LS1/LS6 rebuild ballpark...

[Whamhammer]

Does anyone have a good ballpark on what a LS1/LS6 rebuild with obvious upgrades (cam, oil pump, headwork) runs these days, from removal and reinstall runs these days?

Oil is leaking from the oil pan gasket, front timing cover, and rear main; not alot but enough to be certain.

Trying to work up budgeted funds, and also compare bottom end rebuild against getting a LS2 bottom end.

[SMWS6TA]

You looking for just a simple refresh or slightly build up?

You doing it yourself or having a shop?

[Whamhammer]

You looking for just a simple refresh or slightly build up?

You doing it yourself or having a shop?

I need a shop to do it, I don’t have the time or the resources to do it myself.

I would want a slight upgrade, definitely a camshaft, maybe run a set of 243’s or the like.

[Whamhammer]

I need a shop to do it, I don’t have the time or the resources to do it myself.

I would want a slight upgrade, definitely a camshaft, maybe run a set of 243’s or the like.

Bump

[Whamhammer]

Called a Baltimore area shop that does radio commercials all the time talking about installing reman engines.

I got quote $6,800 for Jasper Remanufactured LS1 for the 02 WS6, and additional $700 for clutch parts.

I know Jasper Engines don't the the worlds greatest reputation, and I would rather have my engine rebuilt. Is there a good shop in the area that will quote a rebuild of an engine, including pulling and installation? Would be nice to put a little more aggressive cam that would take advantage of the LT Headers and high flow exhaust.

[SMWS6TA]

I would go find some local car groups or shows and ask around. Hell even a track you might be able to get in touch with some ppl that would know.


Wouldn't hurt to ask any local tuners. They usually are have contacts with builders in their area too.

[Whamhammer]

I would go find some local car groups or shows and ask around. Hell even a track you might be able to get in touch with some ppl that would know.


Wouldn't hurt to ask any local tuners. They usually are have contacts with builders in their area too.

Around where I am at, car shows and tracks have been closed.

I am trying to figure out how to ask some tuners that wont try to force me down a new LS3 assembly or a Jasper reman engine. It seems everyone wants to buy a finished product, instead of working to rebuild what one already has, and add some love. I understand some of it but I am able to understand risks of out of spec wear and tear; especially since I have kept up maintenance on the car the whole time.

In my head, its refresh the engine, and other stuff, or buy a new Camaro SS; trouble is that this car is the car that has been there for the most important times of my life, and is as much family as one can be. I figure that if I let it go, I will always kick myself about it.

[SMWS6TA]

There has to be a machine shop that is willing to do a refresh. I can't picture them not needing the money...


I did mine, I also had some adult supervision while doing so and I've done a few SBC in the past that I at least had some experience. I did have a machine shop check the specs of everything prior to assembly so that I knew someone had looked at it with the proper measuring tools. Found out that while the block was within spec it's #8 cyl that had the hydro lock on it would probably be out of spec in a yr or so. So I had them bored .005 over, wish now I just went ahead and did a .030 bore and be a 408ci instead of 403ci. Oh well lesson learned.


Assembly isn't difficult, it's the blueprinting (checking the specs) that is time consuming and a pita. That and filing the rings. The rings are the most PITA for assembly. If you f up the ring you're at a stop till the replacement comes in.

[Whamhammer]

There has to be a machine shop that is willing to do a refresh. I can't picture them not needing the money...


I did mine, I also had some adult supervision while doing so and I've done a few SBC in the past that I at least had some experience. I did have a machine shop check the specs of everything prior to assembly so that I knew someone had looked at it with the proper measuring tools. Found out that while the block was within spec it's #8 cyl that had the hydro lock on it would probably be out of spec in a yr or so. So I had them bored .005 over, wish now I just went ahead and did a .030 bore and be a 408ci instead of 403ci. Oh well lesson learned.


Assembly isn't difficult, it's the blueprinting (checking the specs) that is time consuming and a pita. That and filing the rings. The rings are the most PITA for assembly. If you f up the ring you're at a stop till the replacement comes in.

I hear what you are saying, I don’t have the space (town home) or the time to do it myself; it would be interesting to do it though.

So far, everyone that Ive talked to wants to sell a Jasper or ATK, thinking that because its 218k (mostly highway) on the ticker the engine must be junk. Ive done all of my synthetic oil changes (since 34k) every 3-4k, changed plugs, fluids, and filters at a more accelerated schedule than factory recommendations.

I wouldn’t be surprised if it needs a light honing, and rings and bearing are probably still working but have had better days but I don't see why it wouldn’t be doable. I don’t want a high stress build, just a nice cam with some good headwork (maybe even upgrade the heads for the right price), and then a dyno tune. I figure it should make for a decent one month or so job.

[SMWS6TA]

How far you willing to drive?

[SMWS6TA]

Manlove Auto Parts - Machine Shop

630 S New St, Dover, DE, 19904

(302) 674-2746

[SMWS6TA]

Also check with LMP in Baltimore Area.

[GTP231]

Called a Baltimore area shop that does radio commercials all the time talking about installing reman engines.

I got quote $6,800 for Jasper Remanufactured LS1 for the 02 WS6, and additional $700 for clutch parts.

I know Jasper Engines don't the the worlds greatest reputation, and I would rather have my engine rebuilt. Is there a good shop in the area that will quote a rebuild of an engine, including pulling and installation? Would be nice to put a little more aggressive cam that would take advantage of the LT Headers and high flow exhaust.

What shop was that?

[GTP231]

Also check with LMP in Baltimore Area.

https://lmpofmd.com

[Whamhammer]

What shop was that?

I won't say the name but it is a shop that frequently does radio commercials in the Baltimore Area, professing specialty in replacing engines.

Do you think that price is very steep for replacing the engine with a reman, and installing a clutch disc, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing?

I will send LMP an email this weekend, thanks!

[Whamhammer]

How far you willing to drive?

Maybe an hour,or so, especially if its worth it!

[GTP231]

I won't say the name but it is a shop that frequently does radio commercials in the Baltimore Area, professing specialty in replacing engines.

Do you think that price is very steep for replacing the engine with a reman, and installing a clutch disc, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing?

I will send LMP an email this weekend, thanks!

Its probably on par guessing around 110 an hour. Admittedly I don't know what Jasper charges for a reman. You can always call around to others and see what they charge

[Whamhammer]

Its probably on par guessing around 110 an hour. Admittedly I don't know what Jasper charges for a reman. You can always call around to others and see what they charge

Thats what I was figuring, considering replacement of all the hoses, motor mounts, and whatnot.

I would love to back my way into a LS2 swap, I’ve seen some new aluminum short blocks for around 1,700.

At the end of January, I should have some realistic levels of cash saved up to start marking serious calls; should be definitely be able to get froggy by end of March for sure.

Wifes car is paid off in Feb’

[pajeff02]

It would not surprise me in the least if the three suspected leaks are all just the oil pan gasket -- which is an easy swap.

[Whamhammer]

It would not surprise me in the least if the three suspected leaks are all just the oil pan gasket -- which is an easy swap.

It wouldn't surprise me, but at 218k miles, the engine is probably due for a refresh; a nice cam and some headwork wouldn't hurt my feelings either.