I was wondering if anyone out there has done a ls swap into their c3? If so what were the problems you faced? And what was needed? I also would like to know what ls engine suits me, I plan on turboing my car, what ls series engine should I focus on? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

Tagging along...

 

whichever one you can get the best deal on in good shape

 

I'm going to install the LS3 525 hp motor from GM Performance. There are cheaper, less HP motors out there, and more expensive more HP motors out there. Decide what you want, what your budget is, and go from there

 

What do you want to do with it? What's your budget.
Plenty of C3 swaps, issues, and fixes.
68, 400hp LQ9, Richmond 6 speed, Vintage Air

 

Check out http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversion...rbo-build.html he also post on this forum.
My build http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversion...-78-vette.html. Not the cheapest route but sure is fun now. Installed a 6.0 LQ9 in my 78 vette. Bored .30 over, with 590 lift cam. LS6 Intake, cable Throttle Body, 42 lb injectors, 255 lph fuel pump in tank, C5 filter regulator 58 psi. 2004R transmission with Shift Kit, Bowtie TV cable and LS Kit, B&M quicksilver shifter, Holley Accessory brackets for A/C, PS and Alt brackets. Holley ECU and Cables, Vintage Air, Fiero Seats by Mr. Mikes, Jeep Steering Box conversion with Borgeson Drag Link. Aluminum Radiator with Z28 dual electric fans, Replaced all 8 body mounts. New Shocks, new front end bushings, upper and lower ball joints. Stock 308 rear gears, Dakota Digital Gauges.
Next addition will be electric head lights.

 

So what is wrong with putting in a Gen 1 SBC back in? my 383 was over 500hp, and my new 427 we are shooting for 650hp.... and they were/are both SBC gen 1 engine's.

 

I have a 427 SBC with about 550hp and it is very street-able and reliable.

The LS conversion is nice but I'm not sure it is worth the extra cost and effort.

Maybe if my C3 was a daily driver I might think differently, but for my needs a high horsepower, high torque SBC just made the most sense.

If I ever need more power then I can always add NOS or if I am really ambitious I can look at adding a twin turbo or supercharger system.

JMHO.

 

The best deals are a wrecked 2001-2002 Z28 or Camaro SS's or Trans Ams. They will have the LS1-Transmission combo's that will fit. If you get the whole car you will be able to use lots of the parts such as harness, computer, etc. I like the LS engines because of the light weight, fuel injection and horsepower. You won't need turbo. If you choose to take this on, read all the threads, have a good work shop and most important, the talent to do it. It's not that easy and takes 5 times longer than you think if you do your own work like I do. Good Luck.

 

I just finished swapping an LS3/TR6060 from a 2010 Camaro into my 68 Camaro. I'm heavily contemplating removing my big block and M21 in my 69 Vette and replacing it with something similar. The drivetrain I put in the Camaro was about $10K for the engine, trans, computer, harness, etc. That was for a unit with I think 12K miles on it, no wear even on the pulleys. That's not including the cost of a new radiator, mounts, stand alone PCM conversion etc. As said above, these things aren't just "drop-ins" and anyone who tells you otherwise either hasn't done one or just didn't pay attention.

Having a modern fuel injected engine in an old car is an almost Zen like experience. Hopping in the car and just turning the key and having it start without having to screw with it is fun. It idles perfectly, runs like a bat out of hell and I don't smell like exhaust when I'm done driving it.

I did have to fab up quite a few of my own parts, and it took a long time (especially flying across the country to work on the car) but it was worth it. I learned a lot in the process too, and I have a reliable setup that doesn't leak oil everywhere.

The problem I'm having in my Vette right now is (I think) related to the high % of ethanol that they're putting in the fuel in WV. Several of my car buds have had the fuel analyzed and have found up to 25% in the fuel that's supposed to be at 10%. I have my own speculation as to why that is and whether or not it's accurate, but I will say that I'm having a lot more fuel related issues in this car than I ever have. I've been driving carbureted vehicles my whole life, and I'm having trouble keeping ALL of them running reliably now. If they sit for a few weeks, I find an incredible amount of corrosion and varnish in the fuel bowls, not just the normal browning. This is true not only on older equipment, but also in cases like the Vette where I have a new fuel tank, new fuel lines, filter and a new carb. Even after resolving those issues, it's hard to start cold, then the tune changes depending on the temperature of the engine and air, more so than even 10 years ago. I'm not overheating or vapor locking or anything, but the alcohol I suspect is changing the characteristics of the fuel to where the car is still drivable, but just a pain in the *** to deal with.


I'm at the point where I'm ready to fuel inject the vette, but I'm trying to decide whether spending 3-4K on a port injection system for the big block is better spent on a decent LS system and an overdrive transmission. I would certainly drive the car more, that's for sure.

Like anything, you can put a little money into an LS conversion, or a lot, it just depends on what you want your final results to look like.


In case anyone is interested, here is the conversion I did on my Camaro.


http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversion...68-camaro.html

 

best depends on your budget...

What is your budget?