How much did your Lsx cost?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 6
From: springfield ohio
How much did your Lsx cost?
How much did your LSX set up cost completely installed in the car
from start to finish and what kind of Horse Power do you believe
you have?
I have a Mild Hi compression 355 that was built by the previous owner
with iron heads and performer intake with a 650 carb (I think). This set
up runs really well for a small block. I am looking to install AFR 195 heads
and switch over to the EZ EFI set up on top of a RPM intake to get the
most out of the current motor, hopefully 450 HP Or more.
I would be looking to do all this for around $3000. Doesn't it make
more sense to keep the 355 with the new setup or would I be better
off to just go with an LSX setup? If I don't do the LSX setup now I
may do it in a few years when things in my life slow down, maybe even
in my next project.
Thanks,
Riggs
from start to finish and what kind of Horse Power do you believe
you have?
I have a Mild Hi compression 355 that was built by the previous owner
with iron heads and performer intake with a 650 carb (I think). This set
up runs really well for a small block. I am looking to install AFR 195 heads
and switch over to the EZ EFI set up on top of a RPM intake to get the
most out of the current motor, hopefully 450 HP Or more.
I would be looking to do all this for around $3000. Doesn't it make
more sense to keep the 355 with the new setup or would I be better
off to just go with an LSX setup? If I don't do the LSX setup now I
may do it in a few years when things in my life slow down, maybe even
in my next project.
Thanks,
Riggs
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
I have been looking at the same issue with my car. To do the LS swap theway I wanted to do it and the HP and trans I wanted it would have been in the 8 to 10k range. Now I could sell my setup for a decent amount but for all the extra time and money I would have about the same HP and I already have EFI on mine. I decided to do a roller cam and new heads and up the HP a little but cost a lot less. You can do it much cheaper but it would not be what I wanted. I priced it all out many times. Do your research and make the decision. 
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
You're probably better off keeping the engine that you have and putting the $3,000 in upgrades. You can't do a LS engine swap for $3,000 unless somebody gives you an engine for free.
Rick B.
Rick B.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 16
From: absecon nj
You could also build a 5.3(thats my next project)they make some decnt power out of them and there alot cheaper to find.
Last edited by PatsLs1vette; Dec 6, 2009 at 08:18 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
Likes: 201
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
It depends on how much you know and how good a mechanic you are, the better you are the cheaper it is. If you don't know much it is expensive, especially if you have to get someone to do it for you now your talking way more than anything that has been quoted so far
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 16
From: absecon nj
thats why mine was so cheap,lol
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
You shouldnt say cant ,i did everything for 1800 including building the ls1 motor from a bare block.Ls6 intake,injectors,throttle body $85 for all.modified my own harness 99 fbody ,modified my hooker sidepipes myself to fit.Ls6 cam.I got everything as cheap as i could find.Mostly from guys on the c5 forum section.All internals had less then 2000 miles on them,new mahle file to fit rings,arp rod bolts and studs.Pcm was supplied from jesse at wait4meperformance,since then i tune my own with efi live.I tried to see how cheap i could do it .But i did already have my 700r4 trans already in there that is a savings.
You could also build a 5.3(thats my next project)they make some decnt power out of them and there alot cheaper to find.
You could also build a 5.3(thats my next project)they make some decnt power out of them and there alot cheaper to find.
Rick B.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 6
From: springfield ohio
How much did it cost? I am looking at 450 Horse or more, the LS would
give me the platform to build more Horse Power at a latter time.
Yes I am the type that doesn't like to have other people doing may work,
I'm a hands on, kind of Guy. I would be doing as much of the work that I
can, the machine work I would have to have done because of the lack
the equipment.
What I am looking for is the best bang for my money. I love the LSX builds
that I have seen, but I'm not convinced that it is the right set up for this
car.
Thanks for any and all advice,
Riggs.
give me the platform to build more Horse Power at a latter time.
Yes I am the type that doesn't like to have other people doing may work,
I'm a hands on, kind of Guy. I would be doing as much of the work that I
can, the machine work I would have to have done because of the lack
the equipment.
What I am looking for is the best bang for my money. I love the LSX builds
that I have seen, but I'm not convinced that it is the right set up for this
car.
Thanks for any and all advice,
Riggs.
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Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 668
Likes: 87
From: Bismarck IL.
I bought my LS1 with 4l60 and all accessories for $3700. Sold stock engine with tune port on it and a 700r trans for $2500. The harness and everything around $4000. I have about $5500 in the swap. Best money spent on my 73.I wished I would have spent the money on the lS1 instead of putting a tune port and 700r on my 73 engine.Charlie
Racer
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 485
Likes: 1
From: Oakville ON
You might want to check with your insurance company. Mine (S.F.) will not honour the policy if you put in a different engine than was available as a factoty option. I see here lots of guys are doing this.
aybe they don't know or maybe their insurance company isn't as strict. I went the 355 ci route because my agent said that was okay (at any power level!). I think 383 won't be a problem.
