 510RWHP, but my tuner anticipates much more because of the portwork done to the heads, intake manifold and TB.

I probably didn't answer your question. All I can say is pencil out all your options in detail and lay out the results side by side. I had choices of LS2S/C, LS2TT, LS2 stroker, normally aspirated LS7 wet or dry sump (I went "wet"). The trick is to list all the detail $, because cumulatively, the details can sway your decision.
Old 04-02-2008, 11:16 AM
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R&R my LS2 last year in my 05 C6 Z51. Put a stroked LS3/L92 toghther with a 4.100 crank scat rods and diamond forged pistons. The heads were CNC'ed L92 that flow 360cfm intake and 280 exhaust. (better than stock ls7'S). This yeilded 427ci. I actually think the LS3 block is somewhat better internally than the LS7 block. My motor is a wet sump, no issues there. using a somewhat mild cam 232/234/595/598/112LSA, It made 525rwhp/500rwtq. Not bad for a daily driver which it is. 62 miles a day.highway. This summer I plan to sell this car and get a Z06, pull the motor and build a 440inch N/A motor. Can never leave well enough alone. BTW my LS2 motor was making 461rwhp and it went into my son's 2002 C5, and it still going strong
Old 04-02-2008, 11:24 AM
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Originally Posted by andreas g.
R&R my LS2 last year in my 05 C6 Z51. Put a stroked LS3/L92 toghther with a 4.100 crank scat rods and diamond forged pistons. The heads were CNC'ed L92 that flow 360cfm intake and 280 exhaust. (better than stock ls7'S). This yeilded 427ci. I actually think the LS3 block is somewhat better internally than the LS7 block. My motor is a wet sump, no issues there. using a somewhat mild cam 232/234/595/598/112LSA, It made 525rwhp/500rwtq. Not bad for a daily driver which it is. 62 miles a day.highway. This summer I plan to sell this car and get a Z06, pull the motor and build a 440inch N/A motor. Can never leave well enough alone. BTW my LS2 motor was making 461rwhp and it went into my son's 2002 C5, and it still going strong
Wanna sell me your 427?
Old 04-02-2008, 11:25 AM
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Originally Posted by johnodrake
Nope Always been a 415. Stroking an LS2 gives you 403ci, stroking an LS3 gives you 415. The gains from building a 427 were not cost effective - in my mind - and I liked the new stuff that GM did with the LS3 block.
You're talking cost effective? Cost Effective is getting a supercharger... LOL...
Old 04-02-2008, 11:57 AM
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I swapped my LS2 out for a forged LS7
Old 04-02-2008, 02:30 PM
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427 L92/LS3 swap here. It started out as a simple L92 HCI package, but ended up going bigger. If you're not looking for crazy, the L92 HCI packages are a really great upgrade and put you right on par modded LS3 vettes, you're only missing a few cubes but have the improved heads and intake. Go with a reasonable cam (people putting down 470+ through autos with 228/228 cams), and you'll still be able to daily drive it and not worry with the issues of a full swap.

Or put an S/C on it and be done.
Old 04-02-2008, 09:47 PM
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doing it now...forged stroked ls3 witha blower...lol did you say cost effective....

Last edited by excessive81; 04-02-2008 at 10:35 PM.

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Old 04-02-2008, 10:17 PM
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Originally Posted by runutzzzzz
You're talking cost effective? Cost Effective is getting a supercharger... LOL...
Been there done that
Old 04-03-2008, 12:26 AM
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Originally Posted by johnodrake
Nope Always been a 415. Stroking an LS2 gives you 403ci, stroking an LS3 gives you 415. The gains from building a 427 were not cost effective - in my mind - and I liked the new stuff that GM did with the LS3 block.
That's gonna be screamin Vert.
Old 07-28-2008, 12:53 PM
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I'll only bother with a 427 later.

Last edited by Tavarez; 07-29-2008 at 01:24 AM.


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