LTX and LSX Putting LT1s, LS1s, and their variants into Third Gens is becoming more popular. This board is for those who are doing and have done the swaps so they can discuss all of their technical aspects including repairs, swap info, and performance upgrades.

Am I forgetting anything? LS3 Swap

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 18, 2009 | 07:05 PM
  #1  
Ethan91's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Kentucky
Car: 1991 Camaro Z28
Engine: 6.2L LS3 to come
Transmission: 4L60E LVL2 700rwhp
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Am I forgetting anything? LS3 Swap

Is there anything I'm forgetting that I should be warned about when it comes to installing the LS3 in place of the 305 or 350 TPI engine?

Here's all I believe I will need:
1. K members from Hawks
2. LS3 Harness
3. Water pump
4. Belt
5. Plugs and wires
6. 4thgen fuel tank with lines


Is there anything else? Anything that wont hook up correctly?
Reply
Old Sep 18, 2009 | 08:43 PM
  #2  
V8Rumble's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,547
Likes: 0
From: 39.84N 105.11W
Car: '89 Trans Am GTA
Engine: WAS 350 - now L92 (alum. 378/6.2L)
Transmission: WAS 700R4, now a built T56
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9-bolt
Re: Am I forgetting anything? LS3 Swap

Originally Posted by Ethan91
Is there anything I'm forgetting that I should be warned about when it comes to installing the LS3 in place of the 305 or 350 TPI engine?

Here's all I believe I will need:
1. K members from Hawks
2. LS3 Harness
3. Water pump
4. Belt
5. Plugs and wires
6. 4thgen fuel tank with lines


Is there anything else? Anything that wont hook up correctly?
If you're planning on retaining the VVT (like I have), you'll need to retain the same front accessories, so you might need to account for making those fit as well...

I'll post pics of what I've done within the next day or two.
Reply
Old Sep 18, 2009 | 11:38 PM
  #3  
Ethan91's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Kentucky
Car: 1991 Camaro Z28
Engine: 6.2L LS3 to come
Transmission: 4L60E LVL2 700rwhp
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Am I forgetting anything? LS3 Swap

Originally Posted by V8Rumble
If you're planning on retaining the VVT (like I have), you'll need to retain the same front accessories, so you might need to account for making those fit as well...

I'll post pics of what I've done within the next day or two.
Explain this to me like I have no idea what you are talking about lol. I plan on getting everything custom tuned at the Horsepower House so everything will function properly and a bit better.

Also the power steering and AC should hook up with no problems correct?
Reply
Old Sep 18, 2009 | 11:54 PM
  #4  
V8Rumble's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,547
Likes: 0
From: 39.84N 105.11W
Car: '89 Trans Am GTA
Engine: WAS 350 - now L92 (alum. 378/6.2L)
Transmission: WAS 700R4, now a built T56
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9-bolt
Re: Am I forgetting anything? LS3 Swap

OK - if you're wanting to retain the VVT (variable valve timing) function on the LS3 engine, then you'll have to use front accessories* that are compatible with it. You can't use the typical F-body pieces, because they're spaced too close to the front of the engine. So far, that's meant using truck pieces, which mount the alternator really high, and put the top outlet for the water pump right into the drive motor for the throttle body. (I suppose that if you wanted to spend the money, you might be able to buy brand-new 5th-gen Camaro parts, but AFAIK, I don't think that anyone knows how they would fit...)

I've just about gotten it all figured out, but I've got one fairly small piece of the puzzle left to work out. If I can find the piece I want from the junkyards this weekend, I'll know if I have it completely worked out or not...

