Then we started researching crate engines from GM Performance Parts and other sources like Scoggin-Dickey. The cost goes up, but you have the advantage of instant gratification. As an example, Scoggin-Dickey Parts Center (SDPC) sells a 402ci LS2 short-block fitted with either a 14cc dished piston or a -2cc flat-top piston for $4,199 that consists of a block with a crank, rod, and piston assembly bolted together. The advantage of this package is the aluminum block, which automatically saves roughly 75 pounds over the iron 6.0L block. Scoggin-Dickey also offers an L92-based 416ci short-block with a 4.067-inch bore and 4.00-inch Eagle crank for $4,689. Just to add fuel to this fire, Street Legal Performance (SLP) offers a complete 402ci assembled short-block for a very good price of $4,245.95.
To make this even more interesting, we spoke with SDPC's Nicky Fowler, who told us about a small parts kit the company sells, intended for 6.0L bare-block buyers, that includes all the dowel pins and galley plugs, and some of the fasteners needed to complete the short-block. Add the front and rear covers and an oil pump, pickup, and pan, and you're most of the way there. For those on a really tight budget, you could hustle these small parts from a 4.8 or 5.3 iron or aluminum LS1 motor since these parts should interchange.
Most used engines you get from recycling yards also don't come with accessory drives, or if they do, the price is higher. Keep in mind that you can run a 4.8- or 5.3-style truck accessory drive on a 6.0L engine since, again, the parts interchange. This assumes you will be running either the taller truck EFI manifold or a carburetor. Since we plan to run a carb, the truck accessory drive would work just fine. What you cannot do is run a truck accessory drive with an LS1/LS6-style EFI manifold, because the throttle body crashes into a portion of the drive. It's a small point, but one worth knowing when you're mixing and matching.
That's our plan. Now we just have to figure out the best way to launch this whole deal and begin bolting our engine together. This means working with metric fasteners and learning the idiosyncrasies inherent in these new engines, but that's fun too. And anything we learn, we'll instantly pass along.
Swap That Six
Rob Altman, Lakewood, CO: I have recently acquired a '72 Chevy Nova with manual drum brakes and power steering. The car has an inline-six and a Powerglide. However, it also came with a 350 motor and TH350 trans that the previous owner told me was out of a '79 Z28 Camaro with less than 50,000 miles on it. The engine has been sitting for a long time. What should I do prior to installing it in my car? The motor also came with an Edelbrock Performer RPM intake manifold. The Quadrajet doesn't fit the bolt pattern on the Edelbrock manifold, so should I keep the stock manifold or step up to an aftermarket carb? Also, what should I take into consideration when performing the swap? What other budget modifications would you recommend? I have been a subscriber since 2004 when I was in the seventh grade; great magazine!