LS6 is it worth it
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 81
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From: New Jersey
LS6 is it worth it
I came across a 2003 LS6 with 92,000 miles on it for $3,800 it's complete with all the accessories and ecm. My question is it worth the price with those miles engine is clean with no leaks and runs nice no funny noises.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 81
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From: New Jersey
Yeah rear end damage motor is clean but with those miles I would have to freshen it up before install and that would raise the $$$ might be good for a few more miles before a full rebuild
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
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From: At the beach in little Rhody
From your bio, it appears you have a 2003. Dollars to donuts if you check the casting number on the back of the block (driver's side below the head) you will find you already have the LS6 block (my 02 has the LS6 block). That being the case, the 243 heads and the LS6 cam are the only missing parts between what you have and what you plan to buy for a lot of money. Too much money, too little gain and a lot of work in between.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,814
Likes: 2,266
From: Brighton MI
With most of the posts above. If you are looking to spend some money to make more power, upgrade what you have. For that same money, or just a little more, you could go FI and make a lot more power.
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
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From: oregon
mileage doesn't matter, you want leakdown and compression numbers
3800 sounds high to me too
around 3 flat if it comes with accessories, intake manifold, injectors etc AND has 5% or less leakdown in all holes
3800 sounds high to me too
around 3 flat if it comes with accessories, intake manifold, injectors etc AND has 5% or less leakdown in all holes
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
Don't forget, there are 243 heads and LS6 243 heads. The LS6 version has very light valves and are getting difficult to find in decent condition. Also, if you go heads & cam, there are better setups than the stock LS6 but obviously the heads will cost a bit more.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 81
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From: New Jersey
Yes I see 243 heads came on a few different cars what is a fair price on a pair from a none zo6 none sodium filled spring version like out a ctsv clean not rebuilt and what is a fair price on the zo6 version
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
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From: Pasco WA
I sold mine (02 ZO6) about 8 yrs ago for $500, but they were only about 3000 miles old. Usually, you can find a good used set of heads that's already been CNC'd, etc. Also, you'll want a bigger cam than a stock Z.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
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From: oregon
depends on supply. years ago when everyone took these off ls2s they sold cheap. prices seem to be higher now on ls6/243 engines, parts than they have been in awhile. why i don't know, only assume less supply on the market.
this happened to c4s as well around the early 2000s. by 2003 or so part prices started trending upward as things were discontinued and became more scarce
this happened to c4s as well around the early 2000s. by 2003 or so part prices started trending upward as things were discontinued and became more scarce
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,995
Likes: 386
From: Chandler AZ
Going slightly off topic...
On a work van I had 2013 Chevy van with 4.8, I popped the hood and saw it had 799 heads.
799 supposedly are basically 243 heads without the special valves.
That is good news to me, find a set off a wrecked van and send to Advanced Induction for cnc porting.
On a work van I had 2013 Chevy van with 4.8, I popped the hood and saw it had 799 heads.
799 supposedly are basically 243 heads without the special valves.
That is good news to me, find a set off a wrecked van and send to Advanced Induction for cnc porting.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,363
Likes: 429
From: Birmingham Al
This is what I do ,first figure out what you want how much HP how going to use the deal how much will it cost to do that to what you have then look at the LS-6 motor is a little high and lots work to install from there you can figure out which way to go .Heads cam headers Bam LS-1 Hot Rod .You can build one nice motor for $3,500 and the parts will be new not used .. If can get LS-6 cheaper that would be cool also ,BANG for the buck is the deal and will it hold up and be fun to drive..