Which is the Best LSx Eng for me?
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
Which is the Best LSx Eng for me? I have honestly researched this to death and I just want to see if I can get an answer in one place from people with experience. I have a 72 Chevelle Concourse that I want to turn into a daily driver(GOOD MPG)/have fun on the weekends machine, but is also reliable enough to go on a long trip or two. I have pretty much looked at all formats and thought I was settled on an LS1 from a 2001-2002 camaro or corvette. Then I started hearing about the 5.3's and 6.0 Lq4's and 9's from trucks that would seem to have a little more power and are deffinately cheaper and easier to come by. I have been looking for an low miles LS1 for over a month locally and nothing has come up until today, I found a 90K miles LS1 out of a 2002 Firebird with all accessories, harness and computer for $2000. Seems like a decent buy, but will this be the best fit for what I want or should I just get a tuck motor for $1000 and call it good.
This decision is harder than buying the car.
BTW, I want to put a T56 behind it and go from a column shift 3 speed auto to manual.
I am not in a huge hurry to complete the car, I just want to find a motor to start it.
Thanks for any opinions suggestions or recommendations.
This decision is harder than buying the car.
BTW, I want to put a T56 behind it and go from a column shift 3 speed auto to manual.
I am not in a huge hurry to complete the car, I just want to find a motor to start it.
Thanks for any opinions suggestions or recommendations.
I don't think you can go wrong on any of the choice you are looking at. You are the ones that is going to have to live with it.. LS1 are nice.. but are quickly becoming harder to find and cost are still a bit high as you have found. Truck engine are easy to find and cost are very resonable.
With a LS1 (or any of the LSx car engine) you will get the Car intake which does look better and are easier t work with. But the Truck intakes do make very good torque which will work out much better for a DD.
How about considering your Budget and skill level ?.. that might help direct you which way you go. Are you going to have to out source the work or will you DIY ?
You can view many of the A-body swap builds in the FAQ / Sticky... my build link is in my sig.
Bottom line.. you can't go wrong with anything as all will give you a vast improvement in both power and MPG. But try and get a complete bundle (Front end Accessories, intake, etc).
BC
With a LS1 (or any of the LSx car engine) you will get the Car intake which does look better and are easier t work with. But the Truck intakes do make very good torque which will work out much better for a DD.
How about considering your Budget and skill level ?.. that might help direct you which way you go. Are you going to have to out source the work or will you DIY ?
You can view many of the A-body swap builds in the FAQ / Sticky... my build link is in my sig.
Bottom line.. you can't go wrong with anything as all will give you a vast improvement in both power and MPG. But try and get a complete bundle (Front end Accessories, intake, etc).
BC
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
I don't think you can go wrong on any of the choice you are looking at. You are the ones that is going to have to live with it.. LS1 are nice.. but are quickly becoming harder to find and cost are still a bit high as you have found. Truck engine are easy to find and cost are very resonable.
With a LS1 (or any of the LSx car engine) you will get the Car intake which does look better and are easier t work with. But the Truck intakes do make very good torque which will work out much better for a DD.
How about considering your Budget and skill level ?.. that might help direct you which way you go. Are you going to have to out source the work or will you DIY ?
You can view many of the A-body swap builds in the FAQ / Sticky... my build link is in my sig.
Bottom line.. you can't go wrong with anything as all will give you a vast improvement in both power and MPG. But try and get a complete bundle (Front end Accessories, intake, etc).
BC
With a LS1 (or any of the LSx car engine) you will get the Car intake which does look better and are easier t work with. But the Truck intakes do make very good torque which will work out much better for a DD.
How about considering your Budget and skill level ?.. that might help direct you which way you go. Are you going to have to out source the work or will you DIY ?
You can view many of the A-body swap builds in the FAQ / Sticky... my build link is in my sig.
Bottom line.. you can't go wrong with anything as all will give you a vast improvement in both power and MPG. But try and get a complete bundle (Front end Accessories, intake, etc).
BC
I am looking at a 2002 LS1 out of a Firebird with 90K miles and the guy is asking about $2000 and that covers everything except the tranny. So from what I have seen that is not a bad deal.
I have read through your build a couple times BTW. It was one of the better ones out there.
Yeah.... If all is good with the LS1 .. $2k is a fair price.. the LS1 harnesses are good to create a stand alone harness (DIY or outsource to one of the sponsors).
A simple Cam update and you are in for endless miles of fun.. find a used LS6/Z06 cam $100-150, purchaces some LS6 springs (yellow or blue) $54 from SDPC.. and you'll be good.
But even if the LS1 doesn't work out. a good 5.3L will give you a good 300- 350 HP, the sam LS6 cam will also work on the cheap.
Thanks for the words.. The people on this forum are hear to help.. just ask...
A simple Cam update and you are in for endless miles of fun.. find a used LS6/Z06 cam $100-150, purchaces some LS6 springs (yellow or blue) $54 from SDPC.. and you'll be good.
But even if the LS1 doesn't work out. a good 5.3L will give you a good 300- 350 HP, the sam LS6 cam will also work on the cheap.
Thanks for the words.. The people on this forum are hear to help.. just ask...
