Tcheairs38655

Anyone been through a mid year conversion to and LS 1 or LS 3 recently.
If So, what is the ball park cost of the conversion, assuming a small block car and a used or rebuilt motor Vs a crate new motor.

ramifications? electronics? other problems? Is it really worth it?

Thanks

BADBIRDCAGE

Contact Marc at Vettenuts for used engine pricing. Contact Katech for stand alone engine operating harnesses. They will have answers.

rick piras

Assuming you're only wanting to do the motor swap and you're not changing transmission, etc. some approx costs are:
Used LS1/LS6 with PCM will likely be in the $3-4k range for a decent one.
I've been unable to find NEW crate LS1 or LS6 motors, everyone seems to have gone to the LS3's.
Motor mounts, headers, and modified power steering pulley to clear A-arms will run you approx. $1000.
New gauges will be about $1000 when all said is done. You'll either switch to new electronic compatible versions or "modernize/convert" your existing gauges.
Engine harness will be about $1000, I highly recommend Speartech's products.
A new radiator will be required, you'll probably want to go with electric fans controlled by the PCM. That'll be another $1000 or so.
If you're switching to a new transmission that'll run you about $4,000 for a Tremec TKO with new clutch, etc.
In my case, once I got the new drive train running with new gauges, harness, fans, etc. and found that the old chassis/brakes/steering etc. weren't up to par with the new power. I have a cammed LS6 motor so it dyno'd at 380 rear wheel HP. So, I ended up going to an SR III chassis. So, project creep is an issue going to an LS motor. I added A/C, etc. while everything else was going on.
Regarding your question of "is it worth all of the $$$ and time?" my answer, and the answer from the guys that have gone the LS route would be 100% yes. The new motors make phenomenal power, and the reliability, drive-ability, and worry-free driving are totally worth it.

rick piras

I forgot to mention in my previous reply that you're gonna need a new fuel tank with built-in pump. That's gonna run you about another $1300.

Good luck with the project. There are plenty of guys on this forum that can help you with details as you encounter them.

Rick

ChattanoogaJSB

I Loved the ls3 power in my old 2009- but I've done the swap calculus many times and a basic swap using my Muncie still runs $6k or more. In all likelihood the number is much higher with a trans swap and a litany of other "while I'm at it" details.

For or my money, I will build a Gen 1 four bolt, roller cam Vortec-head engine for peanuts and go faster, sooner, than my original L75 can push me. I'll give up buttery cold starts for decent ones. What a lot of people love about the LS is actually weight savings and modern EFI.

I totally appreciate the LS swap but it isn't economical. My car tastes are too varied to have me spend a whole other $12k car on just an engine swap. Different strokes.

j_66chevelle

Different strokes.[/QUOTE]

Exactly!!

Robert61

Unless you buy a C5 motor with all the brackets and pulleys you'll need at least that set up for accessories I.e. A/C,ps, alternator. Or you can buy a Front Runner set up for an 3k. I have an LS1 in my 66 GTO and will have one in my 61 Vette when I'm finished with it. I am currently helping a neighbor do a LS2 swap in his 72 Vette. I've always been a fan of the small block but I doubt I will ever have another one.

daz_au

There is some discussion of what I spent in my build thread.

If the car is no PS or AC you *can* do it really cheaply. The Corvette oil pan works, the FEAD is very simple, bolting it to the muncie is not that hard and the fuel system can be done on the cheap by modifying your tank. You can use the mechanical clutch linkage with some home made brackets and I built an air intake with $50 worth of stuff. Having done one, I think I could do it again for 2-3K (depending on willingness to find/use junk yard parts) + the motor + your time.

It is a slippery slope. Putting decent power into one of these things gets you thinking about brakes, suspension, tires and transmission... a lot... it basically makes everything else in the car seem inadequate but it's not the fault of the engine. I have done all that and probably have 20K into the car I started with.

The engine itself is fantastic, I used a brand new LS3 and mechanically it starts, runs, sips gas and makes power like a brand new car. I have a new 2016 LS3 Chevy SS (the Australian equivalent) and my Vette uses less gas and is *much* faster as its over 1000lbs lighter.

OHSIXX

Is it really worth it?

Tcheairs38655

Thanks for all of the replys. I'm giving the transition a lot of thought

TC

SledgeHammer 2.0

I am not bashing the LS guys, but unless you a have a high end restomod, I would go with a built small block also.

reinkailua

I have a 67 small block and am considering a LS3 mod with tremec 6 spd. Your engine looks great --what would it cost to do that type of mod on 67.
Thanks

Crunch527

Doing it yourself, assuming a 5speed trans, you are $15-17K in parts alone...

reinkailua

Thank you--about what I thought. quite a job if you have never done the swap before so probably need a shop that has done a few before. Hard to find in Hawaii

cv67

Build your sbc up way cheaper can make crazy power with one these days
If you DO the swap...go LS3 hands down night and day difference over the LS1. (they arent real fast anyway)

Joe Inama

Go with the most modern. LS1 outdated. Ls3, GM can provide electronics, Plug and play.