Some questions before I make the purchase

[Blazerowner]

So I am looking at two different engines to put in my c10. First is a LQ9 with 80k miles out of an 05 2500 Silverado. Mileage is not verifiable. He has the uncut harness, Drive by wire pedal and 4l60e tranny. He says he wants $2200 with the transmission or $1500 without the transmission. What is the opinion on the price and what should I look for as far as parts that need to come with it? Also would it be better to just buy the engine and get a 4l80e. I know the 4l60e is not the greatest from other opinions on here. Seems better to save the 700 and get the heavier duty trans.

Second engine is an LQ9 out of an 06 escalade that has 89k miles. No tranny and is $2300 plus shipping. Now this motor has verifiable miles which is a plus. Anyone can say low miles but without proof who knows. Still another 800 bucks and still have to ship it. Is it worth it?

Im leaning toward the first choice because of price, but wanted to see what you all think considering I have never done this.

[66LSx]

Originally Posted by Blazerowner

So I am looking at two different engines to put in my c10. First is a LQ9 with 80k miles out of an 05 2500 Silverado. Mileage is not verifiable. He has the uncut harness, Drive by wire pedal and 4l60e tranny. He says he wants $2200 with the transmission or $1500 without the transmission. What is the opinion on the price and what should I look for as far as parts that need to come with it? Also would it be better to just buy the engine and get a 4l80e. I know the 4l60e is not the greatest from other opinions on here. Seems better to save the 700 and get the heavier duty trans.

Second engine is an LQ9 out of an 06 escalade that has 89k miles. No tranny and is $2300 plus shipping. Now this motor has verifiable miles which is a plus. Anyone can say low miles but without proof who knows. Still another 800 bucks and still have to ship it. Is it worth it?

Im leaning toward the first choice because of price, but wanted to see what you all think considering I have never done this.

I'm not quite sure... but I don't think its possible to have a 3/4 ton truck with a 4L60e transmission??? (I think only the 4L80e was possible in the 2500 w/ the 6.0......?)
2nd... I'm also not sure that the LQ9 was ever offered with a 4L60e either in any platform (1/2 ton escalade etc etc) Is he trying to sell you a 'matching engine and trans' ? Or just a 6.0L LQ9 with a 4L60e he had laying around spare from another vehicle?

I'd do some homework on this one.... It raised an eyebrow when you said 2005 Chevy 2500.... with a 4L60e
I'd double check if he's saying hes selling you an exact matching engine and transmission. It should be LQ9 and 4L80e
4L60e won't last too long even behind a stock LQ9 IMO



Not quite sure what your REAL end game plans are.... in my case it was just a nice driver, with a cam, springs, and headers. From a cost basis standpoint I can tell you I had under $1300 in:
**2005 Silverado 1500 5.3L / 4L60e w/ 112,000 (verified) and the powertrain was still bolted together [engine/trans]
**Un-cut harness
** DBW pedal
** ECM
** TAC module
** OEM Fuse/Relay Panel
** OEM battery+/- cables

All from the exact same truck. (Actually heard the truck run before it was dismantled and got to see the LED odometer in person)

You will have to source very similar year model parts for the TAC module, gas pedal, ECM etc etc etc...

Around here in Wisco going rate seems to be $3000-3500 for a 6.0L / 4L80e combo

[desertdogg]

I would be real careful as far as where you are getting your engine/tranny combo from. I noticed your in california if your getting it from a place in wilmington I would try to be there if you can, when they pull the engine try to get the vin number and do a vin search. I had an experience and had to send back the original engine that supposedly came out of a 05 tahoe and turned out to be a 2000 engine and tranny combo with a newer 03 intake dbw so try to do as much reasearch as possible before you buy.

[ls1nova71]

The 2500hd will be an LQ4, not an LQ9, and would have come with a 4l80e. The Escalade will be an LQ9 and should have a 4l60/4l65e.

[Blazerowner]

This is why I asked the question. He says it's a matching tranny and engine so he may be lying. I was weary after research about the lq9 and tranny matching as many have said they came with a 4l80e. I'll prob pass on both and just find one local. Seems to be risky buying online.

[Blazerowner]

Im looking to go lq9 and 4l80e for nice power and good towing ability. I figure 400 horse is my goal. I have read a lq9 will easily push that number and still be reliable.

[BR3W CITY]

So would a lq4 pretty much just as easily, and frankly, the 5.3 or 4.8 can do it with just a little more work.

[jackyl9999]

Pull a spark plug and look for a dished/undished piston. LQ9 will not be dished. I believe that is the only difference.

[jackyl9999]

Never mind, just saw where you are buying sight unseen.

[Clyde65]

Originally Posted by BR3W CITY

So would a lq4 pretty much just as easily, and frankly, the 5.3 or 4.8 can do it with just a little more work.

If your looking for 400Hp and towing, a nice cammed, tuned and headered 5.3 will do that all day and initial cost will be considerably lower than an LQ9 or an LQ4 for that matter.

Your money and senility ahead if you go to a dismantler and put eyes on the combo prior to purchase.

[littlevictories]

that is a lot of money for sight unseen, miles unverified motors & trans

[Blazerowner]

I've considered the 5.3 as there are quite a bit on CL right now. All I have to do to get 400hp is just cam tune and headers? Doesn't seem bad at all. What year should I look for? And will the harness control a 4l80e?