ls1 vs ls3 in my 74 z28??
 

Here's my dilemma. I recently purchased a 74 z28 and am committed to doing an lsx t56 swap in it. I have the option at this point in time to either buy a long block ls1 for 700 bucks or a brand new ls3 bare block for 700. Either way I go, i'm going to stroke either motor, run aftermarket heads, intake, TB, ect ect. The only thing I would be using stock is the block. I've found good reviews and prices from TSP and am pretty much going to buy everything from them, which will cost me roughly in the ball park of 7k for either motor since their lsx parts are pretty much the same for both motors. My question is, which would you suggest? I can make substantially more power with a stroked 427 ls3 than a 383 ls1, but is the ls3 going to create problems for me in the swap? Any input or comments would be GREATLY APPRECIATED since i'm going to be purchasing one of the motors this week.....

do the LS3, makes no sense to buy a longblock ls1 then tear it apart. The conversion for LS3 is very simple, just be sure to get the right reluctor wheel and then any sponsor (TSP) can get you the rest of the conversion parts for about $300, its even an option on their longblock packages. I would do a 418 though since the stroke is more reasonable

Well this isn't going to be my daily driver... so I think a 427 would be alright. But I don't know all that much about it too I guess. And to be quite honest I don't know how to tell which reluctor wheel i need... I know it's between 24 and 58 correct? How do I know which one I need? (Sorry for all the newb ?'s)

80 views and only one reply? Bump, come on guys help me out!!!

There is no reason to go with the LS1 if all you are using is the block. The only advantage there would be is you could sell the stock LS1 crank and heads etc to get a little of your $$ back.

As far as the reluctor, that depends on what PCM/harness you are going to use. I would figure that out first then make sure the crank you use has the right number of teeth.

Yeah that's the only reason I was debating going with the ls1 instead, but I'm purchasing the ls3 block this weekend, the guy is bring it up from kansas. Have you ever had any experience with a motor swap like this? I've heard to stay away from the 98 ls wiring harness/computer cause it can be a pain. Which harnesses ect work with which reluctor wheel? I guess I could pry be calling TSP to figure all this out, I just figured I could get the same info on here.

the 98 pcm/harness is frowned on bc its not as attrcative as the 00 and up pcms, and the pins are different between the two from what i've been told. if u go 98 pcm/harness, they need to be matched and just make sure to get the diagrams for that match the harness your using.

Okay so I'm still a little confused about how to tell which reluctor wheel I need... Does it have to deal with the crank position sensor? How can I find out which pcm I should get that will fit which tooth reluctor wheel? i.e. which pcm works with 24x reluctor and which works with 58x reluctor

it will all depend on the pcm you use. It all depends on the pcm if u need a 24x or 58x
Camaro/Firebird 1998-2002 = 24 Tooth
Corvette 1997-2004 = 24 Tooth
GTO 2004-2006 = 24 Tooth
Corvette 2005-2010 = 58 Tooth
GM LS Truck SUV 1999-2005 = 24 Tooth
Camaro 2010 = 58 Tooth
GM LS Truck SUV 2006-2010 = 58 Tooth

THANK YOU SO MUCH!! This helps me out tremendously. I will need a 24x because I'm going to try to find a 99-02 pcm for an f body