LS3 swapping

[Goonba]

Hey all,

Currently i have a 04 VZ Berlina, with the 3.6l Alloytec. I’m thinking of V8 swapping.

For the record, yes i know financially id be better off buying a ss, but i love this car and have already done so much to it. So budget really isn’t too much of a care.

So basically im looking at putting a LS3 into my car. Has anyone done something like this before? What’s required to do this (parts wise)? If done right should it be still road legal (in Victoria)?

Thanks all

 

[Smitty]

... needs engineering to be legal in Vic

yes, VY had a V8 option but not LS3



ps... at age 20, I guess you are on Green Ps and won't be able to drive a VY with LS3. Vic roads regs state -

power will be limited to 130 kilowatts per tonne instead of the number of cylinders for Green P Platers
and LS3s make 300kw or more. Your VY is too light

 

[Goonba]

... needs engineering to be legal in Vic

yes, VY had a V8 option but not LS3



ps... at age 20, I guess you are on Green Ps and won't be able to drive a VY with LS3. Vic roads regs state -

power will be limited to 130 kilowatts per tonne instead of the number of cylinders for Green P Platers
and LS3s make 300kw or more. Your VY is too light

Yeah i know about the p plate restrictions, just planning ahead so i can build the motor before reaching full license. Also i have a VZ not VY

 

[VYCommodore76]

not worth it. Sell it and buy an SS when you're old enough.

 

[keith reed]

Yeah i know about the p plate restrictions, just planning ahead so i can build the motor before reaching full license. Also i have a VZ not VY

Salvage auto on the Gold coast have a LS3 motor auto with 47,000 ks for nearly $18,000 and a LS3 motor manual with 42,000 for nearly $19,000. They would come with a guarantee but that would not include the labour cost of putting the motor in and taking it out if it's a dud. I think that the ball park total cost is double the cost of the motor and gearbox.

Save your money for the real thing and learn to love it. I am an expert at wasting money and wouldn't consider it.

An alternative is if you love your car that much to turbo it.

 

[gtrboyy]

You're basically going to need everything off a vz v8 donor or the vehicle itself then swap everything onto ls3 engine.

 

[Jeda]

Yeah i know about the p plate restrictions, just planning ahead so i can build the motor before reaching full license. Also i have a VZ not VY

Vz didn't have the LS3 either so you'll probably still need to get it looked over.

 

[Sandman]

You'll need to do dash loom and all as well, plus reluctor wheel conversion too as anything LS3 will be setup with the different tooth setup for VE/VF speedos. Easily a $20-30k conversion really

 

[gtrboyy]

Better bang for buck waiting for 6l vz setup to come up for sale....would take a while but end up cheaper & easier option.