* "Front accessories" means the water pump & other serpentine-drive stuff like crank pulley, alternator, etc.
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2009 | 02:52 PM
  #5  
Pocket's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
iTrader: (24)
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,117
Likes: 361
From: NC
Car: 91 Trans Am
Re: Am I forgetting anything? LS3 Swap

Here's all I believe I will need:
1. K members from Hawks
2. LS3 Harness
3. Water pump
4. Belt
5. Plugs and wires
6. 4thgen fuel tank with lines
K-member isnt 100% necessary. Some mounts move the engine too far forward for the pan to clear the K-member. This is easily solved with a small notch or hammering. The AC compressor requires another notch if kept in factory LSx location. Several companies offer relocation brackets to move the compressor or even retain the 3rd gen unit in the stock location

Gas tank isnt necessary at all, actually itd be easier if you didnt use it. Benefits are an extra gallon of capacity, built in regulator and correct fuel pump. If you ever plan on changing the fuel pressure this is a bad option as you have to redo quite a bit and the jury is still out on a few things, namely the fuel level sender

The remainder of the items should come with the new engine. If your engine comes from a truck the accessories wont fit the hood or car style intake required for these swaps and must be changed for some type of car setup. Numerous threads show how-to, what parts, and interchanges on TGO and LS1tech

The harness doesnt HAVE to be from the engine you're using. Itd be ideal but cost/availability can sway quite a bit. Be aware the accessory locations, injector connectors, knock sensor locations, and cam sensor location are usually motor specific. They can be changed/moved with little trouble but be aware of the issues
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2009 | 04:07 PM
  #6  
Ethan91's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Kentucky
Car: 1991 Camaro Z28
Engine: 6.2L LS3 to come
Transmission: 4L60E LVL2 700rwhp
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Am I forgetting anything? LS3 Swap

Originally Posted by V8Rumble
OK - if you're wanting to retain the VVT (variable valve timing) function on the LS3 engine, then you'll have to use front accessories* that are compatible with it. You can't use the typical F-body pieces, because they're spaced too close to the front of the engine. So far, that's meant using truck pieces, which mount the alternator really high, and put the top outlet for the water pump right into the drive motor for the throttle body. (I suppose that if you wanted to spend the money, you might be able to buy brand-new 5th-gen Camaro parts, but AFAIK, I don't think that anyone knows how they would fit...)

I've just about gotten it all figured out, but I've got one fairly small piece of the puzzle left to work out. If I can find the piece I want from the junkyards this weekend, I'll know if I have it completely worked out or not...

* "Front accessories" means the water pump & other serpentine-drive stuff like crank pulley, alternator, etc.
I don't see the relation between VVT and front accessories. VVT is an internal action. I also plan on using a Hawks K member to put it exactly where I need it to go. I will be using this LS3 engine with is very very similar to the LS1 in size/shape http://www.jegs.com/i/GM+Performance...01992/10002/-1

Originally Posted by Pocket
K-member isnt 100% necessary. Some mounts move the engine too far forward for the pan to clear the K-member. This is easily solved with a small notch or hammering. The AC compressor requires another notch if kept in factory LSx location. Several companies offer relocation brackets to move the compressor or even retain the 3rd gen unit in the stock location

I dont want to get into cutting/welding/bending, ect. If I use the K member the AC should be fine in its stock location correct?

Gas tank isnt necessary at all, actually itd be easier if you didnt use it. Benefits are an extra gallon of capacity, built in regulator and correct fuel pump. If you ever plan on changing the fuel pressure this is a bad option as you have to redo quite a bit and the jury is still out on a few things, namely the fuel level sender

I thought I had to either change the fuel regulator to get adequate pressure to the new engine? What are the other options I have if I do not use a 4thgen tank set up? The only alternative route I'm aware of is HAwks fuel kit.


The remainder of the items should come with the new engine. If your engine comes from a truck the accessories wont fit the hood or car style intake required for these swaps and must be changed for some type of car setup. Numerous threads show how-to, what parts, and interchanges on TGO and LS1tech

I will need a belt, the water pump comes with the motor


The harness doesnt HAVE to be from the engine you're using. Itd be ideal but cost/availability can sway quite a bit. Be aware the accessory locations, injector connectors, knock sensor locations, and cam sensor location are usually motor specific. They can be changed/moved with little trouble but be aware of the issues

This is something I have consider for some time, but in the end I'm just going to save some time and fork out the extra cash for a LS3 ECU and Harness. 900 bucks



