I have been watching crate LS3 and LS7 prices since September 2008, when I bought a Hot Rod magazine where several crate engines are tested in a yellow 1969 Chevelle at a drag strip.

At first the LS7 was what I wanted, for my C5, and then use the LS1 for my 1965 C10 truck.

Then LS7 prices went high, and the reports of engine failure from bad valve guides, or wrong angles made me think LS3 was the way to go.

This has all just been dreaming, but lately I'm wanting a LS something for the truck, been looking at used LS1 engines online, complete about 3k with around 100k miles.

Then thought keep saving and just buy a brand new LS3, just the one with stock cam, 430 HP, prices have risen from 6200 to roughly 7500, oh well inflation, etc.

Just for kicks I looked up crate LS7 thinking it would be even more than last time I looked, and was shocked they are right under 11k.

Thought first ad wasn't right, then looked more, $10,900.00.

Last time I looked these were at least 15K.

Maybe the valve guide issue made them stop selling so prices are reduced?

I'd still be nervous about having one and it be wrecked due to eating a valve.

The prices of LS3 and LS7 have grown close together.

LS7 in a C5 would be awesome, other than being prone to failure.

 

I probably need to create another thread, but I'm going to ask here.

The "fix" on the LS7 heads, is it permanent or something you have to recheck every few years?

Still would love to have LS7 in my 1999 vert, and most likely will never buy another Corvette again, unless something happened to this one.

At this point I wouldn't run the dry sump setup, convert it to a wet sump.

The LS1 pulled out of the 1999 vert would be a great upgrade to the 1965 C10 and unlike used LS1 engines for sale, I know this one runs good and has been maintained good for the last 16 1/2 years, it has 93k and is stock, always used Mobil one full synthetic.

10900.00 isn't that bad, both my C5 and C10 truck get upgraded engines.

Yes I know there are other costs too, and conversion stuff on both vehicles.

Don't laugh, I'm daily driving a PT Cruiser I got for free, that needed repairs.

The C10 is parked and the 396 big block runs, but has stinky exhaust, hard to start after it's warmed up at times, I want a LS1!

No plans for buying new cars anytime soon, this dream is becoming more real.

What do you think?

 

As far as I know, once the fix is done the LS7 heads are fine after that-as long as it's a good quality set of heads. Raceprovenmotorsports has done a couple videos on the subject:



Their channel is fun to watch, and I think I have learned something along the way. LOL

If I wanted an LS7 crate motor, I'd then buy their heads/cam package to go along with it.

I'm no expert. My dad has had 2 C6 Z06s. On one we had the heads done from American Heritage Performance (AHP)-another great option to go with. On his 2nd Z06, it already had a heads/cam package on it.

Good luck with your decision.

 

I know this suggestion is not an LS, but I had a ZZ4..350 cu.in., 355 hp......in a "68 Nova back in the day. Best motor I ever had. Just sayin.

 

I've also been considering a crate engine for my C5Z. The LS7 valve fiasco (i.e. possibly dropping more cash on cylinder heads on top of the LS7 crate engine) and the lack of a dry sump LS3 525hp crate engine from GM (basically the LS3 from the Grand Sport plus a dry sump to keep the oily bits happy plus the ASA Cam) and the fact that a few people with the LS7 stock "dry sump" have cooked brand new motors on the road course- It's all making me think twice about a crate engine from GM.

That being said it's hard to compete with the LS3 525 crate engine price. If my LS6 ever dies, the LS3 525 (or a Gen 5 LT1) is likely going to be swapped in.

Instead of going with a GM crate engine- seeing as you might be buying new cylinder heads and a wet-sump conversion and you might never get a vette again- why not look at a crate engine from Texas Speed or Horse Power Research? Both offer 427 engines plus some other 400+ Cube combos... HPR has a nasty 454 based LS as well as a 468 CUBIC INCH MONSTER. The HPR 468 is on my wish list but if I ever sold the car, I'd be keeping that engine to throw into something else.

GM's iron block LSX 454 isn't a bad deal either. It's a little heavier- but so is strapping turbos or a supercharger to the nose of your car.

 

TSP crate and LS3 heads with an LOD intake. LS3's have weak intake choices, FAST doesn't produce much over stock, un sure how MSD fairs.

Option 2 is same TSP bottom end with RPM/AI LS7 heads.
If you have money to spend, HPR longblock, they would probably spec Brodix heads.

I have an ERL 434 and LS7 heads

 

There is a school of thought that the Katech fix on the LS7 heads is permanent. https://store.katechengines.com/storefront.aspx

Be prepared for a little sticker shock.

The valve issue in the LS7 is only one item to worry about. There is also the connecting rod problem. Either one is a fairly expensive failure. You may want to save your pennies if you want to blow one up. that said, they are an awesome engine.

I have an absolutely flawless A4 LS1 if you are really interested in an LS1. It's spent it's an entire life in front of an auto so it was more or less never beat. Never used a drop of oil and was pulled for a complete replacement. Honestly though an LS7 it's going to be a massive undertaking dollar-wise to swap into a C5.
I very nearly bought a C3 with a zz383 last Christmas. That was a bad dude. A very sweet setup with a Tremec 5-speed.

 

https://www.chevrolet.com/performanc...UOpA&gclsrc=ds

 

Are we talking about the LS7 that is a dry sump oiling system engine that was used in Z06 Corvettes? Part number 19329246? This engine has the longer crank snout to run a dry sump oil pump and will need the external lines and tank to do so. Something to keep in mind if you want to retrofit one of these into a non dry sump application.

There are several companies that make 427's that are not dry sump set ups. Check them out.

 

I wasn't aware of LS7 having rod issues also, so back to LS3 crate or a used LS1.

Now that LS7 is out of picture, even if I get a crate LS3, that would just be put in the C10, and leave the C5 alone.

I'll message K spaz about his LS1.

 

So I found what I think is a pretty decent deal, a complete C5 1998 LS1 with all the goodies needed to swap it into my 1965 truck.

I'm sure there is going to be more parts needed, sumpped fuel tank with fuel pump inside, eventually a 4L60E, but this thing seems pretty complete, has starter, intake to oil pan, coil packs, motor mounts (might be able to use them, or use conversion mounts) all accessories, ecm, harness, gas pedal and TAC, throttle body, injectors.

109,000 miles, says it runs good, $2350.00 and free shipping, from a Corvette salvage place in Michigan.

I can buy through eBay, or directly from the Corvette parts place, I have no eBay account.

I also don't have a credit card, just debit.

What is the safest way to buy it, get credit card, or use eBay and PayPal, I realize it's a 21 year old engine with over 100k miles and it could burn oil etc, hopefully it does run good.

 

https://aescorvetteparts.com/collect...hp-109k-aa6467

Take a look and see what you think?

I would run it with the current TH400 for now, and get a 4L60E eventually.

 

With the AC compressor and everything, looks like a great deal to me. Throttle pedal, PCM and Tac module, still has the flexplate on, looks like nothing was removed you got the alternator there. I would jump on it. Especially including shipping. And like I said about mine, it's been its life with an automatic behind it so it's almost guaranteed to be a nicer motor than one that was behind a six-speed.

 

I put an LS376/480 (@ $7000.00) in my 2000 corvette. American headers and 3 inch X-pipe necked down to 2.5 inches (@ $1500.00) to marry to the existing Corsa exhaust. Had to buy a trigger from Ligenfelter and a mass air adapter cable (@ $40.00). Also a Hal-Tech air filter set-up (@ $600.00) which we overnight so we could run it on the Dyno. Results, 466 HP to the back wheels.

 

My thought on a 100k engine, on Ebay. Oh, it runs good would not cut it. You have no
compression readings and I know NO dyno numbers. OK look local you can find a
good deal and a lot of times you can hear the engine run and check it.
I would look for a LS3 engine. Cheap and well built.
Good luck.

 

The LS1 sold already, it's more expensive, but I think I'll keep saving up for new LS3 crate engine, accessories, controller.

 

I ended up buying a new Edelbrock Pro flo 4 multipoint fuel injection kit for the old big block Chevy, it was only $1895.00 plus tax, includes controller, intake, throttle body, fuel rails and injectors, distributor and has a mail in rebate for a free sump pump remote pump that goes in engine bay.

The old 396 mechanical pump supplies gas to the remote pump, then that pumps pressure up to fuel injection pressure, pretty cool!

It can be tuned on the fly by your smartphone or tablet, via Bluetooth, set timing, idle speed, adjust afr, etc, it's also self learning.

Found out they have a controller for LS engines for $700.00, if you use your own smart phone, and have a pull out engine with the throttle body, injectors, etc already.

If this thread still exits, I'll update it in case anyone is interested.

 

Seeing todays prices on engines and think back of my hot rodding day in the late '60's. Last engine I bought was from Holman Moody Ford racing division at the time.. A 428 CJ engine ready to go in my '67 Fairlane 500. $850.00.
Pretty sure with my present retirement pay scale, my '03 Coupe is gonna stay stock and a cruiser. Sigh!