Getting LS Fever
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
You guys are reading my mind. I have been debating back and forth between rebuilding the existing engine, buying a "regular" 383 stroker or going the LS route.
I am almost positive that I will get that P/N LS3 to go along with my TKO 600 and all the other stuff I am doing to the car.
Although I have been following a number of LS threads and web sites, I still am in the process of getting as much detailed information together as I can.
Baiscally, I want to see what all the other mods are I need to make so I don't end up being all too ignorant when the LS3 shows up on my doorsteps
Yes, dropping down 6k+ on the engine will bring a tear to my eye, but I think it'll be the right choice. My only fear is actually that it'll take another couple $k to get all the other LS-mods completed, e.g. ECU, A/C, pulleys, other accessories, etc, etc.
I'll spend a bit more time wrapping up my research in the next month and will post details on here. Of course I'll share pics once I actually get started.
Time to take the LS plunge
I am almost positive that I will get that P/N LS3 to go along with my TKO 600 and all the other stuff I am doing to the car.
Although I have been following a number of LS threads and web sites, I still am in the process of getting as much detailed information together as I can.
Baiscally, I want to see what all the other mods are I need to make so I don't end up being all too ignorant when the LS3 shows up on my doorsteps
Yes, dropping down 6k+ on the engine will bring a tear to my eye, but I think it'll be the right choice. My only fear is actually that it'll take another couple $k to get all the other LS-mods completed, e.g. ECU, A/C, pulleys, other accessories, etc, etc.
I'll spend a bit more time wrapping up my research in the next month and will post details on here. Of course I'll share pics once I actually get started.
Time to take the LS plunge
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,145
Likes: 1
From: Ft. Walton Beach, Fl USA
You guys are reading my mind. I have been debating back and forth between rebuilding the existing engine, buying a "regular" 383 stroker or going the LS route.
I am almost positive that I will get that P/N LS3 to go along with my TKO 600 and all the other stuff I am doing to the car.
Although I have been following a number of LS threads and web sites, I still am in the process of getting as much detailed information together as I can.
Baiscally, I want to see what all the other mods are I need to make so I don't end up being all too ignorant when the LS3 shows up on my doorsteps
Yes, dropping down 6k+ on the engine will bring a tear to my eye, but I think it'll be the right choice. My only fear is actually that it'll take another couple $k to get all the other LS-mods completed, e.g. ECU, A/C, pulleys, other accessories, etc, etc.
I'll spend a bit more time wrapping up my research in the next month and will post details on here. Of course I'll share pics once I actually get started.
Time to take the LS plunge
I am almost positive that I will get that P/N LS3 to go along with my TKO 600 and all the other stuff I am doing to the car.
Although I have been following a number of LS threads and web sites, I still am in the process of getting as much detailed information together as I can.
Baiscally, I want to see what all the other mods are I need to make so I don't end up being all too ignorant when the LS3 shows up on my doorsteps
Yes, dropping down 6k+ on the engine will bring a tear to my eye, but I think it'll be the right choice. My only fear is actually that it'll take another couple $k to get all the other LS-mods completed, e.g. ECU, A/C, pulleys, other accessories, etc, etc.
I'll spend a bit more time wrapping up my research in the next month and will post details on here. Of course I'll share pics once I actually get started.
Time to take the LS plunge
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I did a little research after the initial post and everything may come to about $9K or so. $800 for the controller kit, $750 for the serpentine kit and porbaly another $800 for misc. stuff. Not to mention the trans/controller for it. My enthusiasm has been somewhat dampened but not totally eliminated.
Don't give up yet if its what you want.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,877
Likes: 3,556
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
I'm also looking at a LS set up too-
Weighs less and more horsepower. I looking at these motors - going w/ either the LS 376/515HP GM part # 19171225 (about $7K )or the LS 364/440HP GM #17802134 ($5K) LSx crate motors.
Running a carb rather than Fuel injection- and from my understanding- plug in a MSD box (about $350-and ALL my ignition is DONE-just add 12volts) and bolt on a carb adding a low 6-7PSI electric fuel pump system.
Don't have to worry about ECM-fuel return lines-modifying tank -loud pump-drive by wire-harness-O2 sensors etc. And I get to use my L-88 hoods chamber.
BTW- Nice work Eddie-I've been following your swap.
515HP!! and weighs 416lbs- 200 lbs LESS than a ZZ502-and cost about the same when you add a carb.
Weighs less and more horsepower. I looking at these motors - going w/ either the LS 376/515HP GM part # 19171225 (about $7K )or the LS 364/440HP GM #17802134 ($5K) LSx crate motors.
Running a carb rather than Fuel injection- and from my understanding- plug in a MSD box (about $350-and ALL my ignition is DONE-just add 12volts) and bolt on a carb adding a low 6-7PSI electric fuel pump system.
Don't have to worry about ECM-fuel return lines-modifying tank -loud pump-drive by wire-harness-O2 sensors etc. And I get to use my L-88 hoods chamber.
BTW- Nice work Eddie-I've been following your swap.
