10K for a turn Key EFI LS
 

if you had 10K to get a complete running LS EFI motor what direction would you go? obviously i would like the most HP /TQ I can get for that price.

The GM crate LS3 offered by Jegs for around $6500 shipped is about the best deal out there right now.

With that said, it would be tough to do all the electronics, fuel system, swap parts and price of the motor for $10,000

Yeah that is one of my options also looking at the texas speed and performance 370 cid 520 HP LQ9 for 10,799. comes with everything needed to drop in. I know the entire swap will be more than 10K but strictly looking at just turn key motors.

If I were planning to boost the motor, I'd do an iron block. But if I planned to keep it N/A, then I'd do an aluminum block to save a bit of weight. That GM crate from Jegs is a tough deal to pass up if you are in the market for such.

What is your criteria, aka. goals for the power plant?

I am basically looking for a good weekend/couple times a week driver. I do like the idea of being able to add a supercharger sometime down the road if i was not happy with the power i had but like you said that jegs add just keeps calling me LOL

You can boost the LS3, no problem. I just feel the iron blocks are a little better for longevity and running a lot of boost than their equivalent aluminum blocks.

That Jegs sale is calling my name too! And I'm not even in the market for a new motor:hairpullout:

Yeah that make sense, it is so hard to not get caught up in the "just a little bit more $ will get you this" LOL

Shaun Carter at SMC Performance is very good on prices for complete setups ready to go,I bought a new LS3 with Comp Cam,Patriot Gold valve spring,pushrods complete from intake to oil pan with LS7 clutch,pressure plate and flywheel,gm ecm,complete warness also wired for dual fans,throttle pedal and 02 senors for just a little over 10k,Shaun is very good guy and very smart on ls motors.

The guys over at West Bend Dyno may have something that'll work for you... I'd call Brad 1-262-692-9035, tell him what you want to accomplish and the budget you have and see what he suggests.... Some times a fresh perspective can shed some light on options we don't necessarily think about... Also they may have something that they can freshen up that will allow you to stretch your dollar,,, worth a call at the very least....

I wouldn't be afraid to boost an aluminum LS. Please guys, don't believe everything you hear. Look at facts. Check out Ohio Boys racing. They are in the 7's at 200ish with an aluminum block ls2. There are many others making 1000+ with turbos on an aluminum block. Just sayin'...

I'd buy a takeout from a late model car, then use the other few thousand leftover to get it in the car and running.

thank you for the suggestions, after thinking long and hard about it last night, I am just going to go through jegs and get one of there ls3's. Now here is the new question. I really wanted to use the katech tourquer or the janetty rough idle cam, should I just order the 430HP version to save the 500 dollars over the 480hp version? from my reading the only difference between those two motors is the cam used. is that correct. Also if anyone has a jegs discount code they are not using i would appreciate it.
thanks
Paul

Scott, but the Ohio Boys, to a certain extent, aren't using stock aluminum blocks exactly, per say. Their blocks are resleeved with Darton ductile iron sleeves. They get their blocks resleeved by ERL Performance. But, I'd be skeptical to push 1000+ HP thru stock sleeves too. The Ohio Boys are pushing 2000 HP thru some of their blocks. I highly doubt those are stock blocks.

whats that going to do to the warranty since your going to change it?? Get a built crate motor with a full warranty. like a mast or something.

reply
 

I went with a crate engine hot crammed ls3 from crate engine depot. Great engine. I contacted them and they said I could swap the cam and still be under warranty. 2 year 24000 mile warranty.
There is a guy on the parts for sale forum that has a professional built forged ls3 with a maggi supercharger for sale 11500. Goes by the name 4mm. Honest guy. Lots of parts.
Good luck either way

I'm currently researching the same topic... It's hard to decide what route would be best. I've considered the LS3 525hp crate... Awesome price for everything it comes with.

I was thinking about the "hot cammed" 525 horse LS3 too, but started crunching numbers and when you add everything up: motor, ECM and harness, oil pan, accessory drive, starter, fly wheel, etc it becomes very comparable to something like a Texas Speed turn-key 515 horse LS2 with forged internals. I guess I'm not hung up on the extra 10 horses with the GM crate motor.

Lots of great choices listed here and will be making a choice myself soon. Also keep in mind that respectable power to be had with a stock ls3 with headers, air intake and good tune from what I have seen. Sounds like you will be looking for the same as me, a good driveable motor. 450 or so flywheel hp along with the weight reduction of my current big block should be a pleasant surprise.

Yeah, I've been looking at Texas Speed as well. They're prices are quite fair for everything you get. I plan on making a purchase soon, so I've been searching everywhere! lol

honestly..


6.0 truck motor.. $1000
T56.. $1500
parts, mount kit, headers, custom wiring, and incidentals.. $3800


and use the rest of the money to drive to where your credit cards and bank loans are and pay them shets... lol.


im a realist..

and after that if you want more power throw on a blower or a turbo!


realist.

Seriously....go down to a Chevy dealer and take a current LS3 Camaro for a drive. Then think about the 99HP more a 525HP LS3 crate motor will have, is your final product going to have a good enough chassis to handle that power? I'm trying to sell my 2009 Z06 Vette right now, if I had a $1 for every guy who said he doesn't care about the extended warranty because he is going to "mod it" I'd be rich enough that I wouldn't have to sell it! That car can get out of shape even with the traction control on! Your vintage muscle car will be quickly stuffed into the nearest immovable object with 500LS HP unless your quite the driver ( me I've only won a few local Corvette Autocross championships so I'm not that great.)

Save some money for a trans and differential that won't blow up and some good springs/shocks to help you live through the day. You can easily sell the LS later and swap in a higher HP replacement when 500+HP with a warranty isn't good enough for you:whenitsdone: