Whymee

I have been trying to wrap my head around a LS3 swap in my 76 Trans Am before I start spending money unwisely.

For the life of me I cannot find a LS3 in my area. Other than a 17K mile take out for 8.5K. That is not in the budget, although as crazy as it sounds, I am considering it.

Is their another choice of engine that would give me the same or nearly the same performance as the 525 HP LS3? I am especially interested in the torque. Even if I have to add a few "goodies" to the engine to bring it up to par. I see several articles on LS1 substitutes on a budget but none on the LS3.

Help a confused Noob out!

7GRANDGERNADE

Keep holding out I just missed a complete pull out for 3800

lsxRanger94

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/na...1360/overview/ Maybe your local chevy dealer can get you a better price.

oldgoat69

Take a look at www.car-part.com , that is where I found my LQ4 with Magnacharger. I would suggest to be open to potential alternatives such as the equivalent truck 6.2 and change the cam, or not. I have seen a number of LQ9 and LSA's out there as well. Which trans do you intend to go with? That may dictate the generation LS you choose for compatibility.

V8Rumble

iTrader: (9)

You're probably already aware of this, but the L92 & L99 are also 6.2L engines (with VVT as an added bonus). I don't recall the number for the L99, but my L92 makes 417 ft/lbs bone stock. Add a CAI, a cam, & a half-decent set of headers, & you're pretty close to the goal you've stated...

Whymee

I was going to build a Pontiac 461 stroker. Would have in excess of 7K in that build. I visited a guy that I was inquiring who was the best machine shop around to do the machining & he suggested an LS3 swap instead. I am/was intrigued. As a matter of fact the block is being cleaned & pressure tested as we speak.

I started my quest for knowledge on these swaps. Read online 'till I couldn't see no more. Several times. Started calling around for a LS3 pull out at the salvage yards located in my state(WV). No luck. Expanded my search to the surrounding states.

Finally found a 2010 Camaro pull out with a 6 speed manual 525 HP with 17K miles. Included is the wiring & ECU & all accessories for $8.5K.

This is the motor in question.







I don't know if this is a deal or not. It does not seem so, but I am not one to judge on my limited experience.


I have a TKO600 & a Hyd. clutch NIB from American Powertrain to drop in if needed. Then again this comes with a 6 speed.

What say you the experts (or more so than I), on the value of this proposed purchase?

Anubis403

I've been temped with similar offerings in my area. It looks like a nice engine but if you are used to GM big block torque like I am I am not sure that you will be happy with a 6.2 LS. It will definitely perform at the track but isn't the same driving experience. Having run old school Olds engines for years, I am in the same situation you are and considering a large cube Texas Speed short block for less money. Check out the link.

https://www.texas-speed.com/p-619-ts...ort-block.aspx

Whymee

Interesting.

I am no expert... but... by the time you finish out that motor with accessories & necessities, you would be over the 8.5K mark. Although I freely admit to not knowing the market value of such accessories & necessities.

Yes my proposed 461 stroker is going to reach 550ish ft/lbs of torque at a much lower RPM. Like around 3500-3800 rpm vs what, 48/5200 rpm with the LS3? Something to consider. I sure would loose my originality. The gains would be sweet though. drive-ability, reliability, mileage etc.

When I do not know what to do, I tend to do nothing. I really want to do something! I just want to do the right thing.

Thanks for the responses gents, 'preciate it!

Bill00Formula

iTrader: (4)

Yeah LS motors definitely have a different feel, very deceiving but they fly and not just at the track. When I went from an modified LT1 to a new LS1 I thought there was something wrong. I got over it fast.

If that's what is important to you may want to drive an LS car to see what you think. I don't think they ever get that big block feel (maybe with a supercharger?). I have a modified 427 (ls7) in my firebird.

76 trans am used to be my favorite car. First muscle car I ever noticed as a kid was a 70-72 trans am (white w/ blue strip). I thought it looked like a race car. Loved cars ever since.

Bill00Formula

iTrader: (4)

Lots of people build 402 or 408s using the 6.0 aluminum or iron block. Seems to me that is your best bang for your buck. Many of the vendors sell these motors or get one from a junkyard. The advantage of the junkyard is you get all the accessories, computer, etc.

Whymee

Just for S&G's here is my car....

BudRacing

iTrader: (3)

While the LS3 you found does have a bit of a retail price on it, it does have EVERYTHING--even coolant hoses and PS lines. Plus the trans on that thing is the latest and greatest as far as GM standard shifts go.

