Best LS Powered Vehicle for 10-15k

[edgemar]

Always heard those engines are amazing...but what they came in not so much...

What "factory" LS powered vehicle would you get for 10-15k ish


side note-

my buddy put a LS1 in a 77 scout traveler... wow!

[sammyg2]

When the intake manifold gauge gets to around 9 psi, they REALLY come alive.

[Arizona_928]

Even the truck 4.8 5.3 6.0 respond extremely well stock to boost.

[masraum]

10-15k LSx powered? I would assume you'd be talking about Camaros and Corvettes.

I thought I remembered reading an article that said that an otherwise stock LS3 could be boosted up to 600hp without requiring bottom end mods, but I can't remember what they did. To get to that level probably required new pistons.

[Laneco]

That price will get you GTO's all over the place. If you shop carefully - it will get you a CTSV Cadillac with a manual transmission.

https://www.truecar.com/used-cars-for-sale/listing/1G6DN56S250163249/2005-cadillac-cts-v/

Not an F-body fan at all. Some of the LS powered Corvettes are in your price range as well.

angela

[Brian 162]

FYI if you get an LS7 engine they have valve guide issues. I would compare it to the IMS bearing on a 996. It's just cheaper to repair if caught in time. Ask me how I know

[WPOZZZ]

E30 transplant.

[pavulon]

C5 Z06 at book price.

[wayner]

I like this one

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OTAXykiqsGs

[onewhippedpuppy]

C5 Z06 would be my choice, they can easily be had for $15k. Next up would be a six speed equipped GTO or a first gen CTS-V.

[Nickshu]

Originally Posted by wayner

I like this one

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OTAXykiqsGs

That's awesome. Probably has more than $15K in it (add a zero there) but sweet build nonetheless.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by wayner

I like this one

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OTAXykiqsGs

Originally Posted by Nickshu

That's awesome. Probably has more than $15K in it (add a zero there) but sweet build nonetheless.

Per the video, the guy said he built it for about $38k. The Jag was $1201 from ebay, the seats were junkyard Audi parts. The guy that did it has done several high end builds, but did this as a budget build. I guess that would depend upon your budget.

I think he said that the front and rear rotors were 365mm (almost 14.5") with 6 piston calipers in the front and 4 pistons in the rear. The motor was a crate motor. You could do a similar build cheaper, but it would also be a bit less special than that one. Years ago (14 or 15) I used to occasionally run into a guy on my commute that had a small block in an RX7. It was very fast and sounded very nice. It made my old 3.2L Carrera seem really slow.

[VincentVega]

Too cool

Way back I had an S10 with a sbc, coolest thing for a 19 yr old. I love the idea of a ls in a jag, 944... not sold on a vette but I maybe be coming around.

[Nickshu]

Originally Posted by masraum

Per the video, the guy said he built it for about $38k. The Jag was $1201 from ebay, the seats were junkyard Audi parts. The guy that did it has done several high end builds, but did this as a budget build. I guess that would depend upon your budget.

I think he said that the front and rear rotors were 365mm (almost 14.5") with 6 piston calipers in the front and 4 pistons in the rear. The motor was a crate motor. You could do a similar build cheaper, but it would also be a bit less special than that one. Years ago (14 or 15) I used to occasionally run into a guy on my commute that had a small block in an RX7. It was very fast and sounded very nice. It made my old 3.2L Carrera seem really slow.

There's a guy I run with on the track w/ NASA that runs a small block RX7 in TTU class. Sweet car, he blew up 3 rotary motors before he decided it was time to move on.

Another guy I run with in TTU has an LS1 powered Exocet, sweet open wheel car. You could probably do that for under $15K but definitely a track only car.

[scottmandue]

Seeing as the Corvette and Camaro have been covered I will throw out the oddball 914, Miata, 911, and my personal favorite 944 swap... oh and I hear it has been done with a RX7.

[GG Allin]

I put a 6 liter in an E36. Made for a very well balanced car with plenty of power.

[techweenie]

I've always been partial to the G8. The lower end of the price range fits your target.

[ted]

Only 405hp in our 02 C5 Z06.
You can't go wrong with the car except the lousy seats.
Factory stock engine pulls great in every gear, even in 6th at 65mph easy to pass no need to downshift.
If you want to try an engine transplant doubt you can create anything for less money that is as street-able with great MPG and ice cold AC than the C5Z.
A buddy just got a C5Z for under 10k...

[pwd72s]

2009 Pontiac G8GXP might be getting down to that price category. 415 horsepower still nothing to sneeze at.