91 camaro ls3 swap
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From: Illinois
Car: 91 z
Axle/Gears: moser 9"
91 camaro ls3 swap
Hey guys. Well i have been working on this project for a while now I decided it was time to let everyone else in on it. For the sake of open criticism, suggestions, help, or whatever you see that i did wrong. Lets start with the car. Its a 91 z28 that has 30,000 original miles Fully caged (12 point), x-brace subframe connectors, And many other susspension mods. I finaly decided i was going to do this car what it deserved and went and bought a ls3 crate engine. As you can see by the pics i installed a lg motorsports g6x3 cam, and ati underdrive pulley. I also purchased the spohn performance tubular k-member and coil over kit. I painted everything in the engine compartment and just installed the engine over the weekend. Let me know what you guys think. Thanks tim.
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From: Northern Utah
Car: seeking '90.5-'92 'bird hardtop
Engine: several
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Re: 91 camaro ls3 swap
Did you upgrade the pushrods? The valvesprings? The retainers? What about the rod "bolts"? (capscrews) and are you a member of www.ls1tech.com?
Joined: Mar 2000
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From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: L92/LQ4 (both w/4" stroke)
Transmission: 4L80E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
Welcome aboard thirdgen.org.
Since this is an LSx swap, I moved it to that subforum.
(Personally, I view membership on ls1tech to be more of a necessary evil than anything else. . .
)
Since this is an LSx swap, I moved it to that subforum.
(Personally, I view membership on ls1tech to be more of a necessary evil than anything else. . .
) On Probation
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From: Northern Utah
Car: seeking '90.5-'92 'bird hardtop
Engine: several
Transmission: none
Axle/Gears: none
Re: 91 camaro ls3 swap
I agree. To be accepted over there, you have to be competing for the most power ever seen from an LS. They only help you choose way too much cam, more than you'll be happy with.
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From: Illinois
Car: 91 z
Axle/Gears: moser 9"
Re: 91 camaro ls3 swap
Yes im on ls1 tech. I did upgrade everything but rod bolts. Personally i did a bunch of research on cams. And there are alot of happy people with the g6x3 cam. Not to mention its a proven power maker. I drove my buddys new vette with it and driveability was great. He is putting 482 rwhp cam header swap alone. Also im young i have no problem with a little surging. My buddy also owns a speeed shop and we have a real good tuner.
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From: Northern Utah
Car: seeking '90.5-'92 'bird hardtop
Engine: several
Transmission: none
Axle/Gears: none
Re: 91 camaro ls3 swap
I wasn't saying the g6x3 is too much. If you don't upgrade the rod bolts, then don't go over 6600 rpm.
Re: 91 camaro ls3 swap
I agree. To be accepted over there, you have to be competing for the most power ever seen from an LS. They only help you choose way too much cam, more than you'll be happy with.

My swap barely got a whooptie-doo
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From: So Cal
Car: 87 IROC-Z
Engine: LsX
Transmission: MN12 6speed
Axle/Gears: 3:42
Re: 91 camaro ls3 swap
Yes im on ls1 tech. I did upgrade everything but rod bolts. Personally i did a bunch of research on cams. And there are alot of happy people with the g6x3 cam. Not to mention its a proven power maker. I drove my buddys new vette with it and driveability was great. He is putting 482 rwhp cam header swap alone. Also im young i have no problem with a little surging. My buddy also owns a speeed shop and we have a real good tuner.
post some more pics.!
what harness did you use?
Re: 91 camaro ls3 swap
I've got the ls3, cam only, NW T.B., and headers on E-85 fuel put down 507 @ 6300.
You'll be happy.
As far as the LS1tech guys... Those guys have NO idea. It's a lot of fun to play with true ls cars, as we "turd gener's" have a weight advantage, and will some good power you can walk all over them. A buddy just sent his 2010 SS back to Livernoise Motorsports to get the head cam package to his already magnacharged car. I was able to slightly pull on him up top while still sucking my own air.
YOUR GONNA LOVE IT!!!!
You'll be happy. As far as the LS1tech guys... Those guys have NO idea. It's a lot of fun to play with true ls cars, as we "turd gener's" have a weight advantage, and will some good power you can walk all over them. A buddy just sent his 2010 SS back to Livernoise Motorsports to get the head cam package to his already magnacharged car. I was able to slightly pull on him up top while still sucking my own air.
YOUR GONNA LOVE IT!!!!
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From: Readsboro, VT
Car: 85 IROC-Z / 88 GTA
Engine: 403 LSx (Pending) / 355 Tuned Port
Transmission: T56 Magnum (Pending) / T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42 / ?
Re: 91 camaro ls3 swap
There's a tremendous amount of knowledge on LS1tech... it's just like any other forum (including this one) in that you just need to shovel the BS out of the way to get to the helpful information. Like this site, once you learn who to trust, there is a lot of good knowledge that can be gathered.
