The othe rthing is I found a 5.3L powered loaded suburban athat was totalled, but still runs and drives. I might get that instead.

5.3L for the build
4l60e as a spare formy truck
rear brakes for my truck

Part out the rest to generate extra money for engine build.

 

I would not do a stroker kit with your budget. The factory engines have proven to be more reliable then an aftermarket stroker engines, probably due to machining practices. GM makes millions of engines, they are pretty good at it. For the JY engine, I would port the heads, or throw on some worked 243/799s, a nice cam, and let it eat. A nice 3200 stall will make it very fun.

 

Depending on the engine you start with, I don't see why you couldn't make 400-450 hp on a 2 grand budget. Find a cheap 5.3 or 4.8 and pick up a used turbo kit off here.

 

I just called around to maybe 5-6 junk yards in Austin area. Everyone wants $1k+ for 5.3L engines.

 

i'll throw you a bone
Search Results

 

hmm...

It seems I can find a 5.3 LM7 for ~600 in good shape. Should I step it up to a LM4 (all aluminum) for ~$1000?

 

Well it looks like I will be picking up a LM7 cut out (complete with ECU, harness, intake, injectors, ect) for $400 including core on saturday.

From there I need to do more research but it looks like:

Bottom end:
-new bearings crank and cam
-new gaskets
-flat top 4.8 pistons?

top end:
-big cam
-gaskets
-carb
-carb intake
-Heads/Valve work

Sell off all the parts I dont need, and begin working on securing a T56, flywheels, ect.

Still trying to decided what sort of body this all needs to belong in.

 

I wouldnt touch the bottom end unless you have a reason to (such as its been sitting in a swimming pool, or crank is siezed).

Told you there were good deals to be had

 

Lol. I dont think I am humanly capable of NOT touching the bottom end. It has just under 200k on it. New rings will only help as will new bearings, I am certain the stock size units will fit just fine, but its better to know.

 

Actually the 120k mile units are the best ones for boost...the rings have opened enough to live under 20psi