LS3 Swap Questions

bajachaser · Post by **bajachaser** » Sat Mar 31, 2018 2:33 pm

Hey all, Im currently building my Bronco. Im going to put a LS3 in it with 4l80 trans. I would like as many pointers on how to go about it. If anyone has or is doing this I would love info. I would like to to know accessory package, headers if any, motor mounts. Thank for the help. Also currently looking for Trans so if you have one for sale let my know.

Tchajagos · Post by **Tchajagos** » Sat Mar 31, 2018 3:29 pm

Haven’t put this combo in a bronco but I have put it in a tacoma. You can pick up a stand alone ecu from CBM in Colton. They specialize in LS motors/swaps. Are you keeping the electronic throttle? (Fly by wire) make sure to get the GM gas peddle. If you are going to a throttle cable you will have to get a new throttle body and computer that is for an earlier LS. Also the later ls3 out of the Camaro didn’t have hydraulic power steering so you will have to get the bracket out of a 2010 Camaro. If you think you are going to mix and match accessory brackets from different vehicles make sure to measure the backspacing if the Pullys. Some stuck out more others. The oil pan might have to be changed. We used one out of a truck. I ended up having to make my own trans shifter bracket and lever as I couldn’t find a stock Chevy one or even a picture of one. The stock ls3 fuel rails are a return less style. Aftermarket fuel rails will be needed along with a regulator if you want to keep it the stock(ford) return style. I guess you can run the regulator before the stock rail but the injectors might get starved at higher rpms if you are running more power.

black954 · Post by **black954** » Mon Apr 09, 2018 8:45 am

I picked up a complete GMPP wiring harness with fuse panel, ECU, electronic pedal, MAF sensor with weld in bung, 02 sensors with bungs for around $1000. The wiring harness is badass and will run your electric fans and fuel pump like OEM. I also picked up a front accessory drive from GMPP with all the brackets, idler pulleys, tensioners, PS pump, and alternator for like $600. It's all brand new GM parts and is the same configuration as a CTSV

funinthesun95 · Post by **funinthesun95** » Wed Apr 11, 2018 2:21 pm

Steve, I am working on info for you.

Willie

alpinejd3 · Post by **alpinejd3** » Sun May 20, 2018 8:18 am

Willie you have some good info for the LS3?

XTate · Post by **XTate** » Tue May 29, 2018 8:18 am

tHIS with a 205 case is the dream swap. Now wait for the girls with the blue ovaries to start cry n.

ChaseTruck754 · Post by **ChaseTruck754** » Tue May 29, 2018 10:13 am

XTate wrote:Now wait for the girls with the blue ovaries to start cry n.

hahahahahaha! LOVE that!!

But yes, this drivetrain is one hell of a combo.

dtbback · Post by **dtbback** » Tue May 29, 2018 4:43 pm

XTate wrote:tHIS with a 205 case is the dream swap. Now wait for the girls with the blue ovaries to start cry n.

I think this swap with an Atlas 2 would be the dream.

tactical328 · Post by **tactical328** » Tue Jul 17, 2018 8:20 am

bajachaser did you start your swap yet?

funinthesun95 · Post by **funinthesun95** » Mon Jul 23, 2018 10:55 am

alpinejd3 has I am not sure Bajachaser has yet.

toddz69 · Post by **toddz69** » Mon Jul 23, 2018 2:22 pm

Durka or Philofab on here would be good resources for this swap.

Todd Z.

Bobber Bill · Post by **Bobber Bill** » Tue Jul 24, 2018 11:34 am

Picking up an LQ9/4L80E combo this weekend to swap into a 1995 F-150. Ordered motor mounts from Autofab.

Planning on keeping GM accessories. Will have new lines made to connect GM power steering pump to Ford box. Standalone harness to get it running.

Looking into fuel system now.

alpinejd3 · Post by **alpinejd3** » Fri Jul 27, 2018 9:46 pm

What is your timeline on the new setup Bill? I have my score tagged LS3 in the bronco now, went with a Holley accessory drive package, turnkey computer and harness. I should be up and running in 2-3 weeks.

tactical328 · Post by **tactical328** » Tue Sep 11, 2018 11:13 am

Any news on the swap?

alpinejd3 · Post by **alpinejd3** » Tue Sep 11, 2018 5:21 pm

Not sure about others but I am up and running with the LS3. I only have the motor harness, no gauges yet so I just started it up and moved onto and off the trailer and then into the upholstery shop. Sounds pretty cool, looking forward to driving it in a few weeks. I will keep you posted. Any others with updates?

XLR8 · Post by **XLR8** » Thu Oct 03, 2019 8:39 am

Bringing this thread back from the dead. Any updates? I've got an LQ9 sitting here that i bought for a Miata but going another direction and want to drop it into my 95.

funinthesun95 · Post by **funinthesun95** » Thu Oct 03, 2019 11:03 am

The swap has been repetitively easy for this bronco. the owner is a LS guy tho

LS3 525 with GM standalone harness OBDII 3 wires to make it run. order from GM
4l80 culhane manual
NP205 ford side drop drive-line
custom radiator lines
you need to use the correct oil pan for the swap.
custom intake
headers can be custom or block hugger style

Autofab makes mounts for our bronco 1980-96. I know a few guys have used them. Bret made his own mounts on this bronco.

I think that the basics.

you will gain drive line length and have overdrive. you will need new drive lines made also forgot that one

Johnny has done the swap as well on his blue bronco, I think Vik the builder used autofab mounts but he can chime in.

funinthesun95 · Post by **funinthesun95** » Thu Oct 03, 2019 11:13 am

she just got Paint as well.

XLR8 · Post by **XLR8** » Tue Oct 08, 2019 10:12 am

Fantastic!

VintageIronFab · Post by **VintageIronFab** » Thu Oct 31, 2019 3:18 am

I think LS fuel injection on a Ford 351 would be cool especially with the 4l80 ability. Mainly for me due to the coil on plug and no distributor.