LS2/T56 - buy or pass?
09-13-2013, 12:02 PM
#1
LS2/T56 - buy or pass? I've been looking for a clean E36 (late 90's 3 series BMW) for a swap project. Simultaneously, I've been searching for (and researching) LS engine options.
I haven't found a donor car yet but I've come across a LS2/T56 pullout from a 2006 GTO at a local yard. It's complete, minus the pedals (though I've got them trying to find a set to throw in). The engine/tranny have 71K miles and I can get it with tax for $5800.
I've been looking for a while and I've seen similar setups sell in the mid $6k range, and plenty of eBay ad's "asking" north of $7K. I've seen complete LS1/T56's go for around $4.5K.
Basically, I have two concerns:
(1) I'm feeling like I might be putting the cart before the horse by buying the engine before I even have a car to put it into.
(2) While 71K doesn't seems like a ton of miles, I've searched this and other forums and have seen some guys find donors with as few as 13K miles. I don't know if I'm making the mileage issue bigger than it really is.
So, pull the trigger at $5.8K with 71K miles? Or step away from the keyboard and remain on the hunt? It came from a car with front end damage but it doesn't look severe.
These are pics I found online of the wreck from when it was being auctioned.
Tipsy
I haven't found a donor car yet but I've come across a LS2/T56 pullout from a 2006 GTO at a local yard. It's complete, minus the pedals (though I've got them trying to find a set to throw in). The engine/tranny have 71K miles and I can get it with tax for $5800.
I've been looking for a while and I've seen similar setups sell in the mid $6k range, and plenty of eBay ad's "asking" north of $7K. I've seen complete LS1/T56's go for around $4.5K.
Basically, I have two concerns:
(1) I'm feeling like I might be putting the cart before the horse by buying the engine before I even have a car to put it into.
(2) While 71K doesn't seems like a ton of miles, I've searched this and other forums and have seen some guys find donors with as few as 13K miles. I don't know if I'm making the mileage issue bigger than it really is.
So, pull the trigger at $5.8K with 71K miles? Or step away from the keyboard and remain on the hunt? It came from a car with front end damage but it doesn't look severe.
These are pics I found online of the wreck from when it was being auctioned.
Tipsy
Last edited by TipsyMcStagger; 09-13-2013 at 03:59 PM.
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09-13-2013, 05:23 PM
#13
I paid 4500 for LS2 '06 GTO pullout: harness, ecm, all accessories, and pedal, and BCM which I did not need. Trans already pulled when I showed up. 34k on motor.
Still believe it's an excellent buy.
Still believe it's an excellent buy.
09-13-2013, 05:33 PM
#14
I'm going back and forth about holding out for a combo with fewer miles. I have no LSx experience so I really don't have a feel for how much wear occurs. I realize how it's treated and maintained has a huge bearing on that.
Tipsy
09-13-2013, 05:45 PM
#15
2 yrs ago. Prices are going up, and the deals have to be close to home or transportation eats into deal.
71k is not a lot on these motors. Look at the car to see how well it's maintained - the motor will be equally maintained.
Price is not a steal, but it's a deal. Don't think twice and grab it.
71k is not a lot on these motors. Look at the car to see how well it's maintained - the motor will be equally maintained.
Price is not a steal, but it's a deal. Don't think twice and grab it.
09-13-2013, 05:52 PM
#16
2 yrs ago. Prices are going up, and the deals have to be close to home or transportation eats into deal.
71k is not a lot on these motors. Look at the car to see how well it's maintained - the motor will be equally maintained.
Price is not a steal, but it's a deal. Don't think twice and grab it.
71k is not a lot on these motors. Look at the car to see how well it's maintained - the motor will be equally maintained.
Price is not a steal, but it's a deal. Don't think twice and grab it.
Tipsy