I'm getting a few mixed signals in my reading to prepare for my LS3 conversion into my TA, the one I'm a little unsure of right now is the camshaft changeover. Obviously I'll need to use the LS2 front cover and sensor, however will I be able to retain the LS3 single bolt style cam gear or am I required to change over to a 3-bolt style? And if so, I guess I'd really like to understand why since I'll be running a complete LS3 swap with the appropriate conversion harnesses anyhow.

 

If I'm reading this right, you're about to swap an LS3 into a car that currently has an LS1? By "conversion harnesses", do you mean the complete LS3 wiring and ECM? If so, you can keep the single bolt cam and upper gear.

 

No, the adapter harnesses for the KS, cam sensor etc.. the main harness is still my OE LS1 harness, but I'm just trying to wrap my head around why, if I'm using the adapter/extension, do I need to go with a 3-bolt cam gear? I'm assuming it's because of the 4x vs. 1x resolution difference, however I thought I read that there are 1x resolution 1-bolt cam gears available.. or perhaps I was mistaken?

 

That single-bolt 1x upper gear doesn't exist, read here, but it's a moot point anyway. Just keep your single bolt gear (and cam) and use the Lingenfelter swap box to convert your LS3's 58x crank signal to the 24x that your computer needs, in addition to your other parts.

 

the harness just extends ur current harness, not so much a "converter" harness, the LS1 cam sensor is on the back of the motor and LS3 will be on the front cover, Knock sensors are in the valley cover on the LS1 and are on the side of the block on the LS3, and the MAP sensor also moves to the front of the intake, these are the reasons for the harness. SO u have 2 choices, keep the 58x relucter wheel and same cam gear and use the Lingerfelter converter box or change the relucter wheel to 24x and change cam and gear to 3 bolt and LS2 cam gear and front cover with the extension harnesses. I'm not sure if the Lingerfelter box has the wires that run from it to your sensors if it doesn't it may be cheaper to go the other route especially if u plan on upgrading the cam and timing set anyways. Hope this helps.

 

I've already ordered the Lingenfelter converter box, but it was my understanding that it only converts the crank signal, not the camshaft signal unless somehow I overlooked something (which would be great so I can keep my 1-bolt cam).

 

it does the cam too! http://www.lingenfelter.com/mm5/merc...3#.UTUmEVd8t8E

 

Excellent, thanks Keith!