which way to go??

[davecarney2]

So I have made the commitment that I want to go with an LS engine. Automatic with somewhere between 400-500hp with 450 being the actual goal. I can find LS2 and LS3 on ebay for around 7K with the 430hp range and not terribly high milage. ready to drop in with harness and all unless I am missing something I dont know about.

The question is would I be better off buying one of those on ebay or having someone build me one? I am mechanical but dont have the know how to build an engine for performance. Rebuild I could swing but dont know how to get the most HP for the money. I just cant spend 12K to do this or I would just buy a connect and cruise engine and be done with it.

Suggestions would be greatly appreciated. By the way I am near Mooresville NC which is big into racing if anyone has a suggestion on a shop.

Thanks in advance,

Dave

[mr48chev]

Well a new factory LS3 has a list price of 7570.00 in the crate at a GM performance dealer. http://store.chevroletperformance.co...-19244097--%3E

430 hp and 400 lbs torque.

You could most likely hunt around and get a deal that would knock quite a bit off that price from a dealership that gave good discounts on performance parts. Factory warrenty and pretty well complete and ready to drop in.

Jeggs shows the same engine for 6395.98 on Ebay with free shipping. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevrolet-Pe...sories&vxp=mtr

For a new GM crate motor that is your bargaining chip. "They will deliver it for that, how much can you beat the price by?" They can either bargain or tell you to kiss off.

For some reason the majority of Ebay sellers selling used LS motors seem to think that motors with 50K on them are worth the same as a new crate motor from the factory.

I'd hunt and ask and do a bunch of research. You might find a wrecking yard in your area that specializes in Corvettes and or performance cars that will sell you a low mile LS engine that already puts out around 400 hp. for a price that is within reason.

I don't know that much about LS engines except that if I were to put one in I would run it pretty much as the factory set it up with the FI and all. That is how they work best. Geared out right you have a truck that has the potential to pull well over 20mpg and be the big dog and not have to worry about being able to stay up with the big dog.

[Russell Ashley]

Try searching http://www.lkqonline.com.

They have a location in Moultrie Ga and always bring a trailer load of engines to the show there. They have some really good deals on low mileage engines. Usually they sell them with transmission and computer and harness. They have other locations and might have one closer to you. Their prices seem to be about half of EBay prices.

[mdstitt]

A 6.0 from a newer truck will get you over 400hp with a cam swap. LY6 is the engine code (L96 for 2010+). It's a cast iron block with the L92 heads.

I picked one up with 10,000 miles on it from a wrecked van. Complete with computer, harness, accessories, even the gas pedal for $2300. I wanted an LS3 but couldn't justify the cost.

Read up on LS1tech.com. There is a plethora of information there.

[thump16]

I got my engine from cox truck salvage in moultrie ga three yrs ago for 1500. Included harness and all accessories.