LV3 Engine Swap.

[Rafe Hollister]

The LV3 is the V6 version of the Chevy LT family of engines. It is the base engine in Chevy trucks since 2014. All aluminum, it may weigh half of my mighty 259. It's rated at 285HP / 305 torque, up a 100 hp and 47 torque from the 259 . Its rated at 19/23 mpg in a Silverado that weighs over 1000lbs more and is probably less streamlined than my Hawk.
But installing modern motors can be a nightmare as I've read several blogs putting these engines in Jeeps and Miatas. I just spoke with Phillip at Howell Engine specializing in LT conversions. They seem to be experts and have everything needed fuel and electronically. Here is what they have; wiring harness 850.00, computer and programing 575.00, external fuel pump 165.00, fuel regulator 125.00, fuel filter 15.00, gas pedal 175.00, mass airflow 125.00.
They had done older models and newer models of the LV3 but not 2019. If it has the older computer and mass airflow unit, I save 325.00.
So 2030.00 if newer, 1750.00 if older.
The LV3 I've located has 80,000 miles on it, body frame totalled from accident. He wanted 3 grand for it when I looked at it last November, but after 6 months, he may take less.

Then its just radiator, engine and trans mounts, adapting 88 IROC T5 tranny and bellhousing between engine and rear end, inturments, and what to do with serpentine belt stuff that I don't need (powersteering, air conditioning, etc...). How hard can that be? I should have it all done in a weekend... as long as RadioRoy, Bensherb, StudeRich, Gordr, and that Possum Smasher guy show up with tools like they promised!

My hot buttons in order; 1) better fuel mileage, 2) less weight, 3) more power, 4)unique. So SBC, LS, LTs do not quality. But perhaps some of you might recommend something else? I was curious about the GM LFX 3.6 engine, some came with manual trannies.

Thanks,
Rafe Hollister

[J_Cole]

I'd like to build an Avanti and install a 2JZ engine out of a Toyota Supra in it. They can easily be boosted to about 800-1000 HP. I would like to build a street car capable of 200 MPH :-)

[J_Cole]

I'd like to build an Avanti and install a 2JZ engine out of a Toyota Supra in it. They can easily be boosted to about 800-1000 HP. I would like to build a street car capable of 200 MPH :-)

[Alan]

Rafe, That Silverado weighs approx. 5,500 lbs. about 2,000 lbs more than your Hawk. I have had a 4.3L Chev V6 in my 53 K and it weighs 390 lbs. I would not use a non world class 5 speed with those gears. Similar price and better geared is the Ford T5 or TK 3550 out of 90's through 2005 or so in Mustangs. Keep us informed of how you are doing and maybe when I go up to Hayfork I can stop by and help.

[enjenjo]

The 88 IROC is a world class T5 with a 2.91 first gear.

[Rafe Hollister]

I was checking specs, I thought Silverados were over 5,000lbs, but the source I found had the base model in 2WD at just just 4300.
The T-5 will be a hair lower than my Stude 1st, and 5th is a bit higher than my 3d OD. so perfect.

[swvalcon]

So is a LV 3 just an updated 4.3? A 4.3 is just a 350 missing two cly. They even use some of the same parts. A good little motor but not the power of a 350 and in a pickup not that great on gas.

[enjenjo]

The 4.3 bell housing will bolt up to the LV3 but the flywheel is spaced ,400" forward of the 4.3 so it takes a custom flywheel.

[PackardV8]

So is a LV 3 just an updated 4.3? A 4.3 is just a 350 missing two cly. They even use some of the same parts. A good little motor but not the power of a 350 and in a pickup not that great on gas.

Same but different.

As Rafe said in his first post, it the aluminum LS V8 missing two cylinders.

jack vines

[64studeavanti]

Why not go hybrid or even full EV?

[Bob Andrews]

Why not go hybrid or even full EV?

You may want to re-read the original post. From what he’s saying, the whole point is that somebody has already figured out everything that needs to put one of these engines in.

I think the electric conversions of all cars I have seen are pretty awesome. In a couple decades, that will probably be the only way to keep using our old cars. But at present, who has the money, and the expertise, and the commitment level, to design an electric vehicle conversion? Very, very, very few people.

[BobWaitz]

When I picked up my M5 I thought about doing an electric conversion but back in 2009 you'd be doing a lot of it from scratch. I went with a 259, but I'll tell you what, the V6 in my 2017 Honda Ridgeline has incredible acceleration and gets 20+ mpg. That would be an interesting swap.

[64studeavanti]

Hybrid/EV may not be too bad. O. P. Said he wanted something different from the common SBC, LS etc.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/arstech...t-century/amp/

[64studeavanti]

Here is another link from motor trend:

https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/futureproof-classic-car-to-ev-electric-car-conversions/?slide=4

[Rafe Hollister]

I drove a friends hybrid Volt a few years ago. It was soo exhilarating, i was shocked. definitely not a Prius. But it was a different design, it used all elect for 35 miles till battery was done, then switched to a gas motor charging the batteries and still running electric. The Volt weighs a few hundred more than a Hawk. Perhaps I should look for a totalled Volt?
Rafe

[Gunslinger]

GM no longer supports the Volt as far as a replacement battery pack goes. It was in the news several months ago a Volt owner needed a new battery pack and he was quoted just south of $30k as the only source for them is the aftermarket.

[Rafe Hollister]

I just had a great conversation with Engenjo, he left a comment about my T5. I think his moniker is a take off on the character from Tom Sawyer, Injun Joe. He is relatively new on this site, but we gotta welcome him. He's been building hot rods and transmissions for years, and has a wealth of knowledge and friendliness. After a few trips between my computer and shop, he got me straightened out a bit on what I have and what I need for this swap thing. He also has the ability to talk understandably to my occasionally idiotic brain.
My big take away is that most everything is relatively easy, there are just a lot of 'everythings' to know.
Rafe Hollister

[enjenjo]

Thank You.

[bensherb]

My big take away is that most everything is relatively easy, there are just a lot of 'everythings' to know.
Rafe Hollister

EXACTLY!! And they all must be considered.

[Rafe Hollister]

I have eye surgery May 8-10 in Santa Rosa. LV3 is south Sacramento. I'll pick it up, come by your place and we can spend an afternoon installing it!
Rafe

[bensherb]

It'll take more than an afternoon. More like a few weeks. Unless, all the "everythings to know" have been figured and worked out, all the needed parts have been made or proqured and EVERYTHING needed is on hand so it only needs to be assembled. No thinking, just assembly. I've never even seen one of these engines. Feel free to come by if you're in the relam though, I always have cold beer.