LSx bang for your buck. Whats the best value?

[slowcpe]

I'm building a similar setup now. Here's the numbers I have (so far):

50k mile LQ4, 4L80e, computer, wiring harness and most accessories $1500 (a GREAT deal in my area)

243 truck heads w/8k miles $350

BTR valve springs, trunion upgrade, lifters, push rods, oil pump, timing chain $800 (approx)

BTR cam (haven't decided but probably Stage 3) $400

If I went this route about $800 for a good converter (but I have since sold the 4L80e in place of a T56)

Need for 400-450 whp: larger injectors, headers, mill heads, port heads (maybe), intake (mainly for looks), and finish off accessories.

Add all that up and a 6.2 might make sense if you don't want to fool with heads/cam or keep the 6.0 shortblock and add the L92 top-end setup. I personally would consider the latter but I've accumulated too much stuff already to stray from the cathedral setup.

[jessemthompson]

I have an 07 5.3 (the 315 hp gen 4) with headers, exhaust and a spectre intake tube with a black bear tune and it blows the tires off my truck in first and second gear. Idk how in the world it would hook up with 450 horsepower.

[68GMCCustom]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Lets look at another angle, stock vs modded cost. Lets say a 6.2 cost 4000.00 and a 6.0 cost 2000.00 (again just theory) If you add headers and a tune ONLY to the 6.2, how much HP would you net? What mods, and how much would you spend to get the 6.0 at to same HP?

cam would be the equalizer....well that and heads.

My SS has an LS2 which is a genIV aluminum 6.0 but with cathedral port heads (243's) and it makes 395hp/400tq with stock cam/manifolds/heads/tune. An LQ4 with LS6 cam and a tune would do about the same. The LY6 in my '68 is like a genIV LQ4....an iron block 6.0 (with VVT which is cam based and easily removed) but with the L92/LS3 rectangular ports. LY6's are rated at like 365hp before mods.

there will be those that disagree but I feel thats the best "bang for your buck performance choice" (below something with more displacement)...would be a 6.0L (iron or aluminum take your pick) with the big port L92/LS3 heads....and cam of your choosing.

[Cobalt964ruf]

L33 5.3HO aluminum block with less than 10k miles on it, ls2 cam and springs, longtubes, and a tune 450hp. $1800.00. L33 5.3ho comes with flat top pistons, and 243 heads stock. the l33 responds very well to the ls2 cam and springs. did this build a couple years ago. now l33's are ridiculous prices. so i have been hording l33's and lm7's for awhile now. have 14 at last count.

[First c10]

Originally Posted by cobalt964ruf

l33 5.3ho aluminum block with less than 10k miles on it, ls2 cam and springs, longtubes, and a tune 450hp. $1800.00. L33 5.3ho comes with flat top pistons, and 243 heads stock. The l33 responds very well to the ls2 cam and springs. Did this build a couple years ago. Now l33's are ridiculous prices. So i have been hording l33's and lm7's for awhile now. Have 14 at last count.

did you say 14 ???

[jrblanke]

I didn't read through the 2nd or third page, but I can share what I have spent on my engine so far on my swap.

I purchased a wrecked 06 trailblazer with the LH6 for 1800. On top of that, here is what I have purchased.

Eliminate the DOD equipment -$550
Vinci trucker camshaft, valve spring kit, push rods - $900
shorter oil pan kit - $200ish
Trailblazer I6 converter - $160
Oil pump, timing set, front/rear cover gaskets - $250ish
My engine came with headers from the previous owner, and I am not upgrading the intake.

I would also recommend finding a 4l80, and dont spend the time/money upgrading the 4l60e. It seems the more I read about them, the more I wished I had waited for a 4l80 2wd. I am converting my 4l60e from 4wd to a 2wd and figured while I had it apart, it would be a shame not to upgrade common failure parts like 3-4 plates/discs, sunshell, etc. I'll have $$350 in the trans before i'm done, and I'll still have a 4l60e.

It seems to me that the cheapest engine would be a non VVT or DOD engine with the 4l80e.

[jrblanke]

I also wanted to add that it seems that the Gen IV rewire and wire harnesses and tuning are more expensive than gen III.

[Cobalt964ruf]

Originally Posted by First c10

did you say 14 ???

yes lol

[PowerdbyChevy79]

I can get a 5.3 engine,tranny,harness,pedal for about $1800 from a wrecked Silverado..well I heard that an 5.3 with cam,243 heads and a tune will get you 300 to the ground,..for 450 you will need heads for sure..ive seen cam packages go for $600-$1000 depending where you get it (parts only) now lets say your'e going to put all that in a engine that has 50k miles,80k or 100k miles.....so then we talk about rebuilding the engine..whats that another $1000-$2000 depending who rebuilds it..so were pushing 5kplus...for a 5.3....now looking for a 6.0 or a 6.2..i can get one (out of a wrecked car) from $3k-$5k engine, harness,tranny,pedal...and you will need a tune for sure and maybe a cam for 450...then we talk about the miles again.. are you going to want to put money in a possibly high milege car that been hotrodded..cause you know they have been..especially a GTO, ..a crate LS3 with 480 at the flywheel will run about 8k...easy to say but look at everything..i just bought a 5.3/4l60e for my 89.. im just going to stab it in and drive it as is..it will be a daily..now for my 63.. im wanting a LS with some power and ive been doing my research and more and more im leaning towards a crate engine..yes its costly up front but all the hard work is done I wont have to open an engine or notjing..

[roundhouse]

around Atlanta theres several wrecking yards that sell 5.3 with harness and computer, for $650 and you can hear it run before they pull it


what yall ought to be hording is the old 350s a good running roller cam 350 will easily bring more $$ than a 5.3 now.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by roundhouse

around Atlanta theres several wrecking yards that sell 5.3 with harness and computer, for $650 and you can hear it run before they pull it

what yall ought to be hording is the old 350s a good running roller cam 350 will easily bring more $$ than a 5.3 now.

Thats seems to be below average for a 5.3, but closer to what a used motor should be.

I see no reason to stock up on 350s. I can be a cheap crate motor if I need one.