The first LS engine attempt was a complete engine and transmission package sourced from a friend for $1600.00 for an all aluminum 5.7 L LS engine out of a ’99 Trans Am WS6 with 90K miles. Then I found a “Steal” of a deal on a 6.0L iron block with 50K! The individual selling the engine on Craigslist was talked down to $500.00 for the 2001 LKQ junkyard long block engine! The Aluminum 5.7L was then sold for $1650. The savings would soon disappear though, the extra parts needed to make this engine look sweet are adding up!!!
Before we get to far ahead though, I would like to send a very sincere thanks out to the folks at BRP Hotrods, Moroso, Lokar, Kwik Performance, F.A.S.T. and Swagelok of St. Louis. Representatives from each of these companies helped solved part integration issues. The product support from these companies is top-notch!
Here is a little background of the engine and some detail photos.
The engine was now in place using the BRP motor mounts. The transmission core was trial fit to the G-force cross-member. Now, on to the rest of the engine build up. The following parts were sourced from Craigslist: a 90mm F.A.S.T intake, an AccuFab 90mm throttle body, Ls1 corvette fuel rail, ford 30 lbs injectors, and a brand new Be Cool g-body polished radiator. In the following pics I will show you some of the modifications it took to make these part work together.
As you can see, lots of things to keep working on. Next on the agenda is a small break, its time for SEMA 2012! This will be my first trip out to this trade show and I’m excited. If I get some good pics, I will post them.