I was given a quote of 3100 for a turn key 6.0 swap (motor, labor, and tune). The motor is a 2005 with 15000 miles. The only problem is he is not exactly sure if the motor is a LQ9 or an LQ4 (his shop/warehouse are in another town and he is local to me). The yard he got the motor from says it came from a 2005 Escalade. If the motor is an LQ9, does that seem reasonable? If it is an LQ4, should I negotiate for a couple hundred off? I cannot perform the swap myself.

 

you should really get a break down of each costs to know what you're paying for. I'd say its a reasonable price for a LQ9 installed and tuned. which is what it is if it came from an 05 escalade.

 

The price breakdown is 2k for motor, 1k for labor/fluids/misc, and 100 for the tune. I already have a tune from him that is why it is only 100.

 

thats not to bad... i saw a guy over on LS1tech.com who was doing 6.0s into NON LSx vehicles for like 4k or something, i think he said he does them in the LS vehicles for like 3200 or something so that sounds bout right

 

Sounds like a good deal to me...especially since it includes labor. If the engine came from an Escalade, it's a LQ9. I'm pretty sure Silverado SS's and Escalades were the only vehicles that came with LQ9's from the factory. That engine will really wake up your truck. If you get decent traction, 8's in the 1/8 mile should be no problem. I assume the tuner is LS1 Performance. I might have to get a tune from him soon...

 

I don't mean to come off as a jerk, but that's too much for the engine. You don't need the entire complete motor. Just the block and heads. That'll save you some money there. There's a big difference in price if it's not an LQ9.

Be sure that you get the non used parts if you go threw with all of it. Have you done some searching about the 6.0 swap?

 

VHO's also have the LQ9

Sounds about right on the price to me.

 

Since it is a complete motor and i am paying for a complete motor, I will be getting all unused parts and my motor. I may try to sell the 5.3 to him, but I do not think he has an interest for it. Unless he can get someone in the S10 community to grab it.

Like with most things, the swap price is going up. I am going to replace the cam, buy electric fans (tuned to pcm), crank underdrive pulley (since the oem will be off for cam swap), and possibly an aftermarket tachometer.

I wonder if I should look at fuel cell relocation while I am at it. I am not sure if the pull to the left when burning out is from the added weight on the left side or the naturally pull of the gearing.

And yes Chris, it is from LS1 Powertuning. He also has a complete LS2 and a LS1 block for sale (hint hint).