Considering you already have a transmission finding a long block shouldn't be that hard. Will just take some patience.

Is the motor you currently have in the car still kicking? If so you'll have time on your side. It looks to be in amazing shape.

Whymee

I just read a post on here pertaining to what you would have done over after your swap was done. Very good read and suggestions.

This is mine on the above car:

1. More motor.
2. repeat #1

Yes, the motor has prolly less than 1K miles on it. All fresh & new internals. My first hi-po motor. I listened to other peeps who new better than I at the time. They sent me parts after they asked me what I was expecting out of this build. One of the rare times I asked for something & undershot my expectations. I usually overbuild/overshoot. Sh*t happens when you don't know what your doing.

Now before you suggest that I redo this motor to meet those expectations:

This block is the weakest of the Pontiac blocks, the 557. Since I was gonna have to trash the internals & start over again with new & bigger with the 461 stroker, I decided to source a stronger block & start anew. This motor will go into another 76 TA that I have awaiting its turn at Large amount of dollars thrown at it.

Then again I could leave this one alone after I drop in the TKO600 & call it a day. Build the other with the LS3 & have the best of both worlds. Hummm.... (wheels are a turning!)

Regardless I think I want a LS3 based motor in one of the TA's. At least I think I do...

BudRacing

iTrader: (3)

Does the other Trans Am have the shaker hood? If not, I'd stick the LS3 in there and leave that pretty white one as-is.

Whymee

Both cars are identical, with the exception of interiors. This one has a blue one & the other interior is white/blue.

1989GTA

As stated L92 and L99 are good choices. Also in the iron series LY6.

chuckd71

iTrader: (23)

L92s are pretty cheap and the tr6060 has that set back shifter and bold on slip yoke which would mean custom driveshaft with a slip yoke built in. Those are pricey. No way in hell I'd ever even consider $8500 for this. There's nothing it's going to do that an lq9 couldn't for half the price.
If mileage is the goal then an LT-style t56 on the motor you have will do the job. Then again, it's one thing to want mileage but kind of working backwards to spend dollars trying to save dimes.

Bill00Formula

iTrader: (4)

Great looking car!

oldgoat69

Just for giggles, check out these listings
http://car-part.com/cgi-bin/search.cgi


Year
Part
Model Description Miles Part
Grade Stock# US
Price Dealer Info Dist
mile
2012
Engine
Chevy Camaro PROCHARGED 700HP DYNO SHEET AVALIBLE 2,000 A IDGAF $15000 Steve's Used Auto Parts USA-PA(Shade-Gap) Request_Quote 814-259-3383 Request_Insurance_Quote
544
2010
Engine
Chevy Camaro 6.2,AUT,COMPLETE PULL OUT, CLEAN !!! 2,100 A 02062 $10000 Luxury Auto Parts USA-AL(Lincoln) E-mail 1-205-763-1084 1-888-LUXPART 123
2013
Engine
Chevy Camaro 09/12,6.2,SS,COMPLETE DROP W/TRANS 13,193 A 140006 $9000 Luxury Auto Parts USA-AL(Lincoln) E-mail 1-205-763-1084 1-888-LUXPART 123
2010
Engine
Chevy Camaro as lift out w loom les tranny 16,561 A M379 $7800 Pete's Auto & Truck Parts, Inc-PRP Midwest (Call ahead for Part Availability) USA-MI(Jenison) Request_Quote 1-800-968-7383 Request_Insurance_Quote
624
2010
Engine
Chevy Camaro LIFTOUT W/AT & ACCS C-170,O-45...... 46,441 A K13323 $7000 A-1 Auto Recyclers - ARAPro USA-SD(Rapid-City) Request_Quote 1-800-456-0715 Request_Insurance_Quote
1240
2010
Engine
Chevy Camaro LIFT OUT AUTO WITH TRANS AUTOMATIC NOF $6950 American Camaro & Firebird Auto Parts USA-OK(Warr-Acres) E-mail 1-888-833-4582 779
2011
Engine
Chevy Camaro 12K TESTED! RAN GREAT! Low Miles!!! (video: ) SHIPS NATIONWIDE, 90 Day Warranty 12,000 A A13101 $6800 General Auto Parts USA-IL(Rockford) Request_Quote 1-800-427-8997 Request_Insurance_Quote
629
2012
Engine
Chevy Camaro 8K, DRESSED PICK OUT ENGINE $ 7,500, ADD $2,000 FOR AUTO TRA 8,645 A R230 $6500 Don Scharf Auto - ARAPro USA-WI(Eagle-River) Request_Quote 1-800-338-4002 Request_Insurance_Quote
868
2011
Engine
Chevy Camaro 23 A WAP50701 $6380 WeaverParts.com USA-GA(College-Park) E-mail 877-809-8072 /678-783-1433 39
2011
Engine
Chevy Camaro 23,000 A WBM11151 $6380 WeaverParts.com USA-NC(Monroe) Request_Quote 888-959-3231 / 704-261-0102 Request_Insurance_Quote
211
2011
Engine
Chevy Camaro WBG16379 $6380 WeaverParts.com USA-SC(Greenville) Request_Quote 888-957-3231 Request_Insurance_Quote
108
2012
Engine
Chevy Camaro 11 A WAP50548 $6328 WeaverParts.com USA-GA(College-Park) E-mail 877-809-8072 /678-783-1433 39
2012
Engine
Chevy Camaro 11,000 A WBM11085 $6328 WeaverParts.com USA-NC(Monroe) Request_Quote 888-959-3231 / 704-261-0102 Request_Insurance_Quote
211
2012
Engine
Chevy Camaro WBG16226 $6328 WeaverParts.com USA-SC(Greenville) Request_Quote 888-957-3231 Request_Insurance_Quote
108
2010
Engine
Chevy Camaro 6.2L,,OPT L99,SS MDL,77K, 77,491 B CC0285 $6000 M and M Auto Parts, Inc. VARA USA-VA(Stafford) Request_Quote 1-800-586-5492 / Chesapeake 1-757-447-6051 Request_Insurance_Quote
478
2010
Engine
Chevy Camaro 6.2L,6/09,L99 RUN TESTED 51,830 A N19545 $6000 Ryan's Auto Parts, Inc. USA-MI(Ferndale) Request_Quote 248-543-9900 Request_Insurance_Quote
586
2011
Engine
Chevy Camaro 6.2L,GAS, CHECK FOR DAMAGE 9,261
--km--
14,913 AL0565 6000
--Can--
$6000.00 A-1 Automotive Ltd. Can-NL(St.-John's) Request_Quote 709-576-7480 / 877-777-2211 Request_Insurance_Quote
1870
2010
Engine
Chevy Camaro AT,RWD,LIFTOUT ASSY,GOOD RUNNER,NICE 58,778 A 02014233 $5975 Raceway Auto Parts USA-TN(Savannah) Request_Quote 1-888-762-6611 Request_Insurance_Quote
248
2011
Engine
Chevy Camaro 17K LESS INTAKE 6.2L, VIN J, 8th digit, (opt L99)-17K 17,000 A I0286 $4500 Carguts USA-SC(Blacksburg) Request_Quote 1-866-839-2708 Request_Insurance_Quote
162
2011
Engine
Chevy Camaro 6.2L,(opt L99),6.2L LONG BLOCK ED48 $4000 Basic Auto Parts USA-CA(Los-Angeles) Request_Quote 323-585-5505 / (855)-585-5515 Request_Insurance_Quote
1952
2012
Engine
Chevy Camaro LONG BLOCK NO ACCESSORIES, CYLINDER HEADS, OIL PAN INCLUDED-5121 LIKE NEW $3900 All Discount Auto Salvage USA-TX(Grand-Prairie) Request_Quote 1-972-264-4466 / 972-263-3388 Request_Insurance_Quote
