Topic: Cost for used ls3

[pew]

Hey guys,
Assembling parts for my swap which now looks like it will happen the winter of 2013 due to time constraints, but I was wondering; what's a reasonable price for an ls3? I know new they are 6k and up but I found a guy who does ls7 swaps in new camaros and has a regular flow of ls3's with usually 8-10 miles on them.  He says he gets 4500 each for them and wouldn't mind getting me one for 4k since I will be picking it up..

Good deal?


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[miller11386]

Are you planning to modify it? or just slap it in 100% stock?

GM will warranty a crate motor if you buy it new through them, however if it was me, I would throw a big cam and perhaps some forged pcs in the shortblock to take power as wells springs and retainers for the top end. Hence a warranty would be worthless

If you are going to go purely stock, I would consider new through GM to get the warranty.

But to answer your question, 4k on an LS motor... assuming its complete with belts manifolds etc, is a pretty decent deal from what a quick web search shows

[pew]

At this point it does look like it will be going in stock.  I hadn't even thought about a warranty, though I'm not terribly concerned. All toys break and this car will never be my primary vehicle. It just isn't practical enough.

Honestly the way things are panning out now I'm hesitant to add any more work to the project as it is already a year out.

Thanks for the confidence on the price, I haven't been able to find a similar one for less yet, and this one includes most of the serpentine system and a ton (two large boxes) of extra parts.

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[miller11386]

If you choose to want to up the performance and want to build up an LS with a bigger cam/ upgraded pcs, let me know and I can put you in contact with a reputable v8 builder here in Ohio. Obviously you would need to tune a little bit though to make it work properly with upgraded parts.

However IIRC the3 bone stock LS3 makes around 350sh whp and  to the wheels, so IMO its worth spending the money on a cam and a tune to get up to 400+whp

[ChopTop]

1. You plan on doing the install yourself?
2. You plan on buying the WERKS DIY (wiring harness) install kit?

[pew]

1. You plan on doing the install yourself?
2. You plan on buying the WERKS DIY (wiring harness) install kit?

Sorry for the massive delay; I do plan on doing the conversion myself WITH the DIY WERKS kit, though I have excellent resources in the form of professional mechanic friends that are more than excited to be a part of this build.. I myself would never attempt something this large or it would take me two years.

I have completed engine swaps on my own before, but never anything other than a stock engine or equivalent.

[elff]

Good Luck

Please take pictures of the process along the way.

[ChopTop]

Good Luck

Please take pictures of the process along the way.

Thanks for the follow up and ditto on pics, or maybe a new thread or blog entitled; How to install LS3 in your Kappa.  Plus it would serve as inspiration for others to try because sooner or later; lifer Kappaholics may begin to turn to this engine or other replacements. 

[hammy221]

Make sure if you do a how to it's detailed ie like converting the toque arm diff to a none. ( well if you have a toque arm that is )