Complete LS3

[bcwilson_1]

OK guys I have searched the different threads on this but haven't seen a specific completed LS3 swap done on a 67-72 truck that has a parts/mods list with cost to complete. For those of us that want to take the easy route (for lack of time) and get to as close of a plug n play package setup as possible, please post your pics and list of mods/costs. Especially, if you have done either an LS3/4L80E or LQ9 setup. My 72 C20 is my daily driver, so getting it done and back on the road in as little time as possible is an understatement. Thanks!

[thehata1]

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[A1971Blazer]

here it is if you have the coin
the mounts and such can be purchased as well as everything else you need
https://www.mygmwholesaleparts.com/o...SABEgJrEPD_BwE

[bcwilson_1]

Originally Posted by A1971Blazer

here it is if you have the coin
the mounts and such can be purchased as well as everything else you need
https://www.mygmwholesaleparts.com/o...SABEgJrEPD_BwE

That's it, but I need more info on having to upgrade gauges, gear shifter, etc. Things like that as well. And I'd rather stay away from brand new if I can. I was told to check out www.lsx4u.com but unless I missed it, they don't offer the ls3. If I did the lq9, I would probably go through them.

[A1971Blazer]

Originally Posted by bcwilson_1

That's it, but I need more info on having to upgrade gauges, gear shifter, etc. Things like that as well. And I'd rather stay away from brand new if I can. I was told to check out www.lsx4u.com but unless I missed it, they don't offer the ls3. If I did the lq9, I would probably go through them.

There's a wealth of information on the LSx swap in various threads all through this forum.....but I doubt you'll find one that has every last detail of the swap from start to finish...
One final thought...you could buy a cheap beater to drive while you're engaged in the swap...then sell it afterwards....just a thought...
Anyway...good luck if you decide to pull the trigger on it.....

[ls1nova71]

Originally Posted by A1971Blazer

.you could buy a cheap beater to drive while you're engaged in the swap...then sell it afterwards.....

The whole time I was reading this thread, this is waht I was thinking, but you beat me to it! To the OP, a swap can be completed fairly quickly with some practice, but it sounds like your first swap, so it will likley take longer than you think. Add to that, if you get in a hurry, you'll be more inclined to cut corners which will probably decrease its reliability in the long run. Read as much as you want, but real world hands on experience will get you further. Not saying to not plan it out, but do expect the unexpected road blocks. I would get most of the parts you are going to need, then dive in, and if you get stuck, ask for some help, there's a lot of guys on here that are willing to give advice. I have 2 builds in my sig, that you can check out, with the rusty truck being probably the most complete.

[bcwilson_1]

Originally Posted by A1971Blazer

There's a wealth of information on the LSx swap in various threads all through this forum.....but I doubt you'll find one that has every last detail of the swap from start to finish...
One final thought...you could buy a cheap beater to drive while you're engaged in the swap...then sell it afterwards....just a thought...
Anyway...good luck if you decide to pull the trigger on it.....

I'm actually looking for a 4x4 right now because I can't even get out of the driveway with the foot of snow we got last night!

[cdub2010]

Do a quick once over on craigslist or ebay and see your looking at an easy 10 Thousand dollars for an used ls3 swap. Double or triple that for all new? If your not willing to do the leg work on specing / pricing out a swap how would you even think you could do the actual work. Im not knocking you for a lack of skill or time, might be best to just call some shops and open your checkbook or get that gold card out.

simple google search (ls3 c10 pickup) show a few, one shows roughly $19000 with a list of items and part numbers.

Might be best to buy a truck done with an ls and drive the crap out of it.

