ewingr

I'm ready to make the plunge. I'm hoping for a few recommendations.

I'm trying to decide whether to put my dollars into a low mileage, possibly new engine/trans combo vs. getting a higher mileage one leaving money for dressup.

My mind says the smarter dollars are in a low mileage engine for the usual reasons one would think of.

I've been watching eBay for a year or so and I'm finding on average:

$3000-$3500 = 80,000 miles or more
$4000-$4500 = 35,000 - 65,000
$4500 - 5500 = 10,000 - 20,000

I can get a brand new 0 mileage Corvette 350HP engine, with Fuel system, ignition, exhaust, flywheel, water pump for $3750, and a new 4L60E for $1350. That is $5100. But then I'd need a lot of other parts, and I'm not knowledgeable enough on the LS yet to know for sure what that would be, and costs. Purchasing a 0 mileage engine does sound good. I'm not sure what all other parts I'd need. Computer and wiring for sure. I'll add to my question list below on this.

The dressup stuff I'd like to put on it is going to be probably at least $2500.

When I started considering this, I was hoping for a combo for $3000, but that many miles make me nervous.

I only drive my care 3000-5000 miles per year. I don't race it.

Oh, of course, I'd love to do an LS7.

So, a few questions:

1. What are we finding to be the average mileage lifespan of an LS1?

2. If one needs rebuilding, assuming no major problems, what is the expected cost to do that...doing it yourself?

3. I've built several 350s over the years. I presume that with a good set of documentation, I should be able to handle a rebuild of an LS1. Any thoughts?

4. If I purchased the new Corvette engine above, what list of other parts/accessories woudl I need? (Here again is the descripton: Corvette 350HP engine, with Fuel system, ignition, exhaust, flywheel, water pump )

My thoughts are I'd be better off with a lower mileage engine, and not break into one; that getting the new one and finding teh additional parts/accessories would make it pretty expensive, and use up the 'beautification' dollars.


I appreciate anyones thoughts.

Aceshigh

I just picked up a complete 2004 GTO LS1 / 4L60E combo for $4500 out of Alabama from a salvage place with a good reputation and the drivetrain only has 26K on it. I bought it in March.

Fbody Parts is a reputable LS1 dealer on ebay but his prices lately have been a bit too high for my tastes. Buying a combo similar from his auctions would have cost me closer to $6,000.

WhiteKnightZ28

iTrader: (5)

I wouldnt worry about the mileage of the engine, my friends 98 camaro went to 140k before it had any problems at all, and I've herd of LS1s going to over 200k.

I'm guessing that this is being put in a non-LS1 vehicle? If so then I'd shoot for getting an engine/tranny combo that has the wireing harness and PCM. That should help you out alot in the long run.

mcgodx

Yeah, definitely find one with all the computer stuff.

I found one on eBay not too long ago that had about 3000 miles on it(!!!) I think it ended at close to $4,000. Came out of an 04 GTO, so my best guess is he wanted to throw an LS2 in it.

As far as lifespan, my buddy has a 120,000 mile '99 Z28 and the mechanic he sees tells him that it's got at least another 100,000 miles of life in her. The only thing he's had to replace is the water pump. I don't know if GM's water pump is kind of low-quality, but it seems to be a common thing to look out for.

ChocoTaco369

just buy something for a good price, then have it opened and replace the pushrods and valvetrain while double checking the cylinder walls and pistons. you should be good to go after that. 20k hard miles can be a lot worse than 60k well maintained miles.

ewingr

That's a great price. I've been watching ebay semi-regularly for the past year, and I missed seeing that one. The best one I recollect was a GTO engine that went for 5200, although I had contacted them and I could have gotten it for 4500 delivered if I had just done the deal. Wasn't ready.

The average I've been seeing for a low mileage pullout is $4500. Occasionally less.

There's a 32000 mile Camaro engine there now for $4000. I'm tempted on it.

I've put together an estimate comparing a new one locally here, vs. that pullout. I'm comparing based on if I'd set up with drive by wire (considering the new one comes with that type of TB):

New Engine Estimate
Motor 3993.75
Tranny 1433.7
Computer 150
Wiring Harness 750
Drive by Wire
Tach Module 175
Pedal 185
Pedal harness 50
Starter 200
Total 6937.45

Used Engine Estimate - Camaro
Motor/Tranny 3950
Wiring Harness 750
Drive by Wire
Tach Module 175
Pedal 185
Pedal harness 50

Shipping 400
Total 5510

So, for the price of a new transmission, I get zero mile 04 Corvette engine vs. a 32000 mile Camaro engine.

$1400 would be a great start on the chrome goodies I need. But I wonder I'm thinking a brand new engine sounds pretty good.

Also, if I'd forget the drive by wire, I'd save those costs on the used one. Of course, some of those components may be found used for less.

Decisions, decisions...

98LS1_13.20

Get a Mustang so you can be a real man.

Charles

ewingr

Yeah, so I can get blown away by the Chevys

wabmorgan

Trans Am or Formula

ewingr

Ok. I finally decided to spend the money on the zero mile engine. It is an '04 Corvette engine, and 4L60e transmission.

Now I need to decide things about who to get wiring from; who to get computer from or purchase a used one and software, etc., and program myself. etc. etc. You'll be seeing my posts on these topics. But first, some reading...

Thanks for the thoughts.

Camaroz

iTrader: (2)

Miles are just a number if taken care of. My 117K LS1 has dealer markings all over the radiator support showing when certain things were changed. It also runs just as good as my friends 55K LS1

ewingr

Yes for sure. I typically drive all of my cars to 150-175 thousand miles. Our PT Cruiser has 110,000 on it now, and running strong.

But, I've been around racing, classics, and rodding a long time, and I've also seen a lot of V-8 engines in sporty cars that have been run into the ground at 50,000 miles. And it being in the junk yard may very well be of no issue with the engine; or it may be due to a carless driver that loved to race the car.

I felt the price on this engine was good enough to take the risk out of the equation.