LS3 Crate Engine

[Chev67]

Has anyone bought the 525+ HP Turnkey Supply or Prodigy Customs LS3 crate engines? I have been considering both but I am leaning towards the Prodigy package based upon $ to HP. I have considered a used motor but until I get the upgrade in power I want it seems to add up. If any has bought a crate engine share your thoughts on the above mentioned packages.

[Mkelcy]

Has anyone bought the 525+ HP Turnkey Supply or Prodigy Customs LS3 crate engines? I have been considering both but I am leaning towards the Prodigy package based upon $ to HP. I have considered a used motor but until I get the upgrade in power I want it seems to add up. If any has bought a crate engine share your thoughts on the above mentioned packages.

Regardless which way you go, I'd carefully research delivery times and customer satisfaction for whatever vendor you settle on.

[69cam1219]

I've been thinking about a GMPP ls3 525 HP engine. Around $7500 with 2 year warranty. But gotta add the controller kit with it also so add $800-1000. Then gotta get accessories. I need to pull the trigger soon. Does anyone know if frank at prodigy offers any kind of warranty with his engines?

[FirebirdSteve]

I just recieved the GMPP 525hp LS3. It took no time from order to delivery from what i understand...... It is currently at Speedtech waiting to go into my build.

[69cam1219]

I want the 525hp version I'm just stuck on the fence. Ls3 480 HP = $ 6500. Ls3 525hp = $7500. Is 45 more horsepower worth a grand? 480 is still quite of bit oh HP. But there will be that time.when that other person chose the 525 and I'd probably wish I had.

[Chev67]

Prodigy quoted me a 1 year warranty.

[dj3]

A used motor might put down more than you expect, my GTO LS2 put almost 400ft/lbs to the wheels stock (well headers).

[Blown73]

I would look into what it will take you to get to the additional 40 hp, and go from there. If it is less than 1,000, then there is your answer.

I don't think there is such a thing as too much horsepower....

[6D9 Matt]

Interested in this discussion as well, as I plan on dropping in an LS3 later this year.

[Fras]

I just finished a conversion using a 6.0 LQ9 using the following:

LQ9 from an Escalade with wiring harness. $700

LS3 heads from scoggin dickey. $750

LS3 intake from eBay. $250

Accessory drive complete from Dirty Dingo $450

Custom pro comp cam $400

ARP head, main, rod bolts. $400

LS1 water pump from checker $150

Misc parts $500

It's right at 550 hp and oh so smooth

[Chev67]

I just finished a conversion using a 6.0 LQ9 using the following:

LQ9 from an Escalade with wiring harness. $700

LS3 heads from scoggin dickey. $750

LS3 intake from eBay. $250

Accessory drive complete from Dirty Dingo $450

Custom pro comp cam $400

ARP head, main, rod bolts. $400

LS1 water pump from checker $150

Misc parts $500

It's right at 550 hp and oh so smooth

What was the total cost ready to drop it in?

[Fras]

I have a total of 4750 in it and thats complete, even including an American Autowire classic update kit for about $485

[mikes70]

Veddy interesting....mmmmmm

[Rod]

I just finished a conversion using a 6.0 LQ9 using the following:

LQ9 from an Escalade with wiring harness. $700

LS3 heads from scoggin dickey. $750

LS3 intake from eBay. $250

Accessory drive complete from Dirty Dingo $450

Custom pro comp cam $400

ARP head, main, rod bolts. $400

LS1 water pump from checker $150

Misc parts $500

It's right at 550 hp and oh so smooth

pictures? its all just words, wheres the pictures???

[fastfail]

Man, you guys on the west coast have it made. I can't get an LS motor anywhere near me, unless I want to drop a couple grand for a junk used one.

[diesel25lrs]

I got mine from Don Hardy racing out of Texas with warranty. Very reasonable & he will give you a package deal with accessories & computer. You can get any performance level you want! I wasted a little money up front b/c i "thought" all i wanted was a 480 hotcam... Boy did that change quickly... So my advice is- know what you want up front & try to stick with it!
Buy a stocker LS3 & upgrade it yourself- much cheaper & allows you time to change your mind. Switching a cam, gear & chain, pushrods, valve springs, trunions, & HV oil pump out is very easy to do & all you need to do unless you want to take the engine over 675RWHP! After that you will need to touch the pistons, rods, & crank...
Vengeance Racing is a LS3 specialist out of Atlanta & has packages already
Put together just for this!
Hope this helps!

