I have been searching, but find little information.

At first, I thought it would be silly as you have to tear the new engine apart to change the crank sensor, and cam sensor, but then read Lingenfelter makes a converter box to work with the C5 electronics.

Seems I read that the A/C compressor pulley will not match up with the crank pulley, not sure about that.

The crate LS7 is not cheap, but, you get a lot, it already has the flywheel and clutch, coil packs, plug wires, injectors.

Looked into building a 454 LS from ERL, their 454 long block costs quite a bit more than the LS7 crate, still has no intake, injectors, coil packs, or exhaust manifolds/headers, all those parts add up quick.

So, looking at the crate LS7 more, it may be the best bang for the buck.

I'm wondering if the C5 accessory brackets will fit it, and PS pump, alternator, etc.

Guessing the LS1 motor mounts/stands will work with it, my car is a 6 speed.

On the pictures of the LS7 crate, it has the exhaust manifolds, but it does not appear to come with the exhaust flanges to bolt to the manifolds, and they have 4 bolts, so getting these may be a problem.

Have also considered keeping the LS1 and putting on a A&A supercharger kit, or a Magnacharger.

From what I read in the forced induction forum, neither of these can match the LS7, the first needs to get to 3K RPM before it gets going, so down low it's weak compared to the LS7.

The magnacharger might keep up down low, but up higher the LS7 will out pull it.

To be honest, I don't have the funds to do this right now, but just wondering how much trouble it would be.

I forgot to mention the wet sump VS dry sump oiling systems, for me I think going wet sump would be fine as it's just a toy, no real racing, just romp on it here and there.

My stock LS1 runs fine, it's just after driving a C6 Z06 for a few miles, in town, even down low it was much more fun!

What do you think?

 

I wonder if the C5 accelerator pedal will work with the LS7 throttle body?

There are probably many more things like this I can't think of.

 

If money is not the #1 concern I'd say it would be an ideal swap. I've seen them in a lot of different cars. I'm sure someone has done it already.

 

If you can live with 430 HP an LS3 would be easier.

 

I wouldn't run an LS7 if I didn't stay dry sump as intended personally. Facts are:

Need the reluctor wheel converter box from Lingenfelter
Slight harness extension to C5 harness
Retune C5 ecu to run LS7
Some little odds and ends
C5 pedal works

I have a built LS7 on an engine stand I don't know what to do with. I ended up just putting an A&A kit on my C5Z. Was a simpler process and makes 578whp/512wtq. I beat up on C6Z's with it because the centrifugal pulls more like a hotter NA motor would versus a roots style blower. Plus, AA kit fits under stock hood. Figured I'd keep the LS7 for something I'm doing next year for SEMA.

 

you could build and LS2 or LS3 to higher power levels with good drivability for less money than a crate LS7 I think...

 

 

What is this A&A kit?

 

This - http://www.aacorvette.com/superchargers/

 

What all do you have done to your engine to get to that power level?

You have to remember, your engine is quite a bit more powerful than mine stock for stock, mine only has 345 HP as yours was 405, then again maybe with a supercharger the lower CR of the LS1 can handle a tad more boost so it evens out?

 

Yes I could run an LS3 crate, but the LS1 with the supercharger kit could probably get to that power level I'm guessing.

Was thinking the LS7 would be more consistent than the LS1 with supercharger, maybe not, it's just after driving the C6Z06 for a short trip, I really liked the car.

I wanted to get a C6 Z06 and then thought about it, and the reason is the engine's power, honestly I like the C5's looks better, the fact there is a crate LS7 available is pretty cool, if it was not available and the only way was to get one from a wrecked C6 Z06, I would not even consider this project.

It seems the only thing that would make a LS3 swap easier than the LS7 is no dry sump oil system to make fit?

I have a 1965 Chevy truck short bed, that the LS1 would be perfect for, so the LS1 would still live on!

 

if you boost the ls1 rebuild the bottom end with forged pistons and stronger rods. yes lots of folks boost the oe cast pistons but all it takes is a little detonation to crack ringlands.

easiest and best for resale is a direct ls3 swap.

the other thought is selling your c5 and buying an ls3 c6 which can be had for high 20s. that's not far off what you could sell yours for along with all this engine money. you would also have more resale in that c6

 

Just build your LS1 to handle boost and put a D1 Procharger on it or a Vortech and destroy C6Z's all day long. My old 99 FRC had a built 347 with a D1 procharger and made 750whp and 640tq. I used to put bus lengths on C6Z's. That is what I would do instead of having to change a bunch of stuff out etc, that all starts to add up pretty quick.

 

Or build a stroker 402/418 and make more power than an LS7 too.

 

You don't seem to be looking for maximum hp at the moment. Just "more fun to drive around town".
I'd say switch to the LS3. It would be easier, 85 more hp is a lot and I'm pretty sure you'd be happy with it.
If it didn't last (the thrill I mean) you could still put an A&A on it, you'd probably still have less invested than the LS7 swap out, and you'd be way over the LS7 in hp.

Just an thought, and of course, JMHO

 

Not only do I think your right, I know your right!

 

There are a lot more affordable ways to make power than an ls7 I would put a built engine in with forged internals if I were to do a swap no sense in doing a stock bottom GM engine the cast pistons leave more to be desired if you look to do a blower or nitrous down the road. Dont waste your time with a ls3 crate engine just do a nice head cam bolt on setup before doing that. Or you could do a stroked built ls2 or ls3 but a stock ls3 with only 85 more horsepower is not cost effective. An A&A kit can get you more power easily than an ls3 crate.

 

I just bought my first Vette. It's a '99 coupe six speed with a 440ci LS7. I have driven a couple Vettes in the past and this one is an absolute blast to drive. It was built by Speed Inc. in Chicago. It was tuned on 93 at 515/495. There is a bit of surge at 1600-1900 RPM. Some days it's more noticeable than others, but when I'm ripping through the gears, it's not an issue. The best part about it is that it looks like a LS1 with bolt-ons. The guy in the '08 Viper really felt bad when he couldn't hang with a car that I got for 1/3 of his. You can call me biased, but I really love the throttle response and simplicity of the high compression NA motor.

 

Good, informative thread, guys...

 

So, yes there are options that are cheaper than the LS7, and more power, but it should be do-able?

If you relocate the battery to the trunk, there is a ECM below it right?

I wonder if the remote oil tank could fit there.