rcnitrofreek

I bought a 05 high miles car with blown motor, I have the option of a 5.3 iron block fresh rebuild with a night fury 619 lift cam 862 heads, or a 02 ls1 stock with 80k miles both about same price, plan on putting cam in the ls1 and i have a set of kooks long tubes and x pipe to install also,whats the better motor choice,thanks

84FSP

iTrader: (3)

Hmm tough choice. I’d prefer oem built aluminum vs rebuilt iron block. What kind of $ are you talking about - trying to price out a rowdy LS6 that made 378whp.

MY_2K_Z

iTrader: (1)

I'd take the ls1, rebuilt motors are a crapshoot on if it's gonna last forever or 500 miles. But on the other hand the ls1 should have another 200k left in it.

rcnitrofreek

I can also check original motor once it's out and possibly rebuild it if not tore up too bad

AAIIIC

iTrader: (19)

Blown motor how? As you said, depending on what's wrong with it, you may be able to rebuild the LS6, which would probably be your best option. Next best would be the LS6's 243 heads (assuming they're OK) on the LS1 block. I'd want the lighter weight and larger displacement of the LS1 vs the iron 5.3, but that's just me.

Paul Ashley

I agree rebuilding would be the best choice. Unless the whole engine is toast, this would be the easiest and cheapest option.

my_99Z

iTrader: (4)

So many directions you can go. If you want to eventually boost, I'd say go 5.3. Keep in mind, moving to an iron block will require different mounts since the mounting holes are not the same on the aluminum vs. iron blocks. If you're just planning on driving around for a daily, I'd probably put the LS1 in and just have it freshened up to make sure there isn't any sort of underlying problem.