So many choices...EFI

Since I bought the long block version of the LS3, I needed to dress out a couple systems separately.  I was so happy to see this long block version come available because it saved me a lot of money!  The complete LS3 (fully dressed) goes for $9.2K while the long block version is selling for $5.8K (see links below)

Dressed: (Link), Long Block: (Link)

This approach made sense since the accessory drive  needed some special attention, given it's proximity to the upper control arm mount.  Previously, I pulled out the heater connections on the water pump, tapped the holes, and installed plugs (previous post).  I still needed to locate new ports but never got to that point with the prior setup.  Since that time, Holley came out with this setup which affords me room for the AC compressor (currently interference with the inner fender well) and addressed the issue related to the heater port location:


As for the intake manifold, I did a little fenagling to minimize the cost and get what I needed.  Since a populated LS3 intake goes for $955 (link), having the fuel connection on the drivers side (opposite the current location), I was reluctant to pay full price just to turnaround and change out the fuel rail to meet my configuration.  So, during my infinite research on this project I found the 2 manifolds below.  I was able to scavenge the DBW throttle body and injectors off this new LS7 manifold to populate a basic LS3 intake.  This saved me a good chunk of money even with buying some aftermarket fuel rails to address the connection point.  I looked at other intakes like FAST LSXR and such but I didn't see a sizeable increased in HP (not really looking for any more) for the price.  Also, I have clearance issues with the hood for any other options.





Resource for injector identification (Link)


The exhaust has already been addressed and I'm happy with the stainless block huggers I currently have.  So, even with all of these changes and add-ons, I'm still ahead of the cost for the fully dressed crate engine.

I FORGOT TO MENTION THAT PARTS HAVE BEEN ARRIVING:




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Initial Install and clearnace check

Image
Well, the full force of summer has hit Houston but work is still progressing.  This weekend Brandon and I stripped the engine down to the bare essentials.  Basically, I wanted to do a trial run on the installation to see how everything was going to line up. Brandon here, today me and my dad bolted the transmition to the engine then we installed it to the frame.  The combined engine transmission assembly weighed a lot...I estimate 1.5 tons. We had to adjust the engine to align the mounting bolts so, I used a 2x4 board to make subtle movements. Before we installed the engine, we stripped the engine of accessories and manifolds.  I used the impact wrench which made stripping the engine so much easier.  We had to keep changing sockets to fit the different bolts.  When we were finished, we jumped into the pool since we were so hot. Once the engine was cleaned, we did a coarse assembly of the bell housing ...
Read more

Lapse in Activity

Image
I missed last weeks post since activity was impeded by missing parts from Hurst.  The transmission kit I bought had the trans, bell housing, flywheel, pressure plate, hydraulic clutch, throughout bearing, pilot bearing, etc.  What they didn't provide was bolts for the flywheel to crank...really?  If you buy a bolt in kit, shouldn't it come with everything to bolt it into the vehicle? Anyway, I spent some valuable time with the car this weekend which included using Eastwood Exo-Armor to protect the polished components of the engine (  http://www.eastwood.com/exoarmour.html ).  This stuff is suppose to be good to 2000 degrees and held up against 4000 hrs of salt spray. An air brush was used for application.  This stuff needs to have thin coats and it was easy to build too quickly.  Overall, I was quite pleased with the results. I also sprayed the bell housing and transmission to keep them looking new. Here is the intake, A/C Compressor, and m...
Read more

Preparing for Paint

Image
Work and other activities has slowed progress over the past couple weeks.  Today I primed the rear end and door along with a couple other pieces like clutch & brake pedal, deck lid hinges, and the Z-bar. I was doing some online search for possible colors.  This is a pearl base coat color that brings the appearance of being candied.  Don't want to do candied since its hard to touch up / spot in for possible issues. Work has been a bear lately so I'm going to slack on this post.  The next post should have some images of the rear strut mount change to improve the suspension geometry and tire contact patch. Update: (2/5/2021) Decided to change the color to silver.  Looking at the Mercedes AMG McLaren silver as a option.
Read more