LS3 Second-Generation Camaro Engine Swap

[Drsandman2]

Has anyone around here done this, or know anyone that has? Or maybe an LS7? I was looking to get a new 2010 SS, but with the LS3 crate engine being so cheap... I think I'll drop it into a 78-81 Z28 T-top.

Thanks!

[TAG UR IT]

Hope you don't mind....but since you are talking about placing the LS3 in a second gen, I moved the thread over to the 1st/2nd Gen forums. Thanks. And I'd love to help ya, but don't know anyone that has.

[CamaroSpike23]

not an LS3 but still close

http://www.superchevy.com/features/s...aro/index.html


http://www.ls1bandit.com/g2_embed/v/...e/first_drive/

[BowtieGuy]

If you want to make any kind of real power you don't want to put it in a T-top car. If that chassis flexes at all it's just going to crack the glass. It is a great idea, I hope you decide to do it. The LS7 is a great engine stock, but its potential is somewhat limited by the design that makes it so great. It would take more money than it's worth to fully build an LS7. Then again, 505hp is great by itself.

[CamaroSpike23]

LS2 in a 72 camaro...


http://www.detroitspeed.com/projectp...alejr_main.htm

and I concur with bowtieguy about not using a t-top car if you plan on racing the car at all

[Mr Twisty]

Originally Posted by CamaroSpike23

LS2 in a 72 camaro...


http://www.detroitspeed.com/projectp...alejr_main.htm

and I concur with bowtieguy about not using a t-top car if you plan on racing the car at all

We learned our lessons about chassis flex in the V8 Vega years. Sure alot of fun tho even after we had to weld the doors shut because they wouldn't close anymore.

I haven't checked on crate motors in awhile, if you go any farther, make sure the ecu you get for the engine is programmed for a 'stand alone' setup, not dependent on other functions of the car, like speedo, tranny etc. Probably need a speed sensor somewhere in the driveline tho.

Hope you got deep pockets. Bet you spend more than a new SS costs before you're finished.

[CamaroSpike23]

Originally Posted by MisterCamaro69

I haven't checked on crate motors in awhile, if you go any farther, make sure the ecu you get for the engine is programmed for a 'stand alone' setup, not dependent on other functions of the car, like speedo, tranny etc. Probably need a speed sensor somewhere in the driveline tho.

Hope you got deep pockets. Bet you spend more than a new SS costs before you're finished.

the stand alone setup wont be entirely needed if you flash it with an M6 tune. then you can run any choice of non pcm controlled trans with it. unless you want a pcm controlled trans

[Vega]

Ive actually been interested in this as well, my dad has an 81' Turbo T/A that we're looking forward to restoring, he is into rebuilding and keeping the original turbo 301 but im more into hot rodding it, i preffer cars that look completely stock on the outside but are built like modern day muscle cars under the skin. Our T/A is a black and gold Bandit (not sure if it is numbers correct or not but its got all the right tell-tale signs) also it is a T-tops car which would be a problem as previously mentioned here, but you can buy parts to strengthen the frame

My idea was to keep the car an automatic for many reasons, 1) All Turbos were automatic and as stated before i would want it to be as stock as possible inside and out. 2) Im not into doing a transmission swap, i dont really have the know-how and i just couldnt bring myself to cut up an original Bandit. 3) The automatics in the new Camaros are even faster than most manual transmissions anyways...other than that id want either an LS1 or a new crate LSX376, both engines are amazing

[Milk 1027]

L99 with VVT manual transmission in a second gen, f bod, that is my dream car.
I'll make it happen some day.

[Vega]

Originally Posted by Milk 1027

L99 with VVT manual transmission in a second gen, f bod, that is my dream car.
I'll make it happen some day.

Haha, that sounds amazing man, in fact i was just talking to my friend about how my perfect car would be a 73' Trans Am that looks completely stock on the outside but underneath has all parts from a 2010 Camaro (cept maybe the rear end, gotta preserve some originality at least haha), id preffer the 6-speed myself even though the auto is shifts seamlessly, id be looking for fun not performance haha...then later id look into swapping the LS3 with an LSX454, those engines are nuts, 620hp and still gets 25mpg...then maybe bore it out just 1 more cube so itd be that magical 455 =D haha, that or just leave it stock and put 455 decals everywhere since 1 cube isnt really much to nit-pick over :p