Nsomniac

I have moderate rod knock in my LS6 that has gotten worse after a few diagnostic starts and will be paying for a complete engine rebuild (I do basic repairs, engine rebuilds are beyond my skill level at this time). Does anyone have experience with paying for an LS6 rebuild, and if so, how much does it run? Being in Idaho, my options are limited and they have a tendency to gouge prices around here. I'm hoping for some forum help to make sure I know what to prepare for.

Thanks!

Jim

Z06ufgrad2002

I just went through the rebuild process myself. If you don't have an extremely qualified machine shop in your area it probably isn't worth the expense if trying the reuse the old bottom end. I ended up going with a short block set up from texas speed and reusing my heads, intake etc. and it still wound up being quite expensive. In the 6K range.

IRON MAIDEN

Almost better off finding a low mile takeout LS3.

85corvettec4

id say around $2,000 with out major work doing it yourself, id double that at a shop

Z06ufgrad2002

I'd say that's way on the low end. Rotating assembly, bearings plus machine costs will be easily over 2K unless you buy the cheapest parts coming out of China. That doesn't include all the gaskets, lifters, break in oil, head bolts etc which is also needed.

Nsomniac

The only reason I am sticking with the LS6 (aside from it being a great motor) is that I am competing in SSP class for autocross. I would rather rebuild, and have seen most quotes in the 6k range, so at least I know it is a reasonable quote.

martysauto

You could on this forum for a low mileage used ls6 short or long block. I got one here last year. The price was right and the engine is good. Otherwise I agree with z06ufgrad2002, get a fresh short block. I would also replace the valve springs and seals while the heads are off. Be careful who you let do the work. There are a lot of hackers out there. Find a reputable shop that does a lot of corvette work!

IRON MAIDEN

How much is the GM LS6 crate motor? All said and done, might be comparable with a warranty.

spdislife

If you can find one. My understanding is there's an engine for a Cadillac that works. Just would have to change the oil pan. If anyone else could add details that would be appreciated.

Z06ufgrad2002

The LS6 crate engines are no where to be found.

You can still purchase a bare LS1/6 block and build it from there. But, GM is still charging a premium for those. ~1K You can also use a 5.3L aluminum block and bore it out to the LS6 and still have the OE cubic inches to meet your class requirements. I am not aware of the Caddy engine that works.

Dave concrete

Where are you located?
Try a few vendors like ECS they might have short and long blocks laying around.

IRON MAIDEN

The Caddy engine you mentioned is an LS6. Not sure what model they came in but they did have an LS6 powered Caddy. I've seen the crate motors in catalogs but didn't realize they are not really available.

Nsomniac

I am about 2 hours from Boise or 3 hours from Salt Lake City. I have an offer to sell it for 15k locally, but would prefer to rebuild and keep it.

racebum

sommers racing engines in vancouver wa is very experienced with those engines. it's a day drive from where you are and or i'm sure somewhat reasonable freight.

it's how you do the rebuild that's going to get interesting. if you need to keep the engine all stock for autocross it still may be a decent idea as you could gram balance the entire thing and possibly get away with removing the casting flash in the heads.

that said, if you need to stay stock i would honestly look for a used ls6 engine with good compression and leakdown numbers. mileage really doesn't matter to a degree, it's all about cylinder leakdown

$3000 usually gets a guy a pretty decent one. throw that in and rebuild your other one in your spare time. if you race a lot you will go through motors

MY03C5Z

The 04-05 CTS-V came with the ls6, as far as I know it was the same as the 02-04 C5Z ls6, except for a different oil pan. Not sure if they are still available as gm replacement engines any more either. If mine let go and I didn't want to spend a lot I'd go with a low mile ls6 short block. If I had more to spend Id go new or low mile ls3.

PeteZ06

I would buy a pullout engine if I was you.... start checking out craigslist, this forum and ebay and have patience.... if youre in a rush then youll end up spending more than youre willing.

hunterhicks

On replacing with a crate LS6: I did this to my convertible- I was able to pick up a brand new Cadillac LS6 from Crate Engine Depot, back in 2010. It was cheap- ~$3600 shipped, long block. All I had to do was put on a corvette oil pan. Dropped right in, worked great. 350/350 to the wheels. I think that was the end of the 'good times' dealing with affordable LS6 crate engines...

Nsomniac

I'm not having much luck finding anything local. I thought this was interesting, but I am thinking I would end up in SSM if I went this way. Seems like a good price compared with what I have been seeing.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LS6-ENGINE-BUILT-WITH-FORGED-PARTS-500HP-0-MILES-SINCE-BUILT-/201025295943?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2ece0a9647&vxp=mtr