Trading engines? Would you....?
 

So there is a local car builder that has a 5.3 out of a newer truck, I think he said LQ4. It has been built, bored to 5.7l he said, different heads, cams, intake, injectors... it has no computer so I would need to buy that and it has no power steering pump, alternator or AC compressor.
He said it dyno'd at 558 to the wheels in the truck it was in. It has 650 miles on it from what he says. The guy that had it wanted more power and built a 6.0l. Thats the story...

He wants to trade straight up for my new 383 stroker, 440hp. He is building a 36 Chevy truck.
My engine is turn key ready to go.
I'm just not sure what the value of that engine he has so I don't know if it's a decent deal or what?? Any help is appreciated

Mine is the Carbed old school engine

Re: Trading engines? Would you....?
 

Keep the carbed old school engine! Seriously.
If I blew up my avatar you'd understand my feeling on that. :)

Re: Trading engines? Would you....?
 

I would treat a 5.7L with 558 HP to the wheels with a heavy dose of skepticism.

(558 HP at the crank would be a great number and maybe somewhat streetable.)

Re: Trading engines? Would you....?
 

And the other things that are making me not want to trade.

I already have EVERYTHING for this engine... built 700R4, gas tank, mounts, gas pedal and cable, radiator...etc.

To convert to F.I... I would need many new parts. The tranny is rated for 500hp and from what this guy says, that engine is somewhere near 600hp so cant use that tranny. Just on and on

Re: Trading engines? Would you....?
 

Yeah, N.A. 558 to the wheels is a lot. Not saying it cant be done but I heard this thing idle in a video and it has a very small lump and doesn't sound like 600hp. I could be wrong

Re: Trading engines? Would you....?
 

558 to the wheels would probably be in the 700hp range ( 20% parasitic loss) so your trans wouldn't last long.

Pass is my vote!

Re: Trading engines? Would you....?
 

All I'd say is take a look at the two pics in post #1. One belongs in your truck, and by the way is beautiful. The other looks like it belongs there as much as a goat at a dinner table. (no one has ever accused me of not having an opinion) :)

Re: Trading engines? Would you....?
 

You don't want my opinion, cause the old 230 6 would would be OK by me. ;)

Re: Trading engines? Would you....?
 

I personally don't know much about engines, but these are questions I'd ask myself,
How often does a beautiful 383 stroker come along?
If you didn't have a motor, and it was time to buy one, which one would you prefer?
Are you building a daily driver, or a nice show truck?

Re: Trading engines? Would you....?
 

A few more questions to ask yourself.. ...
We don't build our trucks to other's approval, but we enjoy it when someone likes our truck.
So, when you pop the hood for your friends, what seems more impressive?
What about Nostalgia?
Does that matter to you?
I don't know... But those questions might help you decide what YOU would rather have.

Re: Trading engines? Would you....?
 

I think I'm gonna save my self the expense and headache of making that engine work for me.
My 383 will get me and my daughter to DQ quick enough

This truck will be a driver. Just enjoy it, go to shows here and there and some parades with banners on the sides for my business.

Re: Trading engines? Would you....?
 

Yup, I also say keep the 383.

Re: Trading engines? Would you....?
 

Good decision.
Classic Truck - Classic Engine

Re: Trading engines? Would you....?
 

I love the LS(es) in my other cars, but the engine you already have is the way to go. You're mostly there and it looks really good!

Re: Trading engines? Would you....?
 

Good choice because he is 100% lying about the numbers it made (so who knows what else). There is no chance that that motor made anymore that at least 100 hp less than what he claims.

Re: Trading engines? Would you....?
 

I would find out more info before you do anything because a 5.3 and LQ4 are totally different engines, LQ4 is a 6.0L. 558 rwhp out of a 5.3 n/a is gonna be very unlikely. I LOVE LS MOTORS but it sounds like this guy maybe a little full of it..

Re: Trading engines? Would you....?
 

I agree.

Re: Trading engines? Would you....?
 

Recall the old adage(whatever that word means?): "a bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush". I'd say that you KNOW what you have, and little to nothing about the other one. That being said, guess what my advice would be!
Sam

Re: Trading engines? Would you....?
 

I think he was using the Bar Stool Dyno! But I would stay with the motor you have, Not because I like the 1950"s design. Just because you already have it. I don't understand how some people run down the LS motor on looks alone. When I pass someone in my truck they can't tell what is under the Hood they just know it's LOUD and FAST! The list of differences between Gen 1 motors and the LS motors in my Book favors the LS. Besides a Smart Man told me once- Never Make a Pretty Woman your Wife!