LS3 Crate Engine Australia – Rebuild or Replace?
You can order online where available, and for major parts, packages or workshop services, we recommend contacting Oztrack first to confirm suitability and any vehicle-specific requirements.
Before You Buy an LS3 Crate Engine, Consider Rebuilding Yours
If your LS3 has failed, developed piston noise, lost oil pressure or suffered internal damage, a new crate engine is not your only option. Oztrack can inspect and rebuild your existing engine or build a reconditioned LS engine to suit your vehicle and intended use.
New LS3 crate engines can be difficult to source in Australia. Supply varies and current prices can make a properly machined, made-to-order engine the better choice.
Has Your LS3 Engine Failed?
Do not assume that you need to find a used engine or an expensive crate motor. In many cases, the original engine can be repaired, machined and rebuilt with parts selected for its application.
- Complete engine diagnosis and damage assessment
- In-house block and cylinder-head machining
- CNC boring and block surfacing
- Sunnen torque-plate honing
- New pistons, rings and engine bearings
- Optional sleeves where the block requires them
- Valve-seat and cylinder-head upgrades
- Camshaft and performance options
- Final dyno run-in and tuning where selected
Factory LS3 Issues We Check During a Rebuild
Block Core Shift
Some factory LS3 aluminium blocks can show cylinder-wall variation caused by core shift. The amount differs from block to block and cannot be judged from the outside.
Oztrack measures the block before deciding whether it is suitable for machining. Where the block condition or planned power level calls for it, cylinder sleeves may provide a stronger and more controlled foundation.
Valve-Seat Movement
LS3 and related rectangular-port cylinder heads can suffer valve-seat movement or a dropped valve seat. Age, heat cycles and previous overheating can increase the risk. A dropped seat can cause major piston, cylinder-head and block damage.
Depending on the condition of the heads, Oztrack can supply machined exchange heads with new intake valve seats. This work can address the risk while the engine is already apart.
Your LS3 Engine Replacement Options
Rebuild Your Existing Engine
Bring the complete vehicle to our Penrith workshop. We remove the engine, inspect it, complete the required machining and rebuild it for your vehicle.
This suits customers who want Oztrack to manage the complete job from removal through to installation, run-in and tuning.
View our engine-in-car rebuild serviceSend Your Engine to Oztrack
Workshops and customers throughout Australia can send a removed LS engine to us for inspection, machining and rebuilding.
The engine is built to the agreed specification and returned for installation. Freight cost and turnaround depend on location, engine condition and parts availability.
View our Australia-wide reconditioning serviceMade-to-Order Reconditioned Engine
Oztrack can supply a reconditioned LS engine built to an agreed specification. We do not keep generic reconditioned engines sitting in stock.
Each engine is planned around the vehicle, power goal, fuel, transmission and intended use. Availability depends on suitable engine cores and required parts.
Call to discuss a made-to-order engineNew LS3 Crate Engine
A new LS3 crate engine may still suit some conversions or restorations. Australian stock can be sparse and prices can change significantly.
Contact us before making a decision. We can compare current crate-engine availability against rebuilding your engine or supplying a made-to-order reconditioned engine.
Check current supply and pricingNew LS3 Crate Engine Versus an Oztrack Rebuild
| Consideration | New LS3 Crate Engine | Oztrack LS3 Rebuild |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Depends on Australian stock and supplier availability | Scheduled and built after inspection and quoting |
| Specification | Standard factory specification | Built for your vehicle, power goal and use |
| Block assessment | Factory production engine | Block measured and machined according to its condition |
| Cylinder heads | Standard production heads | Head inspection with valve-seat upgrades available |
| Performance options | Upgrades require further work | Camshaft, compression, heads and other options can be included |
| Price | Often high and subject to changing supply | Quoted after the required build specification is established |
What Is Included in an Oztrack LS Engine Rebuild?
The final parts list depends on the engine condition and selected package. A typical build may include:
- Complete engine disassembly and inspection
- Hot-wash cleaning
- CNC boring where required
- CNC block-deck surfacing
- Sunnen torque-plate honing
- New pistons and piston rings
- New main, connecting-rod and cam bearings
- New gaskets, seals and required fasteners
- Oil-pump and timing-set replacement
- Camshaft, valve springs and pushrods selected for the package
- Optional cylinder sleeves
- Optional CNC-ported heads with replacement intake valve seats
- Optional dyno run-in and custom tuning
Oztrack confirms the final specification and price after discussing the engine, damage, vehicle and intended use.
Our LS Engine Rebuild Process
Tell us about the vehicle, symptoms, previous work and your power goals.
We disassemble the engine and assess the block, crankshaft, heads and internal parts.
We recommend the machining, replacement parts and optional upgrades required.
Oztrack completes the agreed machining and assembles the engine in-house.
Original LS3 Crate Engine Specifications
Factory specifications can vary between LS3 crate-engine versions and part numbers. Confirm the exact engine specification and compatibility before ordering.
| Engine family | GM Gen IV LS-Series small-block V8 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 376 cubic inches or 6.2 litres |
| Bore and stroke | 4.065 × 3.622 inches |
| Block | Aluminium, cross-bolted six-bolt main-cap design |
| Cylinder heads | Rectangular-port aluminium heads |
| Compression ratio | Approximately 10.7:1, depending on engine version |
| Reluctor wheel | 58-tooth |
| Recommended fuel | Premium unleaded fuel for applicable Australian combinations and tuning |
LS3 Crate Engine and Rebuild FAQs
Can Oztrack repair my damaged LS3 engine?
Are LS3 crate engines still available in Australia?
Does every LS3 engine suffer from core shift?
Can Oztrack help prevent an LS3 valve-seat failure?
Can I send my LS engine from interstate?
Can you supply a reconditioned LS3 engine?
Can I add a camshaft during the rebuild?
How long does an LS engine rebuild take?
Talk to Oztrack Before Buying an LS3 Crate Engine
We can help you compare repairing your engine, commissioning a made-to-order reconditioned engine or sourcing a new crate engine.
Calculate Your Upgrade Budget
Planning to enhance your vehicle’s performance with Oztrack? Use our Loan Calculator to estimate your upgrade budget. Discover convenient financing options through our partner, Verified Lending, and bring your dream upgrades to life. Start calculating today!
