LS7 engine swap

[pgviper]

I wasn't sure where to post this so I figured I would just post this thread here.

Has anyone gone about doing an LS7 engine swap on here? Converting it to wet-sump and everything such as the one shown in the article below?
http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/e...wap/index.html

Even for those who haven't, what are your opinions? The LS7 is an attractive engine with everything that it can do and the way it has been built. Being that it practically weighs the same as an LS3 it's an amazing power adder while maintaining almost stock weight and remaining NA leaving room for future improvement.

Another concern if interested in doing this, whether to do an LS7 engine swap or an LSX 427 engine swap. After some research I feel that if you want to go boosted then the LSX is the way to go with it's 2,500 hp rating however the higher reving LS7 is an amazing engine in itself.

Opinions?

[Sir Nuke]

One of the guys in our club has done it....but what he has is a LSX 468 which is an LS7. on the bottle, it makes 1025 hp.....and high 9's in the quarter...its a BEAST!!

[Cam 427]

The oil system in the LS7 makes it difficult. You'll have to mount the external oil tank somewhere and run the lines. The LS7 crank is longer, so you would have to used the Corvette Z06 accessory drive and components.

I used just the LS7 block and heads with a Callies LS rotating assembly. The LS3 oil pan, dampner, and accessories bolted right up. There is no hole for the oil dip stick tube, so you'll need to drill a hole for it.

I you want to go with boost the LSX block is the way to go and it's cheaper than the LS7 block.

[RichieRichZ06]

Unless you have an LS7 laying around collecting dust, it will be cheaper to build your LS3 into a 427. At least you can forge everything while you're at it. If you're planning on moddding the LS7, you will have to build the bottom end up so a stock LS7 is not your best bet anyways.

[pgviper]

So what it looks like that price wise, it's probably better to simply build up an ls3 or if your in to boost your engine, go with the lsx.

Also, realistically, the project is easier by just using the ls7 block and the rest from an ls3.

Thanks foe the responses everyone, I'm a long way from hVing to decide what my build is going to be but eventually I'm going to have to choose.

My dad has a completely built 454 bored to 465 in his 67 ss and the thing is an animal. I just want something to try to get to his level since the only thing that would outdo him is an lsx454 which is some serious dough lol.

I have to admit, opening your hood and showing off an ls7 would be pretty sick. I'm all about naturally aspirated so I don't think I would ever go the lsx route

[TOMS1SS]

When I was at Camaro5fest the LS7 they had on display was on sale for 14k. If you want something totally unique and got the coin to do it, why not?

[Sawyer]

Originally Posted by Sir Nuke

One of the guys in our club has done it....but what he has is a LSX 468 which is an LS7. on the bottle, it makes 1025 hp.....and high 9's in the quarter...its a BEAST!!

Link?

[talwell]

You dont have to go with massive cubed LSx motors to get high hp. We are building a nice little LSx 408 now that will be over 1000hp. To be honest, unless you are building a dedicated race car, there is no need to even hit those levels.

The LS7 is a very expensive motor to do - just do a nice LSx 376 or 408 and I am sure you will achieve your goals.

[Sir Nuke]

Originally Posted by Sawyer

Link?

Sawyer.....the best thing I can suggest, would be to find and pick up a copy of the new Camaro Now magizine, the copy that came out the first part of May. They did a muti-page article article with picts and specs of his car.

[pgviper]

Originally Posted by talwell

You dont have to go with massive cubed LSx motors to get high hp. We are building a nice little LSx 408 now that will be over 1000hp. To be honest, unless you are building a dedicated race car, there is no need to even hit those levels.

The LS7 is a very expensive motor to do - just do a nice LSx 376 or 408 and I am sure you will achieve your goals.

Thank's for the great advice. Yea, he has a dedicated race car, it's built using the same chassis and design as the Big Red Camaro only his is with a 67 instead of a 69.

I overlooked those as options so I will def start researching.

[Nvincent4708]

Originally Posted by pgviper

Thank's for the great advice. Yea, he has a dedicated race car, it's built using the same chassis and design as the Big Red Camaro only his is with a 67 instead of a 69.

I overlooked those as options so I will def start researching.

See my link. I'm currently doing the lsx376.. Yes it's an iron block, but ready for the 5-7 pounds of boost i'll be doing when the motor is paid.

[CC Performance]

Originally Posted by pgviper

I wasn't sure where to post this so I figured I would just post this thread here.

Has anyone gone about doing an LS7 engine swap on here? Converting it to wet-sump and everything such as the one shown in the article below?
http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/e...wap/index.html

Even for those who haven't, what are your opinions? The LS7 is an attractive engine with everything that it can do and the way it has been built. Being that it practically weighs the same as an LS3 it's an amazing power adder while maintaining almost stock weight and remaining NA leaving room for future improvement.

Another concern if interested in doing this, whether to do an LS7 engine swap or an LSX 427 engine swap. After some research I feel that if you want to go boosted then the LSX is the way to go with it's 2,500 hp rating however the higher reving LS7 is an amazing engine in itself.

Opinions?

Couple things.. rpms have nothing to do with the engine size..

the LS7 block uses different sleeves than all the others and they aren't the greatest. The LS3 you have can be configured as a 427 and would be less money and a stronger motor.

Block costs are $1450 for the LS3 and $2750 for the LS7 and again its lesser of a starting point from where I stand. I didn't use it in my personal build and I could have easily enough, actually would have saved a few hundred as well. But its not the greatest candidate.

[CC Performance]

Originally Posted by pgviper

So what it looks like that price wise, it's probably better to simply build up an ls3 or if your in to boost your engine, go with the lsx.

Also, realistically, the project is easier by just using the ls7 block and the rest from an ls3.

Thanks foe the responses everyone, I'm a long way from hVing to decide what my build is going to be but eventually I'm going to have to choose.

My dad has a completely built 454 bored to 465 in his 67 ss and the thing is an animal. I just want something to try to get to his level since the only thing that would outdo him is an lsx454 which is some serious dough lol.

I have to admit, opening your hood and showing off an ls7 would be pretty sick. I'm all about naturally aspirated so I don't think I would ever go the lsx route

We have a 457 that would eat your dads old bbc 454 for lunch, . we use your LS3 block to so its a sleeper... if you want to look at it that way...

1000 hp from a 408...LOL, not without FI or n2o


We have a n/a 468 making 670 rwhp on 91 octane pump gas... things can be done.. you just need to know how

[mike25]

Hey cc-

I'm actually thinking about Having a 454 lsx built. Would an iron or aluminum block be more beneficial? I know there's weight differences. I was considering having a 454 built and selling the stock ls3 off. Would it be beneficial to buy new heads etc or should i use the ls3 parts? Also, could I use whatever cam I desire or would this larger motor require a different cam? Looking to handle 900-1000hp at maximum capacity once force, but out of the gate only looking for 5-600. What kind of power numbers would I see? Roughly, how much does one of these cost? I've gathered the block, crank, pistons etc can be had for roughly 7-8k, but how much for a fully built motor, heads cam and all?