forged question??
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,392
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From: Wabash,IN
CI 7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08
forged question??
What is the going cost for haven a ls1 motor forged ? Jus the bottom end is what im looking for !! I was quoted $4500.00 to have this done and thats keeping the stock crank 
. So is this a fair price or am i being taken for !!!
. So is this a fair price or am i being taken for !!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,970
Likes: 20
From: San Marcos Texas
I think A&A sells a forged 346 short block for $3500. $3500-3800 for a forged 346 with a stock crank seems the norm. For $4500 you can get a forged 402...
Also is that installed or just motor?
Also is that installed or just motor?
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 20,474
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From: Detroit
Originally Posted by jparr
What is the going cost for haven a ls1 motor forged ? Jus the bottom end is what I'm looking for !! I was quoted $4500.00 to have this done and that’s keeping the stock crank . So is this a fair price or am I being taken for !!!
. So is this a fair price or am I being taken for !!!You really can't compare the above to one of the bargain basement pile of garbage motors that are sometimes advertised here. The cost between an average motor and a great motor really isn't all that significant.. Do it right the first time. Just my .02.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: http://www.mphparts.com 800-364-1975
Different strokes for different folks. Yes, you can get a bargain engine. And yes, you can buy an expensive one. A bargain engine may work just as well as an expensive one for you. Or it may be more likely to fail (even if it never actually does).
The only thing I can say is know what components are going into the motors and do an apples to apples comparison. They are not all built equal! And even if the components are the exact same, assembly is crucial. Go for a reputable company who has done a lot of motors in the power range you are looking to make. For me, the decision was simple... once I knew that I had to be able to break into 800rwhp whenever I wanted to with a boost controller, I gave ECS a call. They have plenty of 700-800rwhp cars out there which proves that the components they use AND their assembly (IMPORTANT!) works.
The only thing I can say is know what components are going into the motors and do an apples to apples comparison. They are not all built equal! And even if the components are the exact same, assembly is crucial. Go for a reputable company who has done a lot of motors in the power range you are looking to make. For me, the decision was simple... once I knew that I had to be able to break into 800rwhp whenever I wanted to with a boost controller, I gave ECS a call. They have plenty of 700-800rwhp cars out there which proves that the components they use AND their assembly (IMPORTANT!) works.
Life Time NCM #2196
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 82,595
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From: Converse TX
I have been very happy with my forged A&A setup and I believe Chriswtx pretty much hit the price range and I have had mine in for 4600 trouble free miles and if the LS2 402 was perfected a year ago I would have went that route, however there is nothing wrong with a 346 if you want to stay with the stock cubes
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,876
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From: Las Vegas NV
St. Jude Donor '06 & '12
Originally Posted by chriswtx
I think A&A sells a forged 346 short block for $3500. $3500-3800 for a forged 346 with a stock crank seems the norm. For $4500 you can get a forged 402...
Also is that installed or just motor?
Also is that installed or just motor?
I know of 3 people that are "Currently" having to have their motors re-ring'd after about 1500 miles because one of our "west coast" tuners cant seem to keep them from blowing oil all over the place.
Actually, I think Norris Motorsports in FL is having to fix one of them as I type this. Its amazing. That motor only lasted about 2000 miles. Unfortunately it was blowing oil all over the place since day one...
Look into the shops that really take their time building the motors. Also, dont use "Budget" parts. Cause you will definately get what you pay for..
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Detroit
Exactly. You want a builder who does everything in house. The builder that I think Jeff is mentioning has used a number of different machine shops over the years. While that may be fine for some, it's just not for me. I also wouldn't mail order a motor unless absolutely necessary.
As for the LS2 402 - I think it's very overrated for a FI app. There are much better options out there.
As for the LS2 402 - I think it's very overrated for a FI app. There are much better options out there.
Life Time NCM #2196
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 82,595
Likes: 1,711
From: Converse TX
Originally Posted by mdhmi
Exactly. You want a builder who does everything in house. The builder that I think Jeff is mentioning has used a number of different machine shops over the years. While that may be fine for some, it's just not for me. I also wouldn't mail order a motor unless absolutely necessary.
As for the LS2 402 - I think it's very overrated for a FI app. There are much better options out there.
As for the LS2 402 - I think it's very overrated for a FI app. There are much better options out there.
And what options are better, seems ECS is pumping out lots of mid 800's or more with this motor and blower setup, Canjundude has his LS2 rocking with the STS setup and American HP is doing his LS2 with the KB what gives here
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Detroit
I'm not suggesting that good power can't be made with an LS2 402, just saying I don't think it's the best option. I'd prefer an all-bore approach. Either a 364, 378, or 388 would be my preference.
I’m discounting race setups here as those motors get refreshed every season or two.