[trex1270]

I bought on iron 5.3. had it bored to 5.7. forged bottom end, PRC heads, carbed holley 750 DP..I have about 5k in it...side note...it put down 426 to the tires. Magnacharger coming soon...real soon

[Fras]

Add Content

[Chev67]

I am now considering a 590HP/525ft-lb LS3 from Teaxs Speed.

[Chev67]

I just finished a conversion using a 6.0 LQ9 using the following:

LQ9 from an Escalade with wiring harness. $700

LS3 heads from scoggin dickey. $750

$700 for a LQ9 with harness sounds like excellent deal. Where do I get one?

LS3 intake from eBay. $250

Accessory drive complete from Dirty Dingo $450

Custom pro comp cam $400

ARP head, main, rod bolts. $400

LS1 water pump from checker $150

Misc parts $500

It's right at 550 hp and oh so smooth

A LQ9 at $700 is very good price. Where can I get one?:)

[Fras]

I'm in Arizona, and just checked craiglist is some of the smaller cities just outside of phoenix. A lot of people with property and ranches have nice trucks they part out. Lq4 is a lot easier to find and very similar to the lq9, just different piston making for lower compression.

[Chev67]

Thanks I will check out that route. I assume if one gets the LQ4 or 9 you can easily get it punched out to the right bore for a LS3 setup?

[Fras]

You can bore it out If you want, but no need to. Ls3 stuff bolts right on. It's all in the LS fam!

[Fras]

For your reading pleasure.

http://www.carcraft.com/projectbuild/116_0704_lq4_short_block/viewall.html

[67Soto]

For your reading pleasure.


http://www.carcraft.com/projectbuild/116_0704_lq4_short_block/viewall.html

Great read! Thanks for sharing. I am also interested in this thread as I'm currently installing an LS1/T56 pull out motor. My plan is the get my 67 camaro "EFI" ready then once running with this setup, locate and build a budget friendly LQ4 or Maybe, just buy an LS3 crate engine. We'll see...

[whytry]

Great article, I'm searcing for a LQ9 now too have been for a bit, when I find em they want like 2500 for em here...

When you got your did the tranny come with it Doesnt matter right? Cuz I wanna run my TKO600 with my LS build...

[6D9 Matt]

I am now considering a 590HP/525ft-lb LS3 from Teaxs Speed.

What kind of price they have for this one?

[Chev67]

13 K for a full turnkey package.

[FirebirdSteve]

So $3000.00 + for 65hp and 35ft-lbs of torque???

[Chev67]

There is not a lot of used motors at a low price here in PA. Bud of mine works junk yard and had been searching for me. They all want quite a bit for engine. Way moe than 700 bucks.

[Trevor @ Texas Speed]

So $3000.00 + for 65hp and 35ft-lbs of torque???

We have been working very hard to get our turn-key packages on our website. The LS1, LS2, and LQ9 sections are complete. The LS1 and LQ9 sections will get their pictures added this next week.

When comparing packages, be sure to look at what you're getting. Every one of our turn key packages have forged rods and pistons, and if it's a stroker (i.e. 4.00" stroke or 4.125" stroke) it also has a forged crank. All of our packages will also come with a custom-built Speartech wiring harness and tuned ECM (and TCM, if applicable), not the MEFI system that is so out of date and lacks the ability to make adjustments while running like a factory car. if you are going to run an electronically-controlled transmission, we will have your harness built accordingly and include the TCM (if applicable) for no additional charge! We are building your engine in-house with the best CNC equipment and builders available. These are not crate engines with hypereutectic pistons and cracked rods that have had a cam installed. It's not that the stock parts won't work for most people. It's more realizing that for a little money difference (and sometimes cheaper than the other options), you can have a stronger engine that was precision-built and hand-assembled by the shop that specializes in ONLY LSx engines and vehicle platforms. All of our turn-key engines will come standard with a six-month, unlimited mileage warranty as well. Feel free to give us a call, shoot an email, or send a PM for more information. We will be glad to discuss your options with you!

Keep checking the conversion section of our website! We will have the remaining turn-key packages added by the end of next week! We will also be adding more and more pictures regularly. We have a LOT of images that are currently being edited, which is taking some time. We appreciate your patience as we complete our turn-key engine packages!

Thanks!

Trevor
Texas Speed & Performance

[FirebirdSteve]

Trevor,

I don't question anything that you have said. I'm sure that your engines are excellent! I do have one question for you though. The GM warranty is for 24 months.....why is yours only 6?

