The LS3 is the engine a lot of people picture when they think of a modern Chevy V8. It’s 6.2 litres of aluminium small-block with around 430 horsepower, it fits almost anywhere, and it doesn’t ask for much in return. Whether your Corvette or Camaro needs a replacement or you’re planning a swap, we have a Chevy LS3 engine for sale, tested and shipped to buyers all over the world.
Ready to buy? See the price, photos and stock for our fairly used Chevy LS3 engine for sale in the shop.
We’re an engine supplier, and a Chevy LS3 engine for sale is one of the most popular things we sell to both owners and builders. If you know what you need already, send your VIN or project details through our contact page, or browse the Chevy engines in our shop.
Below you’ll find the full specs, the cars that came with it, how Corvette and Camaro engines differ, the few problems worth knowing about, swap advice, what we check on every engine, and how ordering works.
Table of Contents
Why a Chevy LS3 Engine for Sale Is in Such Demand
GM introduced the LS3 in the 2008 Corvette. It replaced the 6.0 LS2 and brought bigger bores, better-breathing rectangle-port heads and a big jump in power. It went on to power the Camaro SS, the Pontiac G8 GXP, the Chevrolet SS sedan and a long list of Holden and HSV models.
Then the swap world found it. The LS3 is compact for a V8, light thanks to its aluminium block, makes strong power without forced induction, and runs happily on pump fuel. That’s why a Chevy LS3 engine for sale gets snapped up for classic Chevelles, C10 trucks, Jeeps, hot rods and imported sports cars as often as for its original cars.
And because it’s a pushrod engine with two valves per cylinder, it’s simple to work on. Parts are everywhere and most mechanics know the LS family inside out. If you want to read more about the wider family, our article on General Motors LS V8 engines covers the background.
Chevy LS3 Engine Specifications
The LS3 is a Gen IV member of GM’s small-block family. The GM small-block engine article on Wikipedia goes through the full history. Here’s what you need to know about any Chevy LS3 engine for sale.
| Engine type | 90-degree V8, OHV pushrod, 2 valves per cylinder |
| Family | GM Gen IV small-block |
| Displacement | 6.2 litres (376 cubic inches) |
| Bore x stroke | 103.25 mm x 92 mm (4.065 in x 3.622 in) |
| Compression ratio | 10.7:1 |
| Block | Aluminium with cast iron cylinder liners, cross-bolted main caps |
| Cylinder heads | Aluminium, rectangle-port design |
| Fuel system | Sequential port fuel injection, electronic throttle |
| Corvette output | 430 hp at 5,900 rpm and 424 lb-ft at 4,600 rpm (436 hp / 428 lb-ft with the optional performance exhaust) |
| Camaro SS output | 426 hp and 420 lb-ft |
| G8 GXP and Chevrolet SS output | 415 hp and 415 lb-ft |
| Firing order | 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3 |
| Redline | About 6,600 rpm |
| Cylinder deactivation | None (the related L99 has it, the LS3 doesn’t) |
Oil capacity depends on the oil pan, which changes from car to car, so check your owner’s manual. If you’re buying a Chevy LS3 engine for sale for a swap, the pan you choose will decide the capacity anyway.
Which Cars Use the LS3?
- 2008 to 2013 Chevrolet Corvette C6 (base models)
- 2010 to 2015 Chevrolet Camaro SS with the manual transmission
- 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP
- 2014 to 2017 Chevrolet SS sedan
- Holden and HSV performance models, plus the Vauxhall VXR8
- Chevrolet Performance LS3 crate engines
The C6 Corvette is where most people first met the LS3, and a lot of the used engines on the market come from Corvettes and Camaros.
One thing to note: 2010 to 2015 Camaro SS models with the automatic transmission came with the L99, not the LS3. The L99 is closely related but uses cylinder deactivation and variable cam timing. If you’ve got an automatic Camaro SS, tell us, so we don’t send the wrong engine.
Corvette vs Camaro vs G8: What’s Different?
The long block is the same core engine, but the parts bolted to it change with the car. These are the big ones:
- Oil pan. The Corvette uses a shallow, wide pan to sit low in the chassis. The Camaro and G8 use different pans to clear their crossmembers.
- Accessory drive. Alternator, power steering and A/C positions differ between cars.
