Hole in block!!
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Teching In
Joined: Dec 2012
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Hole in block!! First off I came over from the corvette forum, I am planning on putting a ls engine in my 78 corvette. Ran into a major setback and need some good advice.
Try to keep my story short.
I won at a government auction a wrecked 2002 z28 4l60 trans, wasn't able to start or inspect before bidding. Well I got it in my workshop checked the oil, radiator was shot from wreck, I wanted to here it run before I removed it. Started it up it shaked and banged, Well now there is a hole in the block, don't know if it was already there or if it was my fault, I haven't got it out yet, as soon as I do I will tear it down.
At this point its mine and I want to move forward.
All I wanted was a bone stock ls1 with auto trans, for a daily driver old vette, so now I am looking to repair what I got or just scrap the whole deal.
I have built engines before, small block and big block chevys but didnt really want to go thru the expense of machine shops parts packages and so on. At this point I will if it will get me where I want with the least amount of cash.
So what do you think?
I noticed summit has block 1500, or I also noticed a LQ4 6.0 long block for 1700 but will my parts work with that? heads, intake, accessories,etc?
Try to keep my story short.
I won at a government auction a wrecked 2002 z28 4l60 trans, wasn't able to start or inspect before bidding. Well I got it in my workshop checked the oil, radiator was shot from wreck, I wanted to here it run before I removed it. Started it up it shaked and banged, Well now there is a hole in the block, don't know if it was already there or if it was my fault, I haven't got it out yet, as soon as I do I will tear it down.
At this point its mine and I want to move forward.
All I wanted was a bone stock ls1 with auto trans, for a daily driver old vette, so now I am looking to repair what I got or just scrap the whole deal.
I have built engines before, small block and big block chevys but didnt really want to go thru the expense of machine shops parts packages and so on. At this point I will if it will get me where I want with the least amount of cash.
So what do you think?
I noticed summit has block 1500, or I also noticed a LQ4 6.0 long block for 1700 but will my parts work with that? heads, intake, accessories,etc?
Last edited by jays78; Dec 26, 2012 at 09:55 AM.
the 6.0 will work with everything and they can be had for under $1000. i have a 98 z28 that i put a 1999 5.3 truck motor in and everything works but 1 bolt hole for the alternator. but ive been running with the other 3 and it hasnt loosened up i have been daily driving the car. you could also get a 5.3 block for cheap and bore it out and use all your ls1 internals in it and make a iron ls1. but IMO i would find a 6.0!
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2012
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the 6.0 will work with everything and they can be had for under $1000. i have a 98 z28 that i put a 1999 5.3 truck motor in and everything works but 1 bolt hole for the alternator. but ive been running with the other 3 and it hasnt loosened up i have been daily driving the car. you could also get a 5.3 block for cheap and bore it out and use all your ls1 internals in it and make a iron ls1. but IMO i would find a 6.0!
If it will work, I may just do that. The torque from the 6.0 would be nice.
So everything from the oil pan to the valve covers will work on the 6.0 block?
The long block complete is only 1700 all new at summit, I live 5 miles from so no shipping, I can't rebuild one for that!
I wouldn't buy a cheap "rebuilt" longblock, stock stuff is pretty good and cheap aftermarket stuff is usually a step backwards.
Can you give us a link to the $1700 longblock?
If you are accustomed to the old stuff I don't think you realize what sort of power you can get from the LS engines, a 5.3l with a cam would easily make what the older BBC Vettes did. The torque from a 6.0l will be hard to harness on the street unless you have put work into the chassis. Not saying it is a bad idea, just saying folks like to talk up torque when looking at larger engines and frankly these days it is really really easy to have more than you can use on the street.
Can you give us a link to the $1700 longblock?
If you are accustomed to the old stuff I don't think you realize what sort of power you can get from the LS engines, a 5.3l with a cam would easily make what the older BBC Vettes did. The torque from a 6.0l will be hard to harness on the street unless you have put work into the chassis. Not saying it is a bad idea, just saying folks like to talk up torque when looking at larger engines and frankly these days it is really really easy to have more than you can use on the street.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
I wouldn't buy a cheap "rebuilt" longblock, stock stuff is pretty good and cheap aftermarket stuff is usually a step backwards.
