Need a good short block
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Need a good short block
My wife's 2004 needs a new engine.
I was going to put some GM performance LS3 heads on it but when the shop pulled the heads and cam they found hot spots on the cam and one worn lobe. They also found hot spots on the cam bearings. The oil plug had one chunk of metal about I/2 the size of a chiclet. The shop owner thought it was part of a wrist pin.
Since I am into it this far I have decided to just get a new short block.
I was going to go with an LS3 but the mechanic said that it was too much trouble and I should go with an LS2.
Texas motors and Thompson motors both said that either will work and the change over is the same for either.
So I asked when I could get a short block and everyone I called in saying a minimum of 4 - 6 weeks unless I go with an iron block.
I was offered a 383 iron stroker with all forged components but I am not sure if I should switch to an iron block or wait the 4 or more weeks for the aluminum .
Also if I wait for the aluminum can anyone tell me if the LS2 and LS3 are the same amount of effort to change to.
I tried to find a link to an existing post but was unsuccessful. Any pointers to existing posts would be appreciated.
Standard tranny
long tube headers
K&N cold air intake
3" SS exhaust
Corsa cat backs
moderate cam
Will be replacing the clutch with a two disk set up all new including the master cylinder, any recommendations
I was going to put some GM performance LS3 heads on it but when the shop pulled the heads and cam they found hot spots on the cam and one worn lobe. They also found hot spots on the cam bearings. The oil plug had one chunk of metal about I/2 the size of a chiclet. The shop owner thought it was part of a wrist pin.
Since I am into it this far I have decided to just get a new short block.
I was going to go with an LS3 but the mechanic said that it was too much trouble and I should go with an LS2.
Texas motors and Thompson motors both said that either will work and the change over is the same for either.
So I asked when I could get a short block and everyone I called in saying a minimum of 4 - 6 weeks unless I go with an iron block.
I was offered a 383 iron stroker with all forged components but I am not sure if I should switch to an iron block or wait the 4 or more weeks for the aluminum .
Also if I wait for the aluminum can anyone tell me if the LS2 and LS3 are the same amount of effort to change to.
I tried to find a link to an existing post but was unsuccessful. Any pointers to existing posts would be appreciated.
Standard tranny
long tube headers
K&N cold air intake
3" SS exhaust
Corsa cat backs
moderate cam
Will be replacing the clutch with a two disk set up all new including the master cylinder, any recommendations
Last edited by mpick819; Aug 22, 2017 at 08:25 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 120
My wife's 2004 needs a new engine.
I was going to put some GM performance LS3 heads on it but when the shop pulled the heads and cam they found hot spots on the cam and one worn lobe. They also found hot spots on the cam bearings. The oil plug had one chunk of metal about I/2 the size of a chiclet. The shop owner thought it was part of a wrist pin.
Since I am into it this far I have decided to just get a new short block.
Will be replacing the clutch with a two disk set up all new including the master cylinder, any recommendations
I was going to put some GM performance LS3 heads on it but when the shop pulled the heads and cam they found hot spots on the cam and one worn lobe. They also found hot spots on the cam bearings. The oil plug had one chunk of metal about I/2 the size of a chiclet. The shop owner thought it was part of a wrist pin.
Since I am into it this far I have decided to just get a new short block.
Will be replacing the clutch with a two disk set up all new including the master cylinder, any recommendations
and what are your goals?
and where are you located?
How much of a hurry are you in to get the car back on the road?
The mechanic said an LS3 is "too much trouble"? Well, you can take his word for that. Or you can get serious and do some research here on the forum.
Is the mechanic a bona fide Vette mechanic?
You came to the right place to ask for help. I think there are some LS1 and LS2 forums that would also be helpful.
Best wishes with your adventure.
Last edited by Sam Handwich; Aug 23, 2017 at 01:54 AM.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
What's your budget?
and what are your goals?
and where are you located?
How much of a hurry are you in to get the car back on the road?
The mechanic said an LS3 is "too much trouble"? Well, you can take his word for that. Or you can get serious and do some research here on the forum.
Is the mechanic a bona fide Vette mechanic?
You came to the right place to ask for help. I think there are some LS1 and LS2 forums that would also be helpful.
Best wishes with your adventure.
and what are your goals?
and where are you located?
How much of a hurry are you in to get the car back on the road?
The mechanic said an LS3 is "too much trouble"? Well, you can take his word for that. Or you can get serious and do some research here on the forum.
Is the mechanic a bona fide Vette mechanic?
You came to the right place to ask for help. I think there are some LS1 and LS2 forums that would also be helpful.
Best wishes with your adventure.
I would like to get the car back together in a week or two.
I am aiming for around 550 crank HP 6oo would make me ecstatic.
What problems should I expect if I go with an LS! 383 stroker iron block.
Everything I have read I have interpreted that an LS1 to an LS@ or LS3 change over is fairly straight forward, a couple of wire harness changes and mostly everything will bolt up, is that correct?
The mechanic does a lot of corvette work around the Jacksonville Beach area yes, I was recommended to him by several people from the corvette club. But that doesn't mean he doesn't have a different agenda than I do. That is why I came here to get more info.
I appreciate any information that I get. Thank You
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 120
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
I just spoke with Cultrag and GM performance. GM does not offer a short block for sale, only long block crate engines.
Thanks for the info though it was certainly worth a shot
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