- Exhaust manifolds. Each car has its own to fit the chassis.
- Intake and throttle body routing. Similar, but the air inlet and some sensors are set up differently.
- Calibration. The computer tune matches the car, transmission and exhaust.
For a straight replacement, the easiest Chevy LS3 engine for sale is one from the same car. For a swap, the oil pan and accessory drive are the parts you’ll care most about, because they decide how the engine fits.
LS3 vs L99, L92, LS2 and LT1
People mix these up all the time, so here’s a quick guide.
- LS2: The 6.0 that came before the LS3. Cathedral-port heads, less power.
- L92 and L9H: 6.2 truck engines with the same style of heads, but with variable cam timing and different intakes.
- L99: The automatic Camaro SS engine. Lower power, cylinder deactivation and cam phasing.
- LT1 (2014 on): The Gen V 6.2 with direct injection. A completely different engine family.
- LT4: The supercharged Gen V 6.2 in the Corvette Z06 and Camaro ZL1. If that’s what you need, read our guide to the supercharged LT4 engine.
When you ask for a Chevy LS3 engine for sale, make sure the seller is offering an actual LS3, not one of these. Ask for photos and check the casting numbers if you’re unsure.
Common LS3 Problems
The LS3 has a strong reputation, and it’s earned. But no engine is perfect. Here’s what we see.
Rocker arm trunnion bearings
The needle bearings in the rocker arm trunnions can wear on high-mileage or hard-driven engines. Bits of bearing end up in the oil. Many builders fit upgraded trunnion kits as cheap insurance.
Valve springs on hard-revved engines
Engines that spent a lot of time near redline, or had a bigger cam fitted on stock springs, can suffer spring problems. Ask about any cam upgrades.
Oil consumption
Some LS3 engines use a bit of oil, often from the PCV system on hard-driven cars. A catch can helps. Heavy consumption is a sign of ring or valve guide wear.
Leaks
Rear main seals, oil pan gaskets, valve cover gaskets and water pumps can leak with age. None of these are major jobs on their own, and on their own they’re no reason to buy a Chevy LS3 engine for sale.
Damage from abuse
Most dead LS3s we see were over-revved on a missed shift, run low on oil on a track day, or pushed hard with a power adder and a poor tune. The design itself is very sound.
How We Test Every Chevy LS3 Engine for Sale
An LS3 can sound sweet at idle and still have worn bearings or a damaged valve train. So every Chevy LS3 engine for sale we list goes through these checks:
- Compression test on all eight cylinders
- Leak-down testing where a reading is low or uneven
- Borescope check of the cylinder walls
- Oil inspection for metal, especially needle bearings from the rockers
- Coolant check for contamination
- Crank rotation by hand to feel for binding or roughness
- Inspection for leaks at the rear main, front cover and oil pan
- Mileage records and the donor VIN where we have them
You get photos of the actual engine and the results with your quote. Our page on tested used engines explains each test.
Used, Rebuilt or Crate?
There are three ways to buy a Chevy LS3 engine for sale, and the costs are very different.
Used pull-out engine
Taken from a donor car, tested and sold with a warranty. Usually comes with more of the parts you need, like the intake, injectors and sometimes the harness and computer. A used Chevy LS3 engine for sale like this is the best value for most people.
Rebuilt engine
Taken apart, repaired and reassembled. Ask exactly what was done and who did the machine work.
New crate engine
Brand new from Chevrolet Performance. The most expensive, and you’ll still need a controller kit for a swap.
For a daily driver or a budget swap, a tested used Chevy LS3 engine for sale makes the most sense. Our used LS engines page also covers other LS options if you’re flexible on which engine you use.
7 Checks Before You Buy Any Chevy LS3 Engine for Sale
1. Confirm it’s really an LS3
Not an L99, L92 or LS2. Check the photos, the casting numbers and the donor vehicle.
2. Check which car it came from
Corvette, Camaro, G8 or SS? It decides the oil pan, accessories and exhaust manifolds.
3. Ask for compression numbers
All eight cylinders. A healthy LS3 tests evenly.
4. Ask about cam or valve train changes
A modified engine isn’t necessarily bad, but you need to know. A Chevy LS3 engine for sale with an upgraded cam on stock springs is a warning sign.
