If you wanted to buy a "junkyard LS" where are you going these days?

Torque Command

Torque Command

Small town South Carolina
Joined
Nov 27, 2021
Messages
7,724
Reaction score
10,870
Points
153
Location
SC
I'm interested in an LS, running with transmission. A basic take out.

I get this vibe that they are no longer available in the wild...Are they available in you-pull-it places anymore?

I've been looking at some high mileage vans at auction, but with the hassle of dealing with parting out the "leftovers," I'm not sure that's the best route - but that's why I'm asking. They seem to go in the $3200+ range as drivers.

What's the latest price, if there's a target price I should be looking for. I'm patient. I just haven't followed the market much and I'm hoping someone can get me quickly up to speed.

Thanks
 
Sometimes you can find them on Facebook marketplace easier. High mileage for around 1500-2500 for the entire vehicle and then you literally have everything you need for a swap
 
I used to be really good at configuring part searches on https://www.car-part.com/. I haven't in a couple years, so for practice I threw it a search for a 2014 6.2 Silverado.
Yikes!
100-175K miles run around $4600-5750 US for just the long block. WTF

5.3 would be 2800-3100 for just the long block.

-

I will say trying to find a low dollar running roller 5.0 for my shop foreman half a dozen years was tough.
It's kind of like that.

Still, it says there's demand and the supply is less than we think.

Still surprised that is that much demand.
 
I wonder if the late model 4.3 will ever catch on?

You have to work around/remove DI and DOD.
It'll never sound or look as cool.
Prices? IDK.

Power outputs- 299 OE, 650-ish hp on turbo. 1400 (!) in a hero build that is ready to scatter:
Notably with the intercooler (which requires water, so it's a minor 'cheat' to not count that) and all... 403lbs. With cast manifolds (they no longer hurt power much, but heavy ish)
Suggests around 310-315lbs is doable with a light NA intake and headers.
I'd spend 6 weeks (because IDK what I'm doing) hand making a calliope type manifold with longs and shorts not for valid reasons just looks, and build a plexi hood scoop/bubble for that to poke up into and be seen.

Could suit a few builds.
 
Last edited:
I was following on the gov auctions some nice older lower mileage vans with 6.0 and under 100k miles. They were going over $10,000 because they were still useful as a driver (I guess) so I stopped following them. Obviously too expensive.

This might be one to watch https://www.govdeals.com/en/asset/588/2969
It's a 4.8 but buying the whole vehicle, as suggested, is probably a good plan. This one is rusted to shit, so other than parting out a few pieces when you're done, you're basically just buying the engine and trans with 68,000 miles. I know I would rather have the bigger engine, but I remember Sloppy Mechanics was making 600 wheel HP with the 4.8.

And this mystery 6.0 long block, which I assume is viewed as a core, at $750. No trans. Seems like a lot to me, but if all the parts are useable I guess that's what a core goes for these days. https://www.govdeals.com/en/asset/51038/357

And this utility bed truck with issues, might be better than just buying a 6.0 core https://www.govdeals.com/en/asset/980/6256
 
I'll say this, they are not cheap. If you can get the engine and trans together, that's making sense. But I haven't seen any bargains.
 
FuckTheInternet said:
Scammer? or legit ..

Facebook

www.facebook.com www.facebook.com

There's more of them on fb and i'm not logged in so i can't see the seller. If that one is genuine it is a good price
Click to expand...
Scam

Click on the person selling the items and it shows what else they have for sale. He joined in 2026, has 5 plus listings of the same item
 
Torque Command said:
I was following on the gov auctions some nice older lower mileage vans with 6.0 and under 100k miles. They were going over $10,000 because they were still useful as a driver (I guess) so I stopped following them. Obviously too expensive.

This might be one to watch https://www.govdeals.com/en/asset/588/2969
It's a 4.8 but buying the whole vehicle, as suggested, is probably a good plan. This one is rusted to shit, so other than parting out a few pieces when you're done, you're basically just buying the engine and trans with 68,000 miles. I know I would rather have the bigger engine, but I remember Sloppy Mechanics was making 600 wheel HP with the 4.8.

