Why so many more 5.3/6.0's than LS1's?

[joesscamaro]

I just bought an LS1 out of a '98 Camaro to eventually install in my '65. I've searched and seen just a few people who have installed an LS1 in their truck. Why is it that this isn't a more common upgrade? Why do most go with one of the truck motors? Is there an advantage in the wiring of the truck motors? What am I missing? Thanks for any advice!

[MalibuSSwagon]

$$$$

[dwcardfan]

I think there are more 5.3's to be had and they are less expensive.

[joesscamaro]

Yeah, the LS1's are a bit more pricey. I just didn't know if they were harder to wire, or install, or more work to installer what. I was very lucky and found a very good deal on my motor, that's why I'm going LS1!

[DLW]

LS1 is a great motor, had one myself going quite nicely at the drag strip. Just as easy to wire and doesn't have that gigantic intake like the truck, although easy swap for the 5.3L. Doing an LS3 myself for this truck and even have one in my Jeep wrangler. With that said, the 5.3L is a bit more economical and they are everywhere. If I do a second C10 build, I will look at using a 5.3L to keep costs down and still have a great motor for a daily driver.

[Indian113]

Stock there isn't that much difference in HP for the Higher Cost, besides the Ugly truck Intake as everyone calls it provides torque.

[Captainfab]

I think there are more 5.3's and 6.0 made than the LS1's. Hence better availability and less $$.

[luvbowties]

Salvage yards in my area tell me the 4.8 and 5.3's are backing up on them, and have been for several years. They last so long that few are sold for replacement--most sold for modifying older cars/trucks. Vortec 5.7's sell much better for the yards than the 5.3's or 4.8's. The 6.0, earlier editions, seem to be getting fairly plentiful at the yards too, most wanting the LQ9 instead of the LQ4(?), where only difference is flat top pistons vs. undercuts in the LQ4. Just comparing hp, the lil' 5.3 now gives you around 300 while the 5.7 v'tec gives like 270-280. Even the 1st 4.8 gave like 270 while the 1st 5.3 gave only like 280. They're just so plentiful: supply vs. demand! And they last!
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[joesscamaro]

It makes sense that money seems to be the deciding factor on this topic. People still are able to get a pretty penny for an LS1, even though they're about 13 years old now. I probably would have gone with a 5.3 if I hadn't come across such a good deal on my motor. I have a buddy who is installing a 6.0 in his Camaro, and was trying to get rid of his original LS1, so I was able to pick it up for only $600. Complete motor, top to bottom. One thing I have been trying to find out is, will the LS1 oil pan work or will I need a truck pan? I'm guessing the wiring is mostly the same as a 5.3 or other truck motors.

[CMFT]

Price, mileage and availability was my deciding factor. I went with a 6.0/4L80 out of an '07 truck with 70k miles. I got it from a place that buys wrecked vehicles and had documentation of mileage and damage done to the truck. Pictures, matching numbers and hearing it run gave me comfort enough to proceed. I see a lot of motors for sale in my neck of the woods, but it takes a lot to trust random people on Craigslist. I've seen some real crap advertised as low mileage, excellent condition. I've even had people tell me and another potential buyer different info on the same motor. Do your due diligence and you should be fine.

From a cost perspective, I paid over $1,300 less than my bro-n-law who bought an LS1/Tremec from an 02 Trans Am. I've seen better deals than what I got, but the lack of documentation scared me away.

[joesscamaro]

Yeah, I understand that. Hearing it run would make a huge difference in me being comfortable or not to spend the cash on a motor. Lucky for me, the guy I bought my LS1 from is a good friend of mine who I trust. I've been told though, if I used a t56 in my truck, I would have to cut a new hole for the shifter to go through. Was told a 5 speed would work in the original opening through the floor. Does this sound right to anyone? I'd much rather use a t56...but people do ask a pretty penny for those trannys.

[theastronaut]

Originally Posted by joesscamaro

Yeah, I understand that. Hearing it run would make a huge difference in me being comfortable or not to spend the cash on a motor. Lucky for me, the guy I bought my LS1 from is a good friend of mine who I trust. I've been told though, if I used a t56 in my truck, I would have to cut a new hole for the shifter to go through. Was told a 5 speed would work in the original opening through the floor. Does this sound right to anyone? I'd much rather use a t56...but people do ask a pretty penny for those trannys.

The stock shift location is too far back on a T56 but there are relocation kits that moves the shifter forward. MalibuKasey has pics in his build thread.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=430547


Another option is a Magnum T56 from Tremec. Stronger and has the front shifter option straight out of the box. They're around $3,000 but compare the price of a used T56 plus the price of a forward shifter conversion plus labor to install if you can't do it yourself. Plus the Magnum T56 can run a cable drive speedo, an F-body T56 only has a VSS. There are speedo drive boxes that convert the VSS signal to a mechanical speedo drive by using an electric motor but they're around $300 and don't work smoothly at lower speeds from what I've read. If you had to pay labor to get the shift conversion installed then you're getting close to the price of a new Magnum T56.

[racecougar]

Typically lower mileage, plus the ability to bore rather than hone the cylinders when rebuild time comes around.

[66LSx]

5.3L "Vortec" LM7 variant vs. LS1

1.Cheaper
2. Lower mileage
3. 50 times more available simply by production numbers
--->which populates salvage yards
4. Truck intake is nothing to be 'discarded'... flows VERY well
5. Reality 'same' motor
6. Truck motor belongs in a truck.
7. Truck PC's have tow-haul... mine 'towing' page was re-programmed for haul-ass... Push button on dash and viola... grandpa 05' silverado is now 06' GTO
8. I thought drive-by-wire pedal mounting was a snap
9. Chances are in stock form..... with an automatic... and the hood closed... you would not tell a difference between an early LS1 vs. per say my 05' 5.3 LM7
10. I am biased.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLK1NFG2rkU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEpV...PwZxt6VH22Vahg

[joesscamaro]

Thanks for the links, videos, and input. The shifter relocation kit seems like a good idea for the t56. I'm not sure what tranny I'll run behind my LS1...I just know the t56 is a great option. Your truck looks like fun 66LSx!

[CMFT]

Originally Posted by 66LSx

5.3L "Vortec" LM7 variant vs. LS1

Killer truck!! I need to get some videos of mine. I'll upload some soon.

[TypeSL2]

6.0 Here as well.



There are much more of these out there since all of the chevy trucks could have them. Was pretty much a no brainer for me. Now, for the wife's car, I have an LS2 that I acquired from my work for dirt cheap. Worked on the boss's car, was given motor as payment. Doesn't really get much better than that.

James