From arriving in a crate tp pushing over 4,000 lbs of Land Rover Defender, the small block LS3 is a power-packed V8 perfect for any restomod. The 6.2 L LS3 V8 engine used in your custom Defender is produced by Chevrolet Performance as a “crate engine.” A “crate engine” or “crate motor” is a fully assembled, whole engine shipped directly to the installer in a wooden crate. Various companies manufacture crate engines, but not all of them are suitable for a restored Defender. The LS3 offers a peak output of 430 horsepower at 5900 RPM.

Between 2007 and 2017, it was the factory-installed engine of choice for the 5th generation Camaro SS and C6 Corvette, as well as other high-performance vehicles. As the successor to the 6.0 liter LS2 V8, the new improved version comes equipped with strengthened castings and larger bores. It is destined to make history as one of Chevy’s greatest engines.

The LS3 is built with superior components that are designed for better performance and a longer life. Inside the aluminum block, you will find a sturdy reciprocating assembly made of a combination of L92-style rectangular port heads that deliver an impressive 10.7:1 compression ratio.

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 Chevy LS3 6.2 L has been known to power the new Corvette to a top speed of 190 mph and it can do the same for your custom Defender, as well.

The Journey

What happens to the LS3 engine after it arrives at our facility? It gets installed into your dream custom Defender. The engine comes from the manufacturer fully assembled, so it is ready to mount.

First, the frame is prepared. All of the old parts are stripped off and the metal is cleaned and processed. Once the frame is ready, the journey of the LS3 begins. Our builds are from the ground up. Every nut and bolt is replaced.

• It starts with the engine in the crate. The engine is the heart of your vehicle.
• The frame is torn down and processed.
• The fuel tank is prepared and installed.
• The fuel line is carefully run from the back of the frame to the front.
• Next, the bulkhead is installed.
• We then place the engine with the transmission onto the frame.
• All of the connections in between the bulkhead and the engine and transmission are securely installed.
• The radiator hoses, transmission cooler lines, engine cooler lines, and power train lines are installed. All of these lines are custom-made. To properly fit a chevy engine into a Land Rover frame, everything needs to be custom-made to fit securely.
• Brake lines are installed next. brake lines.
• The electronics are installed next.
• Once all of the wiring is in place, everything is sealed.

Before the engine can be started up for the first time it needs to be primed. Priming the engine ensures that the engine is full of oil and that all of the vital components are properly sealed and oiled. You never ever want to fire up a dry engine. You will crack the head or cause all sorts of other problems.

The engine goes through one more final check to make sure there are no oil leaks, coolant leaks, or fuel leaks. Once everything is working as it should, your custom Defender is ready for the first fire-up. This is the most exciting part for us – your thrills will begin after your dream car is delivered!

Technical Specifications

LS3 Tech Specs

• Official part number: 19369326
• Type of engine: LS-Series Gen-IV Small-Block V-8
• Bore times Stroke: 4.065 inches x 3.622 inches (103.25 x 92 mm)
• Displacement: 376 cubic inches (6.2L)
• Block; Cast-aluminum with six-bolt, cross-bolted main caps
• Connecting Rods: Powdered metal
• Crankshaft: Nodular iron
• Pistons: Hypereutectic aluminum
• Type of camshaft: Hydraulic roller
• Valve Lift: .551 inch intake / .522 inch exhaust
• Valve Size: 2.165 inch intake / 1.590 inch exhaust
• Cylinder Heads: Cast with 68-cc chambers and built with aluminum L92 style ports.
• Redlining with the LS3 comes at 6600 rpm, and getting your custom Defender to that point is quick as a snap.

The LS3 6.2 L Chevy engine is ideal for many applications. Any muscle car or Land Rover you can dream of can be built with this powerful little crate. Aside from factory installations in the Camaro and Corvette and retro-mods in the remarkable Land Rover, the LS3 Chevy engine has also been added to many other muscle cars like the 1967 Chevy Nova SS. This versatile, powerful engine is a great choice for your next rebuilt ride.

The fantastic combination of high tech and unparalleled performance makes this an industry leader in the world of V8 engines. The power train kicks out an impressive 430 hp and 424 lb.-ft. of torque. The factory-installed engines in the Corvette boost those numbers to 436 hp and 428 lb.-ft. of torque and have an optional dual-mode exhaust system.

Interested in learning more about building your dream custom Land Rover Defender? Get in touch with us at [email protected] to get started.