Opinion's on this new ls3 crate?

[Yenko boy]

Just wondering what some of you might have to say about the new 525hp ls3 crate engine offering. And if it is or isn't a better buy then Ls7 crate?

http://paceperformance.com/i-7739382-19259233-gmpp-ls3-376cid-525-hp-crate-engine.html

[Gimpala63n70]

I personally like the LS7 platform better, do you plan on modifying the crate package that you buy?

[Spiffav8]

I think it all depends on what you're going to be doing with the car. The LS3 is an awesome engine and for a decent price. I think you get a lot of bang for your buck with that LS3. Thanks for posting up the link!

:captain:

[strtcar]

Looks like a good bang for your buck for a new engine.

[CFster]

$1300 for a cam?

[Track Junky]

For the money looks like a good deal. Do you really want to spend twice as much for another 125 hp?

[cencalc6]

$1300 for a cam?

lol! I agree.... it's basically a Stock LS3 engine with a cam

[ironworks]

Ordered one yesterday from Fairway Chevy in las Vegas

[4mm]

Here is a good deal on a brand new LS2 Torquer crate engine from Katech, arguably one of the best engine builders. It was relisted since last week it did not sell for $6500.

I will let you in on a little secret, if you call Jason at Katech, he will in all likelyhood sell it to you for $6500. It's a one time deal.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/509hp-Katech-Torquer-LS2-crate-engine-Katech-valve-covers-/120811912473?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item1c20f37d19

[6D9 Matt]

In the spring Im gonna start looking for an LS setup I believe... I think Im wanting around 475-500 rwhp NA (was wanting LS3 but open to options). Then wanting to boost it (cant decide on blower or turbo but that will come a year or two later anyway) for about 600-700 rwhp.

Any ideas on a good crate engine to start with?

[BigChevyFTW]

the LS3 with a killer set of cnc ported heads and you'll far surpass the LS7's 525 hp and have extra money to spare

[1HTBRRD]

you could always get a used truck motor 5.3/ 6.0 and boost it now, easily hit your hp goals and then some...and still be under $6k

[cspecken]

Tried to get pricing from my local GM shop but they do not have the details yet. Looks like Pace has them listed on their site. Might have to consider this for my GTO project, was looking at going with the ls3/480 but things may have changed!!!

Still need to look into other LS3 builders like Mass, Turn Key, and Katech. Just curious if anyone has done comparisons $ for $, hp to hp and warranty to warranty with these builders and GMPP. If so I would be interested in your findings.


Thanks in advance, Chris

[John510]

you could always get a used truck motor 5.3/ 6.0 and boost it now, easily hit your hp goals and then some...and still be under $6k


Where are you going to get a motor plus boost for under 6k?

[Nessumsar]

The engine you could make with the money for the crate engine would be insane. I don't understand it...

Where are you going to get a motor plus boost for under 6k?

You could easily make a 500+whp 5.3 for under $3000. All you need is a low milage 5.3, valve springs, rod bolts, injectors, T70 turbo, IC, and misc piping.

[cspecken]

Sounds great, and I would like to save money so I can use it elsewhere on my build. I would assume for many people including myself, building the engine is just another thing most people are not knowledgeable or have skills in doing this. I am all for learning and doing stuff myself, but somethings are best left for the professionals.

The crate motors available today are point,click, drag and drop. And your up and running. Building out the motor takes some skill and knowledge on which parts combination are going to get you to the HP mark you are seeking. Of course there are great vendors who will sell you all of the parts you need, but then there is the assembly issue.

[John510]

You could easily make a 500+whp 5.3 for under $3000. All you need is a low milage 5.3, valve springs, rod bolts, injectors, T70 turbo, IC, and misc piping.

OK so where are the 3000$ turbos or superchargers? Id like one

[Blake Foster]

I also just ordered one for a project we are working on, I think the descission comes down to what you are going to do with he car, I see no advantage of using a LS7 over this motor, the LS7 will cost you 3-4 k more by the time you find an oil pan that will work , and buy all the drysump stuff needed to have 20 less HP???
We are also looking at building a motor fo our other project, but we want 650-680 NA Hp we are actually looking at starting with the LS7 bare block,to cet the larger bore with out sleeving the block L92 CNC ported heads and a 441 stroker . but on the LS7 block we will NOT use the dry sump oil pump just the standard pump and front cover.this will end up being about a 10k combination.

[1HTBRRD]

Where are you going to get a motor plus boost for under 6k?

Hot Rod magazine did a build about 6 months ago with a 5.3 that made some crazy hp number like 1,200hp and spent less than 5 grand if I remember correctly.

[1HTBRRD]

Here it is:

http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/hrdp_1109_stock_gm_ls_engine_big_bang_theory/

[1HTBRRD]

Here is one they did on the cheap...still got 600hp for less than $3,500.00

http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/engine/hrdp_1104_594hp_53l_gen_iii_small_block_for_3252/

[Blake Foster]

i hate to break it to you but that combo is WAY more that 3500.00
the HP tuners program alone is 600.00 add up all that stainless tubing, cam, VS the waste gate and Blow off are 700.00, injectors 300.00 there is 1600 in 3 items, and tuning time it will easily be over 6 K
unless your hot rod magazine and people are just giving you stuff.

it is just not realistic in the real world, and ppl come in thinking i got 3500 to spend and it endes up costing 2x that. it is just reality.
it cost me 5k to rebuild my ls2. and i did all the work???? and get good pricing on parts

[Digger]

Just bought one from Pace Performance. Got everything and it's all GM. Front drive and A/C, starter, power steering all wiring and controller with the DBW gas pedal even a belt. Muscle car oil pan from GM for $150 bucks. Super complete kit. Oh yea a two year 50,000 mile warranty. talk to Mark at the order desk he was a huge help. Had it in a week.
Dig

[Vegas69]

They lost me at Turbo from China.

[Chev67]

What was your final investment to Pace? I have been looking at there 525 hp setup. Does that setup have upgraded valve springs?

[GregWeld]

They lost me at Turbo from China.




:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: So true!!


The old -- "ya get what ya pay for"


Well.... this is true in most everything except rear ends. :D

[Digger]

Check out Pace's web page all parts and combo's are priced and have a description. shop aeround and make a list and contact the order desk to make your deal. ( I delt with Mark and he was a big help) Everything is all GM parts. Motor was $7,500 and the wire harness and control $1,100. You can find everything there, oil pan , starter whatever you need. Keep in mind this is all new stuff and is ready to rock.
dig

[sevillaz28]

Well for what the price its a good deal. I felt like being different, so I'm almost done building a LS1 that I hope will Dyno at 640-674hp. I will have about $8,700 into it and it will be carb'd with a Holley control unit and thats not including the front drive so turn key I'm at around $10,400.