LS..........then what??

[Redraider]

Hi guys,

I just have a basic, general question for you. It seems that all the LS engines I see for sale are high mileage units, is everyone doing a complete rebuild to ensure that the engine is good for many more miles? What would be the mileage cutoff( general rule of thumb) for use as is, or rebuild?

Thanks for your input

Redraider

[mongocanfly]

The LS engine have proven to be very durable....I wouldnt even worry about it unless its around 200k...but they'll run longer than that...my 99 5.3 had 285k on it when sold..never turned a screw on it except for a water pump...low mileage ones are getting hard to come by...but I recently picked up a 03 5.3 with only 79k on it...
But if it's just piece of mind your looking for for theres nothing wrong with a rebuild....
If nothing else gaskets...

[Macdaddy1]

I try to stay under the 100k mile rule when buying, barring any problems, I sorta figure I can easily get another 100K easily.

[AMERICAN PICK-UP]

Originally Posted by Redraider

Hi guys,

I just have a basic, general question for you. It seems that all the LS engines I see for sale are high mileage units, is everyone doing a complete rebuild to ensure that the engine is good for many more miles? What would be the mileage cutoff( general rule of thumb) for use as is, or rebuild?

Thanks for your input

Redraider

just be picky on mileage.. they are good decent mileage ones out there.. i sell a ton of them with 100k to 125k on them... i just sold a 2003 4.8 with 70k, and just sold a 2003 5.3 with 60k... you will pay more for a low mile unit, but it will be worth it..

[Macdaddy1]

American Pick-up

PM me if you have a 5.3 with low miles as I am in the market to purchase for another project. I would probably also need the trans. I prefer stick if possible.

Macdaddy1

[ls1nova71]

First off, be completely honest with your self, how many miles do actually see yourself putting on the truck once finished. I see a lot of people spend way more than they need to to get a low mileage engine, then put maybe 20k on it in 10 years. Just a thought...

[whitels1]

Mileage isn't everything, did they change the oil? Pulling the valve cover, will tell you a lot, if it don't look good, pull the cam and inspect it, if you see a bunch of wear on the cam, or the cam bearings are trashed, rebuild. If it looks good then clean it up and move on. As a rule if you are going through the trouble of a swap, might as well tear it down.

[MShip]

FYI...I bought a 6.0 (LQ4) that had 120k and decided to pull apart and freshen up even though many would run it as is. Ended up that the crank thrust was worn enough to warrant having to source a new crank. Cyl walls and everything else looked great but if I would not have torn down...how long would it have gone?

I ended up doing cam/main bearings, light hone, new rings etc as well as a cam swap since it was already torn down...but my point is you just never know

[88Stanger]

i bought a 5.3 with well over 150,000 miles and with the intent to rebuild it so i had a clean motor with my upgrades. WS6Store is where i got alot of my stuff. Spent maybe 3,000 to 3,500 after motor purchase, but it is all new, clean and looks good. It all depends on what you are willing to spend and how much time you want to give to it.

[nsb29]

I bought a 6.0 with a 6l80e shipped to my door for $4300 cumplet dropout pedel harnes ecm Ups forgot to mention only 60,000 miles on it that’s like just getting Broke in

[Heavymetl]

I don't care about miles as much as a rust and corrosion free exterior. Man, some of these junkyard engines are so rusty and grungy its almost hilarious.

My boosted 5.3 had 150+k on it and I've beat the tar out of the thing for 3 summers. Incredible value for a $550 engine.

[Clyde65]

I bought my 4.8 with 7,000 miles for $500.....10 years ago that is.

It has about 30k on it now!

[AMERICAN PICK-UP]

Originally Posted by Heavymetl

I don't care about miles as much as a rust and corrosion free exterior. Man, some of these junkyard engines are so rusty and grungy its almost hilarious.

My boosted 5.3 had 150+k on it and I've beat the tar out of the thing for 3 summers. Incredible value for a $550 engine.

We are down here in the south.. no rust or corrosion... just a liitle dirty..

[Redraider]

Hi,

Thanks for all the responses, good info!! Now for a second question..............just a ballpark figure, about what is the going rate for a 6.0 at the local junk yard?

Thanks again

Redraider

[Heavymetl]

6.0s go for a lot more, typically north of $1000 just about anywhere. The question is, why a 6.0? Dont underestimate the 5.3. With a cam and headers it'll run circles around a typical 350 build of the past.

[Big Moose]

Depends on how many miles on them, usually they'll be around $1000 to $1500.
The 6.0s are becoming harder to find.

[mongocanfly]

Lq9s bring big $$$$....lq4s I've seen from 1-3k depending on mileage...but like stated dont pass on a good 5.3.....even the lowly 4.8 can make big hp numbers...Google (LS big bang theory).....
youd have to stand in line for a good low milegae 6.0....

[1970 CST Short Wide]

I lucked out and found a 5.7 with Six speed out of a 2002 Firebird with 48,000 miles.
$2500. Sold the BB and 350 trans for $3500. Been a happy camper ever since.
Love my LS and 6 speed