LS7 in a C3
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
LS7 in a C3
My boss bought a 1968 Vette (w/o motor or tranny 
) a couple of weeks ago. Weve been talking here and there on possible engine choices and he really likes the idea of having a 427 CI in it (original big block car). Ive been trying to convince him to put the LS7 in it and he finally decides he wants to and tells me that i'll b calling the shots on the whole car 
.
I'm needing to know what all is needed to put the LS7 in the vette. I know the list goes on and on but for now i just need to know all the necessary parts. Motor mounts, computer, dry sump??? Any and all responses highly appreciated.
Oh and i know there will be the question, Why not a built FI LS1 or LS2. The LS7 is just too freaking sweet. Gotta have it
) a couple of weeks ago. Weve been talking here and there on possible engine choices and he really likes the idea of having a 427 CI in it (original big block car). Ive been trying to convince him to put the LS7 in it and he finally decides he wants to and tells me that i'll b calling the shots on the whole car . I'm needing to know what all is needed to put the LS7 in the vette. I know the list goes on and on but for now i just need to know all the necessary parts. Motor mounts, computer, dry sump??? Any and all responses highly appreciated.
Oh and i know there will be the question, Why not a built FI LS1 or LS2. The LS7 is just too freaking sweet. Gotta have it
Last edited by arctic74vette; Jan 10, 2008 at 12:14 AM.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 738
Likes: 9
From: Fallbrook CA
Here is an example of a swap on a newer Vette. http://www.vetteweb.com/tech/vemp_06...ine/index.html
An LS7 crate motor will run you about 14K. By the time you add all the other parts you need, figure 20K. LS1's make more cost effective swaps as well as easier to adapt the F body LS1's into the C3.
Bottom line, the LS7 would be sweet if you have the budget.....gp
An LS7 crate motor will run you about 14K. By the time you add all the other parts you need, figure 20K. LS1's make more cost effective swaps as well as easier to adapt the F body LS1's into the C3.
Bottom line, the LS7 would be sweet if you have the budget.....gp
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,572
Likes: 51
From: Wichita Kansas
There is the sticky and also alot of threads on the LS swap. I have read most of what is available and I don't think its that difficult. Actually very straight forward. You will need to have the harness taylored the way you want and I think the AC (if you are going to have AC) is a little challange.
I have seen many of the motor mount adaptors available and they are not very exspensive. I have read that the F Body oil pan and belt drive system works the best. There seems to be some monkey motion for the lower cooling hose and you will need electric fans.
There are some proven drive shaft/crossmember mods that will be required depending on the trans (auto OD, 6spd, 5spd) you go with.
I have considerd a BB or LS for my '80 and find that the BB would be a little less challanging as there are many parts available. The LS has some challanges that I have mentioned along with PWR Steering hook up and heater hose conections.
A few members have done this and their are some viedo's with the results, including a C3/LS taking a C6 Z06 in the quarter 3 out of 3.
I have seen many of the motor mount adaptors available and they are not very exspensive. I have read that the F Body oil pan and belt drive system works the best. There seems to be some monkey motion for the lower cooling hose and you will need electric fans.
There are some proven drive shaft/crossmember mods that will be required depending on the trans (auto OD, 6spd, 5spd) you go with.
I have considerd a BB or LS for my '80 and find that the BB would be a little less challanging as there are many parts available. The LS has some challanges that I have mentioned along with PWR Steering hook up and heater hose conections.
A few members have done this and their are some viedo's with the results, including a C3/LS taking a C6 Z06 in the quarter 3 out of 3.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 19
The biggest problem with the LS7 swap will probably be the dry sump oil tank.
But if you wait a few months, GM will be releasing a carb version of the LS3 that's rated 520hp for about half the price of the 505hp LS7.
But if you wait a few months, GM will be releasing a carb version of the LS3 that's rated 520hp for about half the price of the 505hp LS7.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,572
Likes: 51
From: Wichita Kansas
Great point. I completely overlooked the dry sump. I think that will create a large challange. What would be wrong with the LS1 or LS6? if its HP the 2 can be modified for an increase.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
I'd get a LS6 for about half the price or better then bolt on a blower. You will have more power than the LS7 and it will be an easier fit. That dry sump tank and lines is a problem but it can be overcome. My brother in law had a custom dry sump tank made for his 67 resto mod with a LS7
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,032
Likes: 2
From: Newburgh NY
You don't need to go with the dry sump unless you want. There are conversion kits out there to use a stock pan like an F-Body or LS2/3 pan.
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Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 698
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From: Social Circle Georgia
artic,
you can build a 427 for less than buying an LS7 crate. This uses the LS7 block even. You can then use the wet sump pan if you choose to. There are many after market drive accessories that are very nice and should work fine in the car. Or you can run Fbody accessories. This is very doable even with the dry sump. But that dry sump tank will be difficult to mount if you choose to keep it.
you can build a 427 for less than buying an LS7 crate. This uses the LS7 block even. You can then use the wet sump pan if you choose to. There are many after market drive accessories that are very nice and should work fine in the car. Or you can run Fbody accessories. This is very doable even with the dry sump. But that dry sump tank will be difficult to mount if you choose to keep it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,231
Likes: 7
From: Fort Pierce Florida
If you want aluminum this is your best bet.
http://www.texas-speed.com/shop/item...d=828&catid=85
If you boss wants nitrous or forced induction then he needs to look at their other offerings.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 6
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
The reason we chose the LS7 is because $$$ is out of the picture. He has waaaaaay too much. in regards to the blown LS1-2-3 (watever it may be), we were planning on a set of HPE heads, a QM600, and some headers so it would be putting out around the same power as the FI LS. yeah I know it sux building someone elses car but i'm gonna b the one taking it to shows and driving it the most, and I'm only 19 so I'm thrilled!!! keep the responses coming
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 19
If you want chromed car show flashy stuff and hp, check out this combo.
LS376 (520hp) http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/En...1225&engCat=ls
And a chrome twin carb setup (PN 20684):
http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_...old_kits.shtml
LS376 (520hp) http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/En...1225&engCat=ls
And a chrome twin carb setup (PN 20684):
http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_...old_kits.shtml
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,032
Likes: 2
From: Newburgh NY
Not to mention that even with the cost of a Maggie (Hot Rod Unit), a used LS6, Decent Heads and Cam, Pulley System, you are still in for less $ than a new LS7 and making more HP.