515HP!! and weighs 416lbs- 200 lbs LESS than a ZZ502-and cost about the same when you add a carb.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 9,078
Likes: 7
From: DFW TX
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
I did a little research after the initial post and everything may come to about $9K or so. $800 for the controller kit, $750 for the serpentine kit and porbaly another $800 for misc. stuff. Not to mention the trans/controller for it. My enthusiasm has been somewhat dampened but not totally eliminated.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
headers, drives, injection, I passed on a craigs list engine complete for 1000 bux.....NO induction, drives, harness, computer, headers, at that point it's too much....
it was a '99 vette engine, supposedly....
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I think it sounds bigger because the motor is idling on the stock camaro tune. Idle for a stock camaro is around 650 RPM. It makes it sound like a beast. I bumped it up to 1000 just so I could drive it home and it would not die on me all the time. I am going this week to finish the exhaust and then I am going to start doing some tuning on it.
Cam specs..G5X2-232 240 .595 .608 LSA-112
The LS motor can handle a bigger cam easier than a small block.
Cam specs..G5X2-232 240 .595 .608 LSA-112
The LS motor can handle a bigger cam easier than a small block.
Last edited by Eddie 70; Sep 7, 2008 at 02:48 PM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,145
Likes: 1
From: Ft. Walton Beach, Fl USA
I know I probably could hunt around for a good used motor and, accessory drive harness, etc. but good or bad I'm the type that'll spend a little more $$ for peace of mind. The motor I'm interested in, the controller kit is all inclusive and engineered specifically for that motor. To me that means get it installed and it's gonna work correctly.
As for the 515 horse carbed LS3. That's a nice piece too, but I feel if I'm going LS3, I'm going with the best technology available. I already have 2 carbed hotrods. If I change motors again I want to go FI w/o laptops and staring at graphs trying to figure out this and that. I guess the older I get the easier I want this stuff to be.
I'm not giving up on an LS motor. I just need to commit to the cost. I suppose I could sell my all forged, Canfield headed 383 in my Jimmy and offset some of the cost. The 396sbc in the Vette would go in the Jimmy and the LS3 would go in the Vette. Decisions, decisions, what's an old gearhead to do?
As for the 515 horse carbed LS3. That's a nice piece too, but I feel if I'm going LS3, I'm going with the best technology available. I already have 2 carbed hotrods. If I change motors again I want to go FI w/o laptops and staring at graphs trying to figure out this and that. I guess the older I get the easier I want this stuff to be.
I'm not giving up on an LS motor. I just need to commit to the cost. I suppose I could sell my all forged, Canfield headed 383 in my Jimmy and offset some of the cost. The 396sbc in the Vette would go in the Jimmy and the LS3 would go in the Vette. Decisions, decisions, what's an old gearhead to do?
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 459
Likes: 1
From: Lindenhurst, Long Island, New York
I've wanted to put a twin turbo LSx into an older car for years now; longer than I had my vette; longer than I was even interested in vettes. I wanted a resto-mod with as many updates as I could that would be a head turner but also came with little power stock and was somewhat undesriable compared to its sisters' years. I have a '75 L-48. I think it fits the above criteria. I may lax on the twin turbo idea just because I still can't seem to find a way to plum it in a C3 (intercooling is a must) without serious modification to the front end.
I plan on getting the engine and necessities together in about a year and the transformation next winter (hopefully). Once an LSx/6 speed are in, I'll drive it like that and decide to go NA or TT later on.
You could say I have the LSx bug...
I plan on getting the engine and necessities together in about a year and the transformation next winter (hopefully). Once an LSx/6 speed are in, I'll drive it like that and decide to go NA or TT later on.
You could say I have the LSx bug...
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 284
Likes: 7
From: Springfield New Jersey
I have LS fever too !
Add me to the list guys ... I'm currently saving for a used LS2 motor & 4 speed auto transmission. I went to Carlisle and took a ton of pics of all the restomods w/ LS motors. I can't wait !!
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: Hanover Pennsylvania
Where did you find a serpentine kit for $750. Most of the aftermarket kits I have seen were all inclusive and cost in the range of $1700 to $2000. I bought an LS-1 out of a 2002 Camaro SS. It had 7000 miles on it. It needs all the ancillary stuff though.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,145
Likes: 1
From: Ft. Walton Beach, Fl USA
GMPP p/n 19155-66, includes everything including the ac compressor for $769.95 at Pace Performance. Now if you want the fancy chromed aftermarket stuff you're looking at $2-3K.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
for about the last three years nearly every racing C-5 has been showing up with the LS7 crate motors. TQ is a direct relation to CI. That is why I would not waste money building or buying sub 395 ci motors.
http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/En...2397&engCat=ls
http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/En...2397&engCat=ls
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
for about the last three years nearly every racing C-5 has been showing up with the LS7 crate motors. TQ is a direct relation to CI. That is why I would not waste money building or buying sub 395 ci motors.
http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/En...2397&engCat=ls
http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/En...2397&engCat=ls
Oh, yes. I wouldn't mind a LS7 at all
It seems the problem becomes where do you stop and how much money does it take? The LS3 appealed to me as the price quickly came "down" to about $6k vs. the $13k cost for a LS7.
The question for me might ultimately be a new LS3 vs. a larger displacement (400+) and modified LS1/2 platform. We'll see...