[Steve91T]

So I've got a 97 SS that now looks like a mismatched LS1 SS. I'm running a craigslist LT1 that's bone stock, down to the mani's and Y pipe. The engine sat for years before I got it. I did a dry compression and leak down test and my numbers were all over the place. I took the chance that it just needed to be run. Long story short, it took a while but it started to run pretty good. So now I've done 3 track days and it and it blew me away. I fully expected to go home with no less than half of the Pistons I started the day with. Not only did it not miss a beat, it used at most 1/2 quart of oil, no smoke, and seemed happy as hell all day long.

So my plan was for an LS1 swap later this year. But now I'm thinking this engine might be healthier than I thought. TT3 rules require me to have around 350 rwhp for my comp weight (3400 lbs). I can knock 100 lbs off the nose by going to an LS1 and light flywheel and clutch. The problem I have is my LT1 isn't worth anything. $500? Maybe? I figure the LS1 swap will cost me at least $3k. But LT's, cam and tune will be about $1500. I figure both should get me close enough to 350 rwhp.

Right now I'm way down on power, so I have to do something. I really want an LS1, but is it worth an extra $1500? At the same time I'm afraid I'm going to buy headers and a cam and the next day it's going to blow up. What would you guys do?

[dailydriver]

Yes, I REALLY wish that Hawks had <100K LS6es for LESS THAN $4500.00!!

I know it does not help you due to class power to weight rules, but I WOULD BE willing to get one of the GM/Chevy Performance LS3 crate engine variants (for ~$5800.00 to ~$6500.00) IF they offered it with the 24T reluctor wheel already on the crank.
The more horror stories I hear about the Lingenfelter conversion box for this purpose, the more I do NOT trust this thing, and I REFUSE to pay upwards of $2500.00 EXTRA for a whole bottom end rebuild on a brand new engine just to get the f'ing correct reluctor on the crank. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

In all of your conversations with Hawks on their used LSxes, did they give you ANY indication whatsoever on ANY type of warranty, implied or otherwise???

This post has been edited by dailydriver: May 30 2016, 10:22 PM

[Steve91T]

Yes, I REALLY wish that Hawks had <100K LS6es for LESS THAN $4500.00!!

I know it does not help you due to class power to weight rules, but I WOULD BE willing to get one of the GM/Chevy Performance LS3 crate engine variants (for ~$5800.00 to ~$6500.00) IF they offered it with the 24T reluctor wheel already on the crank.
The more horror stories I hear about the Lingenfelter conversion box for this purpose, the more I do NOT trust this thing, and I REFUSE to pay upwards of $2500.00 EXTRA for a whole bottom end rebuild on a brand new engine just to get the f'ing correct reluctor on the crank. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

In all of your conversations with Hawks on their used LSxes, did they give you ANY indication whatsoever on ANY type of warranty, implied or otherwise???

Yeah I'd love an LS3, but at the same time I don't know how much power I want yet. TT3 is a great starting point at 350. TT2 is like 430. I've read how much more money it cost to have that kind of power....things wear out faster. Plus, this car will always be street legal, which means roll bar only, no cage. 430 rwhp means insane speeds at VIR. 150+

I think the LS1 will give me all the power I really need. If I decide to get stupid, heads and cam LS1's produce 450 to the ground.


I think hawks said they have LS6's for $4500. But they are out of CTSV's which mean you need accessories.

The LS1's are $3k for 75-100k miles. I asked about what kind of warranty I get since I'm pretty much paying for the convience of getting a complete engine that they yanked out. They said they test compression and oil press. If all is well, they then sell the engine and provide a "start up warranty, within reason". He said they don't give something like a 30 day warranty because most people hot rod or race these engines. That makes sense. They said that if I get an engine that has a major problem from the start, they'll take care of it. I think they said I could swap it for another one, but don't quote me on that. They try to do enough testing to make sure that doesn't happen though.

Another thing I like is if I buy an engine/tranny for $4500, I get everything, unseparated, from the front to the back.

This post has been edited by Steve91T: May 31 2016, 06:00 AM