LS engine conversion for my camaro

[gui67]

I am considering replacing the original sbc block on my turbocharged camaro before I break it:
it is the original 2 bolt, small journal block of 327, with a 383 stroker cast crank and hypereuthectic piston. it was not designed for a turbochager at the beginning, and I think it will break in some way sooner or later.
I would like to use a LS engine and a small budget. I was looking for used 6.0 vortec engines, but it is very difficult to find here in Europe.
However, 5.3 engines are easier to find, I could buy a complete one for 1800€, with 45000miles. used LS engines from corvette are more then 4000€ but I don't want to spend so much on a used engine

how good are these engines? I know the block is very strong.
My plan was to strock the engine to have ~370-400 ci, use forged pistons, stock heads (from LS or 6.0 engine). to have ~650-750HP
Is this doable with a 5.3? Or should I wait till I find a 6.0 (if I ever manage to find one here)?
The turbo is a 6765 billet from Precision Turbo. for the moment I limit the boost to 8 PSI in order not to arm the engine but I would like to increase it to 15PSI or a bit more.

[meenaggie]

Are there import restrictions on engines into France? If not, I recommend buying one from US and having it shipped. I see several people on this forum in the Europe buying parts (and complete cars) from the US and having them shipped via ocean freight to Europe. Just a thought if you are really looking for a deal.

[gui67]

No, there are no import restrictions, but the cost of a complete new engine + shipping and taxes would be a bit too high in my opinion. However, I should compare the complete costs of an engine comming from theUS and an engine assembled here with all the parts purchased and shipped separately.

Is the 5.3 a good performance engine, or should I wait a bit more to buy a 6.0 or aluminium LS engine?

[gui67]

If I use a 5.3 or 6.0 used engine, what parts should be changed for that power level: 800HP to have some margin.
block should be OK
cranck?
I think rods and pistons should be replaced
valves too with the springs
new cam

[ProdigyCustoms]

The weak link on a LS engine to the mid 650s HP / 700HPs and up is the head bolts.......or lack there of head bolts. Weather your going to boost it or spray it with NOS, soon as you put enough to it to push past 700ish, 750ish, your in danger of lifting heads. Sure there are stories of 1000HP pump gas LS engines out there, but one dyno pass or drag strip run does not a reliable combination make. And if your beating on it constantly you likely to see problems. The answer? A very expensive 6 bolt block and heads from MAST, RHS or the likes?

I would not do a 5.3 for a 650 to 750 HP goal. It would take more then 8PSI so lifting heads is a strong possibility and detonation is likely also and then fuel would become a issue.

What octane is available in France anyway?

A 6.0 would be a perfect choice, most truck engines are a point lower in compression which is even better for forced induction allowing more boost. Not sure about shipping and import duties going into France, but we have a couple brand new 6.0s available cheap. Like under $4k cheap. For a budget forced induction application are perfect.

[gui67]

Thanks for your advices Franck. Do you have experience shipping engines to Europe? an idea how much it would cost?

We have 93 octane available nearly everywhere, but I plan to switch to E85 due to the price and octane rating. (I already use megasquit ECU on the 383 SBC and plan to use it also on the LS engine)
I don't think detonation would be a problem: I would need to change pistons to forged ones for forced induction, so I could lower the compression ratio. I also have water injection which would help avoid detonation.

the 6.0 you have: what are the pistons...: all original or some parts alredy changed to support boost?
When I said budget: I prefer to spend a bit more today to have a reliable engine: new cam, new forged pistons, new stainless steel valves+... everything needed in rder not to have any reliability problem have no need to open the block later.
But I don't want overkill parts: 2k$ heads, forged crank, lsx block...
The application will be mainly street with some days on the track.
Could new ARP head studs care for the heads lifting?

[neki67]

Qui,

I have options for you to transport a LS engine from Southern California to the Dutch/Belgium border for approx. €300,-. Besides the shipping costs you also have to pay for import and sales taxes (5.5 and 19% from the top of my head) once it arrives in Rotterdam. We (my friend Ton and I) can/will do all that for you so you only have to pick it up or we can even arrange transport to your door for you. PM me if you're interested.

