I just spun a bearing in my vette a few days ago. I'm really thinking about putting another motor in instead of rebuilding. My current car was cammed and putting down 390 at the wheels. I was thinking of just putting in a stock LS2 long block and getting a little more HP to the wheels than the cammed LS1 was doing.

So my question is. Since I am going to change the motor is it best to get the LS2 over the LS1? What all needs to be changed for the swap? I read somewhere it was crank sensor and something to do with the ignition had to be changed. Also I read where the LS6 intake would be better than the LS2's? So would it be wise to keep my stock port and polished throttle body and intake to swap onto the LS2 long block?

 

A crate LS6 has the same power level as the LS2 and you do not have to modify the ignition system. The LS2 has a different numbered tooth reluctor wheel on the crankshaft than the LS1/6, the cam sensor is in a different location and the number of teeth the cam sensor senses may be different also (4x vs. 2x).
The PCM in your car is programmed for the LS1/6 reluctor wheel and cam. Installing an LS2would require either disassembly of the engine to replace these items with the correct ones or the installation of a signal converter. The signal converters are available from only one source and are expensive in my opinion. Replacing the complete engine over a spun bearing seems wasteful.

 

If you're thinking of going with a long block replacement, go with the LS3. It may cost you a little more going in but it's a better setup. Katech seems to have the bugs worked out on their reluctor converter box so it's no big deal.

 

I bought an ls2 intending a minor upgrade. Next thing you know I have a 402 stroked with a big cam and 545 hp at the wheels. Depends on what you are looking for in the end, but you can never have too much power, and with the ls2 or 3, you have room to grow.

 

Right now I am interested in buying an LS3 this guy is selling. Long block. What is a good parts list for everything needed to swap out the factory LS1 to an LS3?

So far I've been told I would need the LS2 throttle body, LS3 intake manifold, front cover with cam sensor, lingenfelter reluctor box, LS3 fuel rails.

Would I need larger fuel injectors as well? This LS3 has a small cam. Not sure if the stock LS1 injectors will keep up with the fuel demand.

Since my motor will be out and I know my clutch was about to go anyways. Would the LS7 clutch and flywheel be a good choice?

Sorry if this is too many questions, I have been searching for information on all this and want to clarify and get more opinions. And I want to have everything I need at the time of engine swap.

 

You'll need a harness for the knock sensors and the cam position sensor. Both are available from Casper's Electronics. For injectors you should be able to find a set of stock LS3 take-outs cheap. If it is in fact a small cam those should be fine. You'll probably want to change to the new style MAF sensor but that also is no big deal. I ran an LS7 clutch with an aluminum flywheel in my 460RW 346 build and love it.

You will need to notch the engine mount on the drivers side but that's a few minutes with a grinder.


Good luck!

 

If I run the LS7 Clutch and fly wheel can the stock master cylinder and slave cylinder be used?

Also, should I use the stock coil pack off the ls1?

 

As Kevin said the LS7 Clutch is very nice. I ran one in my '00 FRC with a 402. The stock slave and master can be used, but I'd replace the slave while I was in there.

The stock coils work just fine.

Bob K.

 

This ismy current set up.

 

dont forget the clutch bleeder valve

 

SDPC has a nice Gen3 to Gen 4 conversion kit.

 

get a ls2 out of an 05 GTO. no relucter wheel issues.

Things I HAD to do for the swap;
Oil PSI relocation- factory sensor hit cowl
Knock sensor/cam sensor harness
throttle body harness- used LS2 throttle body
clearance pass side front of block & pass side engine bracket


LS7 clutches are kinda heavy. I would go with a chromoly flywheel with a Monster STG3 or similar clutch. mine holds fine in the 475-500whp area. Im also running a Tick Master, factory slave cylinder, and remote bleeder (life saver by the way.)

 

I heard a lot of bad stuff from others using the Lingenfelter reluctor box, so I steered clear of that route when I did my LS7 conversion. I actually had the reluctor wheel changed on the crankshaft. It was a little more expensive than just using an adaptor box, but I had peace of mind and have never had to look back. Just my opinion.

 

Lingenfelter makes the converter box, not Katech.

 

So what should I do about the MAF running the LS3 with LS2 throttle body? Would the stock one I have now be a restriction?

 

Halltech is making a "Killer Bee 2" specifically for the purpose of putting LS3/LS7 in a C5 car. It comes with a probe type maf sensor like the LS7 motors use with a conversion harness. I used this on my LS7 conversion in my 2000 FRC and am very happy with it. Good clean look and flows lots of air. You can see it on their website.

 

Is this the one you are refering to? Looks nice!

http://www.halltechsystems.com/product_p/kbls6conv.htm

 

Yup, that's the one. I love it on my LS7/C5