engine swaps in a c2
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 468
Likes: 12
From: Pleasant Hill CA
engine swaps in a c2
was wondering if anyone has replaced their engine with a LS 3 chevy engine?? how hard was it? how do u like it? was it worth the trouble to change it out?
i am thinking about putting a LS 3 motor in my car. i like the reliability and the more modern technology in the LS engines. also might consider a 383 stroker
engine but the stroker engine is more old school technology compared to the LS engine. any comments or opinions are appreciated .
i had a 383 stroker engine in my car for the last 13 years and it was a good dependable engine. It finally died on me and i need to find a replacement engine
thanks for any help or comments..
i am thinking about putting a LS 3 motor in my car. i like the reliability and the more modern technology in the LS engines. also might consider a 383 stroker
engine but the stroker engine is more old school technology compared to the LS engine. any comments or opinions are appreciated .
i had a 383 stroker engine in my car for the last 13 years and it was a good dependable engine. It finally died on me and i need to find a replacement engine
thanks for any help or comments..
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 3,983
Likes: 1,610
From: Eastern MA
Hi. The LS3 is your personal choice and it's your car, but in my experience the most reliable engine I ever had was the '74 block 455 I had bored out and then I built from the cam bearings out. I had no "gee I woder if that was right" worries. I knew it was right. There's wonderful books and videos on small and big block Chevys that you'll benefit from as well. I say take the plunge and build one.All you have to do is follow the directions others can provide. Tjese are extremely well known engine, you don't need to be John Ligenfelter. And there's nothing like driving around using the engine you built yourself
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,945
Likes: 1,116
From: Hereford AZ
BK N 66,
It has been done, by many. Level of complexity depends on several variables. I suggest you replace your small block with a blueprint motor or something like that...and if you can afford it, add a holley or similar EFI....
It has been done, by many. Level of complexity depends on several variables. I suggest you replace your small block with a blueprint motor or something like that...and if you can afford it, add a holley or similar EFI....
Racer
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 402
Likes: 142
From: Charlotte NC
the LS line of engines are bullet proof, reliable and make great power with little effort. They are all over the place and have a cult following. There are a ton of companies, books and articles that support the swaps into just about anything.
Go to any LS Fest show and you'll see a million die hard fans of engine swaps with LS engines. Of course an old school small block will go in much easier with no modifications but, you would not be able to turn your ignition key for half a second
in any weather condition and hear the engine start right up. Nor, can you go from 300 hp to 700hp+ on pump gas, sit in traffic with the a/c on and not even smell your exhaust.
Of course, it will be a much bigger project but, the cool factor is off the chart.
Go to any LS Fest show and you'll see a million die hard fans of engine swaps with LS engines. Of course an old school small block will go in much easier with no modifications but, you would not be able to turn your ignition key for half a second
in any weather condition and hear the engine start right up. Nor, can you go from 300 hp to 700hp+ on pump gas, sit in traffic with the a/c on and not even smell your exhaust.
Of course, it will be a much bigger project but, the cool factor is off the chart.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,528
Likes: 1,196
From: Dyer, IN
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,462
Likes: 315
From: Scottsdale AZ
Consider that not one single thing will bolt up wire up plumb up that touches the engine or transmission. You get to invent everything. Bolting up the engine is the easiest part. If you want to spend 10k min. and not use your vette through 4 seasons at least then you will enjoy the engineering challenge.
I like engine swaps but if you're still in a period ish correct engine then there are a world of choices these days that bolt up wire up and plumb up. If i had a basket case car very far gone then i could see it
I like engine swaps but if you're still in a period ish correct engine then there are a world of choices these days that bolt up wire up and plumb up. If i had a basket case car very far gone then i could see it
Last edited by John S 1961; Today at 12:04 AM.
