Where to get a good, cheap LS?

[Chas_svo]

My brother threw a rod in his 98 Firebird. Destroyed the block. Where would you guys get a replacement long block, what is a good price for one, and what is the best vehicle for a replacement one?

I checked LKQ, and the two they list are fairly expensive, close to the same price he is being quoted. He lives about 120 mies from here.

TIA

[VaderTT]

I know it would be a step down depending on his plans, but a 4.8/5.3 can be purchased for +/- $500 complete. Still pretty potent especially if he plans on spraying or boosting.

[dville_gt]

call some yards, like vadertt said, the 4.8/5.3's are a lot cheaper, but for my money holding out for a 6.0 is probably his best bet since they are still cheaper then the factory aluminum 5.7's. for some reason the "real" ls1's (5.7l) go for WAY more then the 6.0 which is a better platform.

[Chas_svo]

Not wanting to go smaller ci. He is the last person on the planet that needs any power adder. This is the guy known for being able to tear up anvil with a rubber mallet.

[Chas_svo]

call some yards, like vadertt said, the 4.8/5.3's are a lot cheaper, but for my money holding out for a 6.0 is probably his best bet since they are still cheaper then the factory aluminum 5.7's. for some reason the "real" ls1's (5.7l) go for WAY more then the 6.0 which is a better platform.

I have no knowledge of GM motors. I'm assuming that if he gets a 6.0 and changes the intakes and minor things like that, it will drop in?

Any good yards?

[dville_gt]

I have no knowledge of GM motors. I'm assuming that if he gets a 6.0 and changes the intakes and minor things like that, it will drop in?

Any good yards?

ya, he'll reuse his front drive accessories, swap out the flexplate/flywheel, switch then intake manifold, oil pan, and exhaust manifolds, and the rest just bolts in. will run on his stock tune, but ideally he should have it tuned afterwards... (insert 5.85 tuning tags below)

[4king]

I would also go with the lq4 6.0 liter out of a hd truck. They usually go for $700 complete

[VaderTT]

I would also go with the lq4 6.0 liter out of a hd truck. They usually go for $700 complete

Where are you seeing this price?

BTW OP lq4's came in:

Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Pickup, 3500 Pickup, Crew Cab, and Chassis Cab/GMC Sierra 2500 HD Pickup and Crew Cab, C3, Denali, and 3500 Pickup and Chassis Cab, 1500HD Crew Cab
Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL Denali
Hummer H2 SUT
GMC Yukon Denali

[Chas_svo]

Are lq4 are iron?

It looks that way from wiki. Apparently the most likely source in LKQ?

[dville_gt]

Are lq4 are iron?

It looks that way from wiki. Apparently the most likely source in LKQ?

yes, lq4 is the lower compression iron block 6.0 gen iii and the lq9 is the higher (10:1) version of the same motor. 2005 (and possibly late 2004) are the best as they have the updated ls2 style rods (good for ~800hp).

[jw33]

Doesn't all the GenIV stuff have the 58x reluctor wheel???

[4king]

Where are you seeing this price?

BTW OP lq4's came in:

Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Pickup, 3500 Pickup, Crew Cab, and Chassis Cab/GMC Sierra 2500 HD Pickup and Crew Cab, C3, Denali, and 3500 Pickup and Chassis Cab, 1500HD Crew Cab
Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL Denali
Hummer H2 SUT
GMC Yukon Denali

Junk yards, seen a few on Craigslist as well.

The only reason I would go 6.0 over 5.3 is it could potentially add value to the car when you sell it. The 5.3 is lighter though and makes around the same power as the ls1

[dville_gt]

Doesn't all the GenIV stuff have the 58x reluctor wheel???

gen iv does, but truck motors up to 2005 are still gen iii (24t)

[naynay]

lol @ tag..

4.8+turbo

["MrEd"]

i have a good running 5.3 with everything, $500.
you can even hear it run.
i have a 5.7 that needs rebuilding for $200