LS3 Swap pricing???
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,660
Likes: 365
From: SF Bay Area
So, you would spend rather more than the average C5 is worth. And you would still have an old car. Not for me. When mine dies, it will get replaced. IMO, it's just not cost effective to pour boatloads of money into it - and still be in trouble as the parts supply continues to dry up.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 244
Likes: 103
From: Pueblo West CO
Considering that you can still get OEM and aftermarket parts for a 283 or a 305, which were never anywhere close to as popular as the LSx, I agree. I don't foresee any difficulty obtaining parts.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,473
Likes: 691
From: West Virginia
Mechanical stuff, I agree will not generally generally be a problem, but in my fairly long experience of C5 ownership, it's not the mechanical bits that break.
The early C5's are 20 years old this year, don't forget.
Last edited by jackthelad; Feb 8, 2017 at 10:30 AM.
Racer
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 406
Likes: 96
From: Seattle WA
Be careful about making sure that the electrical harness isn't a mess if you're going to buy something ala cart off ebay or whatever. As for the LS7, I'm a car nerd who kind of wants a 427 badge on her corvette. It's also the largest modern chevy block, so you can build the crap out of them, but no it's not cost effective at this time 
- Valve drop issue from bad OEM heads
- Bearings are iffy
- The titanium coating on the rods eventually wears off and can cause catastrophic failure
Even cars with the "fix" (AHP heads) still drop valves. My plan is to swap an LS3 into my C6Z when my LS7 lets go and supercharge it. For those wondering why I didn't just get a GS which comes with the LS3, it's because the C6Z isn't that much more expensive, and it has an aluminum chassis which saves a good amount of weight from the bottom, middle and top of the car, which probably makes a noticeable difference in the handling.
Anyway, anyone have an idea of the cost of swapping a LS3 into a C6Z? I'd imagine it's fairly easy, mostly plug-and-play?
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,660
Likes: 365
From: SF Bay Area
Reviving this thread from the dead just to comment that as a C6Z owner, I would gladly swap my LS7 for a LS3 (which is how I found this thread). The LS7 is powerful but it also suffers from the following issues:
- Valve drop issue from bad OEM heads
- Bearings are iffy
- The titanium coating on the rods eventually wears off and can cause catastrophic failure
Even cars with the "fix" (AHP heads) still drop valves. My plan is to swap an LS3 into my C6Z when my LS7 lets go and supercharge it. For those wondering why I didn't just get a GS which comes with the LS3, it's because the C6Z isn't that much more expensive, and it has an aluminum chassis which saves a good amount of weight from the bottom, middle and top of the car, which probably makes a noticeable difference in the handling.
Anyway, anyone have an idea of the cost of swapping a LS3 into a C6Z? I'd imagine it's fairly easy, mostly plug-and-play?
- Valve drop issue from bad OEM heads
- Bearings are iffy
- The titanium coating on the rods eventually wears off and can cause catastrophic failure
Even cars with the "fix" (AHP heads) still drop valves. My plan is to swap an LS3 into my C6Z when my LS7 lets go and supercharge it. For those wondering why I didn't just get a GS which comes with the LS3, it's because the C6Z isn't that much more expensive, and it has an aluminum chassis which saves a good amount of weight from the bottom, middle and top of the car, which probably makes a noticeable difference in the handling.
Anyway, anyone have an idea of the cost of swapping a LS3 into a C6Z? I'd imagine it's fairly easy, mostly plug-and-play?
