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427 swapping base model ls3!!

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Old Feb 7, 2022 | 02:01 PM
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Default 427 swapping base model ls3!!

im looking into buying my buddies corvette but the motor has been ran through. it has 145k miles and it was sprayed on with nos without a tune. it runs fine but I don't feel comfortable with it. I was looking into buying a zo6 in the first place but this deal is too good to pass up on. so my question is, is it possible to buy a base 427 block and build it with rods and pistons and all that and just stick it into the car? will it just bolt onto the transmission? would it be something that would be difficult to do or is it just a basic swap. also if this is possible, does anyone recommend anyone that I can go to and talk to more about this, maybe even get my car done by them. Thank you all
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Old Feb 7, 2022 | 06:32 PM
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Location may help.Hard to recommend someone when we don't know where you are.
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Old Feb 7, 2022 | 06:34 PM
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Originally Posted by jamieo
Location may help.Hard to recommend someone when we don't know where you are.
I’m from texas so anywhere in texas is good. I’ll maybe consider near by states
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Old Feb 7, 2022 | 11:07 PM
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Originally Posted by DwightHoward30
im looking into buying my buddies corvette but the motor has been ran through. it has 145k miles and it was sprayed on with nos without a tune. it runs fine but I don't feel comfortable with it. I was looking into buying a zo6 in the first place but this deal is too good to pass up on. so my question is, is it possible to buy a base 427 block and build it with rods and pistons and all that and just stick it into the car? will it just bolt onto the transmission? would it be something that would be difficult to do or is it just a basic swap. also if this is possible, does anyone recommend anyone that I can go to and talk to more about this, maybe even get my car done by them. Thank you all
Yes, I've done this very same swap 5 times, with my current drag car being the most recent one.
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Old Feb 8, 2022 | 12:57 AM
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Originally Posted by subfloor@centurytrans
Yes, I've done this very same swap 5 times, with my current drag car being the most recent one.
If you don't mind me asking, what block did you use and all that other good stuff. also did you do all the work yourself or it was done somewhere.
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Old Feb 8, 2022 | 01:14 AM
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Originally Posted by DwightHoward30
If you don't mind me asking, what block did you use and all that other good stuff. also did you do all the work yourself or it was done somewhere.
I've always just used a complete LS7 long block including the intake manifold and external oil tank. Pretty much every other part from an LS3 can then be reused - exhaust, starter, injectors, front accessories, coil packs, wires, wiring etc.

Any type of headers can be used although you do give up a little power if they're only from an LS2 or LS3. I ran 9s the first time I did it with LS2 headers still on the car.

You can also switch it over to a wet sump as well without changing the crank (the LS7 has a longer snout) in which case you'd need the oil pan from the LS3 and a few other parts.

Beyond that you'd also need to change the settings in the tune to just make it think it's a larger displacement LS3 but that's pretty simple to do.

If it's going into an automatic you'd need to keep the flywheel from the LS3 and switch that over.

I do all the work by myself at home in my garage on jackstands.

That kinda hits the highlights but feel free to ask as many other questions as you need to.
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Old Feb 8, 2022 | 01:19 AM
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Originally Posted by DwightHoward30
If you don't mind me asking, what block did you use and all that other good stuff. also did you do all the work yourself or it was done somewhere.
Forgot to mention the How To guide I wrote:

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...asy-steps.html
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Old Feb 8, 2022 | 04:45 PM
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thank you very much for all this information. I appreciate you a lot
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Old Feb 8, 2022 | 04:46 PM
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Originally Posted by DwightHoward30
thank you very much for all this information. I appreciate you a lot
No problem, hope it helps.
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Old Feb 9, 2022 | 10:01 AM
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This doesn’t answer your question but should be considerations. First, how good is this deal compared to just buying another car that hasn’t been beat on?

Second, how long do you plan to keep this car? You most likely won’t make any money back when you go to resell it. If a Z06 is what you want, I’d hold out for the Z06 instead of having to rebuild a lesser vehicle.

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Old Feb 9, 2022 | 10:15 AM
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Originally Posted by DwightHoward30
I’m from texas so anywhere in texas is good. I’ll maybe consider near by states
In Texas I would recommend 21st Century Muscle Cars in Addison. Best shop I found there.
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