TA_Freak

Without all the back story, I may be at the point where the LS1 engine is done. Deciding to keep the car, I think it's time for an upgrade.
Should I rebuild what I have or get a long block or something else? I saw something on summitracing that was a 5.3 for around 4k. With install cost, I would think it would be an upgrade under budget.

RedXray

An iron gen III 5.3 truck engine is a downgrade to the aluminum LS1. I would freshen up what I have before doing an iron block unless it was bigger in cubic inch like an LQ9 build.

TA_Freak

That's true.

War Prayer

Freshen up or stroke the LS1 to 383ci. 8-10k is plenty of cash assuming you have a reasonable shop doing the work. Knowing your goals for the car will make it a lot easier to give advice.

TA_Freak

My goals are reliability as it’s my daily driver. A mild cam and headers. 400 HP would work. Tranny and stall are good. Rear end is good as well.

CGCBandit

Look up gm part number 19370163, brand new gm lq9 with ls3 heads and Ls6 cam. Rated at 450hp 24x reluctor. You would just need to swap oil pan and get a ls3 intake.

Biebs

find a reliable shop to pull out your well seasoned aluminum LS1 and rebuild - add a mild cam and enjoy!!!

I would ask for recommendation on a good performance shop in your area

$6K should be a ball park for a good rebuild

I sure you can find shops that will charge more and do a shitty job

Important to get the right shop!!!!

TA_Freak

There is a shop about 40 miles from me in Ballground, GA called LSXperts. Has anyone dealt with them before? They have a facebook page ... and it looks promising.

TA_Freak

That looks pretty good. So roughly 5k for the long block and LS3 intake plus shipping. Install and tuning would be what 1k? So that should be doable for under 7K. The cheapest route would most likely be just to freshen up my LS block and heads and new cam.

TA_Freak

Looks like I'm going to just rebuild the LS. I'm waiting to get a quote, The shop is going to stroke it, cam it, freshen up my heads,and add headers. What is a good price for this work?

War Prayer

Lsxperts has a good reputation. I would say for a 383ci rebuild, cam and header refresh 8-9k with R&R and dyno tuning and 6-7k without, depending on parts used. High end forged internals will cost you extra.

are they doing the machine work in house?

TA_Freak

This was your suggestion earlier ... which I like. Actually I'm dealing with a different shop; Spartan LSX Performance. They will do all the work in house. I will tow the car to them and pick it up when they're done.

War Prayer

Spartan is in Auburn, about 15 minutes from where I live. They have a great reputation on this board as well.

TA_Freak

Oh wow .... great to hear. It's a good ways away from me (Woodstock) .... but it matters not.

Che70velle

iTrader: (6)

I’m 25 minutes from them. I called them a couple years back and asked about tuning my car. The tech asked me about mods, etc and when I told them I was running Mast electronics, he said “I’ve never heard of Mast”. Conversation didn’t last long after that. I do know several guys that had tuning there, and Charlie locks your ECM after a tune. You have to go back there for a refresh. Not cool in my eyes.

TA_Freak

Not cool at all.

I got the quote today and it's 12,500 .... seems like there are lots of extras added on.

Che70velle

iTrader: (6)

$12,500 for a rebuild on an LS1? I’m sure that’s r&r engine, but dang....Spartan quote you this?

TA_Freak

Yes ..... there are A LOT of add ons that I wasn't expecting to see. I would say that 12k is reasonable considering what is on that list.

Tuskyz28

I think if you have 10 grand you can build a nice 408ci for less than that if you are willing watch parts selection.

Rough draft....
$4000~408ci from SDPC or ATK
$275~ Gaskets (BTR or WS6 store)
$400~ camshaft/cam motion or Martin Smallwood
$125~ timing chain/ws6 store have lots of choices
$Free~Reuse your engine covers
$140~92 mm warr throttle body
$300~LS3 intake from summit racing
$115~ pushrods (TSP or BTR)
$250~ rocker arms
$300~ better set of lifters than LS7 lifters
$150~ Oil pump (ws6 store or BTR)
$1060~ LS3 heads (Jegs)
$ 300 ~ Valvespring set (BTR)

All the parts added up together is roughly 7500 dollars and everything is NEW accept for the engine covers which easily can be cleaned to new condition using a good degreaser and over cleaner. You'll still need fasteners and bolts but they will not be 2 grand either. Good luck

Che70velle

iTrader: (6)

Care to share the list with us?