LS1 vs LS3 Swap
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 8
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LS1 vs LS3 Swap
Hi all. I’m looking to possibly swap out the stock LS1 (71 k miles) out of my ‘04 coupe w/ A4. The LS3 I can get has no mods. My intent is to make this a fast streetable car while leaving my ‘03 Z as show only. This is my first build so I’m open to any and all suggestions. Thanks in advance
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,704
Likes: 239
From: Redondo Beach CA
I am not qualified to give the kind of tech details to form or even aid in any kind of reasonable decisions in that area, , bur can repeat some of what I read. Most guys speak of their switch as just another LS3 for LS1 engine swap, so I would suppose it is well traveled road. As you probably surmised from checking the available options, it seems the easiest choice.
My personal swap would be an electric motor, not going to happen. That is what the big kids around my town are playing with. Fully customizing a car carrier to show your custom show car is so last year.
My personal swap would be an electric motor, not going to happen. That is what the big kids around my town are playing with. Fully customizing a car carrier to show your custom show car is so last year.
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 4,004
Likes: 3,929
From: Philadelphia PA (Birthplace of the USA, UNESCO World Heritage City)
You've got another 700k miles left on that LS1 judging by all the high mileage LS1s out there.
I think your money would be better spent on mods to the LS1 rather than an LS3 + labor and some compatibility quirks to work out.
I think your money would be better spent on mods to the LS1 rather than an LS3 + labor and some compatibility quirks to work out.
Last edited by ArmchairArchitect; Dec 15, 2019 at 10:38 AM.
Acct Suspended APR 2026 by request
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10,367
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2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C5 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
both can be modded to make similar power, stock for stock the ls3 will make more so it just depends what you want to do really
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 1,582
From: East Metro (Twin Cities) Minnesota
St. Jude Donor '21
I totally agree with this - as long as you LS1 has good compression and oil pressure with no issues - and since you have 71k, it should be good to go 4 sure!!!....
My money is where my mouth is too - after going through this analysis in depth for several months (because either way it is $$$$) I went the A&A supercharger route 1.5 years ago and could not be happier.
I put together a comprehensive build thread on my youtube channel Toys4Life C5 if you are interested as well as a couple post installation POV driving videos to see what it is like.
It is also a stickie on the Corvette Forum C5 forced induction page.
Good luck to you and your decision.
Toys...
Last edited by Toys4Life C5; Dec 15, 2019 at 03:45 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,470
Likes: 460
From: East Windsor NJ
There are people out there (like me) that want the performance - but also want to keep the engine bay stock-appearing. I'm assuming that dropping in an LS3 will make for a stock-appearing engine bay...
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,893
Likes: 295
From: Buffalo NY
I will agree that the LS3 is not the best bang for your buck compared to modifying your existing platform. It depends on your goals, but some headers, a tune, and maybe a torque converter will make a huge difference in how your car drives without breaking the bank.
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