Cobra LS1

I have a '97 Trans Am, all stock, 148k on the clock.

Considering how many miles I have, is it worth my time to send my block into a machine shop then start build, or go down to the junk yard and pick up a 5.3L with around 80k miles and build it.

If I do go with the swap, what year should the motor be, since I don't know a whole lot about the 4.8/5.3.

duh

iTrader: (16)

Most guys here will say keep the lt1. It truly depends on your budget and how much you like the engine. Being the 97 will be a bit easier to do the 24x conversion and give you the ls PCM. But there is no denying the power that can be made per dollar with the lsx engines. If I wasn't into my car as much as I am, I would have done the ls swap. But I also like the lt1, since it is a bit of a redheaded step child. You have to decide how much power you want, how fast you want to go and how much you want to spend. It's all a personal choice that nobody can really make for you.

Cobra LS1

The reason I am asking os because of the miles I have. I just don't know how well the LT1 holds up being modded with that many miles. I'm only looking to get about 350-400 hp.

GIZMO

iTrader: (8)

If my choice was LT1 vs 5.3, I would take the LT1 every time. You already have the foundation. Both combinations will respond to mods in pretty much the same way. And, you won't have all of the complications and extra costs that come with a conversion.

93M6Formula

Miles don't REALLY matter that much. It all depends how it was taken care of. I'd rather have a higher mileage car that was cared for than a lower mileage car that was trashed.

There's a couple of guys on here spraying some higher mile LT1s and they're fine.

If you're looking for only 350-400 HP, then there is no benefit going to LS. It's not just swap in and go like some people make it sound.

Tom94TA

Check out this PHR article, they used a 150k junkyard engine that the bores still measured STD. It's a entertaining read but just referenced for the high mile bores.
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/tec...s/viewall.html

Cobra LS1

It was a good read, thanks!

duh

iTrader: (16)

This is the guy is listen to. If anyone can tell you which way to go, his advice would be best.

Cobra LS1

I've made my decision.
I'm going to be modding my LT1 starting in the next couple months. Thank you everyone for your in put!

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

Why a 5.3? Why not a 6.0 or 5.7? It'd be worthless to do a 5.3 swap.

pillarpod

I say save your money, and don't do either. Once you start it never stops.