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LS3 is bought!

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Old Aug 18, 2023 | 02:16 PM
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Default LS3 is bought! / Ready for install

Just purchased an LS3 525hp crate motor from Chevy performance to replace the old and about to expire LS1. Thought about going BluePrint Engines but their lead time was February 2024 at best and this I could get now and got a discount through a contact. Going to have a shop do the install and tune, mainly due to time constraints. Super excited and will post process and dyno numbers once all said and done. Should be much better on the track.

Last edited by Rwdirtbke; Jan 6, 2024 at 04:27 PM.

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Aug 24, 2023, 05:04 PM
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It has arrived!


Old Aug 18, 2023 | 02:37 PM
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Please keep us informed with every step of the process. I'm considering doing the same. BTW, what was the total cost of the LS3 crate to your door?















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Old Aug 18, 2023 | 03:22 PM
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Old Aug 18, 2023 | 03:33 PM
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I want to see how your tuning goes and the use of the Lingenfelter convertor box.

That particular LS3 is an amazing engine!

Best of luck to you sir!
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Old Aug 18, 2023 | 03:49 PM
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very nice, and enjoy!
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Old Aug 18, 2023 | 03:53 PM
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This sounds like a really fun build. Look forward to updates and tire smoke. 😎
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Old Aug 18, 2023 | 04:22 PM
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Originally Posted by mr_get_iton
Please keep us informed with every step of the process. I'm considering doing the same. BTW, what was the total cost of the LS3 crate to your door?
Yep Will do!

Cost was ​​​​​​​$9,386 shipped to my door.
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Old Aug 18, 2023 | 09:54 PM
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Best of luck with the build, will be following for the results!
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Old Aug 19, 2023 | 07:07 AM
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Originally Posted by Rwdirtbke
Yep Will do!

Cost was $9,386 shipped to my door.
​​​​​​​
Good luck with the build, did that cost include PCM and wiring harness?
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Old Aug 19, 2023 | 08:06 AM
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Originally Posted by Rwdirtbke
Just purchased an LS3 525hp crate motor from Chevy performance to replace the old and about to expire LS1. Thought about going BluePrint Engines but their lead time was February 2024 at best and this I could get now and got a discount through a contact. Going to have a shop do the install and tune, mainly due to time constraints. Super excited and will post process and dyno numbers once all said and done. Should be much better on the track.
Are you selling the LS1?

I would like to swap one into my 1965 C10 truck.

Congrats on the LS3, I’ve dreamed of buying the crate engine since 2008!
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Old Aug 19, 2023 | 04:43 PM
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Looking forward to a nice install thread with lots of pictures! @Tusc can show you how. lol
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Old Aug 19, 2023 | 05:22 PM
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No need if a shop is doing the work.

LS3 is a great way to go all around. I should think about stacking a one or two in storage somewhere for future projects. Mine would be from the wrecker, mind you.

Fun car when done no matter what. So when are you adding the blower? Costs twice to tune twice....
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Old Aug 20, 2023 | 12:00 AM
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Best of luck to you with the swap.
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Old Aug 23, 2023 | 09:33 PM
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Originally Posted by 1999corvettels1
Are you selling the LS1?

I would like to swap one into my 1965 C10 truck.

Congrats on the LS3, I’ve dreamed of buying the crate engine since 2008!
Yes I will be selling the LS1 but likely not until spring 2024. If interested let me know and I'll PM you when it's ready
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Old Aug 23, 2023 | 09:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Tusc
So when are you adding the blower? Costs twice to tune twice....
Being a track car I was strongly advised to not put a blower on it and go NA do to temps. Trust me putting a blower on the LS1 was my first option until talked outta it due to my application.
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Old Aug 23, 2023 | 10:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Rwdirtbke
Being a track car I was strongly advised to not put a blower on it and go NA do to temps. Trust me putting a blower on the LS1 was my first option until talked outta it due to my application.
if you're talking a "blower" in the true sense (i.e, a roots style supercharger) then I agree-- heat soak is a big problem. The good news is that there are pretty much zero options out there for a roots style supe for the c5 that can sit under the stock hood.

