View Full Version : This 5.3 worth it?
Phishfud
08-06-2009, 01:43 PM
I found a 5.3 out of a 99 silverado that had an engine fire. He said the plastics/wiring are toast, but the motor was fine before that. I wann put it in my 70 Camaro, but with the wiring/intake being useless, wasn't sure if it's even worth my time. I was planning on using an LS1 intake and F-body accessory drive anyway, so wasn't concerned about that stuff. What else should I grab off this truck for my swap, if it's not melted? Of course, if it's not worth the trouble, then I'll skip it. Didn't wanna bother the guy too much till I had an idea if I should grab it or not. Thanks for any help.
Terry
1badchevelle
08-06-2009, 01:46 PM
depends how much is he asking for it?
Phishfud
08-06-2009, 01:48 PM
I didn't even ask yet. Didn't wanna ask all kinds of questions and then bail on him if it turned out not to be worth the effort. I guess I'll just find out, just in case.
gkring
08-06-2009, 01:49 PM
I'd skip it. Iron block truck 5.3 are a dime a dozen, never mind the possibilities of the engine fire, damaged sensors, etc. At least hold out for a Gen IV 5.3 with the LS6 heads.
Steve1968LS2
08-06-2009, 02:12 PM
I imagine you could buy 5.3L truck engines all day long for 500-600 bucks.
If this is super cheap then go for it.. if not then pass.
The cheapest LS engine I could think of to build would be a 5.3L with 4.8L pistons, cleaned up heads and an LS6 or LS2 intake.
Bet you could do that for under $1500...
Damn True
08-06-2009, 02:57 PM
I imagine you could buy 5.3L truck engines all day long for 500-600 bucks.
If this is super cheap then go for it.. if not then pass.
The cheapest LS engine I could think of to build would be a 5.3L with 4.8L pistons, cleaned up heads and an LS6 or LS2 intake.
Bet you could do that for under $1500...
That'd be a fun build article.
"Junkyard Hi-tech"
Phishfud
08-06-2009, 03:00 PM
Guy just said he's askin 500 for the motor. What does everyone think? sorry, I'm an LSx newbie.
1badchevelle
08-06-2009, 03:02 PM
I aggree with everyone I just sold a 5.3l complete for $700
pass if hes asking $500
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/Picture1318-1.jpg
Damn True
08-06-2009, 03:13 PM
You will triple that number replacing the intake, harness, all the switches and sensors etc. Pass.
Steve1968LS2
08-06-2009, 03:13 PM
That'd be a fun build article.
"Junkyard Hi-tech"
I think I will do this story.. Just build the cheapest bang-for-buck 5.3L I can.
Iron block.. 5.3 heads.. 4.8L pistons.. all used parts except maybe a cam and some gaskets.
Later we can transplant it into a 82 Malibu wagon we have and go over how to smog it in CA.
Bet I could get the engine done for under $1,500 (TB to pan) not counting electronics..
Steve1968LS2
08-06-2009, 03:14 PM
You will triple that number replacing the intake, harness, all the switches and sensors etc. Pass.
I would think in the $300 range since it was in a fire and all.. I bet even the injectors are junk after that.
1badchevelle
08-06-2009, 03:55 PM
Contact this guy. He bought a 5.3l aluminum block for 650 and needs to sell it.
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/conversions-hybrids/1156903-i-think-i-might-have-get-rid-my-aluminum-5-3-l33.html
Memphis
08-06-2009, 04:20 PM
You can buy complete 4.8/5.3s from LKQ for about $500 shipped (to my area anyway) and if you are by one of their hubs even cheaper
Steve1968LS2
08-06-2009, 05:22 PM
You can buy complete 4.8/5.3s from LKQ for about $500 shipped (to my area anyway) and if you are by one of their hubs even cheaper
Who is LKQ?
1badchevelle
08-06-2009, 05:35 PM
http://www.lkqcorp.com/home/home.asp
Memphis
08-06-2009, 05:51 PM
That is them :)
1offwizard
08-06-2009, 06:41 PM
I think I will do this story.. Just build the cheapest bang-for-buck 5.3L I can.
Iron block.. 5.3 heads.. 4.8L pistons.. all used parts except maybe a cam and some gaskets.
Later we can transplant it into a 82 Malibu wagon we have and go over how to smog it in CA.
Bet I could get the engine done for under $1,500 (TB to pan) not counting electronics..
This I want to see.......tomorrow! I have a good 4.8 and a 5.3 that needs building (as well as an LS-1 in a million pieces) and I would love to see that! There is also a guy from Oklahoma City that sells computers and reworked factory harnesses on ebay for around $300 if I remember correctly. Spectre tank with pump and sender and vette filter/regulator and BAM! Please do this!
UNmolestedTA
08-06-2009, 07:04 PM
I recently got a 5.3 out of a 99 sierra with a 4l60e for $400 with harness and everything.
Damn True
08-06-2009, 07:08 PM
I think I will do this story.. Just build the cheapest bang-for-buck 5.3L I can.
Iron block.. 5.3 heads.. 4.8L pistons.. all used parts except maybe a cam and some gaskets.
Later we can transplant it into a 82 Malibu wagon we have and go over how to smog it in CA.
Bet I could get the engine done for under $1,500 (TB to pan) not counting electronics..
Do it!
Yeah, you'll have to get new GM gaskets, maybe throw a GMPP hot cam kit at it at the most unless there is a good alternative in another LSX engine. But everything else from pick-a-part. Buff out the valve covers yourself, grind the flash off the intake and paint it.
Damn True
08-06-2009, 07:09 PM
I would think in the $300 range since it was in a fire and all.. I bet even the injectors are junk after that.
If nothing else the lagging inside the connectors is shot. They are trash.
Steve1968LS2
08-06-2009, 07:20 PM
This I want to see.......tomorrow! I have a good 4.8 and a 5.3 that needs building (as well as an LS-1 in a million pieces) and I would love to see that! There is also a guy from Oklahoma City that sells computers and reworked factory harnesses on ebay for around $300 if I remember correctly. Spectre tank with pump and sender and vette filter/regulator and BAM! Please do this!
Who's your contact in Oklahoma?
I think I will try to do this.. will offset my BIG builds and give me some positive Karma.. lol
Project Skinflint.. or El Cheapo or Tightwad
1offwizard
08-10-2009, 10:01 AM
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/LS1-LS6-Vortec-V8-fuel-injection-wiring-harness-pcm_W0QQitemZ160351825726QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors _Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item2555b6af3e&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245
This is the guy, but he is higher now than he used to be.
1badchevelle
08-10-2009, 10:22 AM
thanks for the info.
69LT1Nova
08-10-2009, 11:43 AM
Project Skinflint.. or El Cheapo or Tightwad
El Cheapo only works if it is an El Camino. I think Car Craft had the El Cheapo El Camino project. :)
Going into an 82 Malibu Wagon... hmmm... :idea: "Section 8"? Like the housing projects. :1st:
And going back to the thread... leave that engine alone. In a fire? Take it if you get it free, but don't pay for it.
continued slight hi-jack....
STEVE: do that story! I have a 5.3 that needs a cheap build!!
g6t6o
08-16-2009, 08:41 AM
Don't even bother with a burnt motor, for a few bucks more you can have one that isn't a melted mess:)
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