FYI; I'm the guy that pointed you in the direction of the 4L80e´s here in the NL.
FYI 2; I also bought an engine from Frank last year and had him ship it to SoCal for me (@ $300,- if I recall correctly).

[ProdigyCustoms]

The 6.0 is a brand new stock engine with factory pistons and stock cam, all GM stock.

If you want a forged piston motor I have brand new LS3 long blocks we add forged pistons and prodigy Power cams for $5800! Those are full compression pistons, I could do one with lower compression pistons for a couple hundred more. This engine would already have a upgraded Prodigy Power natural aspirated cam in it. I could do a turbo specific cam for no additional cost.

[gui67]

Yes, René, I remember your advice for the 4L80, and I am very happy with it: I bought 2 transmissions to the guy you sent me to: 800€ for 2 4L80e (one had no 4th gear but that was not a problem as we rebuilt both of them) That was a very good price.

300$ is very cheap for the shipping of an engine, I don't have to look in Europe then with such a low shipping cost.
I first have to determine exactly what I need for my setup, decide where to buy the engine with the right parts assembled, then check that I have enough money(I have just bought a house and I have some work on it, so the budget is tight for the moment).
but then I will recontact you for the import.
Thank you very much for your help:cheers:

Will you go to events in Germany or belgium this spring, I would be very happy to meet you and see your car.
Guillaume

[neki67]

Well, you know where/how to find me!

We have a 40/45ft container approx. every 3 months. You need any oversized/heavy items (or car, bike, boat, etc.) from the US and we can take care of it for you.

I also know a couple of new 6.0 truck engines (cast iron block and heads) for € 3600,- here in the Netherlands.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/Vortec364-1.jpg

Don't have anything planned in Belgium but we do have an event planned on July 9 in the South of the Netherlands near the Belgium border. It's at a (reserve) NAVO air force base and therefore you need to apply for it. They will screen you and if/when everything is OK your welcome. Later this year I'm planning on going over to the Nurburgring. Perhaps Zolder and/or Francorchamps but I don't think I will find time to do them this year.

Later,
René

[gui67]

Thanks René,
I will let you know in case I need to import an engine or a car.

But for the moment, As I am buying a house, I prefer not to spend too much money on a new engine: as I will also have to buy new headers, mounts, oil pan... the bill will be expensive. I found a 5.3 engine just near my place for 1000€, I think I will buy it and upgrade pistons, rod, rod bolts, head bolts, oil pump.
What else should be replaced in your opinion when rebuilding a ls engine with a turbo?

[neki67]

Sorry for the late reply.

It all depends on the amount of boost you're planning to throw at it. The mods you mention should be fine for moderate boost. Proper cam profile will also make or break the set up.

I would like to suggest you also check out ls1tech.com/forum.

[gui67]

As I prefer to keep the budget low for the moment as I just bought a house with some work, I decided to go see the 5.3 motor.
It was just 50km from my house, it is a 2003 from a Silverado the seller has 2: he will keep one to put in a drag car with a turbocharger too.
I decided to buy one and he also proposed a LS1 cam for 60€ which is a good cam I believe to replace the stock 5.3 cam.

The engine is sold without the starter, alternaror ans power steering pump.
For the alternator, Powermastezr sells a pulley for the 6 groove belt, so I might be able to use the alternator I already have and make a custon bracket.

For the power steering pump, I have no idea what to use and where to buy it, and what to do for the bracket: is it possible to build it without buying a high $ bracket?

for the starter, is it possible to use a SBC starter? I just replaced mine with a powermaster, it would be nice if I could use it on this new engine.

[gui67]

It seems the starter could be OK if the flexplate has the same number of teeth. I will try.

Would a Corvette accessories bracket fit the camaro without notching the frame?

[gui67]

I saw on CFster GTOls3 swap thread that the water pump has the output fitting on the driver side, which is where the inlet of my radiator is.
I consider buying this waterpump to replace the LM7 one, use Pace performance accessory bracket(19155167) without AC (including alternator and power steering pump), with the LS3 harmonic balancer.

What kind of line could I use for power steering pressure side? Is it possible to use Aeroquip braided hose to make a custom line, using AN- adapter, or is the pressure too high?