So the cruise control, driveshafts, power steering, ect should all work fine?
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2009 | 04:51 PM
  #7  
V8Rumble's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,547
Likes: 0
From: 39.84N 105.11W
Car: '89 Trans Am GTA
Engine: WAS 350 - now L92 (alum. 378/6.2L)
Transmission: WAS 700R4, now a built T56
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9-bolt
Re: Am I forgetting anything? LS3 Swap

Originally Posted by Ethan91
I don't see the relation between VVT and front accessories. VVT is an internal action.
Not entirely - it uses oil passages to alter the timing relationship between the cam & the crankshaft, but it requires the (VVT-specific) front cover, which won't work with LS-series F-body front accessories -primarily the water pump & crank pulley- because it's thicker. (You've gotta find room for the extra solenoids & oil passages somewhere, right??)

If this was EASY, everyone would be doing it!
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2009 | 06:13 PM
  #8  
Ethan91's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Kentucky
Car: 1991 Camaro Z28
Engine: 6.2L LS3 to come
Transmission: 4L60E LVL2 700rwhp
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Am I forgetting anything? LS3 Swap

Why isnt this in any of the write ups? Are you sure it's not just because you are using the L92? I though if the K member was purchased it put everything where it needed to be.

I want to do things right, but what would happen if I didnt retain the VVT and could it be electronically fixed by messing with the ECU?

Anybody can answer this. Actually I would prefer a few more people chime in since this is the firtst time I've heard about VVT complications .
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2009 | 06:58 PM
  #9  
V8Rumble's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,547
Likes: 0
From: 39.84N 105.11W
Car: '89 Trans Am GTA
Engine: WAS 350 - now L92 (alum. 378/6.2L)
Transmission: WAS 700R4, now a built T56
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9-bolt
Re: Am I forgetting anything? LS3 Swap

Originally Posted by Ethan91
Why isnt this in any of the write ups?
I thought that it was, but it's been a while since I've looked at em - it's in a LOT of different threads though... :shrug:

Originally Posted by Ethan91
Are you sure it's not just because you are using the L92?
Yep.

Originally Posted by Ethan91
I though if the K member was purchased it put everything where it needed to be.
Buying a tubular K-member primarily helps you with the A/C - it makes it so that you don't need to notch the stock unit to fit the compressor in the stock location. But unless I'm wrong, I'm pretty sure that the tubular units mount the engine in the same location as the stock K-member does.

(Of course a tubular K-member helps with weight as well...)

Originally Posted by Ethan91
I want to do things right, but what would happen if I didnt retain the VVT and could it be electronically fixed by messing with the ECU?
Yep - most people do that. You'd want to change the front cover out for one from a non-VVT engine - then you could run the stock LS-series F-body accessories, & it would be like any other LS swap into a thirdgen...

Of course you'd also want to run a non-VVT tune in the ECM as well.

Originally Posted by Ethan91
Anybody can answer this. Actually I would prefer a few more people chime in since this is the first time I've heard about VVT complications .
Yeah, it's definitely better to have a variety of feedback...
Reply
Old Sep 20, 2009 | 12:01 PM
  #10  
Ethan91's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Kentucky
Car: 1991 Camaro Z28
Engine: 6.2L LS3 to come
Transmission: 4L60E LVL2 700rwhp
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Am I forgetting anything? LS3 Swap

Dont hold me to this, because I'm not sure it's 100% correct.

Here is what I've been reading:

L92- This engine came in an Escalade or a Denali. VVT was equipped on these engines because they were designed to be more luxurious than performance vehicles. VVT has allowed these engines to achieve greater MPG with the cost of loosing a bit of torque and HP.

LS3-This engine ame in an Corvette or Camaro. This engine was designed for performance. VVT was not equiiped on this engine because its consumers would tather have the small increase in torque and HP than the added fuel economy.



