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Next up LS3 power

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Old Jul 29, 2011 | 02:00 PM
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Default Next up LS3 power

I just picked up an 09 LS3 from wrecked Corvette yesterday with 19K on it. I had no intention really of selling my current setup but a forum member and I were talking and one thing lead to another and the deal was made. I sold him everything from the fuel tank to lines to fuel injection and clutch and motor. The only thing I am keeping is the T56. Now I was without a motor, Ihave always wanted to go to LS power. The LS3 really was the ticket. With a cam and a tune it will make an easy 530HP all day long. So it is in the garage now and waiting for the cam and some other parts. I will pull my motor later this month and it will head south the first week in October to its new home. That will give me the fall to get this done. Many other upgrades will go along with this but I thought you might want to see the latest project.





And here is where it is going. Look closely on the right and you can see tomorrow nights dinner defrosting. Took it out of the freezer a little late.
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Old Jul 29, 2011 | 02:59 PM
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Those motors are sweet.
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Old Jul 29, 2011 | 03:04 PM
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and the best part is the LS9/LSA supercharger is a bolt on
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Old Jul 29, 2011 | 03:07 PM
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Jealous...
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Old Jul 29, 2011 | 03:12 PM
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Sweet...will be pulling the trigger for a LS2/LS3 with a 6 speed in the coming months.

Keep us posted.
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Old Jul 29, 2011 | 03:14 PM
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You're never going to stop are you Gordon.

That's going to be a sweet combo. I was tempted to go that way this time last year too, but went with rebuilding my 427 and putting in the RS600. Man, I wish I had more time to mess around...
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Old Jul 29, 2011 | 03:25 PM
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You'll probably get 25mpg to go along with the 530HP. Good luck with the project.
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Old Jul 29, 2011 | 03:43 PM
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That is gonna be awesome!!! I am going to do the same in the future, not sure which LSx motor I am going to go with yet. Can't wait to see the project!

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Old Jul 29, 2011 | 04:14 PM
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I will try to keep everyone updated on my progress as it goes along. I am not the best at documenting things, David (allc4me) has the best documentation. I will do my best. This will definitly not be a low budget build but i am trying not to break the bank either. I am going with an in tank pump, converting my Dewitts radiator over to LS configuration. i already talked to Dewitts on this and they will do it for me. Dropping it off at Carlisle to have them do it. Thinking about doing Vintage Air also. Already have the T56 and hydraulic clutch setup for it. Quick Time blow shield. Really looking for a set of 1 7/8 headers but so far no luck. A bunch of other ideas also.
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Old Jul 29, 2011 | 04:36 PM
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Nice, it looks like that engine has never been run...sounds like your going to have one heck of a ride when it's all said and done.
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Old Jul 29, 2011 | 05:37 PM
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Gordon, first of all your documentation has always been good so don't go hitting yourself at all for that. What I will recommend is a good structured filing system beginning with a good set of pictures top, bottom, front, and back of the car as it is now. I can't tell you how many times I have referred back to those older pictures to clarify a point or to remind me of what I started with in the first place. Take a hundred pictures, date the file, and put them away calling them the "LS3 Engine Swap Starting Point" or "LS3 Before Pictures". You will be glad you did that.
Looking forward to seeing this progress Gordon and I know you will have a ball with it...so enjoy the adventure.
Best always,
David
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Old Jul 29, 2011 | 06:21 PM
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Congrats!!!! I can't wait to get my newly 427 LSx Vette back to enjoy.
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Old Jul 29, 2011 | 06:32 PM
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Are you planning a cam swap on the LS3 or any head work?
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Old Jul 29, 2011 | 08:19 PM
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Originally Posted by shrekviper
You're never going to stop are you Gordon.
I'm thinking the same thing. That car just keeps getting better and better. Great car with a very talented owner/driver.
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Old Jul 29, 2011 | 08:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Sigforty
Are you planning a cam swap on the LS3 or any head work?
Yes I am.
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Old Jul 29, 2011 | 08:24 PM
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Default At last....

I knew I would break you sooner or later....(he says with a sinister laugh )


Dude, your never gonna look back. The LS engines are light years superior to Gen 1 in power and efficiency. Who can argue the case of more power and MPG!! Congrats on coming over to the dark side!! I'm glad you found a great donor engine, I did not want to find you breaking into my garage stealing the spare LS7

R/
Jeff
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Old Jul 29, 2011 | 08:49 PM
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Originally Posted by 1coolC2
I knew I would break you sooner or later....(he says with a sinister laugh )


Dude, your never gonna look back. The LS engines are light years superior to Gen 1 in power and efficiency. Who can argue the case of more power and MPG!! Congrats on coming over to the dark side!! I'm glad you found a great donor engine, I did not want to find you breaking into my garage stealing the spare LS7

R/
Jeff
I tend to think it is the lighter side. Yes you finally convinced me. Kind of tough to throw an LS7 over your shoulder and make a break for it. Now the questions will start.
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Old Jul 29, 2011 | 09:51 PM
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This sounds like its going to be an awesome project . My next vette will be a C3 build too . (68 hardtop )
Please post a lot of pics . Good luck !
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Old Jul 29, 2011 | 10:05 PM
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No turning back now Gordon. I have had mine out twice today and enjoyed both trips. Both trips had tires squealing when pulling out of the drive. The second trip my wife was with me and she glared at me and asked "What was that all about?" My foot slipped off the clutch baby!

Looking forward to your project. Like said take lots of pics, just so we can watch your work too.
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Old Jul 29, 2011 | 10:06 PM
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I'm in
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