LS swap...which engine?
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
LS swap...which engine?
I've found a 2010 LS3 for $4k (no ecu) with 13k miles + Shipping Cost
OR
NEW LS3/480 Hot Cam from GM for $6,360. (no ecu)
I'm buying my ECU and custom accessories from Josh @ Custom Image Corvettes.
I can't decide if the $2400 upcharge is worth the additional 50 HP and GM warranty. Primary purpose is street driving.....
Which way should I go?
OR
NEW LS3/480 Hot Cam from GM for $6,360. (no ecu)
I'm buying my ECU and custom accessories from Josh @ Custom Image Corvettes.
I can't decide if the $2400 upcharge is worth the additional 50 HP and GM warranty. Primary purpose is street driving.....
Which way should I go?
#2
Race Director
Personally I would go with the used motor for $2400 less. Use the money to pay Josh for the computer and accessories.
#3
Melting Slicks
A warranty would be nice. If it were me I'd probably pick up the used 1 if the miles were true. Buy the hot cam and install it. Save some $$ for the rest of the parts you'll need.
#4
Race Director
I bought a used 09 LS3 and put in a much better cam than stock.
Have the computer tuned and with good exhaust I should be over 500 HP easily. The cam swaps are stupid easy on an LS motor. I'd stick with the used one. 4K for a 2010 LS3 with few miles on it is a steal.
Have the computer tuned and with good exhaust I should be over 500 HP easily. The cam swaps are stupid easy on an LS motor. I'd stick with the used one. 4K for a 2010 LS3 with few miles on it is a steal.
#5
If you were looking for bang for your buck the 5.3L are dirt cheap, and the bottom end is nearly bullet proof. FWIW. I've been buying used/new parts for about 10 years, and decided for engine components there is only one way to buy: NEW. I've been burned so many times its not funny. Pay now or pay later (twice), its up to you.
#6
Le Mans Master
Josh runs a good shop, and help you with anything needed for an LS conversion. Also, keep in mind GM performance sells an aftermarket ECU/wiring harness for these conversions, for about $1K. Surely places like Culleys GM parts house, can help you on prices here. 5.3 cast iron truck engines are ok, but nothing like an alumunum LS3.
#8
Race Director
The $2000 savings will go long way towards your finances in finishing the project.
#9
Really? You know you have to pull the heads off an LS motor if you want to swap the lifters which is highly recommended on a cam swap. Been there, done that...
You don't have to pull the heads on a Gen 1 motor to get to the lifters (as everyone probably knows)..
You don't have to pull the heads on a Gen 1 motor to get to the lifters (as everyone probably knows)..
#10
All LS motors have oiling issues because the oil pump is a piece of ****. Except for the LS6 which has a superior oil pump. I bought a blueprinted LS6 oil pump for my LQ9 blocked 408 (Firebird).
#12
Take a look at this thread:
http://ls1tech.com/forums/generation...e-lifters.html
#13
Le Mans Master
you absolutely have to pull the heads to swap the lifters. Done it a ton of times at work. I wish there was a way around it.
#14
Team Owner
You can do a cam swap without pulling the heads (if you leave the lifters in place). Otherwise you have to pull the heads to get to the lifters. There is no way around it. I have been through my LQ9 motor more than once, and know it inside and out, upside and down.
Take a look at this thread:
http://ls1tech.com/forums/generation...e-lifters.html
Take a look at this thread:
http://ls1tech.com/forums/generation...e-lifters.html
#16
#17
#18
Le Mans Master
And for what it's worth, I put 3 hard years of real road racing on my 135k mile stock '99 LS1 with no issues at all.
#19
No. They are not.
Just the '01 and '02 oil pumps are the same as the LS6.
This is a well known fact.
This guy says it best:
http://ls1tech.com/forums/13512615-post4.html
Just the '01 and '02 oil pumps are the same as the LS6.
This is a well known fact.
This guy says it best:
http://ls1tech.com/forums/13512615-post4.html
#20
Le Mans Master