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What is needed to swap a LS376/525 GMPP crate motor into a 2008 Corvette Z06

by Allen Runyon
(Bloomfield NM, US)

I am swapping a LS376/525 crate engine into my 2008 Z06 and need to know what all I need for engine management. I will be running the LS7 throttle body and a haltech CAI, long tube headders, wet sump oil pan and original tranny. Can I use the stock ECU and just change the tune along with sensors?

Thanks

Allen

Comments for What is needed to swap a LS376/525 GMPP crate motor into a 2008 Corvette Z06

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Aug 29, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		LS7 Heads
by: Corvette Brainiac Chris

Have you looked at Texas Speed and performance
https://www.texas-speed.com/p-1236-prc-ls7x-265cc-cnc-heads.aspx
for heads for the LS7?

I understand your frustration and worry with the heads on the LS7. Some of the story created around the valve guides is from internet lore and the heads get a bad rap by those trying to sell services and pray on peoples fears. Sounds like you got some bad parts which caused issues shortly down the road. Anyways you sound like you need a good reference for heads at a minimum. Would not hurt to give Texas Speed a call for some info. For what its worth they did not pay us a dime. Actually we have bought from them...lol. We have a shop 08 Z06 with the same stock heads and 77k miles on it with no issues.

But back to your original question the base brackets should be ok as long as you change the water pump and harmonic balancer. The oil cooler from the LS7 will not work with the wet sump pan unless we are missing something with an aftermarket adapter. Since you have the engine out make sure and change the pilot bearing.

Please come back when you have your project complete as we are always interested in learning the outcome.

Regards,

Chris
Aug 29, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Reply
by: Allen

As far as the front brackets, wouldn't a set of mounting brackets from a base model or a GS work?
Aug 29, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Reply
by: Allen

I had the LS7 heads re-worked by West Coast Racing Cylinder Heads after they were inspected and the guides were way out of tolerance. Less than 10,000 miles later they were inspected again and were way out again. I replaced them with an aftermarket set that I purchased from a shop called Shaw City Engine & Machine that dropped an exhaust valve with under 300 miles on them... still fighting that battle. anyways, I would like to drive the car without the valve issue wearing on me. I only have 37,000 on the car and have had too much issue with the LS7. I got lucky when the exhaust valve let go as it popped the head off, bounced off the piston and head chamber twice, then lodged itself sideways in the port wedged against the stem. Never went through the piston and just a small groove in the cylinder wall that can bee honed no problem. So I will save it and wait for a real fix for the LS7 valve issue has been found with some real reliability testing and history to back it. I love the LS7 but have a sour taste in my mouth after all the recent problems I have had with the heads. Just want to drive worry free for a while...
Aug 29, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		LS7 to LS3 Swap
by: Corvette Brainiac Chris

Allen,

Thank you for your submission its very unique and important to us to answer as most helpfully as possible. I will provide you with a technical analysis of your request and if you have more questions please ask.

1. Your ECU should be fine but will need custom programming from a tuner. Your sensors should be the same.

2. Swapping to the wet sump is a much bigger issue than you may realize. The crankshaft in the LS7 is longer due to the extra oil pump for the scavenge system. This changes your accessories location for water pump, AC, power steering. This may just be a bracket change.

You will also need to change the oil pan and oil pick up tube. This also will require a new dipstick assembly.

We are just curious why would you go to the LS3 from the LS7?

Please let me know if you have any more questions on this project.

Regards,

Chris



I am swapping a LS376/525 crate engine into my 2008 Z06 and need to know what all I need for engine management. I will be running the LS7 throttle body and a haltech CAI, long tube headers, wet sump oil pan and original tranny. Can I use the stock ECU and just change the tune along with sensors?

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