Budget LS engine questions, 5.3 or 6.0?

[Rileys68Camaro]

I suffer from project scope creep, sometimes it's pretty bad. So, I'm now researching budget LS motors. Can't afford an LS1+ at some of the prices I've seen. So I'm looking at the 5.3 or 6.0 truck motors.

I want to end up with a fuel injected motor and such, transmission is undecided though I'd prefer a 6M, so I'm looking at used units and had some questions. Going in a 68 Camaro. At one point I had a 2000 LS out of a Z28, well the whole car really, but before I found this forum and anyone that knew anything about it and was convinced it would cost way more than I could afford to swap stuff. Hah, I would have been money ahead had I known what I know now.

Mainly, what fit issues would I be looking at? I'd like A/C but I'm seeing some members having to cut and box the frame, not really interested in that. Budget reasons as well as finding a competent shop. However, if it's something that must be done for any of these motors, now would be the time as the car is all apart. I'm hoping to find a complete unit with all accesories for not a fortune. I'm not sure what they go for, but I'm trying to stay around $1000 less transmission.

Is one source for this info? I would imagine a book has been written, but I can't find any single source of info.

[GeoffP]

Check out eBay...I have seen 5.3's go on there for cheap. I lucked up and bought a 5.3 from a friend already bored to an LS1 with pretty much all the hard parts recently for $200. While my deal was fairly rare, it's not completely unheard of to find a deal on LS engines. My best suggestion would be to look at www.car-part.com for a complete 5.3 with all the wiring, accessories and such.

[nvmyss]

For a cheap A/C solution the KwiK bracket is cheaper than the normal complete acessory drive system and saves you from notching the frame.

5.3 can be had cheap, throw some good heads on it and you'll have some good HP #'s
You also have a few choices for harness.

ls1tech.com can help you also.

[LS1-IROC]

I'd look for a 5.3 also..I've seen several go for $500 or less. They are great little engines and can stand up to some serious abuse.

[Trevor @ Texas Speed]

We have used the Kwik a/c bracket on most of our swaps, and they have worked very well! You're even seeing them as an option from some of the aftermarket a/c companies. We're installing a Classic Auto Air kit in my '70 C10 next week, and they had the Kwik bracket as an option directly through them. As for 5.3L engines, as mentioned, one can be purchased pretty easy for $500. I have a 5.3L and 4L60 setup in my C10, and it's surprisingly nice! I have 3.73's in the rear, and that certainly helps some. I was going to do an engine swap to a forged 408, but I've decided to leave it alone...for now. ;) The 5.3L engines are a great, budget-friendly option for those looking for a late-model, fuel-injected setup for not much cash! Stock 5.3L engines with full factory exhaust and cats in place will typically make 230-240 RWHP through an auto trans. You're looking at over 300 flywheel HP with excellent street manners! Throw in a mild cam and a set of ported heads, along with a decent set of headers, and and you're easily in the 320-330 RWHP range.

Let us know if we can help.

Thanks!

Trevor
Texas Speed & Performance

[garys 68]

I've done both, a 6.0 LQ9 in mt 68 corvette and a 5.3 in my 72 442 (heavy car). I was surprixed at the torque of the 5.3, much better than any standard small block. About 1/2 the price of the 6.0 too. Whrn I call the 442 heavy, I guess you have to keep in mind the 5.3 came out of a 5500lb SUV though.
On the AC, I used the Kwik bracket too, came with the classic air. Nice piece.