robbieroflcopter

Sorry, by LS3 I think I mean a four bolt as opposed to the three bolt I have on my gen 3? And gen 4 LS are typically drive by wire I think? So I need one that fits a LS3 that is cable driven lol.

I'm hoping to get something that's pretty much complete. I live in BFE Wyoming so there are no engine builders here. I'm comfortable wrenching but for this project I'd prefer something that comes on a pallet and bolts up/runs! I don't want to chase gremlins more than I have to

Thanks again!

shakenfake

That is correct. But you can have a 3 bolt TB with the conversion plate if you so desired. Didn't really matter so I didn't include it.

I would check out Golen or TX Speed and see if they have something that fits your goal.

RDF1

Any reason why you want to stick with a LS3 based engine?

robbieroflcopter

Nothing tangible really. Because it's what came in the vettes. Because it's an LS3. The only actual justification I can come up with has to do with ease of making the power/torque I'd like. It seems as though the smaller or earlier version engines either don't make as much or cost more at the same level.

What would you do in my situation?

RDF1

LS3 alum blocks bring a premium.
If it were me, i would do a iron 6.0 block. Turn it into a 408 or 416ci with LS3 heads and have a nice setup.
LS3 heads flow a lot better than the previous engine heads as well.

strutaeng

I watch this guy, from Smeding Performance out of San Antonio, TX. Something like this, except your proper reluctor wheel? Maybe reach out to him and talk to them.

RDF1

Ive got a customer in a similar situation.
he wanted a nice setup for his 71 C10 and we priced out several different ways to get what he wanted.
11.5CR 416CI

Ended up getting a LQ4 block for $100,
4.070" Pistons with rings,
6.125" Rods, 4" Crank,
King XP Main/Rod bearings,
Balanced the rotating assembly,
Durabond Cam bearings,
Ac delco cam retainer plate,
Ac delco Oil diverter plug,
Melling 10295 oil pump and pickup tube,
BTR engine gasket set,
block hot tanked and bored.
Wix Oil Filter
Delo 5w40
NGK TR6 Plugs
Total was $3400

LS3 heads from a machine shop someone didnt ever pay their bill. They were hot tanked/surfaced/valve and seats job/ Cam motion .670" DualSprings w seals/ and rockers with stands $700.
Cam Motion Cam, Johnson 2110R lifters, GM lifter trays, Melling timing set with sprockets, $1100
Holley valve covers, Dorman Front and rear covers, ICT Billet Valley cover, holley oil pan. $650
Holley HiRam intake, 102mm TB , Cable Bracket, 76# injectors, LT 1-7/8" headers $2000
Built 4L80E $2000
Circle D Converter w Flexplate $1500
Trans cooler with lines and adapters $250
Holley Terminator X Max $1600
Aluminum Driveshaft $625
CVF Front drive assembly $2000

For $20,000 in parts and labor he can drive his truck home with 600HP.




Thats the only reason i thought 15k for just a engine was high.

robbieroflcopter

Ok, so the further I get into this and the more info I get from you guys makes me think I might do some of it myself. So a few questions with that in mind.

I'm thinking about just getting the engine from chevy: https://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet-Per...32418/10002/-1 or something similar.

I know I will have to work out the crank/cam sensor issue to work with my Gen 3 PCM. Also, I'm aware that I'll need to extend and modify the knock sensors. I plan to remove the DBW throttle body and put a DBC with an adapter. I think I saw that Holley makes one to mount the cables on. Additionally, I will need adapters to run the fuel injectors off my stock harness. I'm not sure about the ignition coils... As far as the front drive I'm thinking I might just get an aftermarket serpentine setup. For two reasons: 1. the stuff on mine now is in rough shape and 2. the truck stuff doesn't fit on the front of this engine anyway because of the intake. Something like what's on the front of this: https://www.jegs.com/i/Blueprint-Eng...0CTFB/10002/-1 I believe I have plenty of room to get all that in there.

My questions: Will the oil pan that comes on the engine fit in my truck? Do you see any other obvious issues with my plan? Any ideas on who could remote tune this for me? I was hoping I could snag a tune from the manufacturer or distributor off the ecms they ship with their RTR engines. Not sure if they'd do that or if it would work (gen 4 PCM to gen 3). Will this engine have enough vacuum to run my power brakes?

Thanks for all the help. Every time someone responds on here it gives me a whole new thing to research lol.

shakenfake

Pull crank and replace reluctor wheel. Switch to GTO timing cover for the correct cam sensor.
Ignition coils do not change should be plug and play.

Personally I would be swapping the intake for a taller/truck style intake for a couple of reasons. 1) You can find them relatively cheap if used factory 2) Make more low end torque 3) If a factory intake it is easier to find DBC adapters to hold the cables. 4) Can use the truck FEAD 5) Makes it easier to hook up to stock airbox if desired
All of that would be cheaper than changing the entire front FEAD

It would probably fit I am not sure. It is probably more shallow than the truck pan but you can always just pull your old pan off and put it on if it does not work.
MailOrderTuner is a good remote tuner he will do that for you. I would just wait to get the remote tune done. Yes it will have enough vacuum to run power brakes.

RDF1

Stay away from the lingenfelter 58x to 24x box. It will leave you stranded and the cranking times get longer and longer for some reason before they crap out.



https://www.holley.com/products/fuel...parts/860004-1

https://www.holley.com/products/fuel...s/parts/20-147

Ign Coils use the same connector so thats not an issue.

Truck accessories will fit with the LS3 intake but some modifications need to be alternator bracket to clear the throttle body.
Oil pan will clear with room to spare.


If your going to go with that engine why not just use a Holley ECU? It will make tuning whatever you get substantially easier.

Also if your going with that 525hp LS3 i hope your not planning on running the stock torque converter.