Can you give us a link to the $1700 longblock?
If you are accustomed to the old stuff I don't think you realize what sort of power you can get from the LS engines, a 5.3l with a cam would easily make what the older BBC Vettes did. The torque from a 6.0l will be hard to harness on the street unless you have put work into the chassis. Not saying it is a bad idea, just saying folks like to talk up torque when looking at larger engines and frankly these days it is really really easy to have more than you can use on the street.
Can you give us a link to the $1700 longblock?
If you are accustomed to the old stuff I don't think you realize what sort of power you can get from the LS engines, a 5.3l with a cam would easily make what the older BBC Vettes did. The torque from a 6.0l will be hard to harness on the street unless you have put work into the chassis. Not saying it is a bad idea, just saying folks like to talk up torque when looking at larger engines and frankly these days it is really really easy to have more than you can use on the street.
There is the link to summit.
I have read a lot about these ls1 engines and am looking forward to the swap. I drive one everyday in my 2006 silverado, its a 5.3 , now I am not looking to go street racing, but don't want to be out done by no kid in his rice burner either, being able to light up the tires on command and still get 25 miles to the gallon with the a/c on, that's what I am looking for.
If it will work, I may just do that. The torque from the 6.0 would be nice.
So everything from the oil pan to the valve covers will work on the 6.0 block?
The long block complete is only 1700 all new at summit, I live 5 miles from so no shipping, I can't rebuild one for that!
So everything from the oil pan to the valve covers will work on the 6.0 block?
The long block complete is only 1700 all new at summit, I live 5 miles from so no shipping, I can't rebuild one for that!
yep i have a f body oil pan on my truck block right now and the valve covers.
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The 5.3l moves a Silverado around adequately and stop and think about how much modern trucks weigh compared to that Vette.
The link is a shortblock, still I wouldn't buy a shortblock that cheap.
The link is a shortblock, still I wouldn't buy a shortblock that cheap.
Like stated above check out Thompson, although you will have freight to add to your purchase. If a vendor sells that short block through Summit you should be ok, Summit didn't get to where they are at by not standing behind what they sell and giving excellent service. Plus if they are close by that is a plus.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 44
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Like stated above check out Thompson, although you will have freight to add to your purchase. If a vendor sells that short block through Summit you should be ok, Summit didn't get to where they are at by not standing behind what they sell and giving excellent service. Plus if they are close by that is a plus.
Make sure and call us before you buy anything, Our 370CI short blocks will start at $1999 and is 10 times the block on summit for $1699. We used to sell the same motor for $1599 and discontinued it for our TMS 370 to include the upgraded pistons, rings, bearings and over sized cylinders to allow for less valve shrouding. We can also get you in our most popular motor the Forged piston and rod 370 for as little as $2799. You cant beat that ANYWHERE.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
Make sure and call us before you buy anything, Our 370CI short blocks will start at $1999 and is 10 times the block on summit for $1699. We used to sell the same motor for $1599 and discontinued it for our TMS 370 to include the upgraded pistons, rings, bearings and over sized cylinders to allow for less valve shrouding. We can also get you in our most popular motor the Forged piston and rod 370 for as little as $2799. You cant beat that ANYWHERE.
Any discounts for us LS1TECH.com Fans!!
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2012
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Update on the carnage!
Its officially my fault, when I took off the intake it was full of water.
It seems that on the trailer ride home I remember it poured down rain, the air box was broken and the throttle body was exposed. The hood was like a scoop from the wreck, it funneled water into it. I should have known better.
So meantime I will be parting out the rest of the camaro, need the money to get me that new short block from Thompson
Car has good doors, rearend, tires and wheels, I was about to list them on craigslist. My question is what are they worth? And is there any other places to sell? I sell on ebay but some of these larger parts I need to sell local.
Thanks for your input.
Last edited by jays78; Jan 6, 2013 at 06:26 PM.