LS3 cam conversion for L99

[997turbo]

I am planning to do a JRE LS3 converion plus the CAM for my 2011 L99.
I worder how hard to fit/convert them into the L99? with the JRE supplied LS3 kit are there any specific tech steps or its just bolt/swap job?Because my local installer never done this job before so I don't want to make it too hard for them.If anyone done this before please share infos.

Also do I must upgrade the trans eg. torque convertor and rear gears?Can I run stock trans with this setup(I already have KOOK LT/no cat/Kn intake and OD PULLEYs etc)?If I run it will it break the stock trans?
My car is not a daily driver,I only drive it in the weekend.

[camaro1]

any qualified shop should not have any problems if they have worked on LSx engines before, to do the l99 to ls3 swap you will need to remove the heads and replace the lifters and trays.

[997turbo]

I guess I am the first SS from CHINA posting in this forum.
EXpect more chinese owner coming,GM released camaro in CHINA even earlier than E.U. and AUS.Sadly we pay approx 70k USD for the LT and 140k for the SS due to the high rated import tax

Here's my picture of the car:

[997turbo]

Originally Posted by camaro1

any qualified shop should not have any problems if they have worked on LSx engines before, to do the l99 to ls3 swap you will need to remove the heads and replace the lifters and trays.

Yea.thats what I knew,problem is they never done any work with LSx engines before,they only have an engine parts map:(

[L99CAMA2011]

Originally Posted by 997turbo

Yea.thats what I knew,problem is they never done any work with LSx engines before,they only have an engine parts map:(

Would you have a monkey perform a kidney transplant on you. Think about this. If the never touched these engines before then don't be a guinea pig.

[brantley847]

Originally Posted by L99CAMA2011

Would you have a monkey perform a kidney transplant on you. Think about this. If the never touched these engines before then don't be a guinea pig.

Is anyone else reading what the guy is saying? How many performance shops which are GM based or GM tech experience do you guys think exist at all in China.. let alone within driving distance? There are TONS of shops in the states that do NOT want to deal with VVT/DOD engines, let alone overseas...

It doesn't sound like he is going to have much of a choice in China...

OP, call Ted Jannetty directly. Get his advice on what would be required for labor or install... or have your installer talk to him, specifically what would be required during the swap as far as assembly and re-assembly. It doesn't sound like you may have anyone within hundreds of miles.

The LS3 conversion is not the most difficult install in theory, but they will be digging into quite a bit if you plan on doing the TC as well. If you were in the states, I would absolutely say find a GM certified tech or performance shop who has experience, but if I didn't have that option..use who you trust but CONSULT with Ted first.

[BowlingSS]

Originally Posted by 997turbo

I guess I am the first SS from CHINA posting in this forum.
EXpect more chinese owner coming,GM released camaro in CHINA even earlier than E.U. and AUS.Sadly we pay approx 70k USD for the LT and 140k for the SS due to the high rated import tax

Here's my picture of the car:

Welcome to the site. Nice looking car.

Bill

[Motion427]

It would be easier to remove the engine and tranny in 1 piece from the bottom.Then you can do the modifications.

[igotswag]

Holy crap! 140k us dollars for a camaro !! Must make a ton of cash! ....or yen, or whatever

Originally Posted by 997turbo

I guess I am the first SS from CHINA posting in this forum.
EXpect more chinese owner coming,GM released camaro in CHINA even earlier than E.U. and AUS.Sadly we pay approx 70k USD for the LT and 140k for the SS due to the high rated import tax

Here's my picture of the car:

[JDP Tech]

Nice car, and welcome to Camaro 5!

Really a L99>>LS3 conversion isn't too difficult, just takes time. If your local mechanic has done heavy engine work (like cylinder heads) on a V8 or V6, this shouldn't be too big of a problem for him. Most engines are pretty similar, as far as heads and such is concerned. The biggest difference would be the cam timing, which is pretty basic.
These engines are basically good old Chevy small block technology from the 1950's, very refined obviously, but the function and theory is the same. Where as most of the engines he's probably used to working on are quite advanced, multiple cams, several timing chains or belts, VVT, etc.

There is an excellent LS3 cam swap write-up in the DIY forum here.

Basically, your mechanic will need to remove the cylinder heads, replace all the lifters and lifter trays, reinstall the heads, change the engine valley cover, and then follow the LS3 cam DIY, using a new front cover.

The stock transmission and rear end shouldn't have a problem handling the power, the only problem would be drivability with the stock torque converter. With a cam, it will try to push through your brakes and surge, so putting in a larger stall torque converter would be beneficial for overcoming these. Not required necessarily, but would be good.
Replacing the torque converter isn't too big of a deal either, if he's removed the transmission on a rear wheel drive car, its basically the same. Even if he hasn't, its a pretty easy job with basic shop/mechanic tools.

Make sure you get it tuned correctly as well; being in China, you probably don't have any local source for this, so make sure you go with somebody who specializes, and is good at mail order tuning.

If he has any questions or needs help, feel free to email or PM me.

[Snidely Whiplash]

Originally Posted by 997turbo

Yea.thats what I knew,problem is they never done any work with LSx engines before,they only have an engine parts map:(

Originally Posted by L99CAMA2011

Would you have a monkey perform a kidney transplant on you. Think about this. If the never touched these engines before then don't be a guinea pig.

I watched ONE engine build in 1967, then built over 100 motors on my own.

I no grammar Nazi, but the member from China has done his English homework as well as you. How's your Chinese?