LY6 part interchange?
LY6 part interchange? I picked up a 07 LY6 long block out of a 2500 with a full harness with a LS3 intake, stock LS3 cam, cam gear, valve springs, and valley cover to put in a 89 Irocz. I got the engine and all the parts for 1k with 50k miles on it and the LS3 parts are out of a 11 vette with 5k miles on them. My question is can I run the LS3 cam and springs to delete the vvt and just get LS7 lifters, LS2 trays, LS2 timing chain and LS2 timing cover? Will the LS3 valley cover work or do I even need to change it?
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 31
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From: Mooresville, NC
You do not have to swap out the lifters or rocker arms. Make sure the Came gear is a 4X. You will need the LS2 timing cover and cam sensor. The push rod length should be ok as long as both cams have the same diameter base circle.
All you need to swap are the cam, cam sprocket and timing cover. The other parts you listed (chain, rockers, pushrods etc) aren't necessary because they are the same between the LY6 and LS3. I do not know about the valvesprings. You can reuse your LY6 cam sensor - just install it in the LS3 (or LS2) timing cover. You might consider using an LS2 timing chain damper instead of the LY6/LS3 tensioner; do some research.
The LS3 valley cover is not required, but has an arguably more desirable PCV port & baffle. The LY6 cover has no port - you would use the port on the passenger valve cover if using the LY6 valley cover. If you have the LS3 cover, I would use it. Some say it's worth swapping to even if you don't already have one.
The LS3 valley cover is not required, but has an arguably more desirable PCV port & baffle. The LY6 cover has no port - you would use the port on the passenger valve cover if using the LY6 valley cover. If you have the LS3 cover, I would use it. Some say it's worth swapping to even if you don't already have one.
Last edited by -TheBandit-; Oct 30, 2012 at 02:43 PM.
Ok that sounds good to me. So theres no real gain to using the ls3 springs? I only ask because they came with the motor. So it sounds like I'll go ahead and use the ls3 valley cover but im lost as far as what your talking about with the pcv port & baffle. Im pretty new to the LSx motors so im learning as I go. Im used to the pcv valve being in the valve cover.
If you swap to the LS3 valley cover, you can cap either it or the valve cover later, so you will open up some options.
I honestly am not sure how different the springs are, but keep in mind the LY6 has heavier valves than the LS3.
I honestly am not sure how different the springs are, but keep in mind the LY6 has heavier valves than the LS3.
Ok well what kind of options are you talking about with the pcv port and capping one or the other? I honestly dont understand? Ive been reading about the ls3 cam and cam gear swap and most things I read say that its a 3 bolt cam but mine is one bolt. Is my cam not what I was told or have I just read something wrong.
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For PCV routing, see this thread: https://ls1tech.com/forums/11059703-post70.html
The LS3 uses a single bolt cam. 3 bolt cams were used on earlier engines (LS1 through I think LS2). The important thing for interchangability isn't so much if it is a single or 3 bolt cam, but whether it has a 4x or a 2x cam signal. As far as I know, all factory single bolt cam tiiming gears are 4x and are compatible with the LY6 ECM.
The LS3 uses a single bolt cam. 3 bolt cams were used on earlier engines (LS1 through I think LS2). The important thing for interchangability isn't so much if it is a single or 3 bolt cam, but whether it has a 4x or a 2x cam signal. As far as I know, all factory single bolt cam tiiming gears are 4x and are compatible with the LY6 ECM.
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Verdad Gallardo Thanks for the info man. Helps me alot. I still have to figure out what were goin to use for a tranny the car came with a 4l60e out of a 00 Z28 but im not sure if my ly6 harness will beable to control that tranny. I still have plenty of research to do.
Alright guys im ready to swap my LS3 cam and get the motor all ready to go into the car but I cant seem to find the info im looking for to swap the cam. Im new to the ls motors and just want to make sure I set it all up properly. Can someone post a link with some helpful info or give me your personal experience
