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[Z06] LS6 to LS3

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Old Nov 8, 2011 | 03:11 PM
  #1  
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Default LS6 to LS3

Long Story Short:
Hurricane Irene -> Hyrdolocked -> Bent Rods = New Motor

Question:
This is a dumb question (to me at least), but with money being tight as it is I'd like to save where I can. My LS6 has a few basic mods and I was curious if any could be carried over (while retaining some benefit) to the LS3

Here is what I have:
Blackwing Intake, GHL Exhaust, Kooks LT Headers, Kooks X-Pipe
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Old Nov 9, 2011 | 11:35 AM
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Originally Posted by sumit88
Long Story Short:
Hurricane Irene -> Hyrdolocked -> Bent Rods = New Motor

Question:
This is a dumb question (to me at least), but with money being tight as it is I'd like to save where I can. My LS6 has a few basic mods and I was curious if any could be carried over (while retaining some benefit) to the LS3

Here is what I have:
Blackwing Intake, GHL Exhaust, Kooks LT Headers, Kooks X-Pipe
I'm thinking the Blackwing can be made to work, although with an adapter since the LS3 probably has a bigger TB and MAF than the LS6. Exhaust and x-pipe should also be able to be carried over; worst case scenario it will require some very minor custom work. I don't think the headers are interchangeable though, since the LS3 heads are a different design than LS1/LS2/LS6.
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Old Nov 9, 2011 | 11:38 AM
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Another thing: since you're looking to be thrifty, have you considered just making your LS6 a forged 383? It should be cheaper and more stout than a LS3 crate engine.



EDIT: on second thought, this would probably end up being more expensive... but it would be a lot of fun!

Last edited by skyavonee; Nov 9, 2011 at 11:41 AM.
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Old Nov 9, 2011 | 11:51 AM
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Um.......................How bout the "batwing" oilpan from your LS6?
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Old Nov 9, 2011 | 01:14 PM
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If cost is a concern - I'd get my LS6 rebuilt...have the heads ported, and add a nice cam.


You're going to end up spending about $8-10k for a crate LS3 installed. For that kind of $$, I could have a pretty stout LS6
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Old Nov 9, 2011 | 01:19 PM
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Originally Posted by tlove32
If cost is a concern - I'd get my LS6 rebuilt...have the heads ported, and add a nice cam.


You're going to end up spending about $8-10k for a crate LS3 installed. For that kind of $$, I could have a pretty stout LS6
+1 to this.

I just made 460 rwhp SAE through my ls1 with about $3500 in go fast parts.

Putting a different engine in a car is never as easy as it sounds. Are you getting an insurance check? Some guy in the for sale section is selling a complete ls6 longblock minus the intake manifold for only $1500. Pick that up, toss all your sensors from your current car on it, add a nice cam, send the heads out to AI to be ported, and add a fast 90/90. Throw a nice clutch on it while the motor is out. You can pocket the rest of the money! As much as I love ls3's, this is what I would still do.
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Old Nov 9, 2011 | 02:37 PM
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Why not a stroked LS2? Readily available, can get more cubes out of it, and will accept the awesome LS3/L92 heads and intake. I've got such a build in the works myself...
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Old Nov 9, 2011 | 03:05 PM
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Please check this, but I believe the exhaust side of the LS3 heads is the same as the LS6, just NOT the intake side. Not sure, but if you really want a LS3, this could figure into your budget calculations.
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Old Nov 9, 2011 | 03:13 PM
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From the research I've done it seems that it requires a lot more work to put in an ls3 than an ls2 but thats just what I read if anyone else knows better please correct me not to mention ls3 is a lot more expensive.
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Old Nov 9, 2011 | 09:11 PM
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You will need to change the reluctor wheel on the crank from 52 to 24 tooth or can get a unit from LP which will convert the signal. Will have to extend the Crank and Cam sensor wires, will have to change the TB connector if using LS3 unit, will need to relocate the knock sensors and the MAF connector if using the LS3 unit. The exhaust will fit just fine. You will also need to change the injector connectors if using the LS3 units.
Sounds a lot but is very simple if you are good with electrical work.
ALSO your LS6 oil pan will work and will need to be installed.

Karn

Last edited by BlueFish81; Nov 9, 2011 at 09:13 PM.
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Old Nov 10, 2011 | 11:57 AM
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I know I am not well versed here, but it sounds like a rebuild would be the best idea. Am I missing something?
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Old Nov 10, 2011 | 05:39 PM
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Don't know if you track your car, but I thought I read LS3's had G related oil issues....
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