Thinking of buying LS3 crate
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 2
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From: Chandler, Arizona
Thinking of buying LS3 crate Hey everybody my first post here, I have a 1965 C10 shortbed truck, had it since 17, im 45 now.
20 years ago bought a C5 Corvette convertible with M6 transmission and still have it also.
At the time I got the C5 was in the middle of swapping out 327 SBC for a 454 BBC, not long after swap ran numbers and found out it’s a 1968 C10 396.
Since getting C5 have been thinking of LS swap for old truck and saved for years, and the prices shot up.
I keep thinking of pulling the trigger on Blue Print Engines 530 HP LS3, and possibly a T56 magnum transmission, truck currently has TH400 and 3.90 or 4.10 gears.
The 396 runs fine, but the LS3 sounds fun.
Any reviews on BPE LS3?
20 years ago bought a C5 Corvette convertible with M6 transmission and still have it also.
At the time I got the C5 was in the middle of swapping out 327 SBC for a 454 BBC, not long after swap ran numbers and found out it’s a 1968 C10 396.
Since getting C5 have been thinking of LS swap for old truck and saved for years, and the prices shot up.
I keep thinking of pulling the trigger on Blue Print Engines 530 HP LS3, and possibly a T56 magnum transmission, truck currently has TH400 and 3.90 or 4.10 gears.
The 396 runs fine, but the LS3 sounds fun.
Any reviews on BPE LS3?
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,643
Likes: 526
I've done a number of LS swaps over the years. All have gone well. All have needed a bit of tweaking once done.
I have a somewhat local tuner that has guided me over the years.
So here's what he told me.
1. Small to medium size cam. That's so you can run power brakes if that is in the plan. And makes the tune so much easier for every day driving. Specs on the BP LS3 you are considering?
2. Maybe 3.73-4.10 gears depending on tire diameter.
3. On my 68 C10 LS6/T56 swap I ran 20" wheels 285/40 tires. 4:10 gears. IMO a perfect match for the T56.
4. With a good sized HP engine you need really good brakes.
5. Also a rear end that will take the HP. Upgraded axles and posi.
6. Buy a really good LS aftermarket harness and ECM. Really good chassis wiring harness. Many good grounds.
7. Buy a couple of extra sets of rear tires for spares since that LS3 is going to smoke the tread of them. LOL.
Good luck with your swap.
I have a somewhat local tuner that has guided me over the years.
So here's what he told me.
1. Small to medium size cam. That's so you can run power brakes if that is in the plan. And makes the tune so much easier for every day driving. Specs on the BP LS3 you are considering?
2. Maybe 3.73-4.10 gears depending on tire diameter.
3. On my 68 C10 LS6/T56 swap I ran 20" wheels 285/40 tires. 4:10 gears. IMO a perfect match for the T56.
4. With a good sized HP engine you need really good brakes.
5. Also a rear end that will take the HP. Upgraded axles and posi.
6. Buy a really good LS aftermarket harness and ECM. Really good chassis wiring harness. Many good grounds.
7. Buy a couple of extra sets of rear tires for spares since that LS3 is going to smoke the tread of them. LOL.
Good luck with your swap.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 2
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From: Chandler, Arizona
- Cam Type: Roller Cam
- .612 Intake .585 Exhaust
225 Intake / 238 Exhaust duration
@ .050 - 113 degree lobe separation, 110 ICL
Truck has 275 60 15 tires, and GM 12 bolt differential, upgraded to front power disc brakes, basically like a 1973-1987 C10.
Would the brakes need more upgrades?
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,643
Likes: 526
On my LS swaps I run C5 Corvette front brakes and 2002 Fbody rear brakes. C5 booster and 2002 Camaro master with a Wilwood adjustable prop valve. C5/2002 Camaro brakes will not fit 15" wheels. I would check with companies like Willwood to see what a good upgrade would would be.
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Advice I've done a number of LS swaps over the years. All have gone well. All have needed a bit of tweaking once done.
I have a somewhat local tuner that has guided me over the years.
So here's what he told me.
1. Small to medium size cam. That's so you can run power brakes if that is in the plan. And makes the tune so much easier for every day driving. Specs on the BP LS3 you are considering?
2. Maybe 3.73-4.10 gears depending on tire diameter.
3. On my 68 C10 LS6/T56 swap I ran 20" wheels 285/40 tires. 4:10 gears. IMO a perfect match for the T56.
4. With a good sized HP engine you need really good brakes.
5. Also a rear end that will take the HP. Upgraded axles and posi.
6. Buy a really good LS aftermarket harness and ECM. Really good chassis wiring harness. Many good grounds.
7. Buy a couple of extra sets of rear tires for spares since that LS3 is going to smoke the tread of them. LOL.
Good luck with your swap.
I have a somewhat local tuner that has guided me over the years.
So here's what he told me.
1. Small to medium size cam. That's so you can run power brakes if that is in the plan. And makes the tune so much easier for every day driving. Specs on the BP LS3 you are considering?
2. Maybe 3.73-4.10 gears depending on tire diameter.
3. On my 68 C10 LS6/T56 swap I ran 20" wheels 285/40 tires. 4:10 gears. IMO a perfect match for the T56.
4. With a good sized HP engine you need really good brakes.
5. Also a rear end that will take the HP. Upgraded axles and posi.
6. Buy a really good LS aftermarket harness and ECM. Really good chassis wiring harness. Many good grounds.
7. Buy a couple of extra sets of rear tires for spares since that LS3 is going to smoke the tread of them. LOL.
Good luck with your swap.
