LS Engine install guide

LS Engine install guide

Author
Discussion

chucknorris

Original Poster:

180 posts

162 months

Wednesday 5th November 2014
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Hi everyone,
I have just received my LS3 block and i'm ready to start the install, but i was wondering if anyone can recall if someone has done a step by step guide or blog for an LS3/7 install.
I know some people have shown the steps they have gone through on here but most of the ones i remember were fairly unique installs and unusual configurations, what i'm talking about is a guide for the standard LS engine and Porsche box (G50 in my case)install.
I was thinking it might save me and others a lot of time researching the various bits of information required, for example i've already spent ages (probably a couple of hours) working out the correct ancillary components and layout required for my CanAm which i couldn't have done without the kind help of some others on here.
I intend to put a post on here with photos of the ancillaries part of the install to share that information as i know it will help others, but i would love to find a guide for the next stage as i want to get the engine in as quickly as possible without fuss.
Cheers

Pete

356Speedster

2,293 posts

230 months

Wednesday 5th November 2014
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Hi Pete, I don't have a written guide, but feel free to reference any pics from my build site for help (www.facebook.com/ultima.can.am.build).

I found the LS3 easy to install, but I had made it easier on myself by using the support of AutoBionics. Their neat spacer bracket allows the stock GM AC compressor to be retained and their front drive pulley system is plug & play simplicity. The motor dropped in, but depending on your chassis age you might need to grind the chassis motor mount plates down a little. Once seated, engine loom placement & connection was easy and the AB modified loom seats the ECU in the driver's side luggage pod, with then the Bulkhead Connector, OBD port and a few other necessities positioned behind the access plate on the driver's side of the body section (oposite to the fuse box).

I can't advise on the G50, but my G96/50 uses an AB engine adapter and a mixture of Porsche 911 turbo & GT2 parts in the complete clutch assembly.

It shouldn't be a difficult install, providing you've got some key items covered off & adapted for mid-enginged install, first.

Abbosevolution

352 posts

134 months

Wednesday 5th November 2014
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I can recommend Marks build as have referred to it on a number occasions, the photos helped me a great deal in speeding things up and confirming my installation clap

UltimaCH

3,155 posts

188 months

Wednesday 5th November 2014
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Having seen Mark's build, I can compliment the quality of the work and the assembly.

chucknorris

Original Poster:

180 posts

162 months

Wednesday 5th November 2014
quotequote all
Thanks Mark, I have seen your build and followed it with great interest on Facebook back when you were doing it...i was actually ahead of you for a while but then I had a couple of years off to build a house and so I am now back to finish mine off.
I will definitely refer to your posts and i know that will be useful. I also know that you sought the help of AB and I have in fact spoken to them a couple of times myself, but after doing so I have decided that i should be able to do this install without using their services (that's not a dig at them, it's more that I feel i am capable of installing the engine without their help)
There will always be builders who are going to use AB's expertise which is great as that then allows them to further develop the Ultima which will benefit us all, however, I am pretty sure there are still a lot of other builders out there who are capable of modifying or making parts and would rather undertake the entire build for themselves and this is a perfect example why a guide for a stock install would be very helpful.


confusionhunter

448 posts

221 months

Wednesday 5th November 2014
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Installing a LS3 into a Can AM:
Author: ChuckNorris
laugh;)

chucknorris

Original Poster:

180 posts

162 months

Wednesday 5th November 2014
quotequote all
It's looking rather much like it, so that means doing all the research i was hoping to avoid read PLUS posting a guide on here which will take up even more of my time banghead
Well if nobody knows of such a guide, then i guess i would be as well to record all the steps for others to pick any tips and information from.

corvettedave

274 posts

156 months

Wednesday 5th November 2014
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there should be some instructions with the engine, for engine side of things steam pipe, placement of maf sensor etc, the loom is all marked, so its quite easy really, any issues give me a ding

chucknorris

Original Poster:

180 posts

162 months

Thursday 6th November 2014
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Strangely enough there were no instructions with the engine at all, i got some for the CTS-V kit but that was it. Having never worked on such a big engine, it can initally look a bit daunting especially when there appears to be loads of pipes and openings with rubber or plastic covers over them and that's where i'll need to double check exactly what's what. I'm sure as the engine goes in, it will all become clear but a nice haynes manual type guide would go down a treat.