5. Ask what’s included
Intake, throttle body, fuel rails, injectors, coil packs, sensors, accessories, harness and computer? Get it in writing.
6. Read the warranty
Know what it covers. Our used engine warranty article explains what to check.
7. See the actual engine
Real photos, not stock pictures. Look at the oil pan, front cover and rear of the block.
What Comes With Our Chevy LS3 Engine for Sale
Most of our LS3 engines ship as a complete pull-out or a long block with the main parts fitted. Every Chevy LS3 engine for sale comes with a written list of what’s attached. A typical complete engine includes:
- Block, heads and rotating assembly
- Intake manifold and electronic throttle body
- Fuel rails and injectors
- Coil packs and valve covers
- Oil pan and front cover
- Exhaust manifolds, where included
Accessories, harness and computer vary. If you’re doing a swap, ask, because having the matching harness and computer saves a lot of time.
LS3 Swap Guide
A lot of our LS3 engines go into cars that never had one. Classic Camaros, Chevelles, Novas, C10 and square-body trucks, Jeeps, Land Cruisers, Miatas, 240SXs, BMWs and hot rods. It’s one of the most swapped engines in the world for good reason. Here’s what to plan for.
Engine management
The LS3 uses a 58x crank reluctor and electronic throttle, so it needs a matching computer. Options include the factory computer and harness reworked for the swap, a Chevrolet Performance controller kit, or a stand-alone ECU. You’ll also need a drive-by-wire pedal.
Oil pan and mounts
The factory pans may not clear your crossmember. Swap pans are made for most popular chassis. Swap mounts and adapter plates are easy to find.
Accessory drive
Corvette, Camaro and truck-style accessory drives sit at different heights and widths. Pick the one that fits your engine bay and gives you A/C and power steering if you want them.
Fuel system
The LS3 wants about 58 psi of fuel pressure. Older cars need a new pump, lines and a regulator, or a return-style setup with a filter-regulator.
Exhaust and cooling
Swap headers or manifolds for your chassis, and a radiator and fans that can handle 430 horsepower worth of heat.
Transmission
The LS bell housing pattern fits a wide range of manual and automatic GM transmissions, and adapters exist for others.
A Chevy LS3 engine for sale with its harness and computer from the same donor makes a swap much easier. Tell us what you’re building and we’ll check what we have. If you’re also looking at other Chevy options, our page on used Chevy engines covers V6 and V8 alternatives.
Signs Your LS3 Is Done
- A deep knock from the bottom end
- Low oil pressure with the correct oil level
- Metal, especially small needle bearings, in the oil or filter
- Low compression on one or more cylinders
- Coolant in the oil
- A dropped valve or broken spring after an over-rev
If you see one or more of these, it’s time to price up a Chevy LS3 engine for sale rather than spending more on the old one.
Repair or Replace?
A leaking rear main, a tired water pump or a set of worn trunnions doesn’t need a new engine. But if the engine has a spun bearing, a scored cylinder, a broken valve or major damage from oil starvation, rebuilding gets expensive fast, especially with aluminium block machine work. A tested Chevy LS3 engine for sale usually costs less and gets you driving sooner. Our replacement engine cost guide walks through the numbers.
Adding Power
The LS3 responds well to a cam, headers and a tune, and plenty run a supercharger on the stock bottom end at sensible boost. Just remember that a bigger cam needs better valve springs, and boost needs a good tune and fuel system. If you’re planning a build, tell us. We’ll help you pick a Chevy LS3 engine for sale that suits it, and we’ll be honest if an engine isn’t a good base.
What Affects the Price
- Mileage and history
- Donor car (Corvette engines often cost more)
- Complete engine or long block
- Harness and computer included or not
- Any modifications
- Shipping distance
A very cheap Chevy LS3 engine for sale with no photos, no test numbers and no warranty is a gamble. Compare what’s included, not just the price.
Shipping Worldwide
We ship to buyers across North and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Oceania. LS3 swaps are popular almost everywhere, and we ship them regularly.
Every Chevy LS3 engine for sale is drained, sealed, bolted to a pallet and wrapped before it ships. For export orders we handle the paperwork and work with your freight forwarder or ours. See our shipping policy for details. Rules on engine swaps and emissions vary by country and region, so check what applies where you live before you start a swap.
