LSx Valiant Build. Take a look inside...
Good post, but not really helpful. The main thing I hear mentioned all the time about ls swaps is how it's cheaper....so I'd like to see a actual price breakdown. And let's keep it to the average enthusiasts level, like boneyard stock 5.3s for instance
It's not helpful because you didn't actually do the research I mentioned above. I didn't say, go ask someone to find out how much it costs, I said "price the following:"
That's a directive, not a suggestion.
That being said, cuda is correct, parts are cheap.
I'll give you an idea. You're selling a whole car for $5500, which is a good deal for all the pieces, BUT, if you want to just go get a 5.7/trans package, with accessories and electronics, you might spend over $2000.
A serviceable 5.3/4L60E can be had, commonly around the US, for $1000 or less. The factory manifolds can often be used, unless you need later model Camaro versions, in which case people basically throw them away for a little bit of nothing.
Modifying the wire harness/PCM is pretty standard and depending on who you go through, varies between $250-$1000. For that cost, you get a completely modified--to your needs--harness that only requires a handful of wires to be connected...go try to find someone who'll do that for you with a Hemi conversion. The programming alone can cost more than that.
Fuel system...Once again, we come to the options of plumbing it yourself or buying the kits/components growing in popularity to retrofit high pressure EFI systems.
Driveline mods are pretty easy and pretty standard...just like chassis suspension...
Overarching point is, whatever extra cost people suppose exists, are often either not there or offset significantly by the fact that the LS parts and platforms are cheap as dog food.
