I've done some digging, but couldn't come up with a (current) fair price of an LS1 engine.

I've found a local LS1 from a 99 camaro. Engine was pulled in October, and has been stored inside. Owner agrees to sell for $1,200. Engine has full harness and computer, is missing alternator and air conditioning...manifolds are apparently included but not pictured.

I know the engines are stamped with displacement. Is there anything in particular you would look for to determine if this is a good price for a used 100,000 mile engine? Or alarm bells that would make you run away. Will likely go to pick up this weekend (if I can find a truck).

Thanks.

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It's not bad, it's not good.

Figure about average for engine only complete with everything.

If it does have everything it says and is in good working condition it would probably be worth it for a swap especially if you get everything you need like you say it has.

A compatible trans is easy to find if your sticking with the auto. Gets expensive real quick if you want a manual.

 

I'd love to go manual, but to be honest...this will be a very very budget oriented swap, and an auto will get me by for years until I get bored....I know I used to watch complete pull outs going for $3500 engine/transmission and that price really hasn't come down via e-bay.

so my thoughts were that at $1200, if i have to perform a rebuild, it should be doable and put me around the $2000 mark (depending on how much I'd have to send out).

Thanks. ... anything specific to look for?

 

Yea it's not good or bad deal and it isn't complete ,tough decision there

Have you calculated are the things you need vs buying a complete swap it might even out or you might pay more piecing everything together, the little things add up quick .

So your only using about $800 for a rebuild , for a quality ls engine rebuild will run you more than that , when I search for my short block rebuild from a reputable swap I was quoted nothing less than $1100, but if you do your self you might make it work if you have the tools , keep in mind that if you don't have the tools to do so you can easily blow 800 easy , which brings back to calculating everything you need and might come out the same as you just buying a complete drop out

I seen couple 100,000 engine and you can still see the crosshatch and cylinder walls where excellent shape some people even drop in cam at that mileage

 

Thanks for the info! I did pick up the engine, asking price was $1400 but I paid $1200...as you guys said, likely not great...not bad.

I'm in no hurry to swap the engine in, but it should happen eventually. I have a decent set of home tools, but not for a full on engine rebuild, at least not right now.

I did get a box of the "extras" that came with the engine to include the AC accessory bracket, compressor, alternator, starter, plug wires, starter, and exhaust manifolds. Harness doesn't look cut, but I'll be inspecting it better before moving forward.

I did notice a little hole behind the throttle body on the intake manifold, not sure what goes there...but something was clearly missing. know what goes there?

***Edit***
Figured it out, EGR system. I have the EGR hoses from the engine as well, but we'll see if they're needed or not for a swap. Guessing on the NOT side, and considering the age of the vehicle and non-requirement for emissions testing...I feel that will be an item left off.

 

Doesnt sound like a bad deal to me at all for an actual LS1. The aluma block stuff is a bit pricier than the iron variants

 

I'm sure locality plays into this as well, in which it might be more difficult/pricy in Ontario vs the US.

I was glad the accessories were included, along with the drive system.

Removed the wiring harness last night and only noticed on broken wire. Oil that was left in the motor was dark, but not in "bad" shape and didn't smell odd at all. I want to remove the coil packs next, then start cleaning...

I'm still needing to purchase a transmission, and have plenty of additional work to do on the recipient car but I'm in no major hurry to get the engine in...just sooner rather than never.

 

Locally in the past that was true , until recently in past year or so iron variant ie 6.0 have been more expensive than ls1 pull outs by at least double a ls1 drop out, as they finally realized what they actually have and that it's more than a truck engine lol Idk up your way is any same or not but that's what I been seeing

4.8/5.3 can still be found dirt cheap still only way I would find a dirt cheap 6.0 is in junkyard if I'm lucky but that a rarity as I'm patiently waiting for a lq9 deal

 

I could have had a 6L for like $900 here in Ontario... Went with the LS1, paid $1400 for it with harness and computer. I figure the 02 motor I have has the LS6 intake, it's aluminum, mileage was ok on it so it was a decent purchase.
It's getting close to swap time, just waiting on the mail man!

 

I would of got the 6.0 lol

Locally around here 6.0 go for atleast 2000 just for engine and engine and trans go for 3500 to 5000 , ls1 go for about 1200 to 1800 for drop out , higher if there been aftermarket add ons

 

Yeah the 6.0L craze really got rolling with the L92 head swap potential. Its the only stock genII block with a 4.0" bore thats required to clear the LS3 head and when you look back prior to that head? AFR's best cathedral at the time was about on par for the performance levels you could get out of an LS3 head, which used to sell for so cheap, so it just cleaned out the stock pile of 6.0L

The iron block is better for max power boost on the cheap as well. Plus cubes, every wants them, more the merrier, and finally supply. For every 6.0L out there in a truck theres probably fifty+ 5.3's or 4.8's as the lions share of trucks were equipped with the smaller engines.