might pick up a spare block for mock up while mine is being built. Anyone else do this? How much would you spend max on one?

thanks,
Marcello

 

I have a plastic one. If it had the right threadpitch for the bellhousing bolts it'd be a little better, I've used it a bunch, but I have a spare 5.3 block I use more. Both interchange fine, I've used both for mockup. Sometimes the heavy one comes in handy, sometimes the plastic one is better.

 

yea, im really considering one. I can get a 5.3l shipped to my work for about $178. But i only really need if for a month or so. I have my 6.0 bare block just sitting. I only really need it to mock up, and weld in a subframe, while my motor is being assembled.

I think i may just make one with some cardboard and duck tape. I'll also make a cardboard oil pan which is important for this. I don't need to bolt up the tranny to it, i can just use a jack for that, along with the tranny mount.

 

I used a junk LS2 block for mock up. WOrked out great for me.

 

Where did you get the junked block? Did you have to pay for it, i don't have alot of work to do, plus its only a time saver, i could do the work once i get my motor back.

I just want to get my hot rod on the rod this summer, i didn't enjoy the summer itself last year, although i don't know anyone that built a car from scratch to the first test drive in 6 months!

 

I posted this thread a local shop owner sold me one for $20. I also got a junk T56 for mock up

https://ls1tech.com/forums/midwester...ople-step.html

 

If you have a 6.0 bare block, I'd find some cheap heads/valvecovers and mock it up that way, its pretty easy

 

I have my original ls1 that I bored and removed the cylinder liners and it lost alot of weight. Been using it for swaps and mockup for years now

 

This is the block thats being used in my stroker. I dont have the tools and materials to start the subframe yet, for all i know is ill have the motor back before i even have a chance to work on the car. Im just very anxious to start working, to many local german imports running their mouths.

 

I'm using a p-ayr plastic ls block. It's 99% accurate as far as i can tell.

Cost me $400 after shipping (to Canada) - well worth it - it weighs about 9lbs and I can get it into an out of an engine with one hand, A LOT easier than using a junk LS block.

 

I've used old Gen I / II spares for mockup in the past but I haven't run across the right deal on a junk Gen III / IV - yet.

If you have the means and will use it more than once, a mockup engine and trans is a great idea. It's such a time saver you won't be able to figure out how you got on without it. No worries about getting dirt in your good engine trying to make mounts, accessory drives or checking clearances.

...Now if I could just find a T-56 shell and a junk Gen III block cheap...

 

I bought an LS1 from my buddy that works at a dealer east of me. Had a lifter noise and they blew it up to put a longblock in. Never even tore it apart minus the oil pan and valley cover. Actually came with an LS6 intake from an SS, and a brand new LS6 valley cover.

Tore it apart, had two shattered sleeves. Tore it down to just the block. It weighs like 60-80lbs and between using this, or my assembled LQ4. The LS1 was the best thing I bought for this swap.

If I didn't get the engine for so cheap, I think I would of gotten a mock up block. Same with the trans too.

 

I used a 5.3 to mock up my Fiero, and the weight did require me to use a come-along from the ceiling joists. I'd say that has cost me an hour so far, versus having the P-Ayr plastic.
But That P-Ayr plastic costs way more than I earn in an hour at my job, and the weight hasn't been a problem in any other way.
$178 for a 5.3 is a good price.

 

Well most od the hard work is done, so its not so critical. Here is the carboard one i made in 30 min.

 

I think i forgot to mention i had everything still sitting in the frame.

 

I used a payr plastic block for my mockups.

Was able to resell it for a good amount after I was done with it.

 

If i were starting over, and had the extra budget i would have gotten one. At this point its not really worth it.