You're describing my build. 72 Olds, low mileage 5.3 (budget), 4 speed. Gets mid to low 20s mpg, daily driver, take it to the lake every weekend (300 mile round trip) never left me stranded.
Something to consider with the T56, you'll need to cut your tunnel, and need a 3.72 or higher with a 0.5 OD.
Considering LS1s have not been made in 10 years, and I've seen a lot of "low mileage" shot ones. An iron 6.0 has same hp with a lot more potential at half the cost and lower miles.
My build:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...442-build.html
Something to consider with the T56, you'll need to cut your tunnel, and need a 3.72 or higher with a 0.5 OD.
Considering LS1s have not been made in 10 years, and I've seen a lot of "low mileage" shot ones. An iron 6.0 has same hp with a lot more potential at half the cost and lower miles.
My build:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...442-build.html
Yeah.... If all is good with the LS1 .. $2k is a fair price.. the LS1 harnesses are good to create a stand alone harness (DIY or outsource to one of the sponsors).
A simple Cam update and you are in for endless miles of fun.. find a used LS6/Z06 cam $100-150, purchaces some LS6 springs (yellow or blue) $54 from SDPC.. and you'll be good.
But even if the LS1 doesn't work out. a good 5.3L will give you a good 300- 350 HP, the sam LS6 cam will also work on the cheap.
Thanks for the words.. The people on this forum are hear to help.. just ask...
A simple Cam update and you are in for endless miles of fun.. find a used LS6/Z06 cam $100-150, purchaces some LS6 springs (yellow or blue) $54 from SDPC.. and you'll be good.
But even if the LS1 doesn't work out. a good 5.3L will give you a good 300- 350 HP, the sam LS6 cam will also work on the cheap.
Thanks for the words.. The people on this forum are hear to help.. just ask...
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
You guys are giving me a lot to think about.
I know if I go to a T-56 I have to cut the tunnel which I am willing to do.
bczee- What did you pay for your Viper trans? And how hard was the conversion to run with an LS1. One thing I think I discovered today is that a Corvette T56 wont work on an LS1. Always thought they looked wrong.
garys68 - Read your build thread, very nice and gave me a lot to think about.
One thing that is still leading me to the LS1 is that since it came out of a Firebird or F-body, I should be able to use the stock pan that came with the motor correct? Or will I still be looking at notching? I plan on using the Dirty Dingo mounts since they are local and using the Kwik or Dirty Dingo A/C relocation brackets to move the AC to the passenger side top of the motor. May relocate the Alt as well.
I know that a lot of people have said you can get a 5.3 with accessories and computer for around $500-$700 but they all have well over 100K miles then add the pan, LS1 or 6 intake, fuel rails ect and you are around $1500.
I have a 6.0 in my suburban and it has a ton of power but get like 10mpg and I know the Chevelle will be about 3000lbs less, but I cans see that getting me 20+ mpg.
Thanks for the help and I hope others will jump in.
I know if I go to a T-56 I have to cut the tunnel which I am willing to do.
bczee- What did you pay for your Viper trans? And how hard was the conversion to run with an LS1. One thing I think I discovered today is that a Corvette T56 wont work on an LS1. Always thought they looked wrong.
garys68 - Read your build thread, very nice and gave me a lot to think about.
One thing that is still leading me to the LS1 is that since it came out of a Firebird or F-body, I should be able to use the stock pan that came with the motor correct? Or will I still be looking at notching? I plan on using the Dirty Dingo mounts since they are local and using the Kwik or Dirty Dingo A/C relocation brackets to move the AC to the passenger side top of the motor. May relocate the Alt as well.
I know that a lot of people have said you can get a 5.3 with accessories and computer for around $500-$700 but they all have well over 100K miles then add the pan, LS1 or 6 intake, fuel rails ect and you are around $1500.
I have a 6.0 in my suburban and it has a ton of power but get like 10mpg and I know the Chevelle will be about 3000lbs less, but I cans see that getting me 20+ mpg.
Thanks for the help and I hope others will jump in.
Trending Topics
Yeah, 7.425 is what I used. Some have said standard 7.40 will work, but I think it will cause the valve noise?
Yes, the vette version is of a different configuration. Cost to much to convert.
I paid $2400 if I recall. It was converted to a f-body input shaft. I had to fab/convert a clutch throw out bearing to work. Else, everything pretty much swapped in like a f-body T56.
You can use the f-body pan, but it is a very, very tight fit.. With the engine going in and out. Trans has to be installed after the engine is in, it can be done at the same time, but is way to much work and you have almost drop the engine/trans vertical before you will get the pan to clear the ccross member.
BC
Yes, the vette version is of a different configuration. Cost to much to convert.
I paid $2400 if I recall. It was converted to a f-body input shaft. I had to fab/convert a clutch throw out bearing to work. Else, everything pretty much swapped in like a f-body T56.
You can use the f-body pan, but it is a very, very tight fit.. With the engine going in and out. Trans has to be installed after the engine is in, it can be done at the same time, but is way to much work and you have almost drop the engine/trans vertical before you will get the pan to clear the ccross member.