Racing Roj

488 posts

162 months

Thursday 6th November 2014
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I have an LS7 engine in my GTR which I bought already built but if you need any photos along the way way to check then just email me and I will nip in the garage and sort.

Paul.B

3,937 posts

263 months

Thursday 6th November 2014
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I've worked on a couple, both LS7 and LS3.
Getting the Bulkhead layout right is the most important step. All the fuel lines, filters & pumps.
The American Speed loom was very simple with all branches labelled. The GM one took a little more thought and planning.
Remember the Inlet Manifold needs rotating if it is a Crate engine from GM. There can be some fettling required to get it to sit down properly in the back left corner (where the thermostat is?) by the Manifold Pressure Sensor.
The factory exhaust went in simply enough and provided you have the correct starter ring for your starter the gearbox mated up easily.
With the LS3 you have a more simple oil system without the Dry Sump Tank so routing the lines is easy. Placing the fuel Swirl Pot needed working out but I'm sure the factory have a standard set up now.

All things considered the installation of the engine should be one of the easier stages and very enjoyable.

chucknorris

Original Poster:

180 posts

162 months

Thursday 6th November 2014
quotequote all
Thanks Racing Roj and Paul.B, both very helpful, I have decided i'm going to put something into writing and take plenty photos along the way. Paul: I have used the most up-to-date layout that the factory supplies along with all their components (I know others have fitted their own fuel systems but I plan for a max of 550hp once it's through it's IVA so i believe the factory setup is ideal) so i'm hoping that i don't need to move anything.
Roj: it might be helpful for some photos, so i'll possibly get back to you on that and thanks for offering.

chucknorris

Original Poster:

180 posts

162 months

Sunday 9th November 2014
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Ok, so I've started the engine install but I've come across a couple of issues/questions.
Firstly, I've lowered the engine into position to check clearances and I see a potential issue with the oil filter, the filter either rests on or just above the centre lower cross member ...is this right as I'd have to lift the engine out to change the filter???
Secondly, the sump appears to be the lowest part by at least 2 inches under the car...which at first glance seems a lot.

One final thing, does anyone have a part number or source for the A/C hose adaptor to actually connect the ultima hoses to the pump.
Cheers
Pete

corvettedave

274 posts

156 months

Sunday 9th November 2014
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Jesus, they sound like some right fundamental problems, surprised we haven't heard about this before?, the engine sump on the ls3 is really slim, compared to sbc oil sumps, do u think there might be an issue with the engine brackets? or ??


356Speedster

2,293 posts

230 months

Sunday 9th November 2014
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What oil filter are you using Pete? The standard AC Delco PF46 fits fine and will sit about an inch above the cross member.... it could be that your engine is tilted back slightly without the gearbox being fitted & properly held in place with the rear bracket.

It is a pain when it come oil change time, as you need to put a jack under the back of the gearbox and add a little bit of lift to give enough clearance to get the filter off.

The sump shouldn't be an issue, but I've not measured it.... if you need to, I can have a look tomorrow and advise.

corvettedave

274 posts

156 months

Sunday 9th November 2014
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if you did dry sump, should solve the issue?

chucknorris

Original Poster:

180 posts

162 months

Sunday 9th November 2014
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Yep, I thought that the gearbox might raise it slightly and possibly up to an inch, but it's very difficult to tell and I've got the engine sitting in the mounts and sitting sort of balanced so the bolts can slide back and forth, so if the gearbox lifts it up the mounts will be twisting or compressing slightly but maybe that's how it is...it just looks like it's really crammed in and at first I didn't think it was going to go in.
It would be interesting to see animage of another LS3 sump fromunder the car to see if it's the same.
If it is, I may look down the dry sump route as it does look very low on an already low car.

chucknorris

Original Poster:

180 posts

162 months

Sunday 9th November 2014
quotequote all
I've read so many times that the LS engines are a tight fit, especially at the front....and low and behold everyone was right! eek

corvettedave

274 posts

156 months

Sunday 9th November 2014
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might be a good plan, last thing u want is the sump as a target for humps etc! lol

F.C.

3,896 posts

207 months

Sunday 9th November 2014
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Fit a remote oil filter, it will pay dividends come service time, so much easier to access.