Hey guys, first thanks for such a great third gen resource site. I have been cruising this web site for years, and have been a third gen fan since I was 12 years old. I am finally going to be in a position financially to start my dream project third gen. The car I want to build will look like this attachment. I would like to do the gm connect and cruise ls3/4l60 combo with a 9" rear. I need some help with a parts list though, so I came to the experts. I plan on purchasing a tubular k-member and the correct support for the trans. I will use ls1 front drive accessories. The way I understand it, the p/s pump will be fine to use, and I must use 4th gen return and feed. I am not what you would call mechanically inclined. The deepest Ive been in a motor is pulling push rods, but I want to learn. I chose this combo for the simplicity, no tuning, no wire harness to splice ect. I am also going to run aftermarket gauges to ease things up a bit as well. Im hoping as I get into this project you guys can really guide me in the right direction while I learn from your wisdom.

I need help with the following items (so far lol)
1) What ac comp and lines do i need, or do I need to take all of the 4th items (comp, accumulator, hoses, condenser)?
2) What about a drive shaft? 4th gen shaft work? Custom?
3) Will i need to redo the entire fuel system? I know I need a pump for sure.
4) I understand this engine is a bit lighter and may raise the front 1" , if my car is lowered 1.5" already, how would I make up that extra inch?
5) Will I be able to use the exhaust manifolds on the ls3?

Thanks for any help guys, Im going to need it

1) I'm retaining the 3rd gen HVAC box on the firewall, and replacing the heater core and evaporator. You're already in there might as well replace those things and give it a good cleaning to avoid and bad smells. Use the 4th gen LS AC compressor (which will require you to notch the factory K-member, but you're going tubular so you're all good there). Replace your accumulator with an R134 unit, this is a must. The best option and the one I'm going with is a parallel-flow condenser. Because the R134 doesn't cool as efficiently as R12, the condenser will make up for that. Lines have to be custom made, but it's not that big of a deal. You'll need an AC block for the compressor that'll allow the lines to exit from the top of the compressor. Then it's just a matter of, sealing, vacuuming, and charging with refrigerant. Then it's a simple AC request to the PCM, and you're set. Plan ahead and all will go smoothly.

2) Stock shaft will work fine, but you can't beat on it. 4th gen is the same and will work. I have a 3" chromoly shaft from Strange Engineering. I also have a 9" like you're planning so spend the $300 on a good shaft and never worry about it again.

3) For the fuel system, most people use the 'vette filter/regulator and a Warlbro pump. This filter will give you the fuel return line you'll need. The GM part number is 10299146, AC Delco #GF822 And you can also get it from a lot of chain parts stores. It is the fuel filter for a 1999-2003 corvette. A lot of people like myself havw a 99-02 4th gen plastic tank. It makes things a little easier, saves weight, but needs a new fuel level sender.






4) The word around here is to cut 1/2 of a coil off.

5) Not sure about the LS3 manifolds, but only Hawks currently sells long tubes. Any other LT header will require major surgery. 98-02 4th gen manifolds work very well. I have a pair of '99 manifolds for sale too!

The sticky has all the answers too:

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/ltx-...third-gen.html

Hello cooper1965! Just curious did you ever get started on your project? Would be interested to hear your experience with LS3 Connect and Cruise. Thanx.

I would like to hear also. I am in the planning stages of a ls3/4l70e swap.