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1981 Vette LS3 Swap

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Old Jul 1, 2016 | 09:32 AM
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Default 1981 Vette LS3 Swap

Doing a LS3 swap in my '81 Vette. Been a lot of fun, a lot of parts, and a lot of learning. Here are the parts I've received and installed so far:

1. Jegs Chevrolet Performance LS3 6.2L 430HP Engine with Controller Part# 809-19301326K
2. BRP Hotrods Alternator and Power Steering Drive with Pump and Reservoir Part# 000-6811-02
3. Jegs Power Steering Pump Aluminum Part# 510-198-100
4. Summit Racing Polished Power Steering Pulley Part# SUM-340203
5. Jegs Tensioner Assembly LS Part# 510-97-151
6. Summit Racing ARP Pro Series Flywheel Bolt Kit Part# ARP-330-2802
7. Summit Racing Chevrolet Performance Mass Air Flow Sensor Part# 15865791
8. Pace Performance Chevrolet Performance MAP Sensor Jumper Harness Part# 19202598
9. Jegs Chevrolet Performance Oxygen Sensor (Qty. 2) Part# 809-12581966
10. DeWitts Direct Fit LSX Swap Aluminum Radiator w/Dual 11” Electric Fans in Black Ice Finish Part# 6239077A
11. Summit Racing Aeromotive Phantom 340 Stealth Fuel System Part# 18688
12. Summit Racing ACDelco Fuel Filter Part# ADO-GF822
13. Summit Racing Aeromotive Fuel Pump Replacement Strainer and Gaskets Kit Part# AEI-12688
14. Jegs GM LS Engine to Pre-1997 Auto Transmission Crankshaft Spacer Part# 555-601010
15. Summit Racing Hooker Super Competition Engine Swap Motor Mount Kit Part# HOK-12611HKR
16. Jegs Chevrolet Performance LS Engine Serpentine Belt Drive Systems and Components Part# 809-19155067
17. Jegs TCI Heavy-Duty Flexplate Part# 890-399753
18. Jegs Chevrolet Performance LS Engine Alternator Mounting Bracket Bolt Part# 809-11588751
19. Jegs Flexible Braided Transmission Dipstick Part# 555-61595
20. Napa Autoparts Bosch Starter with Solenoid Part# BSH-SR547X
21. OBX Headers Part# 10-1305-2
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Old Jul 1, 2016 | 10:43 AM
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that sure looks awesome I have ben playing with the idea for a long time now.
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Old Jul 1, 2016 | 01:05 PM
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Originally Posted by larryg3
that sure looks awesome I have ben playing with the idea for a long time now.
Thank you! Actually wasn't an intentional build, the 350 sbc blew up on the highway, rod went through the block, block was trashed and I was "forced" to get a new motor. Figured if you're gonna have to do it, might as well do it right.
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Old Jul 1, 2016 | 01:12 PM
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Wickd, did you have any problems with the oil pan fitting?? If so,what did you go with??
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Old Jul 1, 2016 | 01:25 PM
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Originally Posted by Jeffs82c3
Wickd, did you have any problems with the oil pan fitting?? If so,what did you go with??
Actually, I bought the LS3 Engine with the Muscle Car Oil Pan Kit from Jegs, Part# 809-19301326K and the Engine Controller which also came with the pedal, engine harness, controller, Mass Air Flow Meter and mounting boss.
The Oil Pan Kit itself is Part# 809-19212593 from Jegs. No fitment issues.

- Clint

Last edited by WICKD 81; Jul 1, 2016 at 01:25 PM.
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Old Jul 1, 2016 | 02:10 PM
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Thank you Clint for the reply... I have been thinking of doing the swap myself..... I don't want to sink another dime into the crossfire I have now..
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Old Jul 1, 2016 | 03:28 PM
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Anytime!
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Old Jul 7, 2016 | 02:40 PM
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Looks good. What transmission do you have behind the LS3?
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Old Jul 7, 2016 | 04:43 PM
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There's only one caveat to putting an LSX in your C3.....
It leads to other things
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Old Jul 9, 2016 | 10:02 AM
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I like the list that you listed of many of the parts that you used, that will help these other guys who want to do the swap .have you figured out your weight savings yet?when your are all done tell us what you would do different .good job keep us posted.

Last edited by terry82; Jul 9, 2016 at 10:37 AM.
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Old Jul 9, 2016 | 10:20 AM
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That biatch ought to scream!

My wife has the LS3 in her 2008. I can't even imagine that motor in my '81. Looks like a lot work to get her installed but it should be well worth it.

Oh yea. Just curious what rear end assembly are you using to take the extra HP and torque?

Last edited by Street Rat; Jul 9, 2016 at 10:22 AM.
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Old Jul 9, 2016 | 02:22 PM
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I have been doing a LS3 in conjunction of a frame off. Good luck...


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