Hello, I am thinking of purchasing a junk yard motor to have built to about 550hp. I am thinking of using an LS3 block, but was wondering if there was a comparable motor that could be picked up cheaper that would be just as strong? Thanks

 

Any Iron block 6.0 from 2005 or newer would be a stout bottom end and easily hold that power.

How do you plan to get there?

 

I was planning on dropping it off at an engine builder and have them go from there.

 

Forced induction or naturally aspirated? Budget? Most engine builders will ask you those two questions and then tell you what you can expect for power.

Budget NA build, LS3 might be your quickest path unless you have a budget for a stroker build. 408 LQ9 stroker with decent heads and cam can get you there too.

 

Looking for start at 550 NA then possibly put a super charger on it later on. Would like to keep it around 5k, maybe a little more. I was looking and I can get an ls2 a little cheaper, but would it be wise to step down? Would like to stick to an aluminum block to help cut weight.

 

So $5K to build on top of the price of the engine or does that include the price of the engine?

Not gonna lie - 550NA hp flywheel is gonna be a feat. My advice is to spend it on heads and a fast 102 intake and TB - then a nice cam kit with the appropriate springs. Definitely start with an LS3 to take advantage of the larger bore, that'll let your heads breathe better. I think you'd be pretty close to $5k on top of the price of the engine. I have at least $5k in my engine and I'm doubting I'll eve get close to 450NA hp.

Just curious as to the lofty goals on NA power? The cam for NA probably wouldn't be suited for boost so if you did plan on boost later you'd have to switch out your cam. A blower on an LS3 would easily hit that number and would simplify your life so much

 

I was thinking 550 because I can get a crate engine putting out 525 so figured if I was going to have one built, it should put out more than a stick motor. The 5k would be on top on the donor engine. I'm waiting on addin a super charger till I see if the truck runs the way I want it to without one.

 

My advise based on what you said...

LS3 Block cleaned, deburred, and drainbacks cleaned up. ~$2000
LS3 Stage 3 WCCH heads with appropriate valvetrain. ~$2500
4.00" stroke crankshaft stroker kit with matching rods and 4.065" pistons with appropriate dish/reliefs to create 11:1 compression = 415ci ~$2500
Stock rockers with trunion upgrade ~$150
Roller cam spec'd for the power you'd like to make keep lift below .620" ~$400
Upgraded pushrods ~$200
Valve spring kit to match ~$250
LS7 lifters ~$150
High stall converter ~$800
Fast 102 intake with 102 throttle body ~$1500
60lb injectors ~$550
fuel pressure regulator ~$150
walbro 450 ~$140
Racetronix hotwire kit ~$80
Tune ~$450

so approx $11,820 to hit the NA hp goal all said and done and I didn't include head studs, assembly, and misc costs which can easily total ~$500 or more

Or buy a junk yard take out LQ4/LQ9 ~$1000 to $2500 and add a blower kit ~$6000
Blower would get you there cheaper and quicker.