Another Hall's deal!!!
07-31-2009, 04:55 PM
TSP has the cheap LS3 motors....Massey, how is the motor? Is it bad? Just get a 403 LS2 shortblock, reuse everything else...best option I would think bang for the buck!
07-31-2009, 07:09 PM
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LME has the best prices on new shortblocks. $4550 for a 408 with head studs, shipped. $5300 with studs, shipped for a 416. Schwanke has about the same prices, but never returned emails or PMs. They don't list what manufacturers' stuff they use for the rotating assmbly and that bugs me. I think Callies is better than Eagle. Maybe it's all in my head, but maybe not. I talked with Brian @ LME and he seems like he's pretty with it and that matters to me. I'd love to do a 440 LS7 ($6500) or a 434 LSX ($6500), but that's just out of my price range now. We are getting some Saturdays, but that's a long way from $6500. Most likely senerio is a used (only 6 dyno pulls -- zero mile) 408 shortblock from a guy in NY. Has an Eagle crank, but Callies rods, coated Diamond pistons, head studs, and a little bigger cam than my current one. Motor made 648 with Dart 225s, so it should make at least that with my top end stuff. That'd be close to 100 rwhp more on motor and it'll take 250 shot reliably, IMO. He's asking $4000 plus shipping, but I hope to get it for less. Stay tuned.
07-31-2009, 08:04 PM
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LME has the best prices on new shortblocks. $4550 for a 408 with head studs, shipped. $5300 with studs, shipped for a 416. Schwanke has about the same prices, but never returned emails or PMs. They don't list what manufacturers' stuff they use for the rotating assmbly and that bugs me. I think Callies is better than Eagle. Maybe it's all in my head, but maybe not. I talked with Brian @ LME and he seems like he's pretty with it and that matters to me. I'd love to do a 440 LS7 ($6500) or a 434 LSX ($6500), but that's just out of my price range now. We are getting some Saturdays, but that's a long way from $6500. Most likely senerio is a used (only 6 dyno pulls -- zero mile) 408 shortblock from a guy in NY. Has an Eagle crank, but Callies rods, coated Diamond pistons, head studs, and a little bigger cam than my current one. Motor made 648 with Dart 225s, so it should make at least that with my top end stuff. That'd be close to 100 rwhp more on motor and it'll take 250 shot reliably, IMO. He's asking $4000 plus shipping, but I hope to get it for less. Stay tuned.
Make sure you get LOTS of detailed, time-stamped photos if you buy a used short block, ask SDB about that 
And I'd think he'd come down in price, being as the brand new short block you found me, with heads and all acc's was right around 4k shipped
07-31-2009, 09:23 PM
LME has the best prices on new shortblocks. $4550 for a 408 with head studs, shipped. $5300 with studs, shipped for a 416. Schwanke has about the same prices, but never returned emails or PMs. They don't list what manufacturers' stuff they use for the rotating assmbly and that bugs me. I think Callies is better than Eagle. Maybe it's all in my head, but maybe not. I talked with Brian @ LME and he seems like he's pretty with it and that matters to me. I'd love to do a 440 LS7 ($6500) or a 434 LSX ($6500), but that's just out of my price range now. We are getting some Saturdays, but that's a long way from $6500. Most likely senerio is a used (only 6 dyno pulls -- zero mile) 408 shortblock from a guy in NY. Has an Eagle crank, but Callies rods, coated Diamond pistons, head studs, and a little bigger cam than my current one. Motor made 648 with Dart 225s, so it should make at least that with my top end stuff. That'd be close to 100 rwhp more on motor and it'll take 250 shot reliably, IMO. He's asking $4000 plus shipping, but I hope to get it for less. Stay tuned.
Make sure to get specs on the CR/pistons to match up with your heads!
08-01-2009, 09:50 AM
Scott, do it right and just get a new motor. There are plenty of options out there in your price range for a brand new motor to make the power you want. Knowing that it will be new is insurance you can't really afford not to have, especially when talking about saving $500 or so.
Either way you go, I am glad to hear work has picked back up for you at GM.
Either way you go, I am glad to hear work has picked back up for you at GM.
08-01-2009, 09:52 AM
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I think a used 408 is a good choice, but $4000 is too much. I wouldnt worry too much about innards, all aftermarket parts are pretty stout. Ask Joe about the iron 427 LSx for cheap...brand new,,,,something like $4000 for complete shortblock
Make sure to get specs on the CR/pistons to match up with your heads!
Make sure to get specs on the CR/pistons to match up with your heads!
Last edited by JPH; 08-01-2009 at 12:41 PM.
08-01-2009, 10:30 AM
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Schwanke just emailed me quotes for his iron block motors. He doesn't even make a 408. Only 415 and 427. No 4.0 strokes there. Eagle cranks and Mahle pistons. His prices were good, though. 415 with hellfire rings, main and head studs, coated crankshaft, and freight was $4300. 427 was $4500. He says he can use an iron version of the LS2 block which is thicker casting, but that raises the cost $300. I've never heard of an iron LS2 block? Any ideas?
08-01-2009, 01:49 PM
Schwanke just emailed me quotes for his iron block motors. He doesn't even make a 408. Only 415 and 427. No 4.0 strokes there. Eagle cranks and Mahle pistons. His prices were good, though. 415 with hellfire rings, main and head studs, coated crankshaft, and freight was $4300. 427 was $4500. He says he can use an iron version of the LS2 block which is thicker casting, but that raises the cost $300. I've never heard of an iron LS2 block? Any ideas?
08-01-2009, 02:22 PM
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I double checked. 415 is a 4.0 stroke. 427 is 4.125.
Is it worth the money to stay aluminum block? Basically $1k ($700 for the block, $300 for the adapter wiring harness)? Opinions, please.
Is it worth the money to stay aluminum block? Basically $1k ($700 for the block, $300 for the adapter wiring harness)? Opinions, please.
08-01-2009, 02:30 PM
stay 415 or 427 iron, your top end, 200 shot (maybe even 250), save the 1000 toward a rear.
08-01-2009, 11:59 PM
415 200 shot fresh motor, bigger cam, port the FAST 90 since it will be off...your **** will hustle
08-02-2009, 08:08 AM
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Ben, basically what I'm saying is don't feel bad since things are different this year, there not ALL for the good!
08-02-2009, 09:03 AM
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08-02-2009, 03:16 PM
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08-02-2009, 07:36 PM
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Really didn't wanna do the FnF night at muncie but its the first chance I get to go. Just seeing if anyone wants to head down this Friday with me?
08-02-2009, 11:27 PM
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08-03-2009, 05:13 AM
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