olblue51

iTrader: (21)

So I thought I got a smoking deal on an 2000 LS1/A4 take out motor and transmission I found on Craigslist. Was told it had 75,000 miles and I bought it for 1400.00 bucks. Yeah I know... the cost should've thrown a red flag. I decided to do a cam/head swap before I threw the motor in my '73 Camaro. Upon removing the stocks heads I find the cylinders full of water which had obviously been there for a while since the water in #5 had turned to mud. My buddy and I decided to break down the entire engine to find bad lifters, bearings, cam and pistons. The motor was obviously abused to the max. I was suprised that the crank was actually in good condition and the Block is at the machine shop getting checked out.

So what do you guys think I should do?

I could wait around until a decent mileage shortblock comes along for sale or if my block checks out, rebuild it with new rods and some forged pistons.

I think a short block would be cheaper but I also like the peace of mind from a freshly rebuilt motor.

This is a project car so I am on a budget since I need money for other things like body work. I would like to get out of this for somewhere around 1500 bucks if I can.

Black01M6SS

iTrader: (3)

If the block is already at the machine shop and checks out ok I would have it built with some forged rods/pistons. It might cost you a little more than 1500$ but it will be WELL worth it IMO.

shenanigans

personally I like the 6.0 blocks better to rebuild. but you got a decent price on the block and crank so just rebuild with a good forged rotating assembly. plus you can sell the stock heads to make back some of the money.

davered00ss

iTrader: (4)

a lot of options, depends on your budget. a budget forged 346 shortblock is going to cost ~$2,500.

'Trust'

iTrader: (24)

Hows the rest of the car for the price? Didn't you test drive it etc.? You can probably find a used shortblock for less than $1k and get everything back on for less than $1500 if you do the work, but I'd spend the extra $1-2k to get a forged motor and at least a cam.

shenanigans

hey trust read it again. he said its a pull out meaning just the motor. He is putting it in a 73 Camaro. Not trying to be a dick just letting you know

'Trust'

iTrader: (24)

Wow, me=retard. All makes sense now.

shenanigans

lol its all good trust not like anyone else here can say they have never done it before, well besides me I'm perfect

99FormulaM6

iTrader: (21)

I made the same mistake at first, I though it said LS1 TA not LS1 A4 for some reason...lol

Cry0

would be impressed if the car drove away with water and mud in the block lol.

olblue51

iTrader: (21)

Thanks for the input. I think I'm leaning towards rebuilding. It bugs me though because I'm used to small/big block Chevy's where a rebuild includes a much bigger overbore than just .005. Guess I better get used to it since I've come over the LSx side. I thought about going with a 6.0 iron block but I think an aluminum motor would go better with the direction my car is going.

I was able to trade a spare Turbo 350 I had for a complete T56 setup so I can sell the 4l60e and whatever good parts are left from the motor to get some money back. Even if I rebuild the motor I think I come out pretty decent on the deal.

StoleIt

iTrader: (3)

1400 for a roller isn't a bad deal. Just think about it that way.

99camarosupersport

iTrader: (6)

There was no roller I don't think, just the motor? If you did get a roller, sell it for 2.5k and you have 1k in pocket and a free motor.

olblue51

iTrader: (21)

No there was no roller. I edited the OP, sorry for the confusion.

CAMAROZ28SS

iTrader: (5)

rebuild it... post some pics of your car. i was thinking of doing a conversion on my 71

johnLs1camaro

iTrader: (28)

^^i just did it to my 70 1/2 rs...its a pretty easy and fun project...feel free to ask me any questions...as for the blow i would just rebuild it as long as the block checks out ok,i understand having a budget,it sucks....

olblue51

iTrader: (21)

I'll get some pics up as soon as I start getting the motor mocked up in the car. Right now the car is in pieces so It's not much to look at.

I say go with the conversion. I did a ton of research before I made the decision and it seems pretty simple... almost as if these motors were made for 2nd gens. At least it looks alot easier than it's going to be to retrofit the 4th gen. interior.

olblue51

iTrader: (21)

sucks indeed I've had this car for a long time now and it seems I've finally got everything together and I have some extra money to get somewhere on it and hit this little set back. It's not too big of a deal though I guess.

johnLs1camaro

iTrader: (28)

have you got the motor mounts yet??if not get the ones made by edlebrock they kickass and dont require a different oil pan or anything,it fits perfect with them... also im interested in the interior swap is it worth it???i have the old factory leather seats in it,which have been redone but still, i would like something a lil newer i guess...

olblue51

iTrader: (21)

I plan on using the Edelbrock mounts and headers. I bought the BRP kit and I'll just say I'm glad I didn't pay full price for it.

I haven't gotten to the more involved parts of the interior swap yet. It is going to take a bit of work but the cars I've seen that have had it done look amazing. I'm going to be doing the new column, dash, console, front seats and maybe back seats. It does look like it's going to take some cutting of the stock dash supports in the car but if you've done the LS swap your probably not too concerned about originality.