Generation III Internal Engine 1997-2006 LS1 | LS6
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

383 engine parts list & prices

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 12, 2013 | 09:41 AM
  #1  
RezinTexas's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,343
Likes: 8
From: Katy, TX
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; Oct 12, 2013 at 03:11 PM.
Reply
Old Oct 12, 2013 | 11:47 AM
  #2  
chevybayboy's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,308
Likes: 10
Default

Seems about right
Reply
Old Oct 13, 2013 | 03:03 AM
  #3  
Quick Ranger's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
From: Akron, Ohio
Default

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?
Reply
Old Oct 13, 2013 | 06:06 AM
  #4  
RezinTexas's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,343
Likes: 8
From: Katy, TX
Default

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.
Reply
Old Oct 13, 2013 | 09:55 AM
  #5  
A.R. Shale Targa's Avatar
11 Second Club
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 15
From: Fredonia,WI
Default

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.
Reply
Old Oct 13, 2013 | 11:28 AM
  #6  
chevybayboy's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,308
Likes: 10
Default

What machine shop are you taking it to?
Reply
Old Oct 13, 2013 | 04:20 PM
  #7  
RezinTexas's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,343
Likes: 8
From: Katy, TX
Default

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
Reply
Old Oct 13, 2013 | 04:41 PM
  #8  
427zm's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 0
From: Georgetown, Tx
Default

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.
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-5

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-9

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Oct 13, 2013 | 04:52 PM
  #9  
chevybayboy's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,308
Likes: 10
Default

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
Reply
Old Oct 14, 2013 | 05:19 AM
  #10  
RezinTexas's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,343
Likes: 8
From: Katy, TX
Default

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.
Reply
Old Oct 14, 2013 | 07:27 AM
  #11  
chevybayboy's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,308
Likes: 10
Default

Thanks bud
Reply
Old Oct 14, 2013 | 11:08 AM
  #12  
cookba's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,841
Likes: 0
From: Tampa
Default

why such a mild cam? why not something in the low-mid 230's?
Reply
Old Oct 14, 2013 | 12:26 PM
  #13  
redtan's Avatar
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,764
Likes: 17
From: Belmont, MA
Default

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.
Reply
Old Oct 15, 2013 | 06:13 PM
  #14  
RezinTexas's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,343
Likes: 8
From: Katy, TX
Default

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.
Reply
Old Oct 17, 2013 | 09:50 PM
  #15  
Mike94ZLT1's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,455
Likes: 1
From: Livonia, Mi
Default

You spent $16K on a 383 for a Suburban???
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2013 | 07:20 AM
  #16  
ckpitt55's Avatar
TECH Resident
10 Year Member
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 823
Likes: 4
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Default

^^ 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
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2013 | 08:07 AM
  #17  
JakeFusion's Avatar
Super Hulk Smash
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 11,258
Likes: 146
From: Pace, FL
Default

Sounds about right. I have an Excel spreadsheet... but I lost count on the odds and ends tools.
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2013 | 08:23 AM
  #18  
427zm's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 0
From: Georgetown, Tx
Default

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.
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2013 | 06:52 PM
  #19  
RezinTexas's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,343
Likes: 8
From: Katy, TX
Default

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 ?
Reply
Old Oct 20, 2013 | 03:28 PM
  #20  
BLK95-Z's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
15 Year Member
Liked
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 687
Likes: 16
From: Ky
Default

Excellent write up. This really brings into prospective the true cost of a performance rebuild.

Any video's of it running?
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:18 PM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE