Will you gain value in your restomod by going to a ls2 or ls3 from an ls1?

[69greyghost]

Originally Posted by LS1-IROC

I think it would increase the overall value of the car, but not enough to cover the cost of the swap. While the LS1 motor is a little dated now, it's still a very capable motor as well as rock solid dependable. I think the LSx craze is till going strong and will continue to be a healthy market for years to come.

I would happen to agree, it will take some time for the aftermarket to build on the new gm platform and there is no guarantee that the performance to cost ratio will be as economical as an ls motor. I could be mistaken but I think cheap, powerful, fuel efficient motors could be something popular for a significant duration of time. Just my 2cents. I think I will stick with my ls1 until I get a reason to do otherwise.

[hifi875]

Unless you want more power there is no reason to. It's still a ls. The design is the same. It's a ls. If you're happy w your ls1 then keep it in there and work on your brakes or suspension. So many poeple just throw a ls engine in and think they are done all the while they have stock brakes. Stock suspension stock interior. The engine is only part of a pro touring car and prolly not the most important part

[n77nxc]

Originally Posted by Mkelcy

The coolness of a 572 BBC is going to depend heavily on the price of gas, unless it's a total trailer queen.

It definitely would not be my commuter car for sure, and I think most wouldn't use it as such.

[JKnight]

If I were in the market to buy a car, I wouldn't place a great deal of emphasis on what version of LS it is. If I know that the sub-systems are already in place for the LS platform, I know that I can always upgrade fairly easily at a later date. I would view the LS1 as being an indicator that the hard work is already done.

[67Rally]

Well, considering that most people that are swapping LS2/LS3's in to their cars are doing DOD/VVT deletes, you'd really just be picking up a few extra cubes (346->364->376).

For the money, I'd think you'd be better off rebuilding what you've got and boring/stroking it. If you've got the old 241's still on there, then maybe swap those out for some ls3 heads and a bigger cam with a decent intake.

[Solid LT1]

The LS1 is a 24X EFI system......LS2/3 are 58X there's a lot more to the swap than just changing motors. You have a all aluminum V8 that can be modded and tuned to over 500HP easy.......I would be happier to know the car I was buying had a quality motor ( better rods/forged pistons/CNC ported heads ) than a plain crate motor.

[charchri4]

Might be a few bucks in value in it but no way near what you will spend. I think it's kind of funny that guys feel the LS1 is dated when it's sitting in a 45 year old chassis. That and the 2 and 3 are the same "dated" family of engines.

[Vegas69]

It comes down to the scope of the car. I wouldn't drop an LS1 in a high end pro touring car. The carpet has to match the drapes as the old saying goes. In an average Camaro, I'd take it over a 1st gen small block any day.

[jwcarguy]

Originally Posted by 67Rally

Well, considering that most people that are swapping LS2/LS3's in to their cars are doing DOD/VVT deletes, you'd really just be picking up a few extra cubes (346->364->376).

For the money, I'd think you'd be better off rebuilding what you've got and boring/stroking it. If you've got the old 241's still on there, then maybe swap those out for some ls3 heads and a bigger cam with a decent intake.

The LS3 heads are for a 4" bore or larger, not a option for a LS1
There are a aftermarket version "LS3 small bore" head, but smaller intake valves and big bucks!!!

[jwcarguy]

Originally Posted by charchri4

Might be a few bucks in value in it but no way near what you will spend. I think it's kind of funny that guys feel the LS1 is dated when it's sitting in a 45 year old chassis. That and the 2 and 3 are the same "dated" family of engines.

IMO it would add more than "a few bucks in value", just for the simple fact that the larger engines (in stock trim) go for more than double the cost of a "LS1"

Also, the LS2 & LS3 are not the "same dated family of engines" (Gen 3 compared to Gen 4)

Both the LS2 & LS3 have:

-better pcm operating systems (58x )
- stronger bottom end rotating assemblies (coated skirt pistons w/ floating pins, larger connecting rods, stronger cranks)
- stronger block design and crankcase ventilation
- better flowing cfm(as cast) cylinder heads, w/ larger Intake valves
- VVT / DOD ( can be a benefit in certain applications)
- larger throttle bodies and better flowing intake manifolds
- larger fuel injectors
- improved lifter and tray designs
- stronger timing chains
- improved ignition coils

and the simple fact that they are larger cubic inches and make more power

hope that helps clear things up

Jeff