Better value than LS376/480?
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 30
Likes: 1
Better value than LS376/480? I'm in need of a new motor for my G8. I really don't have time to source someone to go through the motor for me and rebuild as this is my daily so I've been shopping crate motors. I'm about to pull the trigger on the GM LS376/480 crate motor but before I do, anyone else have any alternatives for similar money that might be a better value? It doesn't need some super stout forged bottom end as it will probably never see any kind of power adder.
That is what I did, but it is debatable on whether it is a good deal or not. First off, the 2 year warranty is instantly void. Next, when you add up a cam, springs, pushrods, and other bits and pieces, you will have probably $800 or more. If you cannot do the job yourself, add another $500 over the cost of the 430 hp version.
The 480 is not a bad deal. You could get more horsepower by buying a cam etc, but that is another path altogether.
The 480 is not a bad deal. You could get more horsepower by buying a cam etc, but that is another path altogether.
Replace what broke and re-use existing parts. Why buy a whole new crate engine (which includes alot of the parts you already have) when you can just buy what broke and nothing more.
A crate engine is obviously the easiest way to go about it, but it's not the most economical by any means (and that seems to be your goal here).
When I spun a rod bearing and the engine needed to come out, I could've dropped 8k for a crate motor and then spent the time to sell off all the old parts I already had. Instead I just bought a shortblock and reused everything else. For 75% of the cost I have a better engine than going the crate route (well besides warranty).
TECH Resident
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 985
Likes: 12
OP I think you are on the right track, knowing
you said you are short on time and limited
with not having the place to do the mechanical work yourself. Plus the warranty, and ease of
getting back in your daily. You might find a cheaper engine but it's wort a little more for the
peace of mind. My .02
you said you are short on time and limited
with not having the place to do the mechanical work yourself. Plus the warranty, and ease of
getting back in your daily. You might find a cheaper engine but it's wort a little more for the
peace of mind. My .02
Get a base LS3 crate engine.
No tuning required......warrantied for (I believe) two years/24K miles......sell off current engine all components that you don't want to hold on to..
http://www.chevrolet.com/performance...gines/ls3.html
KW
No tuning required......warrantied for (I believe) two years/24K miles......sell off current engine all components that you don't want to hold on to..
http://www.chevrolet.com/performance...gines/ls3.html
KW
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Thread Starter
Teching In
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Everyone has their own priorities, so do what works best for your situation. I bought a cheap 2001 S10 with the 2.2L and a manual (POWA!!!) to get me around while I do the swap.