1968 camaro, what motor to go with ls1 ls2 ls3?
06-02-2021, 12:28 AM
#2
TECH Senior Member
Find the best deal on any of them. Any of them would do a good job in that car. None will be cheap as they weren't made in huge numbers like the truck engines.
If it were me, I would look for an aluminum block 6.0 or 6.2 truck engine as they are around in larger numbers than any you mention.
If it were me, I would look for an aluminum block 6.0 or 6.2 truck engine as they are around in larger numbers than any you mention.
Last edited by G Atsma; 06-02-2021 at 08:37 AM.
06-02-2021, 07:22 AM
#7
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (27)
LS3 is a fantastic motor, that gets my vote. But like G Atsma said, you can also look at the L92 truck motor. It is a 6.2 all aluminum motor that is very similar to the LS3, and doesn't come with the bigger price tag. That is what I'm running in my Camaro. Do yourself a favor though and go with the Holley mounts, pan and headers. You will thank yourself later.
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G Atsma (06-02-2021)
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06-02-2021, 07:57 AM
#8
What you do depends on your goals, which you didn't state. Time, money, engine characteristics, bling, power,etc.
LS1s are generally 20+ years old and beat up.
LS2s are a bit rare. TBSS variants like to eat rod bearings.
LS3s are fantastic, but expensive. Used seem to be almost as expensive as a new crate version.
There are Iron 6.0s out there in trucks, which make great platforms for usually must less if you don't mind the weight. Usually still a little lighter than a typical 350.
There are truck 6.2s out there also. They are all aluminum blocks. (Iron 6.2s are either an aftermarket LSX376 or someone bored out a 6.0 block)
How much money do you want to invest in the long block? (Assume all the headers and FEAD will be the same for any engine you choosE)
How clean / new do you want it?
How much work do you want to do? Nothing or do a full rebuild or something in between?
How much power are you trying to make?
How do you want the engine to drive? idle? sound? smell?
Depending on the power level you are shooting for, think about that last line. And think of the impact on the rest of the car. More power = more needs on cooling, fuel system, drivetrain strength, etc.
LS1s are generally 20+ years old and beat up.
LS2s are a bit rare. TBSS variants like to eat rod bearings.
LS3s are fantastic, but expensive. Used seem to be almost as expensive as a new crate version.
There are Iron 6.0s out there in trucks, which make great platforms for usually must less if you don't mind the weight. Usually still a little lighter than a typical 350.
There are truck 6.2s out there also. They are all aluminum blocks. (Iron 6.2s are either an aftermarket LSX376 or someone bored out a 6.0 block)
How much money do you want to invest in the long block? (Assume all the headers and FEAD will be the same for any engine you choosE)
How clean / new do you want it?
How much work do you want to do? Nothing or do a full rebuild or something in between?
How much power are you trying to make?
How do you want the engine to drive? idle? sound? smell?
Depending on the power level you are shooting for, think about that last line. And think of the impact on the rest of the car. More power = more needs on cooling, fuel system, drivetrain strength, etc.
The following 2 users liked this post by Haggar:
G Atsma (06-02-2021), Pro Stock John (06-02-2021)
06-02-2021, 08:38 AM
#9
TECH Senior Member
06-02-2021, 08:42 AM
#10
TECH Senior Member
06-02-2021, 10:58 AM
#11
Just order this and add a used LS3 intake/TB/stock injectors. Change the cam, add headers and be done.
https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/19420382.html
https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/19420382.html
06-02-2021, 11:14 AM
#12
Everything depends on what you want to do with the car. Drag/race and you should go iron block. Street or road race and aluminum is good. Modified used motor will save you a lot vs new. All depends...
06-02-2021, 12:10 PM
#14
I wanted alum block for the weight savings. As others mentioned above - the alum block stuff starts to get a bit pricey. I was set on the 6.2 and most used stuff was being offered with tranny and harness/ecu - neither of I wanted. Also, didn’t want to buy someone else’s problem. Went with new crate motor and PSI harness/08 Corvette ecu. Flawless performance for 5 years.
06-02-2021, 12:12 PM
#15
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (27)
IDK, for $5k that crate LS3 that gnx7 posted is hard to beat. Prices like that will drive down the used market too. 400-500 hp is what a hot cam LS3 makes. I'd to just what GNX7 said if you have the coin. Get a small cam kit, LS3 intake and Terminator X and you'll be golden.
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CattleAc (06-02-2021)
06-02-2021, 01:37 PM
#17
With those goals, you have a lot of options.
New crate motor is always nice. But make sure it fits within your budget, once you add: engine management, intake, fuel, exhaust manifolds/headers, mounts, front accessories and brackets, water pump, etc. Theres a lot of money tied up in all of that, and $6k crate motors will typically add another $1-$2k once you get it fully dressed.
If you go used, IMO, get the largest and cleanest/lowest mile you can. For a general street car, you'll be happier with a 6.0 or 6.2, and smaller cam. An LQ4, LQ9, or LY6 with a car intake and a 224-228 cam would be quite nice. Or if you can find a 6.2 from a truck, thats a great starting point as well.
I've had 50/50 luck with used engines. My LQ4 in my 72 GMC I got for $1600, low miles, turned out to be built with good parts throughout, with CNC heads and a cam. I have been flogging it for 4 years and its had 0 issues. This engine makes close to 500hp, and drives like a dream. Just enough rumble, but idles smooth, and cruises great And then I bought an LS2 for $3k many years ago, and it ended up needing a full rebuild. That one is now a ~600 hp 403 stroker. This one is very different. Loud, lumpy, smelly, makes the car rumble and shake at idle.
New crate motor is always nice. But make sure it fits within your budget, once you add: engine management, intake, fuel, exhaust manifolds/headers, mounts, front accessories and brackets, water pump, etc. Theres a lot of money tied up in all of that, and $6k crate motors will typically add another $1-$2k once you get it fully dressed.
If you go used, IMO, get the largest and cleanest/lowest mile you can. For a general street car, you'll be happier with a 6.0 or 6.2, and smaller cam. An LQ4, LQ9, or LY6 with a car intake and a 224-228 cam would be quite nice. Or if you can find a 6.2 from a truck, thats a great starting point as well.
I've had 50/50 luck with used engines. My LQ4 in my 72 GMC I got for $1600, low miles, turned out to be built with good parts throughout, with CNC heads and a cam. I have been flogging it for 4 years and its had 0 issues. This engine makes close to 500hp, and drives like a dream. Just enough rumble, but idles smooth, and cruises great And then I bought an LS2 for $3k many years ago, and it ended up needing a full rebuild. That one is now a ~600 hp 403 stroker. This one is very different. Loud, lumpy, smelly, makes the car rumble and shake at idle.
06-02-2021, 04:19 PM
#19
good luck finding any new ls3s. August -September is the estimate. eBay wants 4 k for a l92 with 136k miles. I was about to jump on a LS3/480hp longblock , They are having a problem with the crank supplier
Just order this and add a used LS3 intake/TB/stock injectors. Change the cam, add headers and be done.
https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/19420382.html
https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/19420382.html
06-02-2021, 05:04 PM
#20
I bought my new crate LS3 in Dec of '15 for $5799 out of a dealership somewhere in Iowa. I talked to Hendrick dealership local to me -- but they couldn't compete because of state sales tax! Gave 'em a CC number and 4 days later the big FedEx truck hand-trucked the pallet into my garage. Sounds like things have changed. Hell, what hasn't changed over the last year or so....