Looking into building my first motor, need help where to start - Page 2

Jason@JacFab · 12-20-2012, 01:32 AM

My .02:

If it's something that's likely to never make it into a car or run you'll want something with decent resale value, the 4.8's are cheaper, but the 5.3 or 6.0 iron block truck motors will have a better resale value. You *MIGHT* be able to find a swinging deal on an aluminum L33 (5.3) which would probably be pretty easy to sell

If you're got a local junkyard and they are reasonably priced, that's your good bet. Buying a complete drop out w/ harness and ECM would also increase the resale value. If your local junkyard is a ripoff like mine, ebay will be your next best bet, or check out car-part.com to try to find some deals on engines that are semi-local that you wouldn't mind driving to pick up.

I picked up an 04 4.8 a few years back on ebay for ~$150 shipped, although those deals are few and far between now. The 4.8 and the 5.3 have the same block, different crank rods and pistons. I bought a 5.3 crank and rods and used the 4.8 pistons to build a high compression 5.3, stuffed a z06 cam in it, holley carb manifold and ign. control box... It went into my cousins 38 chevy truck body on a 70's 4x4 frame w/ an SM465... It's so close to running now, just needs a starter, plug wires, and 2 coils.

Probably more info than you wanted, so then again, if you're just wanting a conversation piece that you don't plan on selling buy a 4.8 because they can be found cheap.

Next time I buy an LS engine it's going to be either a 4.8 or 5.3 (that I'll punch out to 5.7), or a 6.0 and it's gong into my 72 Chevelle. The LS engines really are nothing short of amazing compared to the old Gen I & II engines.

mikeSS · 12-20-2012, 01:44 AM

ya thanks for the info. I am looking to get this engine around spring/summer time. so i have some time to look for that deal.

thanks again everyone.

12-20-2012, 01:32 AM	#15
Jason@JacFab Drives: 2016 1LT RS Camaro; 72 Chevelle Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Central Point, OR Posts: 5,685 View My Garage	My .02: If it's something that's likely to never make it into a car or run you'll want something with decent resale value, the 4.8's are cheaper, but the 5.3 or 6.0 iron block truck motors will have a better resale value. You MIGHT be able to find a swinging deal on an aluminum L33 (5.3) which would probably be pretty easy to sell If you're got a local junkyard and they are reasonably priced, that's your good bet. Buying a complete drop out w/ harness and ECM would also increase the resale value. If your local junkyard is a ripoff like mine, ebay will be your next best bet, or check out car-part.com to try to find some deals on engines that are semi-local that you wouldn't mind driving to pick up. I picked up an 04 4.8 a few years back on ebay for ~$150 shipped, although those deals are few and far between now. The 4.8 and the 5.3 have the same block, different crank rods and pistons. I bought a 5.3 crank and rods and used the 4.8 pistons to build a high compression 5.3, stuffed a z06 cam in it, holley carb manifold and ign. control box... It went into my cousins 38 chevy truck body on a 70's 4x4 frame w/ an SM465... It's so close to running now, just needs a starter, plug wires, and 2 coils. Probably more info than you wanted, so then again, if you're just wanting a conversation piece that you don't plan on selling buy a 4.8 because they can be found cheap. Next time I buy an LS engine it's going to be either a 4.8 or 5.3 (that I'll punch out to 5.7), or a 6.0 and it's gong into my 72 Chevelle. The LS engines really are nothing short of amazing compared to the old Gen I & II engines. Last edited by Jason@JacFab; 12-20-2012 at 02:25 AM.

12-20-2012, 01:44 AM	#16
mikeSS Drives: 2015 c7 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: MI Posts: 7,462	ya thanks for the info. I am looking to get this engine around spring/summer time. so i have some time to look for that deal. thanks again everyone.