:werd: and :werd: again

agreed. it's also cheaper to do it with a 400. that's the reason i have a 400 on the motor stand and not an LS1. everything else i want to do with the motor works out to be more with the 400, even though it will bolt on to an LS1 as easily. just not as cheaply...

thankfully he's going to fix what he's got. i only hope he doesn't wuss out and take it to a mechanic. he'll learn so much more about what's under his hood if he does it himself.

Gen III is LS1/LS6 Gen IV is LS3 or what ever LT it gen II

Yes, I know this link is wikipedia- but I thought that this was correct:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_Vort...Generation_III

The LS motor will make as much HP easier and it weighs 150lbs less, the gen1 400 sbc however will make gobs more torque even in stock/close to stock form than the Gen3 motor.

It is all about what you can make work for your application and budget. Neither way to go is really the wrong answer.

you like that phrase, don't you?

for my money and the life expectancy of the car, the 400 fits the bill. would an LS1 fit the bill? sure, but like i said, for more money. if i was expecting to get 20 years out of the car, then i would go with the updated technology. also, if i were thinking like a weight nazi, then the LS1 would win, hands down.

not to throw a wrench in the works, but Dart is selling crate motors now...

If your gonna do this LSX swap and work on a budget, I say try to find a used LQ4 or LQ9. Might shell out a little more $$$ but I think there are so much more potential in those that the 5.3. Ideal beginning for a 370 or a 408.

First off you have to put things in perspective. Stock for Stock the LS1 Dominates.

For arguments sake lates say you get the 5.3 L33 or LM4 Aluminum Block. First off your gonna have to tear down the engine no if ans or buts about it. Replace Main Seals, All gaskets, Piston Rings, Check for dead cylinders, compression, etc. Lets say Tear Down will set you back $300 in parts if you do it yourself. Then you have your z06 cam which you can pick up on a forum for $150 shipped. Then your gonna need push rods, valve springs, retainers, etc well say avg price $450 for a whole set for valve train upgrade. Then you have your intake you can get a ls1 intake and throttle body for around $300 on forums. Then you have your manifolds and a cat back for lets say $800

So that puts ya at $2400 in parts including the engine. Not including engine mounts, oil pan, wiring harness, fabrication if need be. etc. Also theres no $$ for labor in there if your having a shop do it.