The LFX is Chevy’s “High Feature” 3.6L 60° V6 DOHC all-aluminum engine found in several different specs across the 2012-2014 Chevy and Cadillac line-up. It has a composite intake manifold to reduce weight, and an integrated exhaust manifold head design that collects exhaust gas into one single exhaust port on each side of the engine (in other words, a dream to fabricate exhaust for this). It has direct injection (awesome).
The LFX acronym was supposed to denote Flex Fuel capability, but that feature is not integrated into the Camaro from what I’ve found. Unknown as of now whether the ECU has the capability to run a flex fuel sensor. However, I’ve done some digging and turns out that the fuel system’s hardware is all designed to be E85-capable, with injectors sized at 109 lbs/hr (1,100cc). So even if flex fuel is out, it looks like switching to E85 is just a tune away – no hardware changes needed.
Although found in the Cadillac CTS, ATS, Chevy Impala and others, the one to get is from the Camaro. Rated at 323hp and 278 ft-lbs at the flywheel.
Picked up the motor last week, 5 miles from the Mexico border. I specifically looked for one that had just come in and wasn’t pulled from the car yet so that I could point at all the components I wanted to keep attached to the motor and get a package deal for it all. That way I also didn’t spend hours figuring out where stuff goes later.
For $2100
– Engine
– Alternator
– Power steering
– A/C
– Engine wiring harness
– Starter
– Gas pedal (for the drive-by-wire)
I likely won’t need all the accessories, but this way I have a template for the factory belt layout from the beginning. I just MIGHT play with keeping the power steering – low-effort steering with 15x10s would be mighty nice…
This is the only time I needed to be picky about the motor and pay extra for all the accessories, wiring, etc. Next time I need a replacement motor everything will be in place and can swap over, so expect ~$1700 for a replacement long block with low miles.