LS1 or 383

[d2harris]

I have a 92 Z28 with the 5.7 & 700R4. I met with my engine builder today to discuss a rebuild & performance upgrades to see how much it would cost. I was planning on getting a Eagle stroker kit and going 383 with performance upgrades to the engine & transmission. He told me that for the amount of money to pull the engine & trans, rebuild it, and add performance upgrades that it would be cheaper to just by a crate engine and have it installed. So I was thinking of getting a complete LS1 takeout with the l460e transmission with wiring harness and all. The power potential is more with the stock LS1 so I just need to find one. My question is do you guys think I should get my stock engine rebuilt and add performance upgrades (383) or just go LS1? Also do you guys know of any one selling a LS1 with the transmission?

[shawnc16]

I suggest you scrap the "LS1" idea and look at the other gen 3 options. All gen 3 engines have power potential above the gen 1 engines. So look around for a 5.3 or LQ4/LQ9 if you are thinking budget. Both of those engines are MUCH cheaper than the almighty LS1

There are obviously other options out there but as far as budgets go, you can not beat gen 3 iron block engine prices right now

[nascarnate326]

I agree.

I would do a 5.3 LS swap. Motors are cheap, easy to find, and would make a fun motor for any fbody. Its too bad they didnt come in the fbody.

How much power are you looking for? What trans do you want? EDIT: I see he wants an auto now.

I believe you can get 325 HP out of a 5.3

The larger 6.0 are popular as well, but command good money.

[d2harris]

Thank you Shawn, I have been really debating this issue, becasue I love the look of the tpi, but I really love the power potential of the LS engines.

[d2harris]

I only want like between 330-375 rwhp, I won't be racing or anything. Just want a fun street car that sound mean.

[Lucky SOB]

I agree with the LQX suggestion - if you can live with an iron block, you can do the swap for cheaper.

[Iroc'nthe87]

Whats your budget for your swap? It's not uncommon to spend 8k+ to do this. Also, buying the truck engine can nickle and dime you to death with buying all the conversion pieces.

[d2harris]

Right now I have about 3500, but in about a month I will add like 2000 to that, so about 5,500.

[Iroc'nthe87]

If you dont have a time frame to complete this in, then that should cover a good portion of whats needed with finding deals on parts. Otherwise if you're trying to complete the build ASAP, it wont be enough IMO cause you'll have to resort to buying stuff new and that will get expensive very, very fast. You should also consider buying a wrecked ls1 car, that by far would be the best route to go and will net you the cheapest swap. It may even put money BACK into your pocket!

Go here and read the sticky's, they even have a section of whats required to run the truck engines. Read up well and you'll know what your in for:
http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/lt...third-gen.html
http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/lt...otor-into.html

[shawnc16]

I'm doing the swap currently in my 86 Iroc. Its only expensive when you decide to go aftermarket on parts. The swap itself is not that expensive compared to a rebuild on a sbc. Buy a complete 5.3. They can be had for $700 complete, even less if you look hard enough.

[bri2203]

I like the 383 idea better. or build a 350 with a mild cam, your power goals are very obtainable.
The firing order sounds better and would be cheaper in some ways

[d2harris]

I kind of want to get this done by the end of next month, but I will take my time deciding. Thanks for the response, I will check out some salvage yards to see if they have any wrecked 4th gens with the complete LS1. As far as the 5.3 what do they noramlly come out of? Do they sound good with a good exhaust, headers, & stall? I love that old sbc checy sound, but the power of the LS engine seems like more potential from the start. I see alot of LS1 engines complete with transmission on ebay, but I don't trust it, what do you guys think?

[d2harris]

I'm doing the swap currently in my 86 Iroc. Its only expensive when you decide to go aftermarket on parts. The swap itself is not that expensive compared to a rebuild on a sbc. Buy a complete 5.3. They can be had for $700 complete, even less if you look hard enough.

Shawn where did you find your engine? Any website that specialize in selling engines that you know of?

[d2harris]

"I like the 383 idea better. or build a 350 with a mild cam, your power goals are very obtainable.
The firing order sounds better and would be cheaper in some ways"

Thanks for the response Brian, I am really debating whether or not to get involved with this swap, because although I am okay with modifying the origional block, I like the idea of keeping it TPI and having the original block, especially since it's the 25th Anniversary Edition. But when I spoke with my mechanic he said it would be very expensive, and the power goals I have could be obtained alot easier with swaping the origional block for a stock LS1.

[shawnc16]

Shawn where did you find your engine? Any website that specialize in selling engines that you know of?

Try craigslist and also I found some really good deals on www.car-part.com Look around 2001 to 2003 silverado 1500s for the 5.3L or 2500s for the 6.0L.

You can adapt the old style trans with the lsx engines if you want to go that route. Depends on what you'd like to do. I've got a SBC in my car right now (385ci) that will be coming out once I get my 6.0 together.