Crate ls7

[ALLZS]

What is the going price these days on a new ls7 bought in the mid 80s

[cam69aro]

I would say 10,000-12,000?? just my guess. original LS7`s just aren`t around anymore and had premium top shelf parts from the Chevrolet parts bin. GLWS

[L_e_e]

I would say $6K and plan on disassembling it and going through it.

[Astock]

I would say 10,000-12,000?? just my guess. original LS7`s just aren`t around anymore and had premium top shelf parts from the Chevrolet parts bin. GLWS

I would cut that in half: 5 to 6, at the most.
1985 castings, not sure why that would be desirable, let alone double in value over the years. I'd rather find a 512 289 block and matching heads, and build my own for the same money.

[bigsixman]

I would say $6K and plan on disassembling it and going through it.

This is a lot closer ^^^^^ and you have to go through it because they were known for having assembly issues at the factory.

[Lynn]

Agree 5 to 6k at most.

Only good for building something nostalgic.

[SuperNovaSS]

4-6k.

Jason

[ALLZS]

thanks guys he also says he has a ls6 motor that he pulled out of his70 ss chevelle in the early 80s not sure if the car is still around be nice to find the car it belongs to

[Sean]

I am seeing them for 3-5 k. Boat guys love them. If he wants to sell that LS6 motor let me know I need a crv block for my car.

[EZ Nova]

I am seeing them for 3-5 k. Boat guys love them. If he wants to sell that LS6 motor let me know I need a crv block for my car.

This is right around where I see them too. Only Nostalgia guys are looking for them. To high compression and too small cubes for most these days.

FYI you can by as powerful crate motor new with warranty that will more than likely outrun these Ls7, with hyd cam, pump gas and for less then $7000.00! Then you get into the whole 496 game for around that $$$ too.

Me personally, I would pass on the Ls7 and order a VortecPro motor and go from there...

[Big Block Bill]

This is a lot closer ^^^^^ and you have to go through it because they were known for having assembly issues at the factory.


That's for sure. I had one in my 1967 Chevelle I restored and it spun a main bearing @ 935 miles and filled the motor with metal ruining the solid lifter ZL-1 Cam!

It cost me $2500.00 to go through it (.030 over, 13.0 to 1 Forged, upgraded Eagle rods .606 Comp Cams Hydraulic Roller Cam) and I have never fired it. I'd be lucky to get $4000.00 for it now. Anyone interested?

Bill

[Sean]

^^^^^ Bill that is a good deal there. Someone should snatch it up.

[DWR]

I have one with very few miles the that spun a main also.

[EZ Nova]

I have one with very few miles the that spun a main also.

Seems like that was a common issue with these crate Ls7's. I know of a local guy who bought one years ago for his '71 Firebird Formula. Same thing. First summer, spun a main. 2nd guy bought 2 crate Ls7's. First went in his '73 454 Vette. It had issues as well. Second one when into his racecar Chevette. This time he had it inspected. Sure enough, it was not correct and was fixed before first start up.

So of the 3 that I personally know of, all 3 were screwy right from GM.

[x33rs]

Friend of mine went through 3 GM crate LS6's in the 80's before he got one that lasted. The first 2 ate lobes off the camshaft within 200 miles. They warrantied them. 3rd time was a charm.
He later bought a crate LS7 from another friend of mine that bought it new and just left it in the crate. This was about 10 years after the fact and all the horror stories were already circulating. He decided to tear that one open and found loose rod bolts that weren't torqued to spec. That engine would have lived a very short life if run as it was. He checked over the entire engine and buttoned it up. It ran fine for years after.