[ceewdee]

Could use some help here guys. I have an opportunity to pick up a 2000 Chevy Vortec engine and tranny for a reasonable price. I only have the attached pictures, and the guy could not answer many of my questions. He can’t tell me if it’s a 4.8L or a 5.3L (it is a cast iron block). It supposedly has only 4000 mile and is complete with both ECM's, harness, etc– I find that hard to believe on the mileage, but you never know. The tranny should be a 4L60E from that vintage, yes? Can anyone tell me what size the engine is from the pictures? Anything in particular I should look for? Casting #’s that might help me identify it… He’s asking $1300, but I can get it for less. Should I just wait until a later vintage is available? I’m only looking for 300 to 400 HP, just don’t want to pass on a good deal. Thanks.

 

[bryant weldon]

Enine id

The October issue of Hot Rod Magazine has an article called LS engines at a glance. This should help you determine what your looking at. It shows the model of the engine (LS1 or LS2 etc) the size (346, 427 etc) block material (alum, iron), horsepower, and what vehicle it came in. :anim_25:

 

[Crafty]

Get the block casting number, its at the rear on drivers side according to this:
http://summitracing.custhelp.com/ci/fattach/get/44974/1164656520

Scroll down a bit here, this lists different displacements as well:
http://chevythunder.com/LS1 components.htm

also get the PCM numbers, that can help too if you look it up here:
http://chevythunder.com/LS1 components.htm#PCM Identification

 

[ceewdee]

Great information, thanks guys!

 

[BO185]

The blocks casting numbers/PCM's are the same on the 5.3 and 4.8's. Only way to tell them a part is look at the piston or the crank. If its flatops its a 4.8l dished equal 5.3l. Remove a spark plug and place at TDC look insde with a light should be able to tell.

 

[Old Buzzard]

Look on the dr rear at the trans housing flange, and the block. Should be a vin stamped,[lasered] on them just opposite each other.
Also on the block on the vertical pad behind the oil filter area...

 

[Darrin's55]

The vin will be on the transmission to. It on the bottom where the rear transmisson mount is just in front of it. Then you can look the engine code up.

That is what i have been told.

darrin

 

[Old Buzzard]

Yep..

The vin will be on the transmission to. It on the bottom where the rear transmisson mount is just in front of it. Then you can look the engine code up.

That is what i have been told.

darrin

there, too.