A centrifugal super charger is a completly different animal . A centrifugal super (which most people would not call a "blower." so I assume you're not talking about this) will run all day without temp issues, for obvious reasons.

there are other reasons not to go with a centrifugal super, but it's a weighing. Some track rats on here will tell you it's more complex and is just another thing that could possibly go. Others run supers with zero issue. Personal preference. But if you're doing it for temp reasons --- that's not really a reason. A well-built centrifugal super will not have heat issues.

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Old Aug 23, 2023 | 10:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Rwdirtbke
Just purchased an LS3 525hp crate motor from Chevy performance to replace the old and about to expire LS1. Thought about going BluePrint Engines but their lead time was February 2024 at best and this I could get now and got a discount through a contact. Going to have a shop do the install and tune, mainly due to time constraints. Super excited and will post process and dyno numbers once all said and done. Should be much better on the track.
I considered this myself with the 376/480 all through Covid when I couldn't get one.. So I am curious. How are you planning to deal with the F-body style oil pan it ships with, and what are you going to do for exhaust? I was considering snagging some LS7 manifolds and seeing if a shop could fabricate a collector and use the LS7 cats. If this is an off-road car, I imagine it will just be some headers. Also, are you changing the ECU, getting a 58x converter, or just installing a 24x reluctor? I will be watching your thread, as I still may end up doing this.
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Old Aug 24, 2023 | 04:55 PM
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Originally Posted by JMG2
if you're talking a "blower" in the true sense (i.e, a roots style supercharger) then I agree-- heat soak is a big problem. The good news is that there are pretty much zero options out there for a roots style supe for the c5 that can sit under the stock hood.

A centrifugal super charger is a completly different animal . A centrifugal super (which most people would not call a "blower." so I assume you're not talking about this) will run all day without temp issues, for obvious reasons.

there are other reasons not to go with a centrifugal super, but it's a weighing. Some track rats on here will tell you it's more complex and is just another thing that could possibly go. Others run supers with zero issue. Personal preference. But if you're doing it for temp reasons --- that's not really a reason. A well-built centrifugal super will not have heat issues.

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I talked to Josh at AA and he was one of the folks that said to stay NA and not supercharged due to temps. Figure there are much smarter people on here than me. Not saying your wrong at all, just thought if they guy selling a product advises not to do it, maybe I shouldn't
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Old Aug 24, 2023 | 04:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Rwdirtbke
Just purchased an LS3 525hp crate motor from Chevy performance to replace the old and about to expire LS1. Thought about going BluePrint Engines but their lead time was February 2024 at best and this I could get now and got a discount through a contact. Going to have a shop do the install and tune, mainly due to time constraints. Super excited and will post process and dyno numbers once all said and done. Should be much better on the track.
If you're buying a GM crate motor, and want the warranty, make sure you jump thru all the hoops they require for warranty, like buying the factory controller (aka the pcm), and the having the Chevy dealer do the install. If you dont follow their instructions to the T, warranty void......
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Old Aug 24, 2023 | 05:02 PM
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Originally Posted by dainon
I considered this myself with the 376/480 all through Covid when I couldn't get one.. So I am curious. How are you planning to deal with the F-body style oil pan it ships with, and what are you going to do for exhaust? I was considering snagging some LS7 manifolds and seeing if a shop could fabricate a collector and use the LS7 cats. If this is an off-road car, I imagine it will just be some headers. Also, are you changing the ECU, getting a 58x converter, or just installing a 24x reluctor? I will be watching your thread, as I still may end up doing this.
Per the shop, they are going to transfer over the oil pan from the LS1 to the LS3. I guess if that doesn't work, I'll order a new one.

Exhaust is going to be Speed Engineering 1 7/8" Long Tube headers and their x-pipe kit

Will get going with the LPE 58x to 24x conversion box as I don't really want to open a brand new factory sealed engine to swap out the reluctor wheel. It is also going to get all the misc wire adapters and extenders to make all the sensors work as well as a new fuel pump to feed the beast. Also a good time to change as the original is 21 years old with over 110K miles on it.
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