ls1fan92

iTrader: (5)

Came across a 6.0 iron block at summit today. Wanted 1200 but not sure if I'm getting best value or spending on something unnecessary. Been researching but haven't quite put the numbers to paper yet. Buddy was saying that might be cheaper to buy used...
​​​​​Does anyone have a rough estimation on total cost to build a engine from a bare block? I'm considering the swap from my 5.7 since it's already out and apart besides the crank and pistons. Opinions on buying used are welcome to and cost difference. I already have heads, camshaft, and intake I'm using.

G Atsma

Then get a short block. To build from scratch is a pain.

ls1fan92

iTrader: (5)

I can respect that. Save from getting a whole new rotating assembly and hahaving to get it balanced. You think 1200 is a stretch for a bare block then?

Rugerator

I found a 6.0 (lq4) long block with the intake and oil pan for $800 about 6 months ago.

ls1fan92

iTrader: (5)

Nice! I guess getting used wouldn't be bad, is it common to have to get them rehoned or decked if I'm putting new heads on? IDK too much about the iron blocks and some of the disadvantage s of them when swapping (besides weight)

Rugerator

You never know what the guy that had the motor before you did. I would take whatever you find to a machine shop and let them check the deck and determine if the cylinders need honed and also let them check the bearings on the crank / mains. While it is apart get them to tank it to clean out all the passages and galleys. Beats spending hours chasing compression and oiling issues. Even if you reuse the rotating assembly you might want to redo the rings. The iron blocks are pretty stout even when straight stock.

ls1fan92

iTrader: (5)

I just saw one on here for 800 with 200k. Price is nice but the mileage is stechy for me. If I get the bare block, can I reuse my crank at least? Don't really need a stroker, can get new pistons

bammax

A junkyard motor with 200k miles is more reliable than a brand new build with Chinese parts assembled by someone who's never built one before. A junkyard motor is less reliable than a motor built with good parts by an expert. It really comes down to what exactly you want to do with the vehicle. Get it up and running for cheap money just get a junkyard motor and run it as is. Performance build get a junkyard motor and upgrade it. Ultra high performance go with a built motor from a sponsor.

Ls7colorado

iTrader: (3)

I have NEVER had a problem with used engines and I have purchased several. Obviously there used so there will be bad ones out there, just dont go off anyones word. Pull a valve cover and make sure it came from a running vehicle (wrecked) thats why I get them from wrecks because I know the thing had to be running before it plowed into whatever it hit.

ls1fan92

iTrader: (5)

Honestly, my plans are for a strong street car that hits the track maybe 4 times a year. Boost crossed my mind once but I'm not ready for all that yet. Figures the 6.0 would be a good step up from the 5.7 for now and support the other mods (cam and heads), providing a mild increase in hp. OriginallyO rigi was nothing over 400 but that was if I was keeping the tranny and rear end stock. Plan to get tranny rebuilt and new rear end when it blows lol. Unless someone has a good reason to stay with the 5.7?

01CamaroSSTx

iTrader: (3)

Picked up a Gen III 6.0 LQ9 block for $500 a couple of months back. I had Nickens Brothers Racing Engines take it to a 4.030 bore for another $250.00 so IMO the answer to your question is NO!

BCNUL8R

iTrader: (2)

I had thought about building my next engine, but after research and talking to people I've decided to buy a short block instead. Which one or from who I haven't decided yet, but several sponsors can sell you a 370 shortblock cheaper than you can build it. Then even if you build it do you have a local machine shop you trust? Who knows if the brand new block is even ready to build or needs work? There is extra cost if it does.

ls1fan92

iTrader: (5)

The one at summit didn't have a crank, pistons, nothing...

BCNUL8R

iTrader: (2)

You can get an aluminum ls2 for that price...
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/nal-12602691

ls1fan92

iTrader: (5)

Yeah I saw a few already balanced to go... ATK and TSP were he main ones but I guess you gotta pay to play, alot haha

ls1fan92

iTrader: (5)

That didn't look like it came with a crank either... Just a bare block like the iron one I saw

BCNUL8R

iTrader: (2)

Yep that was my point for that price might as well buy the aluminum block.

ls1fan92

iTrader: (5)

Ahh gotcha.. yeah better start browsing car-parts.com then. Maybe someone. Will sell theirs when income tax comes in

01CamaroSSTx

iTrader: (3)

I'd also start looking into finding a better set of cylinder heads and 243's can be had for cheap these days.

ls1fan92

iTrader: (5)

Thanks for the recommendation... Already have the tsp stage 2.5 ported 243s. Should work fine with a 6.0 also right?