LS1 or LQ4?

[96Firebird]

Looking to go FI in my '76 C10. My original plans were to get an LQ4/4L80E, but I came across a guy selling an LS1 for $1200 OBO. Here is what it says...

We have a 2000 LS1 long block that we won't be needing. The motor has about 3k miles on it after a complete tear down. We had McQuillen go through the motor and hone it with torque plates and install all new bearings and rings. Motor has ARP reuseable head bolts and the stock 2000 Fbody cam. Comes with an aluminum truck oil pan and complete up to the valve covers. No intake.

Looking for $1200/offer.

McQuillen is a local engine builder. (http://www.mcquillenengines.com/)

Do 4L80E transmissions hook up to an LS1? I am assuming they do, but just want to make sure. Does it sound like a good deal to go with the LS1?

 

[Tristicus]

Not a bad deal on an LS1 at all, but a 6.0 would be sweet.

 

[arcenite]

Not a bad deal on an LS1 at all, but a 6.0 would be sweet.

Yeah, and so would a 6.2...or 7.4...or... 8.0... you get the point

If you plan on modding it anyway there is little difference between the 5.7 and the 6.0.

It depends on how much power you're going for, OP. LS blocks are pretty strong but nothing beats iron in terms of strength but you pay for it in weight.

 

[Gillbot]

Neither, 5.3L and save a ton of dough.

 

[Christobevii3]

I'd be worried about an ls1 at that price if it was rebuilt. I'd really just get a lq4 and do a cam/valve spring swap. Both motors stock springs and cams are weak. The weight difference is negligable between the two at 50lbs. The 6.0 block if late enough will have the l92 heads (ls6 heads) already and if not they are cheap as hell on ebay new (around $400). Aluminum saves you 50lbs, costs more, and is just easier to mess up compared to the 6.0L.

Why do you want a 4L80E over the 4L60E built up? Blackx on the s10 forum runs low 9's with a 4L60E. Yes they do fit up but again I ask why do you want it. A built up 4L60E will be stronger than a stock 4L80E, weight less and have a lot less drag.

 

[AMCRambler]

LS1 if you're sticking to 4-500hp with bolt ons. Any more than that, aka turbo or super charger you're going to have to put money into new internals. At that point you might as well have gone for the iron block.

 

[thaugen]

Does your state have strict engine swap laws? For example, in California, you can't put a truck engine in a car, and you can't put an older engine in a newer car.