383 engine parts list & prices
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.
Basically, If I'm going to buy a new performance part, I'll check WS6store first.
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.
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.

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
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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.

search Google for H squared racing engines. Go there instead.
Basically, If I'm going to buy a new performance part, I'll check WS6store first.
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.
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.
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.
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
Motors aren't cheap to build no matter how you cut it.









