good deal?

[jamie72]

An 01 5.3 pullout with everything, wiring, manifolds, fuse box, cruise control box and cable, flexplate, accessories, computer with 168k for $750.

too many miles?? guy suppose to have vid of it running...

[BR3W CITY]

Drive by cable I assume? Thats not really a bad price if its uber complete. Yes its high mileage, but if your thorough, that might be ok.

A running vid is good of course (but it doesn't 100% mean it actually runs, sadly). If its in good physical shape and has no obvious defects, your odds go up to 50-50. If you can use a scope to look in the cylinders, or maybe pull the oil pan, you can get those odds up a bit more.

If the cylinders look good, and the bearings all seem to be there (no metal shavings), then your probably alright. Put a timing chain kit, an oil pump kit, possibly the water pump....your in good shape.

I would say this applies so long as your looking for a good runner, with a couple performance goodies. If your really looking to turn up the wick, I'd only suggest it if your doing a rebuild...or not afraid to be doing one.

[Aruba1]

I would only buy a used LS motor if 1) I can test drive it and pull compression or 2) if it's mounted on a stand that I can test run it and pull compression (and have coolant running through it).

[jamie72]

thanks guys,not too many for sale in my area..

[baclay9]

I just went through a bad experience buying an LS on someone's word so I defiantly would not buy again without hearing it run first!

[Wasted Income]

Yea, it seems hit or miss. I think you guys are on point regarding buying LS stuff from craigslist mouth breathers and the sort. I've never bought one of those, but I've bought a half dozen of them from my local wrecking yard, without hearing them run, and haven't been burned yet.

[jamie72]

i`m waiting on my local yard to get one in,they get bought up right now around here..

[Aruba1]

Originally Posted by Wasted Income

Yea, it seems hit or miss. I think you guys are on point regarding buying LS stuff from craigslist mouth breathers and the sort. I've never bought one of those, but I've bought a half dozen of them from my local wrecking yard, without hearing them run, and haven't been burned yet.

Unfortunately I have and it was a pristine LS. He didn't finish the project and really all it required as to hook up some big stuff to get it ready but for the engine to run it only needed the upper/lower radiator hoses hooked up (that should have been a big red flag!!!!). The engine started great, ran great, etc. Got home, installed the hoses and yeap, head gasket where gone and heads were warped. I rebuild the complete motor, from bottom to top. Just had to hone and get seals/gaskets/rings/bearing, polish the crank and mill the heads. Just the seal/gasket kit cost around $500. Machine work on the heads, milling, new seals, polish crank, etc cost about $350. Don't trust no one and wait till you can run/test the engine otherwise it could set you back at least $1000 if you do all the work yourself.