Thinking of replacing SBC with LS engine

[canam-phil]

My canam SBC EFI engine is up for a refresh and was just toying with the idea of replacing with a fairly standard LS3. I must say that the engine has been (and still is) good and I built before LS and EFI became the way to go!

Use of the car is mainly touring in France and the occasional trackday or sprint.

So, my questions are:
1 Has anyone gone through the process and/or done a costings spreadsheet that they would be willing to share?
2 Recommended suppliers for LS3?
3 Is it necessary to go dry sump for the LS3?
4 CAT or non-CAT?
5 Can I retain my gearbox with right hand shift cos I prefer it.

Thx

Edited by canam-phil on Monday 23 April 09:06

[738 driver]

Consider converting to LS2... buy used (cheap as chips) refresh with a mild cam upgrade and bit of head work, fit to your existing transmission. Will still need adapter plate, clutch or flywheel, headers and an EFI fuel system. LS2's done this way give a great balance of performance and economy...well suited to hyper-touring.

Dave Hodge might confirm ??

[MarkWebb]

Kind of did it for LS7 decided not to though.
Now going (I think) for World products old style small block with LS2/3/7 heads on it with full ecu system and dry sump.
Engine is not that cheap depending on spec but you can save £1500+ by not needing new adapter and clutch. £1500 by not needing new alternator aircon and serpentine pulley system and a lot of fitting hassle.
LS power and torque and hopefully better economy if ignition can be set correctly.
However I have already converted my SBC to EFI and removed distributor and fitted mappable ignition so I have already got some of the stuff.
Righthand geearchange is ok.
I would not fit cats unless I was some kind of eco warrior. Not sure if that would upset the std ecu with 4 O2 sensors?
A std LS of some sort is prob the best from a cost/resale value point of view.
I like to do something a little different, deal with the hassle and not worry too much about the resale bit.

[200Plus Club]

if you join the ls forum and do a bit of searching there are various people who will sell you the right brackets and the like for the LS series. there are quite a few configurations and you dont have to pay a fortune for the o.e mounting kit.
weber race engines were doing some great deals on built short motors and full engines a while back.

[Storer]

Be careful. You will be tempted to upgrade/replace parts that don't look their best or you will see some nice-to-have trinket to add to the engine bay that will squeeze it's way onto your credit card.

You will probably find the engine is only half the cost of the upgrade. However, the LS engines are an easy to use powerhouse.

Dry sump? - yes.

Good luck.


Paul

[SpiritedDriver]

Hello I would be very interested in what's needed please

SBC with alloy heads, I would like to swap for a tuned LS3 with its alloy block saving 100lbs or so and adding to the power and torque with its few xtra inches

if anybody has done this do let me know and post here.

[DHGTR]

738 driver said:

Consider converting to LS2... buy used (cheap as chips) refresh with a mild cam upgrade and bit of head work, fit to your existing transmission. Will still need adapter plate, clutch or flywheel, headers and an EFI fuel system. LS2's done this way give a great balance of performance and economy...well suited to hyper-touring.

Dave Hodge might confirm ??

I can confirm that :-)

I'll drop you a mail over the weekend Phil. Just returned from a trip abroad.