How to Order a Chevy LS3 Engine for Sale
- Send us your VIN, or details of your swap project, plus your location.
- We confirm the right engine and send photos, test results and a written quote with freight.
- You approve the quote and pay by bank transfer, which is the only payment method we accept.
- We crate and ship the engine and send tracking.
- You install it and keep your paperwork for the warranty.
You can also browse the full used engines catalogue or the main shop.
Install Tips
- Change the oil and filter, and prime the oil system before the first start.
- Replace the rear main seal and any easy-to-reach gaskets while the engine is out.
- Check the flywheel or flexplate and the pilot bearing on manual cars.
- Fill and bleed the cooling system properly. LS engines can trap air, so use the steam vents or bleed points.
- Check the computer and tune match the engine.
- Drive it gently for the first few hundred miles and recheck fluids.
A careful install is how you get the most life out of a Chevy LS3 engine for sale.
When Your Engine Arrives
Inspect the crate before you sign for it. Photograph any damage and note it on the delivery paperwork. Check the engine against the list on your quote, then keep it covered and dry until it goes in. Tape over the intake and exhaust openings if they aren’t already sealed.
Camaro SS Owners: Read This First
The fifth-generation Camaro is where a lot of LS3 replacements happen, usually after a missed shift or a track day that went wrong. Because manual cars got the LS3 and automatics got the L99, the transmission in your car decides which engine you need. If you’re shopping for a Chevy LS3 engine for sale for a Camaro, give us the VIN and tell us whether it’s manual or automatic. We’ll make sure the oil pan, accessories and calibration line up with your car.
Keeping It Healthy After the Swap
Change the oil every 5,000 miles or so with a quality synthetic in the grade GM specifies. If you drive hard or do track days, check the oil level often and think about a catch can for the PCV system. Keep the cooling system topped up and bled. Listen for any new ticking from the valve train, which can be an early sign of rocker trunnion wear. Look after a Chevy LS3 engine for sale like this and it should give you a very long life.
Who Buys a Chevy LS3 Engine for Sale From Us?
Corvette owners replacing a damaged engine. Camaro SS owners after a missed shift. Restomod and hot rod builders. Truck owners putting modern power into a classic C10. Off-road builders with Jeeps and Land Cruisers. Repair shops that need a tested engine for a customer. Exporters supplying swap builders in other countries. They all want an honest description and an engine that runs right.
Other Engines We Supply
Besides the Chevy LS3 engine for sale, we stock the supercharged Corvette Z06 LT4 engine, Ford V8s like the 5.0 Coyote, the 3.5 EcoBoost, and diesels like the Duramax LML and 7.3 Powerstroke. New to buying online? Start with how to buy a used engine online and low-mileage used engines.
Why Buy From NJ Global Auto Parts
We only sell engines. We test them, describe them honestly and ship them worldwide. We confirm the fit before you pay, so you don’t end up with an L99 when you needed an LS3. Every Chevy LS3 engine for sale from us comes with real photos, a written quote, tracking and a written warranty. Our refund and returns policy is there to read before you order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the LS3 a reliable engine?
Very. With regular oil changes and no abuse, it’s one of the most dependable V8s GM has built.
How much horsepower does an LS3 make?
About 430 hp in the Corvette, 426 hp in the Camaro SS and 415 hp in the G8 GXP and Chevrolet SS.
Does your Chevy LS3 engine for sale include the harness and computer?
Sometimes. It depends on the donor car. The quote lists exactly what’s included.
Can I put an LS3 in my classic car?
Yes. It’s one of the most common swaps there is, and parts are widely available. Check the swap guide above.
How many miles does an LS3 last?
Well-maintained engines often go past 200,000 miles.
Do you ship worldwide?
Yes, and we handle the export paperwork.
How do I pay?
Bank transfer only. The details come with your quote.
How do I get a quote?
Send your VIN or project details through our contact page, call +1 (209) 733-0882, or WhatsApp +1 209 690 5983.
Get Your V8 Running
Whether it’s a Corvette, a Camaro or the swap you’ve been planning for years, the right engine makes it happen. If you need a Chevy LS3 engine for sale that’s been tested, matched to your car or project and shipped with tracking, get in touch today. We’ll confirm the fit, send photos and give you a straight price, wherever you are.