[Chev67]

A few weeks ago I went with the Prodigy Customs 418 cu. in. LS setup. I will let you know how it works once I get it in the car.

[Fras]

How long did frank say it would take to get to you? I waited almost a month for my vintage air kit that he said would be at my house in 6 days. Hope he steps up his game a notch. You will love your motor!!

[Chev67]

Frank has been very good about communicating lead time. It is still a few weeks out. I just bought tailpipes from him and they were in line with what he said. You can check my thread in the feedback section of this forum. There is a thread on the LS3 418 just search those words.

[badazz81z28]

A LQ9 at $700 is very good price. Where can I get one?:)


Thats what I was thinking....I couldnt touch a used LQ9 for less than $1800 and it had miles on it!!

That $700 deal not practical at all!

[mikes2nd]

Its pretty easy to find these engines on the east coast... Just have to know where to look.

I picked up a 2011 L99 with 30k on it for 3800$ complete...

Just have to be careful with the aluminum blocks... you must make sure the cylinders are perfect since you can't bore them out even the slightest. You can find damaged ls3 blocks on ebay for like 100$ since they are just scrap. They make cool coffee tables though.

I will be putting a texas speed vvt2 cam in it and I got a dod delete kit pretty cheap.

I am putting in a 2004 GTO Hvac system, no vintage air for me... i get the new stuff :)

[CreepinDeth]

I got a 50K LY6 6.0L with the L92 320cfm heads for $1850, so an LQ9 should be cheaper.
Then I added on the accessories and harness.

One guy on Nastyz28 got a 60K LS1/T56 combo for $1800 total.....and sold the T56 for $1000

[badazz81z28]

I got a 50K LY6 6.0L with the L92 320cfm heads for $1850, so an LQ9 should be cheaper.
Then I added on the accessories and harness.

One guy on Nastyz28 got a 60K LS1/T56 combo for $1800 total.....and sold the T56 for $1000


Sometimes that happens....JJFarmer got lucky...Not a practical everyday find...a rare deal indeed.

[Apostle65]

Do you have the contact info for Don Hardy Racing?


I got mine from Don Hardy racing out of Texas with warranty. Very reasonable & he will give you a package deal with accessories & computer. You can get any performance level you want! I wasted a little money up front b/c i "thought" all i wanted was a 480 hotcam... Boy did that change quickly... So my advice is- know what you want up front & try to stick with it!
Buy a stocker LS3 & upgrade it yourself- much cheaper & allows you time to change your mind. Switching a cam, gear & chain, pushrods, valve springs, trunions, & HV oil pump out is very easy to do & all you need to do unless you want to take the engine over 675RWHP! After that you will need to touch the pistons, rods, & crank...
Vengeance Racing is a LS3 specialist out of Atlanta & has packages already
Put together just for this!
Hope this helps!

[Apostle65]

So far you guys have the best deals i've come across. I'll be giving you another call soon enough. I called the number a few days again and didn't get an answer. I'm currently in the sand box.


We have been working very hard to get our turn-key packages on our website. The LS1, LS2, and LQ9 sections are complete. The LS1 and LQ9 sections will get their pictures added this next week.

When comparing packages, be sure to look at what you're getting. Every one of our turn key packages have forged rods and pistons, and if it's a stroker (i.e. 4.00" stroke or 4.125" stroke) it also has a forged crank. All of our packages will also come with a custom-built Speartech wiring harness and tuned ECM (and TCM, if applicable), not the MEFI system that is so out of date and lacks the ability to make adjustments while running like a factory car. if you are going to run an electronically-controlled transmission, we will have your harness built accordingly and include the TCM (if applicable) for no additional charge! We are building your engine in-house with the best CNC equipment and builders available. These are not crate engines with hypereutectic pistons and cracked rods that have had a cam installed. It's not that the stock parts won't work for most people. It's more realizing that for a little money difference (and sometimes cheaper than the other options), you can have a stronger engine that was precision-built and hand-assembled by the shop that specializes in ONLY LSx engines and vehicle platforms. All of our turn-key engines will come standard with a six-month, unlimited mileage warranty as well. Feel free to give us a call, shoot an email, or send a PM for more information. We will be glad to discuss your options with you!

Keep checking the conversion section of our website! We will have the remaining turn-key packages added by the end of next week! We will also be adding more and more pictures regularly. We have a LOT of images that are currently being edited, which is taking some time. We appreciate your patience as we complete our turn-key engine packages!

Thanks!

Trevor
Texas Speed & Performance