you're a idiot if you pay 7K for a used LS1/trans setup.


3-5K is about normal, with the usual exception cheepo deals, and overpriced crap.

 

Hahahah, I thinka brand new crate LS1 is like $5.5k

 

I edited my post to clarify what I meant, but there is no reason to call anyone an "idiot." If you had read what I wrote, it would have been obvious that I was referring to the ENTIRE cost of the conversion.

Only an idiot would have misunderstood.

 

Here is the link for a crate engine from JEGS

And another from GM Parts Depot

As you can see, the crate engine alone is going to cost you $6k. Add to that shipping and possibly sales tax, and you are getting pretty close to $7k for the engine alone.

Used engine/tranny combos can usually be had for about $2500 (high mileage with A4 trans) to $5000 (low mileage with M6 trans). Then you have a couple of grand in labor (at least) if someone else does the swap for you, and all the extra little goodies that are required just for the basic swap add up to a few grand rather quickly. Performance parts cost more, and a good rear end (9" or 12-bolt) will cost you $1200-$1800 used, or $2000-$2500 new.

 

just to clarify what I ment.


you didnt buy a LS1/trans combo for 7k did you?
no?
then i wasnt calling you a idiot.


as pointed out by pasky, a NEW GM crate motor is 5k. the total cost for a LS1 conversion using a used motor and trans from a Fbody should be around 5k anyway. just the swap, no extras, 5k.

 

If you are doing all the work yourself, not buying a wiring harness, then this might be possible, but you will need to cut some corner's here and there.....

 

Since when is shipping $1000? Trust me, I did my research before I did my LT1 swap.

 

yea, you would be doing it yourself... and the harness comes with the motor/trans.

athough i dont know what corners you really can cut.

example?

 

I don't know where you guys come up with a $5K crate engine. I put up two links showing that they are at least $6K. If you bother to READ my post, I said shipping PLUS SALES TAX (if applicable) would get you CLOSE to $7k. Guys, slow the f**k down and THINK ABOUT IT, before you jump on my ****!

A total conversion that only costs you $5000 means you opted for a BARE MINIMUM swap and did all the wiring AND fabrication, yourself. Yes, it can be done........ but you'll end up with a STOCK LS1 when you are done, and who the hell is going to want to spend 5 grand or more to end up with a stock LS1?
If all you want is a little over 300 rwhp, you'd be better off just building up a carb'd small block or going with a MUCH cheaper TPI or LT1 setup and modding it.

As to the wiring harness coming with the LS1 motor, you can't just plug it in and go. There are extensive wiring differences between a 3rd gen and the 4th gen, and the LS1 harnesses are all made for a 4th gen.

There really are NO "corners to cut," that I can see. You are going to need a motor, a trans, a way to mount them both, extensive wiring modifications, suspension mods, custom exhaust, and a wise man will put on a 9" or 12-bolt rear end. Unless it is going to be a trailer queen, you will have emissions parts as well. And like I stated, who wants to spend that much money for only 300 rw? The time to do your heads, cam, and valvetrain upgrades is while the engine is still out of the car. If you can't afford to dump about $7 or $8 thousand into this swap, you probably shouldn't even be thinking about it!

 

Hey Tom,

The pics look GREAT!! Let us know how you like the new "feel" of it, what kind of mods they did for you, etc.

3rd Gen LS1 Hybrids RULE!!! :hail: :hail: :hail:

 

Ummm, maybe piece of mind of having a brand new engine and not worrying about someone elses problem, why don't you cool that temper.

 

Um, FYI I am not mad, and have no temper to keep in check. I'm actually sitting here LAUGHING at the continued incongruity of your posts.

This is in reference to what, exactly? Makes no sense with anything anyone has written. Nobody was debating the merits of buying a new versus used LS1. Except for someone contradicting me on cost and trying to create an unfounded debate on it (ahem), nobody has mentioned or CARED about "new" engines at all in this thread.

This thread is really about Tom Snyder's swap. Let's stop hijacking it, and return to just discussing Tom's swap, shall we? This other stuff belongs somewhere else, imo.

 

so far , i'm 5300.00 in parts for my swap and i've just started to getting the aftermarket stuff.......

 

Like I said, piece of mind.

 

If you kids don't stop fighting, I'll take my LS1 and go home!!

 

geez guys, just chill. i went on the Hawk's page and it does look really nice. plus , with my swap being very similar , you can't ever get too many pics for reference points.

 

It's an animal!!!! I can't believe how fast it is. That's the good side. The bad side is, rod end torque arm and control arms make a harsh ride.

But needed to control the H.P. The way this car launches, I think Bruce Hawkins should work for NASA

 

i'm gonna use the stock torque arm with the poly bushing, will be replacing the lower control arms though , the 375.00 is better spent on other things like cams , throttle body or a nice LS6 intake.

 

:hail: :hail:

We need pictures.......

You forgot about the price after the first drive didn't you......

 

For pictures, go to www.hawksthirdgenparts.com and scroll down on the main page.

 

Pictures? forget that wee need vid of that thing launching and breaking in those tire . ive never seen what a ls1 can do in a camaro and it would be nce to see the pwoer of the beast

 

how does it sound with the ported manifolds and that y pipe (some how it looks small, and not mandrel), with the edlebrock exhaust was it?

bet it was a whole new noise when you started the car...not a bad one just strange and new

 

Blackgold84,
The pipes are bigger than they look in the photos. The car has a deep lowkey rumble at idle.But really howls above 3000 rpm. And It goes like this

 

We Need a Price!

hehe..

i just got a great job and the the old 83 is going to get a good ol' LS1 soon.. hopefully before christmas..

so lets hear how much the damage was..

 

Man what is it with the negative LS1 swaps. I was thinking about getting one but it was too expensive for the horsepower I want. But I know now that I am going to wish for the driviability that comes with it. I think you need to find someone that can get you a deal on tires. Your going to need them.
:rockon:

 

A video and/or audio clip WOULD be a nice touch to add here, Tom.

 

I'm working on something.( photo at least) Between rain and work it's been hard to put it togather.