754
2010
Engine
Chevy Camaro NO HEADS 1 BAD CYL (RUSTY) NEEDS ONE SLEEVE REPLACED, 36,000 A L138 $2500 Don Scharf Auto - ARAPro USA-WI(Eagle-River) Request_Quote 1-800-338-4002 Request_Insurance_Quote
868
2011
Engine
Chevy Camaro GETTING REBUILT,FLOOD CAMARO, TAG# #17814-24K 24,000 1158 $2500 Pro Auto Sales and Service, Inc. USA-MN(Ortonville) E-mail 320-839-6245 / 320-349-0364 1030
2011
Engine
Chevy Camaro ENGINE COVER ONLY NEW GM BLK AND SIL MISC 100
--Can--
$100.00 Affordable Auto Wreckers Can-AB(Calgary) Request_Quote 1-800-247-6641 Request_Insurance_Quote
1903
2011
Engine
Chevy Camaro ENGINE COVER ONLY NEW SILVER AND BLA MISC 100
--Can--
$100.00 Affordable Auto Wreckers Can-AB(Calgary) Request_Quote 1-800-247-6641 Request_Insurance_Quote
1903
2010
Engine
Chevy Camaro TOP COVER FOR 6.2 MOTOR,NEW IN BOX NOF $50 Cars and Parts USA-IN(Columbus) E-mail 1-800-225-9025 373
2011
Engine
Chevy Camaro **ENGINE COVER ONLY**NEW OEM IN BOX**GRAY- TAILGATE $40 Automotive Recyclers USA-MN(Rochester) E-mail 1-800-657-4403 Request_Insurance_Quote 823
2011
Engine
Chevy Camaro ENGINE COVERS ONLY 6.2 11CAM $35 Flower's Auto Wreckers USA-PA(Smithton) Request_Quote 1-800-872-5475 Request_Insurance_Quote
485
2010
Engine
Chevy Camaro 6.2L, VIN J, 8th digit, (opt L99) COMPLETE ENG & TRA LIFTOUT-0MI G01614 $Call Sams Riverside Auto Salvage USA-IA(Des-Moines) Request_Quote 1-800-383-2163 Request_Insurance_Quote
740
2010
Engine
Chevy Camaro NOTES, 24,000 A B120404 $Call Gundies Auto Recycling USA-WA(Seattle-Portland) Request_Quote 1-800-444-4344 Request_Insurance_Quote
2177
2010
Engine
Chevy Camaro 2D,ABS,CPE,6.2,AOD,FLR,SS MK8781 $Call Fagan Auto Parts USA-AL(Piedmont) E-mail 1-800-331-5282 91
2010
Engine
Chevy Camaro 6.2L, VIN J, 8th digit, (opt L99) 6.2L---49K 14-103 $Call Cleveland Pick-A-Part USA-OH(Columbia-Station) Request_Quote 1-440-236-5031 Request_Insurance_Quote 517
2010
Engine
Chevy Camaro RWD,6.2L,2SS 6,900 A 027402 $Call Manuel's Used Auto Parts #2 USA-TX(Houston) E-mail 1-800-778-5071
725
2010
Engine
Chevy Camaro SS,6.2,AT,RWD,COMPLETE PULLOUT 15,000 A 144210 $Call Lambert Auto Salvage USA-MS(Booneville) Request_Quote 1-877-728-0409 Request_Insurance_Quote
261
2010
Engine
Chevy Camaro 11-09,6.2L,SFI,VIN J,NEEDS 329,CK 16223 $Call Manuel's Used Auto Parts USA-TX(Pasadena) E-mail 1-800-435-5748 719
2010
Engine
Chevy Camaro 11-09,6.2L,SFI,VIN J 16974 $Call Manuel's Used Auto Parts USA-TX(Pasadena) E-mail 1-800-435-5748 719
2010
Engine
Chevy Camaro 2SS,6.2,SFI,6SP AT,8/09 M13040 $Call *** Auto Parts dba Modern Muscle Cars & Parts USA-GA(Moultrie) E-mail 229-985-6500 / 855-431-6500 195
2011
Engine
Chevy Camaro ENG.SS.CHECK 1012157 $Call Alamo Truck and Auto Parts USA-TX(Grand-Prairie) E-mail 1-972-642-9999 Request_Insurance_Quote
754
2010
Engine
Chevy Camaro SS,6.2L VIN J, 6224 $Call Citron's Used Auto Parts & Light Truck Parts USA-TX(Odessa) E-mail 800-328-5974 / 432-381-2401 1083
2011
Engine
Chevy Camaro ASK ALEX 94AJJ4 $Call Best Auto and Used Parts USA-GA(Palmetto) Request_Quote 770-306-9000 Request_Insurance_Quote
52
2010
Engine
Chevy Camaro 6.2L,A,RWD 101676 $Call Norcal Car & Truck Wrecking USA-CA(Rancho-Cordova) E-mail 877-760-3260 / 916-760-4111 2083
2010
Engine
Chevy Camaro 6.2,A,04/10,RWD w/590 see notes 12G022 $Call B & D Auto USA-AL(Birmingham) E-mail 205-637-2090 / 877-637-2090 164
2012
Engine
Chevy Camaro -999999 TRY06 $Call A & L Iron & Metal Company USA-MI(*******) E-mail 989-731-6548 / 989-732-5900 760
Year
Part
Model Description Miles Part
Grade Stock# US
Price Dealer Info

05RavenV

There is an ls3 pullout in the classifieds on here right now for 3500