And this mystery 6.0 long block, which I assume is viewed as a core, at $750. No trans. Seems like a lot to me, but if all the parts are useable I guess that's what a core goes for these days. https://www.govdeals.com/en/asset/51038/357

And this utility bed truck with issues, might be better than just buying a 6.0 core https://www.govdeals.com/en/asset/980/6256
Click to expand...
That 6.0 long block sold, with taxes, for $2100! It was even sold with the disclaimer that, "running condition unknown"
That's a lot of money, and no transmission, and no history! Sheesh, someone paid that for a possible core. (Just to clarify, $2100 bought you an engine on a pallet, nothing else)

Here's the description
You are bidding on a Used:6.0 Engine 2017 Chevy Express(215891 TM)

running condition unknown. Operational, mechanical and cosmetic conditions may exist and are unknown. May have visible wear and tear on all items. Parts may be missing and or inoperable.

-1 each: 6.0 Engine 2017 Chevy Express

Total Items in Auction: 1
 
Last edited:
Great example of trying to buy a "complete" LS powered vehicle.
The ECM, BCM, Etc., are there along with the base harness to work with...
 
Torque Command said:
I was following on the gov auctions some nice older lower mileage vans with 6.0 and under 100k miles. They were going over $10,000 because they were still useful as a driver (I guess) so I stopped following them. Obviously too expensive.

This might be one to watch https://www.govdeals.com/en/asset/588/2969
It's a 4.8 but buying the whole vehicle, as suggested, is probably a good plan. This one is rusted to shit, so other than parting out a few pieces when you're done, you're basically just buying the engine and trans with 68,000 miles. I know I would rather have the bigger engine, but I remember Sloppy Mechanics was making 600 wheel HP with the 4.8.

And this mystery 6.0 long block, which I assume is viewed as a core, at $750. No trans. Seems like a lot to me, but if all the parts are useable I guess that's what a core goes for these days. https://www.govdeals.com/en/asset/51038/357

And this utility bed truck with issues, might be better than just buying a 6.0 core https://www.govdeals.com/en/asset/980/6256
Click to expand...
The 4.8 was probably a good buy. Sold at $817 for the whole rusty ass truck. But I'm sure there was plenty to part out to offset the cost. Only had 68,000 miles. Bad trans, but if you were going to the turbo route you might go with a different trans anyway.

Here's the description:
For auction is a 2007 GMC Sierra 1500 REGULAR CAB PICKUP 2-DR, 4.8L V8 OHV 16V RWD. This vehicle was used by our college maintenance department and was removed from service in 2023. This vehicle starts with a boost. Has a 4.8L V8 gas engine with an automatic transmission and is Rear Wheel Drive. This vehicle was maintained every 180 days. This vehicle needs repair. The transmission is automatic and needs repairs(no column shifter). Condition is unknown. The interior is grey with vinyl and minor damage to the rubber floor mat and major damage to the front drivers seat. Vehicle has AM/FM radio, AC(Condition is Unknown). Exterior is white with minor dents, scratches, and dings. There is no cracked glass. Tire condition is low. There is minor damage to all body panels(rust in drivers floor) and major damage to truck bed (rusty). Decals have been removed and impressions remain. Onsite inspection is highly recommended. please schedule an appointment for inspection 24 hours in advanced. This auction is being sold as is.
 
The 2000 utility bed truck with a 6.0 and low oil pressure and internal transmission issues closed at $1997.
I assume it could have been driven home and you could part out a lot of it to offset the cost. But looks like the engine and trans would need a refresh.
Description:
2000 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 EXTENDED CAB PICKUP 3-DR, 6.0L V8 OHV 16V.

***READ ENTIRE LISTING BEFORE BIDDING***
Truck is overall in very rough condition. The known issues are listed below:
Check engine light-transmission internal slippage code
Large rust holes on rocker panels and on bed
ABS/Brake light on
Engine oil pressure light comes on when cold
Needs tires
Engine runs poorly
Rear door won’t open
Body in overall bad condition
City decals have been removed and impressions remain
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top