aimz

Hello everyone,

I need help with my C6 and hope that you guys can help me out.
I bought a used 2008 C6 and unfortunately the LS3 engine is damaged. I know that rebuilding would be a possibility, but for several reasons I want a replacement engine.

I can order an engine through my Corvette service partner, but that way the prices are very high (I am located in Europe and it would be roughly 12k). The other option I have is getting a LS3 crate engine (430HP variant) for roughly 7k.

Now I am facing the following question: Will an LS3 crate engine be "plug&play" with my ECU? I know that the 480HP (Hot cam) version wouldnt be plug-&play, but what about the "standard"-430HP-LS3?

Are there any experiences?

Thanks in advance!

AORoads

You're going to do the installation yourself? I'd still ask the country corvette club about it, and I'd also find the one or two shops that race them.

aimz

No I am planning to let a shop do the installation. However, since Corvettes are rare in my area I guess all near-by shops have no experience with LS3 crate engines (the Corvette-Dealer wants to order a new engine from GM directly, but that so much more expensive than me getting a crate engine).

So all I need to know is: Will the LS3 430HP engine be "plug&play" just like an engine ordered by my corvette-dealer?

Unreal

Define plug and play. Either way will need a CASE learn/etc. So having someone with the correct software/tools will be needed.

aimz

CASE?

I do have someone who can work on tunes etc... but my hope would be that my current ECU works just the way it did before with the old engine. Without having to adjust too much of the data. Is that not the case?

Unreal

Either way you would be better off seeing what is wrong with your current motor, and fixing it, or just ordering a short block from LME/TMS/etc.
I would never spend money on a factory GM short block when you can get a better motor for less money.

jim2092

You mentioned there are "several reasons I want a replacement engine". What are those reasons?

aimz

Let me tell you the most important reason: I need to keep the old engine untouched in case I cannot find an agreement with the seller of the car (I just bought it and only drove a few hundred miles before the problems started).
The estimated rebuilding costs are not too far from a new crate engine and thus I would feel much more comfortable with a new engine (especially since I plan on keeping the car for many years and put a lot of miles on it).

jim2092

Settle your dispute with the previous owner first. Then if you keep the car, have a reputable engine builder rebuild your engine to your desires. This eliminates compatibility problems and should not cost more.

squared

I'm in the process of putting an LS-1 from a 99 TransAm and a TR6060 from a 2010 Camaro in my 79. I'm using the LSX innovations mounts, the non-adjustable ones. Was working on finding an off the shelf drive shaft to fit but that's on hold, currently rebuilding the engine. I'll be posting more as I go along. Here's one link that shows some measurements with the engine/transmission in the frame:

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-geometry.html

farmington