S13 Vert LS3 Build (Planning)

[fnmadog]

So I've settled on the plan of putting an LS3 in my S13 240 vert. I plan to start this fall/winter. I think I can do it within 25k. Most everything over estimated with cost there should be plenty of options getting used or cheaper items. But equally if not more so it's more likely to go up than down.

I've read a ton of builds and web blogs about this build, this is really just a copy of those, tweaked a little bit because my car was auto. Good thing too, because I'd have idea where to start if someone hadn't already done it before.

Here's my parts list.
Engine/Trans----------------------------------------
LS3 Karls Performance........................8400
T56 TREMEC...................................3100
Engine Items/Swap Items-------------------------
CTS-V Accessory Drive System w A/C.......900
Bellhousing Adapter...........................660
MGW T56 QuickShifter........................230
Spec Stage 2 Clutch...........................400
Flywheel Spec Billet Alum...................410
Starter MSD DynaForce.......................300
Swap Kit Sikky.................................2710
Front Sway Bar................................300
Fuel Pump 300lph Deatschwerks............170
Fuel filter/regulator Fuelab FPR............60
Radiator Mishimoto...........................240
Rad fan Mishimoto............................180
Rad hose Mishimoto...........................140
Wiring (LS erod into s13 chassis)............500
Exhaust.........................................600 (might go up if I don't do it)
Manual Swap...................................300
Suspension -----------------------------------------
5 Lug conversion..............................430
q45 break/rotor set...........................600
Coilovers.......................................800
Bushing kit.....................................140
Q45 diff........................................300
Axle (driveshaftshop 500hp).................530
Misc(lines/cables/fluids/oils)...............500
suspension arm kit............................500
Rear Traction Arm............................200
Drift Stabilizer Bars...........................200
Tires/Rims.....................................2000
Total--------------------------------------------25800

How's the list look? Complete? Am I missing something? I want to make sure I'm estimating my costs right. Better to over estimate than under. I'm basically going to follow the build here: http://speed.academy/parts-needed-cost- ... x-s13-s14/.

[lexcrob]

The list looks great!

Id suggest a different clutch. I had a very bad experience with SPEC as have others and they don't care to help if you need it.

Besides that there are a few things not needed per say but they are good insurance.

[broken40s]

So the ls3 is a great platform! Not discounting that, but why not a 5.3 or a 4.8? Waaaaaaaay cheaper! But if youve already got an ls3, i get it.

Clutches, I run a TN clutch supply clutch(quick Google search will find them). I asked for one for 600 hp, they charged me 240 bucks, and its holding 750/760 ish at the wheels. Ran their clutch in my ka too, 200 bucks, 350 wtq. Good, cheap clutches!

Q diff....im running the q diff with the q driver axle on the passenger side, with the q hub and a z33 driver axle for the other side. They are cheap and holding the power.

Grab brakes from the yard, look into early ctsv from brakes, huge, and cheap.

Wilwood clutch master with their fluid and the adapter from vivid racing (I think vivid).

C.x. racing swap kit. Look into it. Cheapest out there, and decent, just swap bushings for the engine mounts with good poly bushings. The pan clears the sway bar and crossmember.

Used forth gen f body accessories may be cheaper, rock auto for new/remain parts, just need f body mount brackets and damper. Rock auto for starter, that'll save 150 over that msd one.

Not putting your list down at all, just trying to help you save some cash since there is always other stuff you didn't account for, fuel lines, gaskets, etc.... stuff that adds up quick.

If you wanna pm me, I don't mind showing you everything I've done, if you want ideas, or just have any questions. I try to cut corners where I can, but I daily mine with 750 whp, so I need it reliable.

[fnmadog]

thanks for the replies. this is exactly the feed back i was looking for. short or long it's all appreciated.

nothing is firm on the list at all. i do like the idea of the ls3, i think 430hp is a good starting platform that i'll be happy with for a while. with cams, headers, intake it might get close to 500, but i don't think i'd do that. i did look at the lq4/9. but going used like that i'm looking at an engine overhaul, which adds more cost than the engine itself. here's a build I found that looked fun, but the cost got up to 5k (http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/engine ... es-464-hp/), the ls3 erod kit was 8.3k so 3kish to skip an overhaul plus i get harness, cats, headers, ect. My van has the lq4 in it and i love it, if the van was at the end of it's life i'd pull the engine for sure.

when i get back i need to check under the rear seat for rust. it's a vert and a few people have pointed out to me that if that rear window leaked it'd rust out behind the seat. I didn't see rust under it so anything found should be repairable but before I purchase anything i'll strip it down some more. a friend of mine was pointing out a g35 could be purchased for 2k. if that ends up being the direction I go i'll probably get the iron block to get more hp for the extra vehicle weight. i'd prefer my 240 vert though.

i've got a list of junk yards i'm going to visit when i get back too. going to start snatching up anything that will save me money.

good call on the clutch and the cxracing mounts/kits.

I did add 500 for misc parts but that could easily go up to 1k, plus my tires and rims will probably cost more.

once i start i'll take you up on the offer for some ideas. it seems i've got just about everything covered i just need to start

[wa-chiss]

Have you looked into the tremec TR-6060 transmission? Has some out of the box improvements over the 56

[fnmadog]

I was under the impression that the tr6060 wouldn't fit. but generally thought of it as a better transmission.

I am currently researching more about the lq4/9 and l92. going to start pricing the iron block build/swap. try to save some money. i like the idea of the iron block, from what i can tell they respond really well to aggressive cams. but more importantly i can put some boost on it. probably won't need it to hit 500rwhp but doesn't hurt to have the option.

[wa-chiss]

I think with a little more Texas Finess on the firewall it fits. Not 100% on that one. I've seen it done though. In a video on YouTube they put an LS3 with the 6060 in there. Didn't mention anything special.

[Hijacker]

Don't use your list as if it's set in stone. It looks great so far, but take it from me, it will evolve as your project advances. LOL

[fnmadog]

the list is really guide to keep in some bounds and to get an estimate of the overall cost. speaking of money. i'm leaning towards getting a salvaged van/truck with either the 5.3 or 6.0 in it, something with low miles and is a 3500. i can keep the spare drive train parts for my van. anyone ever use www.copart.com ? they seem like a big company with a huge rotating stock.