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383 engine parts list & prices

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Old 10-12-2013, 09:41 AM
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Default 383 engine parts list & prices

Here is the latest copy of my Engine Parts List. I see a lot of questions about how much does X and Y cost, so this thread is meant to answer some of those questions. This thread is also meant to show how there is much more to having a high performance engine than a $3k shortblock.

This engine project was a complete build from a junkyard 5.3 motor. I did all the work myself except block machining, tuning, and exhaust welding.

One of the things that I learned on this project is how much all the small parts added up $$$. This list is very comprehensive, and covers some ancillary parts like exhaust muffler, e-fans, and remote start system. Everything in some way relates to the engine.

I welcome any feedback on how I could have saved money, while still achieving the goal of a torquey, reliable, NA engine.










Last edited by RezinTexas; 10-12-2013 at 03:11 PM.
Old 10-12-2013, 11:47 AM
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Seems about right
Old 10-13-2013, 03:03 AM
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That is a very detailed list. It is all the "little" stuff that adds up, simple stuff like fluids. You really shopped around, were these the best prices you found, or just a preference?
Old 10-13-2013, 06:06 AM
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Originally Posted by Quick Ranger
That is a very detailed list. It is all the "little" stuff that adds up, simple stuff like fluids. You really shopped around, were these the best prices you found, or just a preference?
my main focus was best prices. Places like Jegs and WS6store always had the best prices and free shipping, however TSP typically has the best selection, including OEM GM parts. The downside about TSP was state tax (Texas) and high shipping cost.

Basically, If I'm going to buy a new performance part, I'll check WS6store first.
Old 10-13-2013, 09:55 AM
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So does that Burb run in the twelves or what ????
Today's magazine articles have people thinking they can turbo a junkyard
mill and make xxx HP for next to nothing....some on these boards are plenty
frugal but for the most part hot rodding costs big bucks to do it right.
Old 10-13-2013, 11:28 AM
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What machine shop are you taking it to?
Old 10-13-2013, 04:20 PM
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Originally Posted by A.R. Shale Targa
So does that Burb run in the twelves or what ????
Today's magazine articles have people thinking they can turbo a junkyard
mill and make xxx HP for next to nothing....some on these boards are plenty
frugal but for the most part hot rodding costs big bucks to do it right.
well, its a heavy beast with tall gearing, probably high 14's to be honest

Originally Posted by chevybayboy
What machine shop are you taking it to?
HKE did the machine work on the block in 2011. All items in the table above have already been purchased, engine has 7k miles now
Old 10-13-2013, 04:41 PM
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Nice layout Rezin, as usual. This is why for most, buying a packaged shortblock, and heads makes sense. I agree, an engine build can nickel and dime you to death. Interesting thing is, these cost are pretty standard on the LS platform on any forged stroker build, from 383-441.

Ask me how I know.
Old 10-13-2013, 04:52 PM
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Originally Posted by RezinTexas
well, its a heavy beast with tall gearing, probably high 14's to be honest



HKE did the machine work on the block in 2011. All items in the table above have already been purchased, engine has 7k miles now
oh ok I tried to reach them for my rebuild I can not get ahold of them at all been trying for about 2 weeks now
Old 10-14-2013, 05:19 AM
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Originally Posted by 427zm
Nice layout Rezin, as usual. This is why for most, buying a packaged shortblock, and heads makes sense. I agree, an engine build can nickel and dime you to death. Interesting thing is, these cost are pretty standard on the LS platform on any forged stroker build, from 383-441.

Ask me how I know.
let's hear it, how do you know?

with a pre-assembled shortblock, obviously someone could remove the "Instrumentation" category above, and maybe some of the tools, however if they want things like new gaskets, ARP hardware, exhaust system, tuning, fuel system, new starter after the header heat kills it, etc. etc. then I still don't see much room for savings while keeping performance and reliability.

Originally Posted by chevybayboy
oh ok I tried to reach them for my rebuild I can not get ahold of them at all been trying for about 2 weeks now
search Google for H squared racing engines. Go there instead.
Old 10-14-2013, 07:27 AM
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Thanks bud
Old 10-14-2013, 11:08 AM
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why such a mild cam? why not something in the low-mid 230's?
Old 10-14-2013, 12:26 PM
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my main focus was best prices. Places like Jegs and WS6store always had the best prices and free shipping, however TSP typically has the best selection, including OEM GM parts. The downside about TSP was state tax (Texas) and high shipping cost.

Basically, If I'm going to buy a new performance part, I'll check WS6store first.
I'm putting together a similar list for my h/c topend and just by skimming through your list there were a few parts where other vendors would have been cheaper, for example:

SDPC has LS7 lifters for $122, $33 cheaper
Brian Tooley, TSP or Hinson have the LS2 chain for $45, $25 cheaper
Tick performance has a pair of Cometics for $144, $26 cheaper
Ballistic has the Melling 10295 for $100, $21 cheaper

This was just a quick scan, but there are definitely savings to be had in your list if you were really a stickler about saving every single dollar possible.

Your list is very thorough, especially for people starting a build from scratch. I assume most people doing engine swaps or upgrades will have a lot of the little parts that can be reused. You're basically doing this if you have a bare shell of a car and you have to put in every single bit in.
Old 10-15-2013, 06:13 PM
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Originally Posted by cookba
why such a mild cam? why not something in the low-mid 230's?
The cam was spec'd by Patrick G to meet my goals of strong torque and excellent throttle response.

Originally Posted by redtan
I'm putting together a similar list for my h/c topend and just by skimming through your list there were a few parts where other vendors would have been cheaper, for example:

SDPC has LS7 lifters for $122, $33 cheaper
Brian Tooley, TSP or Hinson have the LS2 chain for $45, $25 cheaper
Tick performance has a pair of Cometics for $144, $26 cheaper
Ballistic has the Melling 10295 for $100, $21 cheaper

This was just a quick scan, but there are definitely savings to be had in your list if you were really a stickler about saving every single dollar possible.

Your list is very thorough, especially for people starting a build from scratch. I assume most people doing engine swaps or upgrades will have a lot of the little parts that can be reused. You're basically doing this if you have a bare shell of a car and you have to put in every single bit in.
Thanks for the references, that's about $100 right there alone!

on the LS2 chain, is that the chain only, or the whole timing set? I got the whole set for $80.

on the cometics, is that for a shelf size or custom size? I needed custom sizes unfortunately.
Old 10-17-2013, 09:50 PM
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You spent $16K on a 383 for a Suburban???
Old 10-18-2013, 07:20 AM
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^^ it's one badass suburban

Rezin, you're a brave man. I stopped keeping track of part tallies a long time ago. May figure it all out at the end but for now ignorance is bliss
Old 10-18-2013, 08:07 AM
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Sounds about right. I have an Excel spreadsheet... but I lost count on the odds and ends tools.
Old 10-18-2013, 08:23 AM
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Originally Posted by Mike94ZLT1
You spent $16K on a 383 for a Suburban???
Originally Posted by JakeFusion™
Sounds about right. I have an Excel spreadsheet... but I lost count on the odds and ends tools.
The cost of the LS motors is relatively close no matter what cubic inch you go with.

Motors aren't cheap to build no matter how you cut it.
Old 10-18-2013, 06:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Mike94ZLT1
You spent $16K on a 383 for a Suburban???
If you actually read the list, I've only got around $1k in chassis-specific modifications.

I'm thinking a Merc G500 roller chassis would be a fun project next. Where's your imagination ?
Old 10-20-2013, 03:28 PM
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Excellent write up. This really brings into prospective the true cost of a performance rebuild.

Any video's of it running?


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