Crate Engine vs Building?

[g-machine]

I would appreciate the opinions of other members on this forum. I am planning on installing a LS based engine in my car, as the build progresses. I tend to gather the things I need to complete something, generally as money permits. I am trying to decide whether I should start that process to build a LS1 (aluminum long block) that I can buy locally for a good price (unknown miles and not complete) -or- do I wait and just go crate engine?

Any input is appreciated!



Thanks,
George

[csouth]

you probably need to throw a budget range number out there for the best feedback.

[g-machine]

I meant to include that! I'm thinking around $5k built or crate, if that is possible. I know an LS3 is around $7k.

[LS1-IROC]

How much power do you want to make? N/A or FI?

[g-machine]

Around 500 hp - efi and no power adders. I'd go carb if the budget demanded it, but I know that defeats the whole purpose of the LS's advantages on a street driven vehicle.

[fishface]

I am in the finishing stages of putting a crate ls3 in my Camaro. From that I can tell you that the initial cost is just the tip of the iceberg. There are several threads here outlining other items you will need and the cost will easily double (or more) that cost. If you are on a limited budget you may want to look for a good pullout., hopefully with accessories and a usable tranny. This was my first ls swap and completely blew my budget and then some. Lol

[g-machine]

I am in the finishing stages of putting a crate ls3 in my Camaro. From that I can tell you that the initial cost is just the tip of the iceberg. There are several threads here outlining other items you will need and the cost will easily double (or more) that cost. If you are on a limited budget you may want to look for a good pullout., hopefully with accessories and a usable tranny. This was my first ls swap and completely blew my budget and then some. Lol

I feared that! That's a huge concern for me, as there is no way I can afford to go $10k plus for an engine. I'm starting to consider going back to the sbc crate plan.

I already have a T-56, so at least that could drive down the expense of a pullout. My problem is I want a low low low miles take out!

[showdog75]

Imo I'd go with a good pullout. Ls engines if taken care of are good well after 100k. Myself I'd steer clear of a ls1/ls6 because of the limits of boring the block if ever needed. Buy a complete engine and you'll be money ahead and this route keeping the efi is the cheapest. I bought a nice ls2 complete pullout for $3500. I bought mine a piece at a time(related parts)for two years and have just now began my swap.

[analyte]

Don't be afraid to consider a good LQ4/9 pullout either as they are plentiful and much cheaper. The Holley access brackets are a nice option rather as well. They do have the iron block, but that's easily upgradable later on when you want more power. It's my plan and I'll use an LS2 block when the engine comes out to be stroked.

Kerry

[csouth]

I did see one or two LS3 pullouts on ebay from LKQ in that price range with less than 50k. Miles less than that will cost more and at that point you might as well go crate IMO....

[Jk918]

My plan is to go with a used lq4, put on some new head gaskets, bigger cam, headers, carb intake and use my fi tech efi set up. Figure 4K just to get that done, This will by me some time until I have the $ to build a 408 short block

[jwcarguy]

George,

What I ask people is, what are your goals with it? ( ie drive-ability, use, power, etc)
Then, what others have said budget, you stated that you have $5k budget, is that just engine or complete swap/ install?
Also, what is your skill set and comfort level when it comes to building a engine? or maybe just adding some bolt-ons to a good short/ long block??

If you are going to use the car as a "driver/ cruiser", occasional track days and not as "all out track car", I would agree with looking into a "Vortec" series iron block version (approx 73 lbs difference, but can be over bored more than aluminum block w/ sleeves, and stronger)
The iron block 6.0L, for example, usually run approx half of the initial cost of a comparable 6.0L aluminum block LS2, L76, etc

Depending on power level (500hp you mentioned) assuming that was hp @ crank, It will be more difficult/ expensive to meet that goal from a LS1/6 5.7L, plus the fact that the earlier Gen III engines ("LS" & Vortec) had weaker connecting rods and press fit piston wrist pins
Looking at later model Gen III or Gen IV engines (depends on which engine for year upgrade) they had stronger connecting rods and floating pin wrist pins in pistons

another budget would be the harness and pcm, depending on year (ie Gen III or Gen IV) a DBC or DBW setup

if buying a pullout, verify that the pcm can be used for your application? (some Gen III pcm's had the drivers inside to run either a DBC or DBW throttle body (with proper tuning/ calibration of course)


Hope this helps, Jeff

[badazz81z28]

If I had to go back in time and do it again, I would have got an ls3, but I also reccomend a crate engine if you can swing it. The engine being new is peace of mind. I bought my ls1 second hand but it was brand new. It enabled me to modify it and the parts I took off I was able to sell as new take-offs. Now I want an ls7, so what ever you do spend the money once on what you want and can afford. I would not have been happy with an iron LS

My ls1 chassis dynos at 460hp, so well over 500 crank hp. So if you can get a healthy LS1, it can be done. My version is the 2004GTO replacement.

[g-machine]

There is a LS6 block listed on another forum for $500. I'm considering that as the building block (pun intended) for this engine - stroker kit and all the usual suspects would follow. I know I'll have the same amount of money into it as a crate with upgrades but I can do it in stages.......plus in the end I'll have a LS6 stroker.

[badazz81z28]

A 383 LS is a good engine. In fact a ls1/6 built right is faster and makes more power than a stock ls2/3/7. So for the dollar you can't lose, even though the ls1 is maxed out. The bigger engines give you room to grow,.

[andrewb70]

I'd budget around $4k for swap components, electronics, and fuel system.

Andrew