[mongocanfly]

10k for a used ls3???..no way would i pay that....there may be somebody asking that much but getting that may be another story....at least in my neck of the woods....i gave 6500 for a 2015 ls3 and tr6060 with a whole pile of other parts off a camaro

[bcwilson_1]

Originally Posted by cdub2010

Do a quick once over on craigslist or ebay and see your looking at an easy 10 Thousand dollars for an used ls3 swap. Double or triple that for all new? If your not willing to do the leg work on specing / pricing out a swap how would you even think you could do the actual work. Im not knocking you for a lack of skill or time, might be best to just call some shops and open your checkbook or get that gold card out.

simple google search (ls3 c10 pickup) show a few, one shows roughly $19000 with a list of items and part numbers.

Might be best to buy a truck done with an ls and drive the crap out of it.

Haha ya I know they're expensive if you buy one with the swap, but only because it's a special vehicle to someone. It would be significantly less (in my research so far) to buy a used engine and trans package and pay a local shop to do it. I already have the truck so I'm not worrying about that part.

[bcwilson_1]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

10k for a used ls3???..no way would i pay that....there may be somebody asking that much but getting that may be another story....at least in my neck of the woods....i gave 6500 for a 2015 ls3 and tr6060 with a whole pile of other parts off a camaro

Ya it's the classic "to each his own" scenario, right? It's why if I had the choice between a pristine numbers matching stock truck for say 50k, or a driveable not rusted out truck for 5k, I'm going with the latter every time. I could care less about it being all original because that's not where it will end up and that's not where I want my thousands to go.

[A1971Blazer]

I'm sure that if you look around, you can find a shop that will do the swap turn-key...but as mentioned, it will be expensive...I'm doing my own, but it's not my daily driver.....so time isn't a huge concern

right now, I'm all in with 90% of everything I need at around 5K
.... a low miles, 2002 Fbody 5.7, all aluminum true LS1....a fully rebuilt 4L60E.....and NP241C transfer case......Entropy LS swap radiator....reworked harness, efi fuel tank and high pressure pump...
The other 10% is all the little stuff to button it all up...plus my time..!

[bcwilson_1]

Originally Posted by A1971Blazer

I'm sure that if you look around, you can find a shop that will do the swap turn-key...but as mentioned, it will be expensive...I'm doing my own, but it's not my daily driver.....so time isn't a huge concern

right now, I'm all in with 90% of everything I need at around 5K
.... a low miles, 2002 Fbody 5.7, all aluminum true LS1....a fully rebuilt 4L60E.....and NP241C transfer case......Entropy LS swap radiator....reworked harness, efi fuel tank and high pressure pump...
The other 10% is all the little stuff to button it all up...plus my time..!

That sounds more like the numbers I want. If I can't go ls3 for that I'll just go basic 5.7 efi. I don't care really that much about what engine as long as it's efi andI can tow my boat at hwy speed for more than 10 mpg!

[mongocanfly]

in my 81 ton it had a 150 or so hp 350 sm465 with 4.10s when I got it...barely got 10mpgs empty...I dropped in the lq9 at 345hp put in a nv4500 with the 4.10s and now I get 17mpgs empty...and PLENTY of power...I regularly pull 9500lb gross loaded trailer...

[bcwilson_1]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

in my 81 ton it had a 150 or so hp 350 sm465 with 4.10s when I got it...barely got 10mpgs empty...I dropped in the lq9 at 345hp put in a nv4500 with the 4.10s and now I get 17mpgs empty...and PLENTY of power...I regularly pull 9500lb gross loaded trailer...

So would simply getting an overdrive transmission help a lot with highway speed 60+ with my current setup or would I still need new gears? I was thinking 3.73 or something. I have 3 speed and 4.10.

[mongocanfly]

I'd keep the 4.10s and get a od trans....

[vannatta20]

I do standalone harness for the gen iv. I would like get one going in a classic truck for someone on the forums here. The harness is plug and play with only two wires that get hooked up. Brake lights and ignition. I do them for the truck engines and ls3. They main benefit is using the 6l80e is you get better gear reduction for tire roasting burn outs and they are strong to handle the power. Here is a vid with a gen v in a lightweight pickup. The truck is serious ly fast for being a stock 5.3 with 6l80

https://youtu.be/uj078sfLnhs