Advice needed for Noob

[swissarmychainsaw]

I know this might be a stretch for this forum, but I could use some feedback.
When I say "LS motor" to my friends, they just get a far-away look in their eyes...

I'm looking at picking up a very clean original suburban, it just so happens to have an LS engine in it.

Years back I look into LS motors, but never owned/operated or touched one.
The addition of computers and all that shied me away at the time.

This one has a 6.0 with a CARB.
When I went to look at it, it was not running great and the guy said he just threw a carb on it that he had.

He will sell me the truck with or without the LS motor. With out the motor the truck is a good buy for the condition, with the motor, add about $3500

My question:
Should I keep this LS engine, or have him pull it?

Pros: Seems like he did lots of work to get that in there, and having a carbed LS motor for $3500 installed seems like a pretty good deal.
(It will need a new carb or even the stock fuel system which I know would be more cost etc)
* I kind of like the simplicity of running a carb on the LS motor, but it might be dumb!

Cons: Never buy a vehicle that runs like crap.
I would need to go through this thing and make sure all the small stuff is done right.

Thoughts on this? thanks for your time!

[davepl]

I don't think I'd pay $3500 for a 6.0 that had been molested and monkeyed with. I don't actually know the cash value of those motors but I'd sure prefer one that ran well in factory form without a carb on it!

What are you going to do for an intake and injectors and computer and electronics and harnesses and all of that?

I don't think putting a carb on an LS motor actually makes it much simpler, since all you've removed are the "fuel squirters", and all of the other ignition electronics, crank sensors, cam sensors, all of that is still up and running behind the scenes. It just -looks - more familiar with a carb. But under the covers its still 90% as complicated I think. Now if you put a distributor in one maybe.... but that ain't easy.

Look around on eBay, etc, and if you think you're getting a $1000 discount on that motor, maybe take it. But if it is anywhere near market value, look for a better candidate I think.

[mongocanfly]

No way would I give an extra 3500 for a hacked up LS...point in case I just bought a complete top to bottom low mileage running ls3 for less than that...
Wouldn't want a carb on an ls either..kinda defeats the purpose of having an ls..
The electronics used to deter me from owning one as well but they have proven themselves and its not the rocket science I used to think it was

[GMC-YA68]

I would agree, let him have that $3500, running like crap, 6.0. It's not THAT much work to put an LS in a 2wd so he hasn't re-invented the wheel by any means. Just make sure he hasn't welded some sort of homemade crossmember in there that could slow you down in you decided to go back to the older SBC route.

2nd option is to beat him down if he is lazy and doesn't want to mess with pulling it. Who knows what he did with the harness, and tune file on it. Could be a few things but if I could get that LS in the truck for $500 more or so - I'd chance it.

[swissarmychainsaw]

Turns out to be a 2008 all aluminum 6.0 from a trailblazer.
I beat him up on the price, showed up with a brand new Holley 670 and drove it home. It was just too clean to pass on.

[mongocanfly]

That's a nice-un

[chevy72blu]

Very cool. I wouldn't convert an LS to a carb, but if it was already done and running well I wouldnt change it. Congrats on the buy!

[izzy_Britton]

what year is it?

[Mains52]

Heck I got my 5.3 for $400. That is a dang nice burb though.

[swissarmychainsaw]

Thanks guys.
It's a '76; I just drove it down to death valley for vacation and it did great.

Needs a few minor things sorted out, but overall, it's a really nice working truck. The family digs it too!