best junk yard engine

**tt69camaro** · 01-11-2007, 08:30 AM

I am wondering what would be the best engine to buy and what vehicle it comes out of. It's for a budget build big single turbo car? I'm thinking a 6 liter truck engine. Any insight would be helpful as well as what stock engine limitations are.

**bsteff** · 01-12-2007, 08:07 PM

396 or LS7. Just my wishes

**tt69camaro** · 01-13-2007, 05:38 AM

Not to many of those in the junk yard? How about real word junk yard motors. 5.3 L, 6.0 L, LS2, Big block truck engines, etc.

**Packy** · 01-14-2007, 03:09 AM

I would say 6.0 would be your best buy.

**tt69camaro** · 01-14-2007, 09:24 AM

Out of what years / models?

**Wesman** · 01-14-2007, 02:25 PM

The 6.0 has been used in the '01-Current Silverado/Sierra 1500HD, 2500, 2500HD, and 3500. The 6.0 was included in the HD version of the 1500, and was the standard motor in the 3/4 and 1 ton models accross the board. The only other motor choices in the 2500 and 3500 series was the Vortec 8.1 or 6.6 Duramax Diesel.

The 6.0 is also used in the '03-current Chevy Express/GMC Savanna, in the 2500 and 3500 models. The 2500 models had the 6.0 as an option, 3500 models came with it standard. The Cadillac Escalade also used a version of the 6.0 in the AWD models, starting in 2002.

All 6.0 Gen III motors in the trucks are rated at 300HP, while the Escalade has a performance version rated at 345HP.

Hope that helps.

**tt69camaro** · 01-15-2007, 05:28 AM

Yes it does. Now I can go target a doner truck.
Thanks

**jbb6811** · 01-17-2007, 10:56 AM

why wouldn't the 6.0l vette engine be your pick? its rated at 400hp. it my be harder to find than a truck but it would be my choice.

**Frankthetank** · 01-17-2007, 03:43 PM

not the easiest to find.....I was accually calllin around to 6 junk yards in our area and could find any

**Sassy Cassie** · 01-18-2007, 08:31 AM

Originally Posted by Frankthetank

not the easiest to find.....I was accually calllin around to 6 junk yards in our area and could find any

Try a larger city like Raleigh or Charlotte.

**torinoman** · 01-18-2007, 08:29 PM

my vote is the Ford 460... cheap, stout and pleantiful. you can make 500/550 really easy and 700/700 is a stroker crank and set of scj heads away. not bad for an engine designed in the late 60s....

if you're only interested in chevy engines or lsx engines, then the 6.0 is a good start, but you'll pay for it

**Firebirdjones** · 01-19-2007, 05:19 AM

Since you mentioned a big single turbo application, I feel the truck 6.0 is the better bet,,,it already comes with 9.5:1 compression which is perfect for a power adder application,,,,all the 6.0's in cars were at least 10:1 or more due to smaller combustion chamber heads.
While your at it,,heres some added info while scouting trucks.
2001 was the first year the aluminum head was used,,,still cast iron block.
These are called LQ4 heads.
Whats really interesting is in 2002 the heads were changed, still aluminum but called LQ9, these are copies of the famous LS6 heads with the same improved intake and exhaust ports, but like the LQ4 heads it has a large 72cc combustion chamber. This is the head of choice for max effort forced induction engines.
If it were me junk yard hunting for a 6.0 truck motor, I would concentrate my efforts on 2002 and up,,,just because with the better heads it has the potential for more power. Larry.