Former Vendor
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 3,574
Likes: 2,412
From: Lookin over Hoover Dam
I've weighed buying a new Corvette repeatedly but...frankly I just can't push myself to do it. My car is plenty capable as it sits; full suspension, big brakes, plenty of power to have fun, and the car weighs under 3k lbs with 1/4tank of gas. I was just discussing with my gf again about this summer...she is likely going C7 GS, from her current C6. I think I'm going to just put 12k or so into my C5Z again and go with an HP research shortblock with a mild top end. The C5Z's in a well planted/well setup state, with 500-550whp, and an aftermarket traction control, would be a hard car to beat on the track, shy of big money cars.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 607
Likes: 29
From: Tulsa Oklahoma
I've weighed buying a new Corvette repeatedly but...frankly I just can't push myself to do it. My car is plenty capable as it sits; full suspension, big brakes, plenty of power to have fun, and the car weighs under 3k lbs with 1/4tank of gas. I was just discussing with my gf again about this summer...she is likely going C7 GS, from her current C6. I think I'm going to just put 12k or so into my C5Z again and go with an HP research shortblock with a mild top end. The C5Z's in a well planted/well setup state, with 500-550whp, and an aftermarket traction control, would be a hard car to beat on the track, shy of big money cars.
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Racer
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 406
Likes: 96
From: Seattle WA
Acct Suspended APR 2026 by request
Joined: Dec 2010
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2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C5 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
I think you would have to use a manual grand sport or maybe a zr1 crank to keep the dry sump since the snouts are longer to accomodate the oil pump
Last edited by StingrayRebel; Feb 18, 2019 at 10:55 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,362
Likes: 400
From: DFW TX
Used L92 swap.
Freshen it up w/ a hone, rings and bearings (if needed) ~$3200
CNC port the heads ~$550
Add a nasty cam and spring package ~$750
58x to 24x converter box ~$300
DOD delete kit ~$250 (includes lifters and head gaskets)
Long tubes, if you don't already have them. ~
500+RWHP for ~$4500-$6500 if you do it yourself and depending on how frugal you are. You can find pull out L92s for less than I posted if you visit the yards on a regular basis.
Better yet... Sell your car and find a modded one at your desired power level.
Freshen it up w/ a hone, rings and bearings (if needed) ~$3200
CNC port the heads ~$550
Add a nasty cam and spring package ~$750
58x to 24x converter box ~$300
DOD delete kit ~$250 (includes lifters and head gaskets)
Long tubes, if you don't already have them. ~
500+RWHP for ~$4500-$6500 if you do it yourself and depending on how frugal you are. You can find pull out L92s for less than I posted if you visit the yards on a regular basis.
Better yet... Sell your car and find a modded one at your desired power level.
Last edited by Krusty84; Feb 19, 2019 at 01:17 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 3,638
Likes: 245
Cheapest way is to build it yourself and search all over for the best prices on the web. It would be about the same cost as a ls1 rebuilt with heads, cam, intake, and a tune.
Not worth the money on the ls1 for less power.
You can build a stock ls3 with easy 430hp just to start with or put a bigger cam to get more hp. Also need tp think about trans and possible rear end in terms of gears. More hp = More $$$
Dont expect the stock tq converter if auto or stock clutch to hold all that power forever and not break down.
I plan on building a stock ls3 and have it in for few years and then bigger cam. Of course simple head mods port and polish will be added.
Not worth the money on the ls1 for less power.
You can build a stock ls3 with easy 430hp just to start with or put a bigger cam to get more hp. Also need tp think about trans and possible rear end in terms of gears. More hp = More $$$
Dont expect the stock tq converter if auto or stock clutch to hold all that power forever and not break down.
I plan on building a stock ls3 and have it in for few years and then bigger cam. Of course simple head mods port and polish will be added.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 12,414
Likes: 1,750
From: DFW TX
Vendors or other owners occasionally blow out a built, ready to use engine - I'd wait for a killer deal and jump on it then. A lot like building a car vs buying one built: cheaper to buy a built engine than DIY. All the little stuff adds up even if you score good prices on individual items.
FYI I have a LS2 based 427, 550hp on a relatively mild build. Friendly cam, good street manners. Lots of options these days for big displacement 500+hp builds.
FYI I have a LS2 based 427, 550hp on a relatively mild build. Friendly cam, good street manners. Lots of options these days for big displacement 500+hp builds.
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Plano, Texas
You can get a new LS3 engine with a warranty for 6750 all day from dealers on ebay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/301991190784...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
http://www.ebay.com/itm/301991190784...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT