LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

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Old Aug 31, 2011 | 12:59 AM
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Default 24 x 2 cents

Maybe its just me but this whole 24x system seems way over priced. For what they want for the system your could swap an entire lsx into your lt with a factory.writing harness. why why why is this set up so dam pricey??? Also correct me if I'm wrong, why can't I just get a used set of coil packs a junkyard ecu and engine writing harness? The cost for that would be more than half as much.
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Old Aug 31, 2011 | 01:03 AM
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low quantity machined parts = $$$
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Old Aug 31, 2011 | 01:05 AM
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well you could do that except the harness wouldnt work(i dont think) and you need the reluctor wheel and cam sensor/opti block off deal. It will get cheaper because alot more people are doing it and there will be more in circulation. Now i am with you even though i wont go lsx. I beleive you could do a whole swap for the same price if not cheaper(5.3 build)
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Old Aug 31, 2011 | 01:05 AM
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Also welcome im in the kc area!
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Old Aug 31, 2011 | 03:50 AM
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Here we go (again). It seems the 24x LT1 VS LS1 price comparison is never apples to apples.

An LS1 swap...
  • $2,000 or so for a decent used LS1 engine take-out (let's even assume this includes parts from the donor car)
  • $800.00 or so for a BRAND NEW plug and play engine harness
  • several hundred $$$ for front accessory related changes
  • several hundred for exhaust changes
  • several hundred for transmission adapter or used transmission (LT1 transmission is not a direct bolt on to the LS1)
  • need I continue?

The BIG pricetag for the 24x conversion has to do with ALL NEW PARTS. You cannot compare an LS1 swap and, for example, throw in the "rework the LS1 harness" to shave $800.00.

Low production, quality, CNC machining is EXPENSIVE.

Save some $$$ by...
  • sourcing used PCM
  • sourcing used ignition coils
  • make your own coil brackets
  • modify your own LT1 wire harness

...now you're under $1,000 for LS1 PCM control of your LT1.
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Old Aug 31, 2011 | 04:08 AM
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Well I may do the x swap but I will buy used parts then get the stuff from x new that I have to have. But found a 5.3 motor for 400 bucks just thee other day and I already have a tranny to fit a lsx. So I think for 1400 hundred u could do a lsx swap.not that I would or I would have bought an ls car. I still love the lt just think that kit is over priced
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Old Aug 31, 2011 | 05:08 AM
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Originally Posted by jankie93z
...just think that kit is over priced
Since this thread is about speculation, how much do you think it costs to...
  • produce the cam sensor housing casting? (don't forget to consider the cost of the die)
  • machine the cam sensor housing? (two operations here)
  • machine the 1x cam reluctor? (lathe and mill operations)
  • machine the 24x crank reluctor? (lathe and several mill operations)
  • new GM LS2 cam sensor?
  • new GM 24x crank sensor?

Here's a start...
  • GM list for LS2 cam sensor is $60.30.
  • GM list for 24x crank sensor is $138.10.

Now there's $525.00 to fit this all into and $326.60 remaining after the two sensors.

Last edited by S10Wildside; Aug 31, 2011 at 05:19 AM.
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Old Aug 31, 2011 | 06:11 AM
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You can get a BigStuff3 engine management system for around $1800-$2500+ depending on options.
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Old Aug 31, 2011 | 07:27 AM
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Originally Posted by joelster
You can get a BigStuff3 engine management system for around $1800-$2500+ depending on options.
Try making that work with factory gauges
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Old Aug 31, 2011 | 08:09 AM
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Originally Posted by S10Wildside
Since this thread is about speculation, how much do you think it costs to...
  • produce the cam sensor housing casting? (don't forget to consider the cost of the die)
  • machine the cam sensor housing? (two operations here)
  • machine the 1x cam reluctor? (lathe and mill operations)
  • machine the 24x crank reluctor? (lathe and several mill operations)
  • new GM LS2 cam sensor?
  • new GM 24x crank sensor?

Here's a start...
  • GM list for LS2 cam sensor is $60.30.
  • GM list for 24x crank sensor is $138.10.

Now there's $525.00 to fit this all into and $326.60 remaining after the two sensors.
I'm with you Mike.
Those of us in manufacturing understand the costs associated with raw material (always rising), machining/casting/die forming/tooling costs (labor for the actual work is expensive, and skilled labor to build/maintain dies is even more pricy), and low "job-shop" type quantities. Whether they run 1 part or 10,000,000 parts, the setup cost is the same.
Had all of the components in the 24x kit been available on the market (let's just say mass produced by GM), the kit would be soooooo much less. But...this is an innovation created by your company, but I'm just preaching to the choir here.

People see the "big" price tag and get freaked out. There's so much more going on behind the scenes to make this kit happen than people really know. And it's not hard to source some used parts and put some work in, some people are just lazy. They want to be frugal with their money, yet don't want to put forth the extra effort and/or time required to support their "cheap" habits.

Even the subjective ideas make sense. This kit works with factory gauges, looks clean and professional (provided the installer can cleanly install things), and you get to keep your iron block (1000+ horsepower capacity). I'd like to see LS guys make that kind of power on a stock block. Not gonna happen.
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Old Aug 31, 2011 | 08:15 AM
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Well i was the same way i was going to go LS but after doing the math it wasnt worth the hassle of doing another engine swap. I picked up a used 24x kit with everything minus a 97 timing cover for 800 to my door. Im going to rework my harness so safe alot of cash and only thing left to buy is to unlock my pcm from Hp Tuners and have my buddy tune it. So for just over a 1000 i can have this system in my car ready to rock without any opti bs and all the perks off an LS1 PCM to run my engine and still keeping the LT1 sound!
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Old Aug 31, 2011 | 08:21 AM
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Originally Posted by jankie93z
Also correct me if I'm wrong, why can't I just get a used set of coil packs a junkyard ecu and engine writing harness? The cost for that would be more than half as much.
If it was that easy all of us would have done it a long time ago.

Originally Posted by jankie93z
Well I may do the x swap but I will buy used parts then get the stuff from x new that I have to have. But found a 5.3 motor for 400 bucks just thee other day and I already have a tranny to fit a lsx. So I think for 1400 hundred u could do a lsx swap.not that I would or I would have bought an ls car. I still love the lt just think that kit is over priced
do it and let us know how it works out. don't forget you need the motor mounts, accessories, intake, oilpan from a fbody added on to that 5.3 truck engine, trans, headers/exhaust, wiring harness, etc.

I have the 24x system and it's well thought out, parts are all new and my only regret is not buying a new harness from them when I ordered the kit. Once everything showed up in the mail and I saw the attention to detail and quality, I would have just bought a new harness too. but... I did repin mine and saved about $700, you can go down the same path.
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Old Aug 31, 2011 | 09:25 AM
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Dont bash a budget LS swap until you guys have priced it out....

It would really surprise you. It's easy to skew things one way or the other depending on your biases, but if you take an objective look at what this stuff costs, you can swap to a STOCK LS engine for about the cost of the 24X swap.

It will take a little creative sourcing of the needed components but it can be done. Then you have a better foundation, plain and simple.

Or just buy both cars like I did
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Old Aug 31, 2011 | 09:40 AM
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I'm not knocking it as I have both two, actually two lt1 cars, one going LS super slowly. but here's what I have:

ls6 intake -330
ls6 cam - 150
wiring harness -250
ecm -100
front acc - 400
oil pan setup -200
new coils -200
t56 conversion on my lt1 trans - 600
ls3 flywheel/ls7 clutch -450
motor mount adapters - 100-150
that's almost 3k and I still need an engine and the turbo charger and the hot side. so my setup with engine will increase my cost, but you can't discount the small parts that go with it and add up, plus gaskets etc...
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Old Aug 31, 2011 | 09:51 AM
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You're also building a modded turbo setup, not a STOCK mill like I said.

I can get a running LQ9 locally for 450, complete. 5.3's are a dime a dozen at 300-500 bucks.
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Old Aug 31, 2011 | 02:24 PM
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Originally Posted by gregrob
You're also building a modded turbo setup, not a STOCK mill like I said.

I can get a running LQ9 locally for 450, complete. 5.3's are a dime a dozen at 300-500 bucks.
If you can get an LQ9 for 450 complete then i would jump on that in a heart beat!!!
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Old Aug 31, 2011 | 10:49 PM
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No matter how hard you try, you can't get big power with an LSx swap for less than $1500. Everyone forgets the initial investment of time/$$ in the LTx combo's.
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Old Aug 31, 2011 | 11:15 PM
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Originally Posted by gregrob
You're also building a modded turbo setup, not a STOCK mill like I said.

I can get a running LQ9 locally for 450, complete. 5.3's are a dime a dozen at 300-500 bucks.
this was exactlyt my point!
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Old Sep 1, 2011 | 12:03 AM
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You guys are lucky to find those motors that cheap. Here's the chicago market for you , just a quick scan on CL:

Listing #1:
Selling a complete lq4 and 4l80e motor trans setup from a 2002 chevy silverado. Still in truck and u can hear it run! Included is engine with all accessories, harnesses, computer, trans, maf, air box, pedals, radiator, trans cooler, fan, literally everything needed for a complete swap plus more. Runs and drives, no leaks where truck has been sitting. Great for your custom install in mustang, camaro, rat rod, turbo project, or upgrade from your 5.3. Everything is there and included for whatever install your doing. Any questions just ask. Asking 3000 obo.

Listing #2:

2002 gmc engine LQ4 6.0 liter comes as shown in pictures with intake manifold, oil pan, valve covers etc. came out of running truck with 120th miles. $950

Listing #3:
Hi i have a 4.8 V8 Enine for a 2004 Silverad 1500, the engine has 70,000 milles on it, the engine is sold completely with all pulleys as shown on the pictures. Iam asking $800 or best offer
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Old Sep 1, 2011 | 12:23 AM
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Originally Posted by merim123
You guys are lucky to find those motors that cheap. Here's the chicago market for you , just a quick scan on CL:

Listing #1:
Selling a complete lq4 and 4l80e motor trans setup from a 2002 chevy silverado. Still in truck and u can hear it run! Included is engine with all accessories, harnesses, computer, trans, maf, air box, pedals, radiator, trans cooler, fan, literally everything needed for a complete swap plus more. Runs and drives, no leaks where truck has been sitting. Great for your custom install in mustang, camaro, rat rod, turbo project, or upgrade from your 5.3. Everything is there and included for whatever install your doing. Any questions just ask. Asking 3000 obo.

Listing #2:

2002 gmc engine LQ4 6.0 liter comes as shown in pictures with intake manifold, oil pan, valve covers etc. came out of running truck with 120th miles. $950

Listing #3:
Hi i have a 4.8 V8 Enine for a 2004 Silverad 1500, the engine has 70,000 milles on it, the engine is sold completely with all pulleys as shown on the pictures. Iam asking $800 or best offer
I feel your pain, the exact same way here in ms.
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