Advice on picking the right engine. Experienced swappers
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
If i was to do it over again i would look for a 6.0. I put a 5.3 in a 1992 pickup using 5 speed manual from truck.I wish i had the torque of the 6.0.Make sure you get all accesories with motor that will save you some dough. I would also get a stand alone wiring harness new from one of the vendors here. For $500 bucks it will be the best money you ever spent. Also make sure you get the pcm with the motor.
A lot of things to consider:
I went with the 6.0 LQ9 in my 68 corvette because I wanted the extra power. Didn't care about cost, was going with any trans or rear end ratio I wanted that would match well.
I preferred the 5.3 for my 72 Olds because it was a budget build, came with a non-OD 4 speed and a 2.73 rear. I would be using it mostly for cruising around town so the 4 speed with 2.73 rear and the smaller 5.3 was a good match.
BTW, the 4.8, 5.3, 6.0, and 6.2 are all the same external size.
I went with the 6.0 LQ9 in my 68 corvette because I wanted the extra power. Didn't care about cost, was going with any trans or rear end ratio I wanted that would match well.
I preferred the 5.3 for my 72 Olds because it was a budget build, came with a non-OD 4 speed and a 2.73 rear. I would be using it mostly for cruising around town so the 4 speed with 2.73 rear and the smaller 5.3 was a good match.
BTW, the 4.8, 5.3, 6.0, and 6.2 are all the same external size.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 625
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
Get everything together. Buying seperate stuff wil nickle and dime you. That would be engine, accessories, harness, ecu, sensors, pedal, TAC, even fuel pump, intake tubing, etc.
Search LM7 or L59 in complete engines on ebay for prices,. You should be able to find a relatively low milage for close to $1000.
Search LM7 or L59 in complete engines on ebay for prices,. You should be able to find a relatively low milage for close to $1000.
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
I will definitely buy everything together. The one item I might not be able to purchase in the same transaction is the PCM. sometimes these scrap yards don't have it.
I'd like to talk to one of the wiring harness companies and talk it all over with them to make sure we are all on the same page. From there, I will pull the trigger and buy the engine.
I'd like to talk to one of the wiring harness companies and talk it all over with them to make sure we are all on the same page. From there, I will pull the trigger and buy the engine.
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Staging Lane
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Friends
I wanted to bring some things to the table to discuss as I am ready to make a purchase when i find the right deal.
Local wrecking yard
$1,500 for a 5,3L Vortec engine, ECM, wiring harness + 2wd trans with unknown mileage.
Craigslist engine reseller
5.3L Vortec documented 68K miles, wiring harness, ECM + 2wd transmission+gas tank with fuel pump= $2,500
LS1 engine, ecm, harness + 4l60e transmissin from late model Camaro with 88k miles + fuel pump and anything else i want = $2,000
I am leaning towards the LS1 unless you guys talk me out of it. ANything I should look for to make sure the engine is in good condition and will be usable once i pick it up. My only complaint is, this particular setup is 1-1/2hr+ drive from me. Which means I waste a day plus $75 worth of gas...
I dont feel comfortable buying an engine with undocumented mileage. In california people drive alot so the engine from the wrecking yard could easily have 150-180k miles on it based on the year of the vehicle.
The craigslist engine reseller knows what people are doing with these engines so we always asks a pretty high price for his stuff.
I wanted to bring some things to the table to discuss as I am ready to make a purchase when i find the right deal.
Local wrecking yard
$1,500 for a 5,3L Vortec engine, ECM, wiring harness + 2wd trans with unknown mileage.
Craigslist engine reseller
5.3L Vortec documented 68K miles, wiring harness, ECM + 2wd transmission+gas tank with fuel pump= $2,500
LS1 engine, ecm, harness + 4l60e transmissin from late model Camaro with 88k miles + fuel pump and anything else i want = $2,000
I am leaning towards the LS1 unless you guys talk me out of it. ANything I should look for to make sure the engine is in good condition and will be usable once i pick it up. My only complaint is, this particular setup is 1-1/2hr+ drive from me. Which means I waste a day plus $75 worth of gas...
I dont feel comfortable buying an engine with undocumented mileage. In california people drive alot so the engine from the wrecking yard could easily have 150-180k miles on it based on the year of the vehicle.
The craigslist engine reseller knows what people are doing with these engines so we always asks a pretty high price for his stuff.
Getting one with known milage is important.
But most of the scrapyards I've dealt with will make thing right if there's a problem (they replaced a bad TAC on my 6.0 and a a starter damaged in shipping on another).
Guessing once cash changes hands on the craigslist stuff, you're on your own.
But most of the scrapyards I've dealt with will make thing right if there's a problem (they replaced a bad TAC on my 6.0 and a a starter damaged in shipping on another).
Guessing once cash changes hands on the craigslist stuff, you're on your own.
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Guys
I just talked to the Craigslist seller since I was sort of leaning towards the LS1 engine.
Engine is from a Z28.
The engine is missing: alternator and mounting bracket and Power Steering pump and bracket.
Not sure what to do now...
I just talked to the Craigslist seller since I was sort of leaning towards the LS1 engine.
Engine is from a Z28.
The engine is missing: alternator and mounting bracket and Power Steering pump and bracket.
Not sure what to do now...
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Guys,
I'm so excited. I bought a 2002 LS1 with PCM, 4l60E, gas tanks and complete fuel system with 88,000 miles on it for $2,000. The seller gave me an invoice guaranteeing the engine will have "good" compression.
I nee to buy some SBC to LS1 engine mounts to get it mounted in the car. Need to buy a wiring harness for it to get it fired up.
so stoked!!!!
I'm so excited. I bought a 2002 LS1 with PCM, 4l60E, gas tanks and complete fuel system with 88,000 miles on it for $2,000. The seller gave me an invoice guaranteeing the engine will have "good" compression.
I nee to buy some SBC to LS1 engine mounts to get it mounted in the car. Need to buy a wiring harness for it to get it fired up.
so stoked!!!!
