Looking to buy a LS2 for my 71

[71custominworks]

Looking at possibly purchasing a LS2 w/LS3 heads (aluminum) ported & polished, Z06 cam. Thinks it has all wiring pulleys and accessories. Comes with the 4L80E tranny. He's wanting 2500 but only wanting to give him 2000 I think 20 Benjis will work. For my 71. engine 12551384. I'm needing input on what to ask. Any help would be appreciated.

[jessemthompson]

It's a steal at 2500 unless there are issues unknown to you.

[tinydb84]

That is really cheap. I'd be concerned about potential issues with it. An LS2 around here would fetch 5k

[71custominworks]

It's a fresh rebuild. Got pics. I'd post if my phone would let me get on this site. it won't accept my password for some reason on my phone. going to look at when I get time. Maybe I'll flip it. think he's hurting for money.

[71custominworks]

Engine pics
Have to make sure he has manifold and all that goes with it.
Says he does

[DLW]

Is that an iron block like it looks?

Also, I can't find the casting number 12551384 you posted for any LS block, nearest I found was 12551364, which is a 6.0L cast iron LQ4 truck block. The LS2 is aluminum of course and also had the knock sensors mounted to the side of the block, not in the valley like in that pic. Really not looking like an LS2 to me..

[tinydb84]

Yeah that looks like an iron block to me. Your $2,500 sounds a lot more reasonable now.

[71custominworks]

that's what I saw to. he said he couldn't really see block numbers because of the paint. I agree with you guys. Should I go less than offering 2000? or should I just forget it and go with spending the money on a BBC or SBC? Where I can probably get more bang for my buck since I already have a 350 turbo that needs rebuilt.
That engine does come with the tranny 4L80E

[DLW]

Nothing wrong with a 6.0L they are good engines, but sounds like to many unknowns to me with this deal.

Personally I'd rather get the much lighter aluminum block motor out of a running donor vehicle, a lot of wrecking yards will allow exchanges too if you get a bad motor. I would rather have a 4L80E over a TH350, mainly for the OD. 4L80E is huge though (but strong), probably need a high hump to fit it. Lot of guys picking up 5.3L LS engine/tranny combo's with ECM/harness for pretty cheap now a days.

If your not wanting to jump into the LS motor scene that much, then there surely is nothing wrong with sticking to a SBC or BBC, but I would still look at a 700R4 tranny in that case. After driving my 3 speed on my other truck a lot, I sure miss the OD cruising gear.

[71custominworks]

Bad thing is I'm just so far from a running truck. Thought this may be to good to pass up right now.

[BR3W CITY]

I'll take an LS motor over a GenI anything. The LQ4 is every bit as reliable, and pretty much just as cheap to setup and work with. I got my block with most of the accessories (no harness or ecm, no trans) for less than $800 with ~60k on it. Stock swaps can be done for under $5k, some WELL under that..just depends what your looking for in the long run, what you can do yourself, etc.