I emailed my Jegs guy to verify if the LS3 is or isnt equipped with VVT for confirmation.
Reply
Old Sep 21, 2009 | 09:12 PM
  #11  
V8Rumble's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,547
Likes: 0
From: 39.84N 105.11W
Car: '89 Trans Am GTA
Engine: WAS 350 - now L92 (alum. 378/6.2L)
Transmission: WAS 700R4, now a built T56
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9-bolt
Re: Am I forgetting anything? LS3 Swap

Hi Ethan,

Looks like I was mistaken - the LS3 does NOT have VVT, the other SS Camaro engine (the L99) is the one that has it. (I'd forgotten that they're using different engines for automatic & manual cars.) I apologize for getting you all concerned about nothing, it looks like you're just going to have a "normal" LS swap to deal with.

Sorry about the mix-up, but maybe you'll appreciate this cutaway LS3 image (as you can see, it has a normal upper timing gear, rather than the cam phaser setup)...


Good luck with the swap, post lots of pics!!
Reply
Old Sep 22, 2009 | 12:26 PM
  #12  
Ethan91's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Kentucky
Car: 1991 Camaro Z28
Engine: 6.2L LS3 to come
Transmission: 4L60E LVL2 700rwhp
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Am I forgetting anything? LS3 Swap

Haha no problem. My Jegs guy just got back to me with an email too. No VVT, that's some weight off my shoulders.
Reply
Old Sep 23, 2009 | 01:12 PM
  #13  
Ethan91's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Kentucky
Car: 1991 Camaro Z28
Engine: 6.2L LS3 to come
Transmission: 4L60E LVL2 700rwhp
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Am I forgetting anything? LS3 Swap

Does the gas pedal have to be changed? I've seen some threads that mention it and others that dont.
Reply
Old Sep 23, 2009 | 03:30 PM
  #14  
Pocket's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
iTrader: (24)
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,117
Likes: 361
From: NC
Car: 91 Trans Am
Re: Am I forgetting anything? LS3 Swap

DBW needs an electronic throttle pedal
DBC reuses stock
Reply
Old Sep 23, 2009 | 04:27 PM
  #15  
Shift06's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 807
Likes: 2
From: Ontario, Canada
Car: 1991 Trans Am GTA
Engine: LSX (swapping)
Transmission: 4L60E (swapping)
Axle/Gears: 2.73 Posi 10 Bolt
Re: Am I forgetting anything? LS3 Swap

Yeah just use a regular cable operated throttle body if you don't wanna mess around with drive by wire (electronic gas pedal )
Reply
Old Sep 23, 2009 | 05:10 PM
  #16  
Ethan91's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Kentucky
Car: 1991 Camaro Z28
Engine: 6.2L LS3 to come
Transmission: 4L60E LVL2 700rwhp
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Am I forgetting anything? LS3 Swap

So is this optional do I have a choice to drive by wire or cable?
Reply
Old Sep 23, 2009 | 05:59 PM
  #17  
Shift06's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 807
Likes: 2
From: Ontario, Canada
Car: 1991 Trans Am GTA
Engine: LSX (swapping)
Transmission: 4L60E (swapping)
Axle/Gears: 2.73 Posi 10 Bolt
Re: Am I forgetting anything? LS3 Swap

It all depends on the throttle body that you use. DBW (Drive By Wire) throttle bodies came on trucks and vettes I believe. They are electronically controlled. Thus you have to change the gas pedal. Cable operated throttle bodies were stock for fbodies and you can use your stock regular pedal with it. You'll have to get a 4th gen Non TCS throttle cable to make it work though.
Reply
Old Sep 23, 2009 | 06:10 PM
  #18  
Ethan91's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Kentucky
Car: 1991 Camaro Z28
Engine: 6.2L LS3 to come
Transmission: 4L60E LVL2 700rwhp
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Am I forgetting anything? LS3 Swap

Ok, I gotcha
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
SiCkRs
Members Camaros
32
Jul 1, 2018 04:53 AM
3rd gen money
Tech / General Engine
5
Sep 8, 2015 11:40 PM
Trickskier
LTX and LSX
2
Aug 29, 2015 01:12 PM
cougar20th
Body
2
Aug 27, 2015 08:04 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:27 PM.