BC
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power
Verdad Gallardo
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die
Verdad Gallardo On the 5.3s, mine was under 50k miles, complete takeout, $900 shipped. Best part, they shipped it to me overnight...lol.
Shop around. I lowballed offers on ebay auctions that expired on both the 6.0 and 5.3. Got them both for a lot less than the "buy it now" price. Same thing on parts. I found LS1 intakes locally (craigslist) for under $40, bolts and rails included. Pans for around $100.
And the 6.0 LQ9 in my 68 corvette gets well over 20mpg. Actually got a best of 26mpg hiway with OD trans. The 5.3 in the Olds with 4 speed, 2.73 rear gets about 22mpg combined, with a light foot.
Shop around. I lowballed offers on ebay auctions that expired on both the 6.0 and 5.3. Got them both for a lot less than the "buy it now" price. Same thing on parts. I found LS1 intakes locally (craigslist) for under $40, bolts and rails included. Pans for around $100.
And the 6.0 LQ9 in my 68 corvette gets well over 20mpg. Actually got a best of 26mpg hiway with OD trans. The 5.3 in the Olds with 4 speed, 2.73 rear gets about 22mpg combined, with a light foot.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,081
Likes: 8
From: Atlanta, Ga
I agree, you can't go wrong with any of the LS family. Take a look at www.car-part.com You should be able to find a worthy subject close by.
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
bczee - The viper t56 I found seems to have had some mods to fit an A body done already including the slip yoke. The guy says the input shaft has been turned down to accept a standard pilot bushing and it has the gm adapter plate with the throw out bearing and sleeve. Also the shift fork is included. He also said the syncro shift keys have been upgraded to forged. So it seems like it would be a pretty straight forward swap. Didn't you also say a viper trans has the shifter located more towards the engine? I have a bench seat and really dont want to change it to buckets.
I did a quick search this morning on LKQ and Car Part this morning and nothing local on a 6.0 or 5.3 Under $1000 that didnt have 120K plus miles on it. I know prices have gone up but they are getting harder to come by.
So the search continues. If I can pick up that viper T56 for under $2500 shipped it might not be a bad deal.
I did a quick search this morning on LKQ and Car Part this morning and nothing local on a 6.0 or 5.3 Under $1000 that didnt have 120K plus miles on it. I know prices have gone up but they are getting harder to come by.
So the search continues. If I can pick up that viper T56 for under $2500 shipped it might not be a bad deal.
Yes.. the location is about 5-6" more forward than a F-Body T56. You will have to use a Viper T56 shifter as it only has a smaller 4 bolt plate as compared to the F-body.
You can see the shifter does clear the Bench seat.
With a F-body T56 trans in place.. (no seat). The F-Body shifter is right at the end of the output shaft housing as compared to the Viper one (above).
Here is the front of the Viper trans. you can see the TB bolt holes are clocked differently.
You can see that the shifter location is closer to the mid inspection plate.
BC
You can see the shifter does clear the Bench seat.
With a F-body T56 trans in place.. (no seat). The F-Body shifter is right at the end of the output shaft housing as compared to the Viper one (above).
Here is the front of the Viper trans. you can see the TB bolt holes are clocked differently.
You can see that the shifter location is closer to the mid inspection plate.
BC
Those cars are big and if your staying naturally aspirated, cubes will be very appreciated. 6.0L or step to a 6.2L with the newer rect port heads. It really depends on how much $ you want to spend. 1-2K? Get a truck engine. 6K? Get a new LS3 based short with some more cubes, 24x swap, LS3 heads and build a SWEET street machine.
Of course you can always do a 5.3 on the low buck, get the thing LS platform ready and running and then swap to a bigger mill down the road. Lots of options but as always, get the $ plan figure out first or this can get overwhelmingly pricey and/or underachieving on performance.
Of course you can always do a 5.3 on the low buck, get the thing LS platform ready and running and then swap to a bigger mill down the road. Lots of options but as always, get the $ plan figure out first or this can get overwhelmingly pricey and/or underachieving on performance.
Try ebay, there are hundreds of 5.3 LM7, L59 and 6.0 LQ4, LQ9. Look for low mileage and good seller feedback. Ignore the buy it now price, wait til it expires, make an offer by email.
Shipping via truck freight to a local shipping terminal should be under $100.
Shipping via truck freight to a local shipping terminal should be under $100.
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
Either way I am now leaning to the LQ route as yes it will be cheaper and since I have the cowled hood on my chevelle the truck intake should fit.
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
Is that through a trucking Co to a freight terminal or to your door? Forget UPS, Fed Ex, etc.
Check with ebay sellers. I've bought 2 engines from salvage companies, both shipped for under $100 on pallets.
SDparts shipped a 120lb trans to me for less than that.
Check with ebay sellers. I've bought 2 engines from salvage companies, both shipped for under $100 on pallets.
SDparts shipped a 120lb trans to me for less than that.
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
A couple were shipping companies but they quoted for residential. I can get it shipped to me and pick it up at a hub, but I am not sure about the pick up. I did find a quote of $234 for Hub to Hub. I know this thing is pretty much going cross country though.