1999stepside

I am currently building a 62 nova and I was thinking about putting in the new LS376 Carbed LS3

I have a aftermarket front clip, so clearance and mounting will not be a problem. Can someone tell me what additional parts I will need, will it bolt up to a traditional TH350? Is this engine worth doing compared to a traditional chevy small block?

Other than the cost of the engine, what kind of price am I looking at for additional parts to make it run?

Thanks,

Kent

Shawn MacAnanny

iTrader: (12)

LSx engines are far superior to traditional small block chevy. I say do it definately. Our cylinder heads have 15 degree intake ports as opposed to 23 degrees, 6 bolt mains as opposed to 2-4 bolt mains, fast burn combustion chambers (piston cames .005 out of the block so combustion takes place in the head), equal spread intake/exhaust ports as opposed to the siamese style on SBC, 8 coil distributorless ignition system, they weigh about 75lbs less than an aluminum head iron block sbc, and there are engines out there putting out 500rwhp through the factory ls1 346 cubic inches, and there are kits out there to make 454cu.in+ LSx engines.

I just converted an LS1 to carbed in put it in my 68. To mount it to your nova you will need SBC frame mounts then a set of SBC motor mounts which will bolt to LS1 adapter plates. I believe BRPhotrods.com has everything you will need. You will need custom headers, not sure about the oil pan for your setup.

These engines are relitively small. To mount the engine to a TH350 you will need a crank spacer and to elongate the holes on the flexplate OR you just just buy a TH350 torque converter that is made to work with the LS1. I believe TCI makes them. You will also probably have to shift around your crossmember depending on where your engine mounts as well as altering your driveshaft length.

You will need an MSD 6010 box which will run the factory 8 coils off of the cam and crank position sensors. you can use the timing pills it comes with or tune your timing table to infinity with the serial cable it comes with and plugs into the box. You can also use it with a MAP sensor to add timing when the engine is under vacuum i.e. crusing to improve fuel ecconomy. The box also have a 2 step rev limiter (12v on) and a timing retard (adjustable 12v on) for say, nitrous. Box has one 12 ignition hook up, 1 ground, and one tach wire asside from the two others i mentioned (those are optional). Stick whatever carb you feel like on there although you wont need much more than a 750.

I say go with this engine. Its definately much more unique than a standard SBC. Here's a pic of mine a few weeks ago.


Also I have a video of it after i started it for the first time. These engines sound every bit as 'mean' as the old school sbc

http://www.dropshots.com/shawnmacananny

Oscar Will

Once you have used an LS series engine you will never return to the "old" small block.

Pop N Wood

iTrader: (1)

With a crate motor you will need a few more things than just a mounting kit and custom headers. I have been working on a carbed LS2 crate motor for too long now.

The engine comes without accessories, and looks to have the corvette style water pump. so you need to source a vette alternator, PS pump, belt tensioner, AC if desired and a starter. I have found LS accessory parts are completely non-existant in my local pick and pulls. That leaves GM direct and ebay for even alternator brackets. Even sourcing a starter for vette motor was a challange.

For the LS3 motor you will need the 6012 MSD box for the 58 tooth reluctor wheel. Then you need the carb, throttle cable, air cleaner, PCV valve, MAP sensor and possibly new plug wires if the vette wires that come with it don't clear your headers.

If you go to a manual you will need a new flywheel, plus obviously the bellhousing and other stuff to make the trans work.

Having said all of that, a 450 HP SBC motor is doable, but they usually have enough cam that they are less than perfectly streetable. My LS2 crate was 440 HP out of the box and idles like a stocker. Unless you have a bunch of performance parts already laying around, the LS motor are really the cheapest way to big HP.

Scotty_82

iTrader: (1)

I was also looking at the feasibility of a LS376/515 in my S-10......

and was wondering about this: (I posed this same question in another thread with no replies.....)

"So, if I got this right, I could buy the LS3 from SDPC or whoever for $6,200, buy a GM carb intake and cam, and have a GM 515 HP engine for under $7K. That'd be the same engine then? AND I'd still have the complete EFI intake/setup that I could auction off? Hmmm. Best $$ I've seen for the LS376/515 is $7,500. Or am I looking in the wrong places?"

Thanks, Scotty

poorhousenext

I think your looking in the wrong place. GM crate LS3 376/515 comes with intake per info below. You should have less in it than I have in my LS3 376/480, and that's less than $7200.00 including the shipping.

http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/En...1225&engCat=ls

As far as I know, the 515 engine has not started shipping yet even though GM has given it a part number per GM rep. But then again same GM Performance rep told me I could not buy a new 6L80 6 speed auto driect from GM, that I would have to go to salvage yard to get one at this time. He was shocked when I showed him a picture of the one GM shipped me installed in chassis...LOL

My guess the hold up may be the intake manifold.

Scotty_82

iTrader: (1)

Poorhouse,
The point I was trying to make, was that a few suppliers are listing the LS376/515 for $7,500 - $7,650. That's mighty pricey, considering you could have the same engine for under $7,000, and have a complete LS3 EFI setup left over, and I suspect that'd be worth something.
Again....... to accomplish this you need an LS3 that can be had for $6,200, an intake which seem to be readily available for $350, and a cam which will run about $350.
Of course it may be debatable if the LS376/515 is actually shipping yet.

Pace, for instance, lists the LS376/515, as does KarlPerformance
http://paceperformance.com/index.asp...&ProdID=229271

And Lattof's listing of the LS3
http://www.crateenginedepot.com/stor...-P1897C53.aspx

And regarding 1999Stepside's thread before I hajacked it, Sorry 'bout that........ I checked Ebay for serpentine drives, and was surprised that I didn't see much, 'cept new March ($$$) stuff. That's not good.

Scotty

poorhousenext

Scotty,

Like you said, looking in the wrong places. I'm going to try some "FUZZY LOGIC" on what I think price will/should be.

Fuzzy Logic=:
LS2 crate engine price = $5714.00
LS3 crate engine price = $6195.00

LS2 carb crate engine price = $5295.00 "old part no. 17802134" and replacement part no. 19172842

My fuzzy logic = LS2 carb engine about $500.00 dollars less than stock LS2 crate engine.
LS3 carb engine should be about $500.00 dollars less than LS3 376/480 crate engine. Looks like LS3 376/515 price should be in $5995-$6100.00 range based on $6500.00 selling price of LS3 376/480 crate engine per my FUZZY LOGIC, not $7000.00.

Street and Performance has LS3 belt setups.

Scotty_82

iTrader: (1)

Exactly. That's what I was hoping to see, but knew that it wasn't going to happen.

Scotty

poorhousenext

Scotty,

I stopped by my local GM performance source just to see what story was on the LS3 376/515 crate engine.

Don't give up on a better price yet. In reality, GM has not posted offical price for it as yet. Reason is due to mfg casting quality issue with intake. Current quoted price is GM's preproduction price they give out if dealer calls for pricing and avalibility info. Hang in there.