My Dad was a lawyer and told me that when the companies have a big claim, like for serious personal injury, the do everything to weasel out of paying up. So you are really taking a miillion dollar gamble ....
aybe they don't know or maybe their insurance company isn't as strict. I went the 355 ci route because my agent said that was okay (at any power level!). I think 383 won't be a problem.
My Dad was a lawyer and told me that when the companies have a big claim, like for serious personal injury, the do everything to weasel out of paying up. So you are really taking a miillion dollar gamble ....
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 6
From: springfield ohio
I bought my LS1 with 4l60 and all accessories for $3700. Sold stock engine with tune port on it and a 700r trans for $2500. The harness and everything around $4000. I have about $5500 in the swap. Best money spent on my 73.I wished I would have spent the money on the lS1 instead of putting a tune port and 700r on my 73 engine.Charlie
It looks like The LS swap can be done pretty cheap, you just have to hunt
for the right deal. I have looked a little here and there for parts and prices
and have found the prices to be high.
Who has an LS setup with over 500 horse power and how much money
do you have into the project with doing most of the work your self?
Thanks for the info, keep them coming.
Riggs.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
Likes: 201
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
That is what I priced out. A LS3 modified or a LS2 with a blower and a upgraded T56 install. It was upwards of 10K with what I wanted to do with it. My brother in law did a resto mod with a LS7 with a cam and slight head work and a Tranzilla T56 and the works. It was quite expensive. But with 586 RWHP it is a hoot to drive.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,032
Likes: 2
From: Newburgh NY
Some grenade level craziness:
LS6 Shortblock: $1500
Stage 2 Heads: $1500
Cam/Pushrods: $ 400
Rockers/Lifters $ 350
Clutch/Flywheel $ 800
Supercharger $5500
T56 $2500
Radiator/Fans $ 800
Intake/Maf $ 500
Pulley System $2500 (With Chrome Alt and A/C)
Stainless Headers $1800 (With Sidepipes)
Custom Valve Covers $500
Engine Harness $ 600
Coil Pack/Backets $750
Fuel System
etc.
etc.
etc.
and
etc....
I'm worn out already....
LS6 Shortblock: $1500
Stage 2 Heads: $1500
Cam/Pushrods: $ 400
Rockers/Lifters $ 350
Clutch/Flywheel $ 800
Supercharger $5500
T56 $2500
Radiator/Fans $ 800
Intake/Maf $ 500
Pulley System $2500 (With Chrome Alt and A/C)
Stainless Headers $1800 (With Sidepipes)
Custom Valve Covers $500
Engine Harness $ 600
Coil Pack/Backets $750
Fuel System
etc.
etc.
etc.
and
etc....
I'm worn out already....
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 6
From: springfield ohio
Gordonm, It sounds like your in the same situation as I, with this LSX setup.
Thats why I'm asking this question, If I change out for an LS, it has to be
for some big numbers. With the setup I have now I could add about 3 thousand
and be near the 500 horse power mark. I don't see it being worth the money to
go the LS route, and still having 450 horse or less.
I think if I was starting from a stock setup I would go The LS route for sure, but
already having a rebuilt small block I can't justify it at this point.
78Vette,
That is a beautiful setup you have there, not just the motor, the whole car.
I have seen your set up before and most say, that is a dream of an engine to
have. How many horse does your setup deliver, 650? At any rate that car looks
like it would be a blast to drive.
I will Keep an eye out for an LSX setup that could be started on the
cheap, But I think its for my next project. When I do an LSX, its going
to be a ridiculous setup with a **** load of power.
Riggs.
Thats why I'm asking this question, If I change out for an LS, it has to be
for some big numbers. With the setup I have now I could add about 3 thousand
and be near the 500 horse power mark. I don't see it being worth the money to
go the LS route, and still having 450 horse or less.
I think if I was starting from a stock setup I would go The LS route for sure, but
already having a rebuilt small block I can't justify it at this point.
78Vette,
That is a beautiful setup you have there, not just the motor, the whole car.
I have seen your set up before and most say, that is a dream of an engine to
have. How many horse does your setup deliver, 650? At any rate that car looks
like it would be a blast to drive.
I will Keep an eye out for an LSX setup that could be started on the
cheap, But I think its for my next project. When I do an LSX, its going
to be a ridiculous setup with a **** load of power.
Riggs.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Gordonm, It sounds like your in the same situation as I, with this LSX setup.
Thats why I'm asking this question, If I change out for an LS, it has to be
for some big numbers. With the setup I have now I could add about 3 thousand
and be near the 500 horse power mark. I don't see it being worth the money to
go the LS route, and still having 450 horse or less.
I think if I was starting from a stock setup I would go The LS route for sure, but
already having a rebuilt small block I can't justify it at this point.
Riggs.
Thats why I'm asking this question, If I change out for an LS, it has to be
for some big numbers. With the setup I have now I could add about 3 thousand
and be near the 500 horse power mark. I don't see it being worth the money to
go the LS route, and still having 450 horse or less.
I think if I was starting from a stock setup I would go The LS route for sure, but
already having a rebuilt small block I can't justify it at this point.
Riggs.
