LS3 Help
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Texas
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 82' Z28 Crossfire
Engine: 305
Transmission: Turbo 350
Axle/Gears: 3.42
LS3 Help
Alright, I'm rounding up the money to do a LS3(5.3) or LS2(5.3)/4l60e or 4l80e swap. But I am stepping into a whole entire new realm for me, because personally i've been an old block kinda guy with a carb on top. I'm curious what needs to be done to upgrade one of these motors, I believe the cam is same idea, but what would be a good cam? (I have a .460 lift in my 305) and after upgrading that what else needs to be done? ALSO are the transmissions too much work to make fit? Should I just find a 700R4 and put a shift kit in it? What all fabrication needs to be done?
Thanks guys.
Thanks guys.
#2
COTM Editor
![](https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/images/ranks/tgo10.gif)
iTrader: (22)
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 9,952
Likes: 0
Received 1,880 Likes
on
1,284 Posts
Car: '89 Firebird
Engine: 7.0L
Transmission: T56
Re: LS3 Help
Back up a few steps for a minute. There is a LS3, a LS2, and a 5.3L of various generations. None of these are the same. What vehicle is the engine coming from that you are considering?
#3
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Texas
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 82' Z28 Crossfire
Engine: 305
Transmission: Turbo 350
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: LS3 Help
Oh man I probably sound like a moron, I promise I'm not (last motor was 69 350 lol) I'm planning on pulling from an 01ish silverado. I thought the 5.3 in them was a base LS motor (also know for sure I don't want aluminum and I'm 75% sure it's not in the trucks)
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Detroit, MI
Posts: 939
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1987 IROC-Z red t-top
Engine: Nothing much
Transmission: I wish t56
Axle/Gears: 9bolt 3.27 4sale
Re: LS3 Help
5.3/6.0 has various of names same for the 6.2l 350s etc. The thing about LS swaps thats not from a 4th gen u will pick up the price on the swap. I got my 06 LQ4 for 200 but I need all the accessories from a f body and the oil pan as well. Harness and pcm, intake trans etc. And if u don't know a cheap source it can cost 2500 or more. Do some more homework look for deals and read up.
#5
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Texas
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 82' Z28 Crossfire
Engine: 305
Transmission: Turbo 350
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: LS3 Help
5.3/6.0 has various of names same for the 6.2l 350s etc. The thing about LS swaps thats not from a 4th gen u will pick up the price on the swap. I got my 06 LQ4 for 200 but I need all the accessories from a f body and the oil pan as well. Harness and pcm, intake trans etc. And if u don't know a cheap source it can cost 2500 or more. Do some more homework look for deals and read up.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Detroit, MI
Posts: 939
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1987 IROC-Z red t-top
Engine: Nothing much
Transmission: I wish t56
Axle/Gears: 9bolt 3.27 4sale
Re: LS3 Help
Yes u can. But ls1 t56 drop outs are 2500-4500. So many ppl go the cheaper route with a 4.8,5.3,6.0 truck engine because they can be had for 1200 or less. U dont want to run a 700r4 it's a basic swap but a 4lxxe trans bolts right up plug and play. 4l60e is pretty much the same thing (cost the same to build).
#7
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Texas
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 82' Z28 Crossfire
Engine: 305
Transmission: Turbo 350
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: LS3 Help
Yes u can. But ls1 t56 drop outs are 2500-4500. So many ppl go the cheaper route with a 4.8,5.3,6.0 truck engine because they can be had for 1200 or less. U dont want to run a 700r4 it's a basic swap but a 4lxxe trans bolts right up plug and play. 4l60e is pretty much the same thing (cost the same to build).
Trending Topics
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Detroit, MI
Posts: 939
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1987 IROC-Z red t-top
Engine: Nothing much
Transmission: I wish t56
Axle/Gears: 9bolt 3.27 4sale
Re: LS3 Help
K member mod (clearance for the oil pan. If u want to run tge ls1 ac u have to notch the k member. Or u can buy a tubular k member (my route). New cross member, motor mounts. All these things can be bought for simple plug and play.
#9
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Texas
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 82' Z28 Crossfire
Engine: 305
Transmission: Turbo 350
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: LS3 Help
Did you run the ac? If so how much did the fab cost you? As in k member and crossmember.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Detroit, MI
Posts: 939
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1987 IROC-Z red t-top
Engine: Nothing much
Transmission: I wish t56
Axle/Gears: 9bolt 3.27 4sale
Re: LS3 Help
Cross member depends on the route. 100 bucks to 560. The ac k member notch u can buy from hawks 3rd gen. Im not running AC and I will buy a k member
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
gixxer92
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
9
05-18-2017 11:20 AM
ambainb
Camaros for Sale
11
04-25-2016 09:21 PM
efiguy
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
0
09-27-2015 01:30 PM