This 5.3 worth it?

[Phishfud]

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]

depends how much is he asking for it?

[Phishfud]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Guy just said he's askin 500 for the motor. What does everyone think? sorry, I'm an LSx newbie.

[Steve1968LS2]

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..

[1offwizard]

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!

[Steve1968LS2]

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

[Damn True]

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.

[1badchevelle]

I aggree with everyone I just sold a 5.3l complete for $700

pass if hes asking $500

[Damn True]

You will triple that number replacing the intake, harness, all the switches and sensors etc. Pass.

[Steve1968LS2]

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.

[Damn True]

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.

[1badchevelle]

Contact this guy. He bought a 5.3l aluminum block for 650 and needs to sell it.

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/conver...m-5-3-l33.html

[Memphis]

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]

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]

http://www.lkqcorp.com/home/home.asp

[Memphis]

That is them