Hello all. This is my first post, outside of my welcome center post, since becoming a member. Having said that, if anything I post needs to be relocated, feel free to let me know.
Ok, to the meat and potatoes. I'm currently planning to put a LS3 in my 58. I've seen/ read about several of these builds so fitting doesn't seem to be an issue I'll face. However, I'm at the point of planning this build financially, and I have hit a road block.
My heart was initially set on 500+ HP. So, that was a search criteria. The crate "turn-key" engine that I was able to find was a Thompson Motorsports LS3 w/ 550 HP. They have a hefty price tag of $14k. about $4k above my entire powertrain budget (I came into this blind and assumed $10,000.00 would build it.). So, I looked a bit more and found a from the factory GM LS3 crate engine w/ 430 HP for around $8k. Much more my price range, much less HP than I wanted. My road block came next. How much would it cost me to just buy a block and all the individual parts needed to put together a 500+ HP engine. So, I guess what I'm asking is:
What have you guys done in this situation?
What brands should I be hunting down for individual parts?
Am I an idiot who is asking for too much power in my truck?
Can I honestly self build something with 500+ HP with under $10k?
I also have some transmission questions, but I'll look for a transmission thread to write on. If I can't find one, I'll post here again.
