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

[mikeSS]

Hey guys, in my spare time i have been reading GM LS engine building and modifying books. I am by far still new, but have been very interested to learn. since i have been reading about Ls engines, i would probably want a Ls engine to work on.

I am interested in buying a engine, but i am very lost on what to buy. This engine would most likely never be put into a car or run for that matter. its purely to get better understanding. So i would not like it to be very expensive.

So far my two ideas are to either buy a LS block and buy the parts, or buy a used LS engine with a lot of miles, take it part and rebuild it. does that sound right ?

I also have no idea where to buy from or what path is smarter to take.

Thanks for the help!

[shank0668]

Originally Posted by mikeSS

Hey guys, in my spare time i have been reading GM LS engine building and modifying books. I am by far still new, but have been very interested to learn. since i have been reading about Ls engines, i would probably want a Ls engine to work on.

I am interested in buying a engine, but i am very lost on what to buy. This engine would most likely never be put into a car or run for that matter. its purely to get better understanding. So i would not like it to be very expensive.

So far my two ideas are to either buy a LS block and buy the parts, or buy a used LS engine with a lot of miles, take it part and rebuild it. does that sound right ?

I also have no idea where to buy from or what path is smarter to take.

Thanks for the help!

4.8 truck motor. Buy it complete for CHEAP

[willhe64]

Buy a used one and go through the whole process. Seems like you are interested in that as much as the finished product.
This way you get to take it apart first then have it prepped and machined and then re-assemble yourself. I love this stuff. Nothing like building an engine yourself and then running the hell out of it.

[mikeSS]

Originally Posted by willhe64

Buy a used one and go through the whole process. Seems like you are interested in that as much as the finished product.
This way you get to take it apart first then have it prepped and machined and then re-assemble yourself. I love this stuff. Nothing like building an engine yourself and then running the hell out of it.

any idea what engine i should look at, and where to buy.

[shank0668]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/01-02-SILVER...bf9679&vxp=mtr

I am telling you, great starter. They are CHEAP. You can get them cheaper. They are very similar to all the LS motors. When you're done, you can drop it in a Jeep and have fun.

[Bhobbs]

Get a junk yard LS and a rebuild manual.

[05stram]

shank is correct get you a 4.8/5.3 - you will learn AFM and other ideas that not only are in the LS but in the LL and LF lines as well. The 5.3 will teach you about iron blocks depending on the model you find - I forget the designation when they changed to all aluminum I know in 07 they offered both in the 5.3.

[willhe64]

Originally Posted by mikeSS

any idea what engine i should look at, and where to buy.

Man, I wouldn't build an engine if you have no application for it. They cost a lot to do with parts machining and gaskets.

OR! Buy one of those LS7's that you get to visit the factory and build.

Other than that, look around. My buddy has a 6.0 litre LS2 out of a GTO he got for $600. You rebuild one of those and you'll know everything there is to know about your LS3. And it will be worth good money to sell.

[mikeSS]

Originally Posted by willhe64

Man, I wouldn't build an engine if you have no application for it. They cost a lot to do with parts machining and gaskets.

OR! Buy one of those LS7's that you get to visit the factory and build.

Other than that, look around. My buddy has a 6.0 litre LS2 out of a GTO he got for $600. You rebuild one of those and you'll know everything there is to know about your LS3. And it will be worth good money to sell.

ya like i said, i am not going to put this motor into car, its pure a hands on learning experience. i am going to play around with it. not worried about it running

but ya getting a engine for like 600 sounds great. thats what i am looking for.

[trewyn15]

I like the idea of this, you have me looking now... except I wouldn't mind throwing the engine in something like say a Miata or RX-7

[mikeSS]

Originally Posted by trewyn15

I like the idea of this, you have me looking now... except I wouldn't mind throwing the engine in something like say a Miata or RX-7

Ya see i so new, i am not even thinking about getting it running yet. more so learning fundamentals.

[Scrappy Doo]

Buddy just got a 57k mile 5.3 with harness and ecm for $500 bucks.

Check local salvage yards etc.

His is going in a 86 full size Jimmy

[trewyn15]

Originally Posted by mikeSS

Ya see i so new, i am not even thinking about getting it running yet. more so learning fundamentals.

I haven't really dug into an engine before.. but it would be sweet to put all that time and effort into an engine and then put it in something fun, that way I know everything I need to know to fix it in the future too

[v6sonoma]

I would love to do this. I just need something to stuff it in...