m lookin for a budget ls1 shortblock for over the winter. i was originally planning to go used but after reconsidering it, i dont wanna do it twice. i dont have an engine to send in so i would end up paying the core charge if there was one. would it be in my best intrest just to get good used block and crank and just add bearings, rings, rods and pistons of my choice? need some help.

i want to stay stock cubes to help with the cost and it needs to be somewhat strong to endure some decent rpms and maybe boost later.

 

You can get many stock cube shortblocks for under $3000 no core.
Call some shops, HPE, LME are 2 of my favorites.

 

Futral spec'd me out a sweet 20psi boost 347 for right at 3000. That's probably overkill for you though. There was a core charge though.

 

i was really tryin to stay as budget as possible. i looked at the Speedinc 348 Sportsman shortblock because its the cheapest one ive seen without a core charge. as far as strength, the stock shortblock would work fine but again i dont want to run a used one. as i havent been through the sponsors yet, who has some pretty good deals on rods and pistons?

 

Actually a used bare block is better to run than a new one, because it had time to "cure" under operation. In tech jargon we call that "seasonned block"

 

LPE has a great deal on a LS6 shortblock. $2095. Stock rods and crank but all good stuff from there. Blueprinted as well.

 

One low mileage 6.0L iron block, good used or aftermarket heads (LS6/LS2) and an LS6/LS2 camshaft is an easy 400 HP. Make sure it's and LQ4, not an LQ9 or your compression will be around 11.5:1.