Used LS Motor - How Many Miles Is Too Many?

[Winmon]

Considering doing a LS swap in my '62 Bel Air. I am trying to decide if I should just buy a new crate motor or save some money by going with one off EBay. For about the same cost as a new crate LS3 I can get a LS2 w/ 80k miles on it but also includes the ECM and a 4L60 transmission off EBay.



I am new to the LS world so I am wondering what is considered "high mile" for the LS?

[andrewb70]

I prefer engines with less than 50K miles. I am sure others don't mind higher.

Andrew

[Winmon]

Thanks! Trying to do this on somewhat of a budget. I am more inclined to go with a crate LS3 (480HP version) and just bolt it up to my TH350 for the time being. Then later on I can doing a trans swap to a 4L60E or maybe even a T56.

[67rally]

Considering doing a LS swap in my '62 Bel Air. I am trying to decide if I should just buy a new crate motor or save some money by going with one off EBay. For about the same cost as a new crate LS3 I can get a LS2 w/ 80k miles on it but also includes the ECM and a 4L60 transmission off EBay.

I am new to the LS world so I am wondering what is considered "high mile" for the LS?

I don't think 80k is too high, but I'd much rather have the new LS3 if you can swing it. I wouldn't put a lot of value into the used ECM/wiring. You're probably going to have to send out your wiring harness to be reworkd or buy a new one ($500-$550), and you can pick up a new ECM with programming for $250 at the same time.

[GBNL]

Last 5.3 i bought had 86k , it ran good and was making plenty of power 837rwhp on 16 psi , i got greedy and boosted it up to 21 psi. It let go after a couple off weeks of that abuse.

[Winmon]

Thanks guys!

I wouldn't put a lot of value into the used ECM/wiring. You're probably going to have to send out your wiring harness to be reworkd or buy a new one ($500-$550), and you can pick up a new ECM with programming for $250 at the same time.

So if I go with a new LS3 along with a new engine control kit am I still going to need have it re-tuned? I am assuming the harness with it also still has to be modified? Chevy makes it sounds like it is plug and play. BTW, why would a new tune be required on a junkyard ECM? Is it to custom tailor it to my set up, i.e. trans, R/E gearing etc.?

i got greedy and boosted it up to 21 psi

[71maroesteban]

The vortecs usually can go up to 200k plus miles anything that comes out of a tahoe Denali escalade etc soccer mom cars usually are cared for greatly since they are 40k plus cars people tend to take good care of them and not abuse them like say an ls1 out of a Camaro or gto IMHO which tend to be ran hard

[Schwartz Performance]

Thanks guys!

So if I go with a new LS3 along with a new engine control kit am I still going to need have it re-tuned? I am assuming the harness with it also still has to be modified? Chevy makes it sounds like it is plug and play. BTW, why would a new tune be required on a junkyard ECM? Is it to custom tailor it to my set up, i.e. trans, R/E gearing etc.?


:

You'll want to have it tuned so it drives like a new car and so you'll maximize the horsepower. There is no tune in the engine computer for the Trans- automatics will use their own computer if using the gm aftermarket controller.
There is no harness modification that needs to be done.. They were referring to using a used harness. They need to be retuned because they're set up for emissions 4 oxygen sensors, a stock air box, VATS (anti theft) etc... If you try and run a junkyard ECM with no tuning, it won't run or it will have a lot of trouble codes.
The GM harness and computer is more universal.
We can source all the parts you'd need, for the same price as any other online company.. Support the speed shops!! ;)

-Dale

[Winmon]

Thanks guys!

Just bookmarked you Dale

[K-Gene]

If taken care of, LS motors go a long time. I just refreshed a 6.0L Iron block for a friend of mine that supposedly has 110k on it, but it was out of an HD truck. The oil was not changed often (lots of buildup inside), but the crank was clean, and the bores were still in spec. I refreshed with new rings, 10/10 on the crank, new bearings (cam too), and gaskets. Oh and newer heads. The last LQ4 I did for myself was an 80k mile 3/4 ton van LQ4, and the innards were beautiful, I didn't touch the crank, the main bearings still had machining marks on them, slapped in flat top LS2 pistons and LS2 heads. I didn't touch the bores, ran used LS2 rings (low mile) and bolted it back together. That's the motor I ran 11's @4100# with. I wouldn't think twice about running a 150k mile LS engine if it didn't stink when I pulled the oil fill cap.

[XTRMEASURES]

I have a 2010 chevy 4x4 the the alum 5.3L it has 80,000 miles on it and still going. I use it to pull my car hauler, trailer w/tractor ect ect.

[SPLATT71MC]

I have an 02 Silverado HD with the LQ4 6.0 with 160k well cared for miles on the clock and wouldn't hesitate to drop it in my 71 Monte if the truck is somehow totaled. Now if I was going to add some go fast goodies I'd definitely go through it but would drop it in as is otherwise.

[Winmon]

Thanks!