Re: 91 camaro ls3 swap
Ive learned to do a search for specific info. If 3-4 threads agree and the OP finished the thread with and "its fixed", its probably correct. Otherwise, keep looking
This thread comes to mind. Notice how everyone thinks they're defective until one person says they're fine then everyone agrees. Baaaaaaa
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/genera...pped-pics.html
This thread comes to mind. Notice how everyone thinks they're defective until one person says they're fine then everyone agrees. Baaaaaaa
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/genera...pped-pics.html
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 120
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From: Illinois
Car: 91 z
Axle/Gears: moser 9"
Re: 91 camaro ls3 swap
As for the wiring harness i am using the gm conversion swap harness. The wheel wells are undercoated with 3m undercoating. For prep work i used grease and wax remover with a scotch brite pad. I know i will be satisfied with the cam. Im hoping to be about 480 rwhp with motor alone. I also have a 100 hp shot on top of that. Ill attach some pictures of the car for you guys. -Tim
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,187
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From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: L92/LQ4 (both w/4" stroke)
Transmission: 4L80E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
{Sorry about turning your thread into a tech.com roast. It won't happen again.}
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From: So Cal
Car: 87 IROC-Z
Engine: LsX
Transmission: MN12 6speed
Axle/Gears: 3:42
Re: 91 camaro ls3 swap
I've got the ls3, cam only, NW T.B., and headers on E-85 fuel put down 507 @ 6300.
You'll be happy.
As far as the LS1tech guys... Those guys have NO idea. It's a lot of fun to play with true ls cars, as we "turd gener's" have a weight advantage, and will some good power you can walk all over them. A buddy just sent his 2010 SS back to Livernoise Motorsports to get the head cam package to his already magnacharged car. I was able to slightly pull on him up top while still sucking my own air.
YOUR GONNA LOVE IT!!!!
You'll be happy. As far as the LS1tech guys... Those guys have NO idea. It's a lot of fun to play with true ls cars, as we "turd gener's" have a weight advantage, and will some good power you can walk all over them. A buddy just sent his 2010 SS back to Livernoise Motorsports to get the head cam package to his already magnacharged car. I was able to slightly pull on him up top while still sucking my own air.
YOUR GONNA LOVE IT!!!!
any vids?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Illinois
Car: 91 z
Axle/Gears: moser 9"
Re: 91 camaro ls3 swap
Just installed my hawks 1 3/4" headers. Has anyone had any problems with the #3 cylinder plug wire touching the header? If so what have you done about it. That is the only one that i have a issue with.
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Crestview, FL.
Car: 1989 IROC-Z, 1979 Malibu Classic
Engine: LSx 5.3
Transmission: MN12 6-speed, 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 4th gen 3.42
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Illinois
Car: 91 z
Axle/Gears: moser 9"
Re: 91 camaro ls3 swap
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From: In the Garage
Car: Camaro
Engine: 6.2L
Transmission: T56
Re: 91 camaro ls3 swap
Clean looking swap Tim congrats!! Your gonna love that thing when its done thats for sure.
Agreed with Jims comments above about tech. Great site you just have to weed through the junk
Agreed with Jims comments above about tech. Great site you just have to weed through the junk
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From: Illinois
Car: 91 z
Axle/Gears: moser 9"
Re: 91 camaro ls3 swap
I know this has been talked about and i have searched. But what would be the best power steering and radiator hoses to use. Cleanest install look.
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From: San Antonio
Car: 1981 Camaro; 1986 Z28
Engine: LT1; LT1
Transmission: 6 speed; 6 speed
Axle/Gears: 3.73; 3.42
Re: 91 camaro ls3 swap
Very nice. If I didn't have so many damn cars I would love to do this instead of my LT1.
Re: 91 camaro ls3 swap
Thats a really clean engine bay
Rad hoses depend on the rad. Assuming you got a V8 or aftermarket with the stock hose locations you use a 93-95 3.4L V6 Fbody upper hose and a 90 Ford F250 7.5L lower hose. Upper fits perfect, lower needs some length trimmed off both ends. Pics in my swap thread
4th gen Fbody PS lines work perfect with the 4th gen PS pump. You're not using the Fbody stuff, so custom may be your only option. High pressure stainless lines for the aftermarket touch or go to NAPA/hydraulic company for custom bent lines. Remember the PS pump peaks around 1200psi so be sure your hose is rated for that
Rad hoses depend on the rad. Assuming you got a V8 or aftermarket with the stock hose locations you use a 93-95 3.4L V6 Fbody upper hose and a 90 Ford F250 7.5L lower hose. Upper fits perfect, lower needs some length trimmed off both ends. Pics in my swap thread
4th gen Fbody PS lines work perfect with the 4th gen PS pump. You're not using the Fbody stuff, so custom may be your only option. High pressure stainless lines for the aftermarket touch or go to NAPA/hydraulic company for custom bent lines. Remember the PS pump peaks around 1200psi so be sure your hose is rated for that
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,258
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From: O'Fallon, MO
Car: 1991 Z28 convertible built 3/1/1990
Engine: Cammed 6.0L LSX
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: custom Ford 8.8", 4.10 gears
Re: 91 camaro ls3 swap
I'm quite envious of this swap 
I love your car, everything about it. I really want to paint mine next spring so it looks as show worthy as yours does in the pictures.

