Ok heres the background story. Im stationed in germany, currently deployed to iraq. Before I left i helped a buddy of mine by taking a 94 z28 off his hands minus a motor. The rear is prolly junk and i dont trust the tranny. I was going to rebuild the old motor, but alot of the parts were sitting around in a shop in a pile (guy who my buddy got car off of left it like so) So instead of that I figured why not get a crate motor. And if im going to ship a motor from stateside to frankfurt airport, might as well be the new ls3 for around 6650. So the plan is to **** the ls3 t56 and a rear end (not sure yet what kind) on over. I know that ill have to get a new wiring harness and the compatible computer, oil pan and drive accessories, plus motor mounts. I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on where to look for information or what to look foward to when i start this build, because when i get home i have about 90 days to complete it, i have some experience with camaros and a pretty good amount of knowledge on them, this is the most in depth ive ever gotten. Any and all help if much appreciated

Thanks,
Dan

 

Well you're getting pretty in depth there. If you're serious about this the best way to go about getting everything you'll need is by purchasing an LS1 donor car and swapping almost everything over.

 

yes but the problem is im in germany, and a ls1 donor is pretty much out of the equation.

 

Hmmm this is a tough one. Where are you deployed to in Iraq? I am over at victory out of Fort Bragg.

I like the sound of this project and it would be impressive to see a LS3 In a light 4th gen and should be a blast to drive both on the street and on the track. You will need a LS3 front clip you might be able to ****** one out of a totaled low millage vette. You will need the ECU, wiring harness, and motor mounts. You might as well grab the transmission why you are there. You could probably get the hole front clip for around what you want to spend. You are going to need to beef up your rear with a 12 bolt or 9 inch.

 

im in kalsu, about 1 hour from victory down route jackson. if i can find a vette ls3/t56 combo thats been totaled for cheap, then thats is an option,the only problem is id also need an camaro oil pan to clear the k member. im just trying to make sure ive got all loose ends snatched up before i start otherwise ill be scrambling around trying to get stuffed shipped to get it complete. i know im prolly going to have to pull the crank pully and balancer and put a camaro piece to make it work as well, its these fine points im trying to find out so im not lost in the woods at some point during the build.

 

1st, non of the Vette parts will work, the trans out of a Vette would need a bell housing swap and the "front clip'' won't work.
What I would do is get a tubular LS1 k-member from UMI or TRZ. This will lighten things up a bit and give a ton more clearance, as well as allowing the LS motor to bolt in. Either check on line for a factory wire harness and ECU or look at Painless Wiring for an after market one. The swap it self is pretty straight forward. You will need a 12 bolt or 9 inch rear, if you want it to hold up.