LS swap choices

[viperman]

Hi All, just diving into this...I have a 69 camaro BB with Tremec 5 speed TKO600, and Sniper EFI...I am thinking of swapping over to a LS motor. Would love to have around 500hp, drop dead reliablity, etc. If i can keep the trans great, as it is relatively new. What would be the best, easiest switch and what motor do i want. I am hoping on selling my BB can cover a lot of the costs, so junkyard pullout, rebuilt secondary seller on net, or even GM crate motor...? Any advice is greatly appreciated. I live in PA close to Trenton, NJand there are quite a few places selling complete used assemblies...I am not looking at something that would need rebuilding, heads and cam swap...more of a drop in as is...

THanks,
JR

[dhutton]

GMPP LS3 495 hp crate engine.

Don

[rocketrod]

gmpp ls3 495 hp crate engine.

Don

x2....

[79 Camaro]

On my 67 Nova project I bought a LS2 block and sent it out to RED (Race Engine Development) in CA and had it Darton sleeved to 4.125". Then I added a Manley 4" stroker kit. So 427 cubes. LS3 heads. Cam was about 230I 235E. 600 lift. With a built 4L60E on the chassis dyno it did 490 rwhp. Drove great. Super easy to tune. I know not huge numbers but again it was great fun in a light car. Kind of fun to say I have a 427!

[GTO Jack]

x2....

X3. Call Eagle Chevrolet in New York. They have the best prices. Ask for the 495hp and harness/ECM
and you will be set.

[viperman]

Thanks everyone...My son works for GM, so there may be a deal to be had, but will see....

[brickyard69]

I just installed my GMPP LS3 495hp in a 68 and love it. Purchased it from Ohio Speed Shops. They will install f body pan, front drive system, Holley Terminator fuel injection, and run it on a Dyno. I was really happy with them.

[Pro Touring Store]

Another vote for the LS3 crate engines.

Not just because I have some in stock.. ;)

I've gone down the used route with customers and it's just a gamble. 75% of the time they're fine; but with the salvage car prices, they aren't cheap anymore, unless you're going with a truck engine with iron block.
The accessory drive and wiring harness isn't ideal to use in most applications, and there is no warranty.. for example. So you'll end up buying those items anyway. Not worth the savings IMO.

-Dale

[Z06vet]

Another vote for the LS3 crate. On the install, I would use all the holley swap parts- oil pan, headers, clamshell mounts, and trans cross member if they make one for the TKO. All designed to fit together, and the clamshell style mounts lower the engine in the frame which allows for acceptable driveline working angles without raising the trans tunnel. The compact acc drives are nice and allows for clean install. I have also used the corvette C5/C6 acc drive with the holley AC compressor bracket. Depending on your upper control arms, you may have to run a smaller PS pump pulley to clear. Stock pulley can be used with stock control arms, but it is pretty tight. I'm unsure about the tko and what would be needed, if anything, from BB to LS. Maybe sell it with the BB and get into a TKX or magnum?

[icemanrd19]

Ls3 crate is a blast. Eventually swapped out the cam, pushrods and springs in my ls3 480 package. Now it has a magnuson on it pushing almost 800rwhp with a stock bottom end

[andrewb70]

I will be the oddball and suggest the LSx454. It will still be lighter than a BBC and have more power than a LS3. I would use either a stock LS7 or MSD LS7 intake, 90mm LS3 DBW throttle body, and a Holley Terminator X Max ECU. If you need assistance with any of this, especially the Holley EFI, feel free to email me: projectgattago at gmail dot com

Andrew

[DualQuadDave]

I agree w/ Andrew just for the reason that at some point soon, the LSX454's will probably not be available. May as well go big and enjoy.

[streetk14]

Like I mentioned in response to your PM, there’s a bunch of ways to go. I was lucky enough to grab an LS427/570 while they were still available. The GM crate motors are actually a decent value these days, as there aren’t a lot of great junkyard swap options anymore.

[MonzaRacer]

Also go watch making 500 hp with LSx on youtube on Richard Holdeners page. 500 hp crank is easy on 6.0/6.2.
No you should try making power in my application ,an LS4/5.3 in 08 Grand Prix GXP!

[pannetron]

+1 on using a GMPP harness and ECU along with your choice of crate engine. I'm partial to the 6.2L variety (3.622" stroke) to keep the pistons in the bore at BDC.

[F-Body International]

I’ll throw some off-topic input in. If you have a good running big block engine, consider keeping it. Any old engine can have MPFI and aluminum heads nowadays. You also already have an overdrive transmission.

[andrewb70]

I'll be the voice of dissent and vote for Holley EFI, because it offers real-time tuning, closed loop wide open throttle control with a wideband oxygen sensor and many flexible options for input and outputs.

Andrew