What did Cajun's car trap at the strip? How many miles on it?
Like I said - I'm not saying there aren't some great LS2 powered cars, I just don't think they've proven the test of time at all and I wouldn't want a relocated knock sensor (relocated to a position where it is less effective as I understand).
Plus the strokers don’t seem to fair nearly as well as all-bores when it comes to longevity.
Just my .02.
I’m discounting race setups here as those motors get refreshed every season or two.
What did Cajun's car trap at the strip? How many miles on it?
Like I said - I'm not saying there aren't some great LS2 powered cars, I just don't think they've proven the test of time at all and I wouldn't want a relocated knock sensor (relocated to a position where it is less effective as I understand).
Plus the strokers don’t seem to fair nearly as well as all-bores when it comes to longevity.
Just my .02.
Life Time NCM #2196
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 82,595
Likes: 1,711
From: Converse TX
Originally Posted by mdhmi
I'm not suggesting that good power can't be made with an LS2 402, just saying I don't think it's the best option. I'd prefer an all-bore approach. Either a 364, 378, or 388 would be my preference.
I’m discounting race setups here as those motors get refreshed every season or two.
What did Cajun's car trap at the strip? How many miles on it?
Like I said - I'm not saying there aren't some great LS2 powered cars, I just don't think they've proven the test of time at all and I wouldn't want a relocated knock sensor (relocated to a position where it is less effective as I understand).
Plus the strokers don’t seem to fair nearly as well as all-bores when it comes to longevity.
Just my .02.
I’m discounting race setups here as those motors get refreshed every season or two.
What did Cajun's car trap at the strip? How many miles on it?
Like I said - I'm not saying there aren't some great LS2 powered cars, I just don't think they've proven the test of time at all and I wouldn't want a relocated knock sensor (relocated to a position where it is less effective as I understand).
Plus the strokers don’t seem to fair nearly as well as all-bores when it comes to longevity.
Just my .02.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 20,474
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From: Detroit
Originally Posted by peter pan
one of our buddies in San Antonio has not had any issues with his LS2 402 with a 150 shot on top of his setup and is in the low 11's and when he put on the drag pack he will be in the tens, and yea he is not in the 800 rwhp club
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 3,060
Likes: 3
From: Dublin CA
Originally Posted by jparr
What is the going cost for haven a ls1 motor forged ? Jus the bottom end is what im looking for !! I was quoted $4500.00 to have this done and thats keeping the stock crank . So is this a fair price or am i being taken for !!!
. So is this a fair price or am i being taken for !!!You can spend anywhere from $2,700-$4,600 for a forged shortblock. There's value in having a Lingenfelter motor, but they use stock rods.
C5s will continue to lose value fast, so if you're considering swapping for a C6, you might want to consider an LS2 motor as a longer term investment.
Beware shopping by the cheapest vendor. I bought one from someone who didn't know what they were talking about, and was burned big time. I lit up $5,000 in cash a year ago and the car hasn't run since. Also use a vendor within driving distance. Mail order motors in general aren't worth the savings, and vendors are more likely to take care of you in person than over the phone.
Last edited by blu00rdstr; Sep 13, 2006 at 03:30 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,970
Likes: 20
From: San Marcos Texas
Originally Posted by peter pan
Very good reasons and maybe Cajun (or the ECS boys will chime in I bet they have a corral of them) will let us know when he goes back out as he has already been kicked off the track and had to put in a roll cage that is now in and one of our buddies in San Antonio has not had any issues with his LS2 402 with a 150 shot on top of his setup and is in the low 11's and when he put on the drag pack he will be in the tens, and yea he is not in the 800 rwhp club
Yes, Guss with his 402 runs 11.1@129mph on motor and with the NOS he has run a best of 10.7@136
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,392
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From: Wabash,IN
CI 7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08
I know this is a dumb question but will a 402 work with my 98 corvette as in plug and play or will some stuff need changed ??? the price i was giving was for removal and install and the motor work !!! They reason i ask this is i had a freind build me a 383 from my c-4 and all said and done i was putting down 214 rwhp that was a 85 corvette, so I dont want to go thru that trouble again 
thanks guys JAY
thanks guys JAY
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 3,060
Likes: 3
From: Dublin CA
Originally Posted by victoryracing
$4500.00 is a decent price for the motor work along with removal and reinstallation.
$2,700 El-cheapo Shortblock
$ 200 Shipping
$ 150 Crate
$ 250 Gen 2 head studs (ARP)
$ 100 Head Gasket set
$ 100 Oil, Coolant, etc
$1,500 R&R
=====
$5,000 Sub Total
$ 285 8% tax on hardware
$5,285 Total
So $4,500 isn't bad.