I love your car, everything about it. I really want to paint mine next spring so it looks as show worthy as yours does in the pictures.
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Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Illinois
Car: 91 z
Axle/Gears: moser 9"
Re: 91 camaro ls3 swap
Thanks pocket for the radiator hose numbers. If im correct the 4th gen power steering pump location is very similar to where I have mine located. And thanks bluezee i appreciate the compliments.
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Middle of MI
Car: 1989 Trans Am GTA
Engine: Stock LS1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9 bolt
Re: 91 camaro ls3 swap
you could also use cool flex hoses for the swap too. I have the V6 upper and am very happy. The lower never seemed to fit quite right, so I just got one for the lower. This will allow me to get better routing (the lower hits/rubs the idler arm) and no worries about replacment in the future.
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Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Illinois
Car: 91 z
Axle/Gears: moser 9"
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 757
Likes: 10
From: Middle of MI
Car: 1989 Trans Am GTA
Engine: Stock LS1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9 bolt
Re: 91 camaro ls3 swap
I got the ford lower, and no matter how I tried, I couldn't get the thing to fit right. I don't know what hose is on it now, it's one that fit, imperfectly, but better than the ford one.
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 757
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From: Middle of MI
Car: 1989 Trans Am GTA
Engine: Stock LS1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9 bolt
Re: 91 camaro ls3 swap
I don't remember if I did or not, I don't think I ever found how much to trim off, or that both ends need to be trimmed. either way, if I remember
, I'll see what I can do for taking some pics of my install. It really depends on when I get around to flushing out the coolant again.
, I'll see what I can do for taking some pics of my install. It really depends on when I get around to flushing out the coolant again. Thread Starter
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From: Illinois
Car: 91 z
Axle/Gears: moser 9"
Re: 91 camaro ls3 swap
I am not happy with the ford f 250 hose at all. I could get it to clear everything but the hose end are to big. I am trying to do a very clean install and do not want to run worm clamps!!! Or a flexable hose. There has to be a better fitting hose than that out there.
Re: 91 camaro ls3 swap
Where it slide over the Ford waterpump should be about 1/4" too big for the LS1 WP. The middle section should be uniform and the proper size for the LS1 WP. Cut the fat section off and all should be well. You trim 4" from the WP side and 1 1/2" from the rad side IIRC. Worm clamps are the standard attachment method. You shouldnt be squeezing the ID of the hose smaller, only clamping it to the pump so it doesnt fall off
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Car: 91 z
Axle/Gears: moser 9"
Re: 91 camaro ls3 swap
Where it slide over the Ford waterpump should be about 1/4" too big for the LS1 WP. The middle section should be uniform and the proper size for the LS1 WP. Cut the fat section off and all should be well. You trim 4" from the WP side and 1 1/2" from the rad side IIRC. Worm clamps are the standard attachment method. You shouldnt be squeezing the ID of the hose smaller, only clamping it to the pump so it doesnt fall off


Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 533
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From: Crestview, FL.
Car: 1989 IROC-Z, 1979 Malibu Classic
Engine: LSx 5.3
Transmission: MN12 6-speed, 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 4th gen 3.42
Re: 91 camaro ls3 swap
I'm not sure what radiator you're using but I have the LT1 radiator and I was able to use the LS1 lower radiator hose. All I had to do was cut about an inch or less off the side that goes to the radiator so it would not be touching the idler arm.
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From: Illinois
Car: 91 z
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Re: 91 camaro ls3 swap
Im using a aluminum replacement (third-gen) radiator. So sadly that will not work for me. Thanks though.
Re: 91 camaro ls3 swap
Ya i did that pocket. But looking at your pictrure closely it looks like it is folding over just a bit on the right side. The hose is to big on both sides. There is no way it is going to fit correctly. No other suggestions???
Only tried and true method that always works is a metal flex hose. They dont look so good though
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From: Illinois
Car: 91 z
Axle/Gears: moser 9"
Re: 91 camaro ls3 swap
I ended up using the fourth Gen hose. A little die electric grease to help with the install. By far the best looking and best fitting hose. Ill attach some pics later. This week in going to try and tackle my custom intake.
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: O'Fallon, MO
Car: 1991 Z28 convertible built 3/1/1990
Engine: Cammed 6.0L LSX
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: custom Ford 8.8", 4.10 gears
Re: 91 camaro ls3 swap
That does look pretty good. I am using the Ford F350 hose on mine and it is working great too though.
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From: Illinois
Car: 91 z
Axle/Gears: moser 9"
Re: 91 camaro ls3 swap
Working on custom four inch Aluminum intake setup. Looking good so far. I will post pictures of this and my nitrous plate later today.








