Due to ever increasing costs of rebuilding and squeezing more power out of the already at its limit 5 litre Rover V8 we decided to start looking for alternatives to install in Griffiths and Chimaeras, the alternative had to be another V8 and the obvious answer came in the shape of Chevrolet’s Corvette and Camaro engines, the LS series. At the time (2008) a couple of people had already installed the earlier LS engines and our great thanks go to Per Terje of Norway who had installed an LS2 engine into his Griffith and gave us a lot of help when we first began our installation project.
We now install the LS3 480bhp engine, the most advanced highest output LS wet sump engine and have developed an installation kit which features bespoke engine and gearbox mounts which fit to the original chassis pick up points without any chassis modification, tubular stainless steel exhaust manifolds, bespoke remote oil filter take off, billet alloy cnc machined bracketry to carry alternator and power steering pump and heavy duty prop shaft.
Here’s what GM say about the LS3:
GM LS3 Crate Engine
Starting with the '08 Corvette, the world was first introduced to GM's latest small block V8 creation, the 6.2-litre LS3. A continuation of the industry leading V8 engines from GM Powertrain, the LS3 kicks out 480 bhp and 475 lb.-ft. of torque. The LS series of engines have broken new ground for efficiency and performance from a pushrod platform engine. The LS3 continues the engineering breakthroughs with revised cylinder heads featuring rectangle ports borrowed from the vaunted LS7 Engine . The heads feature 68 cc combustion chambers, 2.16-inch intake valves, and 1.59-inch exhaust valves. The camshaft features an aggressive .551-inches of lift on the intake side with less overlap (than the LS2) for even greater airflow and power. Rocker arms with a 1.7:1 ratio sit on top of the heads. In the bottom end, the aluminum 6-bolts/main block features 4.06-inch bores and 3.62-inch stroke. A nodular iron crankshaft, powdered metal rods, and aluminum pistons (10.7:1 compression ratio) round out a rev-happy short block. Red line for the LS3 comes at 6600 rpm, and you will get there very quickly. With a high-tech GM foundation, aluminum block, and high flowing rectangular-port heads, the LS3 is the new standard in the small block world. The LS3 helps power the new Corvette to a top speed of 190 mph.
We can supply and install a complete package, drive in drive out service, we can even take your old engine in part exchange or sell it for you on your behalf or we can supply the installation kit for you to source and install your own new or second hand engine.
Prices as follows;
GM Parts;
LS3 Crate Engine (480) £4,800.00
LS3 (480) Run Kit, ECU, Loom etc £579.95
Clutch £265.95
Flywheel £255.95
Flywheel Bolt (Need to order 6 per kit) £1.95
Tremec TKO600 Gearbox and shifter £2245.00
Starter Motor £229.95
Clutch Actuator £179.70
Alternator £220.04
Pilot Bearing £18.00
Engine Cover (LHS) £39.60
Engine Cover (RHS) £39.60
Tensioner, Drive Belt £45.33
Total £8,930.77
Tubular exhaust manifolds, Y piece and catalytic converters £1570
Internal and external Cam coat complete exhaust manifolds £350
Engine and gearbox install kit; engine and gearbox mounting brackets, SC Power engine mounts, alternator/PS bracket, remote oil filter kit, oil sender adaptor, prop shaft £975
Special porcelain high temp plug leads kit £180
Drive in, drive out full installation cost approx £14k less exchange engine and gearbox.