913

iTrader: (1)

In my searching for an engine/trans pullout, I have been considering going with the 5.3 (LM7?) block instead of the 5.7 (LS1).

Main question, should I just get a complete 5.3 pullout for $1200 or keep looking for a new-ish ('02) 5.7.

For the 1/2 Gen Nova guys, how much of a clearance issue are the truck accessories when installing in a stock front clip?

I have talked to a couple yards locally and there is an abundance of the 5.3 motors around, going around $500 with no trans/accessories. The 5.7s obviously ask more of a premium.

My plan is to put it in the nova which will be mostly just a driver/cruiser. But I may want to tweak it out down the road as time and $$ permit.

ceomii

That depends on how much of a premium the LS1 is...I put the 5.3 LM7 in my 78 Z28 and I love it. BUT The alt was too high, requiring custom brackets for it and the power steering pump. The oil pan needs replaced with a LS1 camaro pan (not cheap) or cut (not fun-but it worked). The intake will be really really close to the hood - in fact, if I didn't have the factory scoop on it with the hood cut out, it wouldn't fit. The truck manifolds didn't work, but headers are available. If using AC, the truck AC comp will have to be moved as it will hit your crossmember in the stock location. If I were to do it all over, I would have got the LS1 if I could have found one reasonable and saved a lot of time/fabrication.

913

iTrader: (1)

LS1's tend to be over $3k, at least so far. I don't plan on running power steering, but I may end up running A/C. The oil pan won't work in my application either, I need a GTO pan anyway, so even if I went with a LS1, I would be buying a new pan.

The intake and accessories were the main space concern, I plan on putting a 2" cowl hood, not sure if that will cut it or not.

As for the alternator, I wasn't aware of that, but will keep it in mind, but that is the type of info/input I am looking for!

Thanks!

Anyone else?

madmaro00

iTrader: (6)

Over 3K?!?! That is highway robbery and that makes it a no brainer, go with the 5.3.

913

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, car-part.com searching for an '02 Camaro engine comes back with a bunch of "call for price" and the lowest being $2200 for a 130k mile engine and goes up from there.

Been hunting CL and everywhere else for the past month or so.

carykard

I see your in Ga, check with these people if you want a 5.3 http://www.mccartyauto.com/ . I've got three from them and they have the best prices around. I don't know about shipping because I've picked all mine up but they are great people to deal with.

NemeSS

iTrader: (127)

4.8/5.3 are more abundant and thats why they are lower priced. if your not set on making max effort n/a engine. then a 4.8/5.3 will work fine for a cruiser

alan_a

I have a 60k 00 LS1 for less than that. pm me if interested.

bczee

iTrader: (12)

I picked up a front end wreck 02' Z28 for $1750.00 could have drove it home, I am now parting it out and going to use what I can for my 71 Nova.. so..keep looking around!

I could have invested another $1000-1500 to put it back together.. but oh well.. what the heck.. Have a 71' LS1 Chevelle and now working on a 71' LS1 Nova !

orange88ls1s-dime

PM me if you need any fibreglass or carbon parts for your Nova iv got the moulds

greg75vette

Definitely keep looking. I simply googled 'salvage yard' and my zip code and made a list of all the local yards and called them up one by one. Most told me the same thing, but eventually I found one that was "off the grid" enough to give a much better price. If the yard has an internet connection and looks at ebay, chances are their engines will be expensive. The goal is to find one that is big enough to be liable but small enough to stay off ebay.