When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
So I have a 99 with PRC 2.5 heads and a tsunami cam. Car made 459/409 - 111k mile SBE. The car currently already has BMR k member, racetronix pump and FIC injectors as well as stainless fuel lines
The other night the pistons decided to kiss a few valves (have eye brow marks on basically all of them) and I’m looking at heaving to redo the heads. Assuming the pistons will be OK
This brings me to my options
1) redo heads $500 plus parts to have them gone through, plus new springs and pushrods. Probably throw a new oil pump and timing chain in it while I’m at it
2) put a LS3 in it with a small cam. Sell my LS1 heads etc
3) Throw a truck motor in it most likely 5.3 with gen 4 rods, do a turbo cam and buy an AC turbo kit.
Can sell my headers, true duals etc.
I might sell the car in a few months down the road so not 100% which way I want to go with it. However adding LS3 or turbo will increase the value as opposed to throwing money at it and it being worth the same amount.
just wanting some insight on what everyone thinks will be my best bet.
see my beautiful pistons below…..
Last edited by z28_YOU_HO; 05-14-2022 at 12:12 AM.
Modding cars seldom increases the value. If selling in a few months is the plan, the least number of mod's will help reduce repair expenses and maximum returns when you sell. Fix the heads if serious about selling and skip the additional mod's.
Modding cars seldom increases the value. If selling in a few months is the plan, the least number of mod's will help reduce repair expenses and maximum returns when you sell. Fix the heads if serious about selling and skip the additional mod's.
I couldn’t agree more with Wade here.
Z28, Going the 5.3 turbo route will cost you double-triple what your expecting and will likely decrease the value of the car. If selling, I’d get the heads repaired, document the process, and send it. You could build a $30k 440 RED sleeved, Mamo top end engine and put in the car, and it still wouldn’t bring a whole lot more money. It’s just the way modding a car is, unless your starting with a platform that brings good money to start with, such as a ‘69 Camaro, ‘70 Chevelle, etc. It’s why a lot of folks part out these F-body’s. The parts are often more valuable than the car itself, unless it’s a really low mile, rare example.
I couldn’t agree more with Wade here.
Z28, Going the 5.3 turbo route will cost you double-triple what your expecting and will likely decrease the value of the car. If selling, I’d get the heads repaired, document the process, and send it. You could build a $30k 440 RED sleeved, Mamo top end engine and put in the car, and it still wouldn’t bring a whole lot more money. It’s just the way modding a car is, unless your starting with a platform that brings good money to start with, such as a ‘69 Camaro, ‘70 Chevelle, etc. It’s why a lot of folks part out these F-body’s. The parts are often more valuable than the car itself, unless it’s a really low mile, rare example.
Thats what I have. Probably couldn't get more for my car than maybe a few grand over the cost of the engine. Haha
05-14-2022, 12:07 AM
OPTIONS on which way to go with my build !! 
