the other parts are good for any gen 3 4.8/5.3 block. a free engine isn't a bad thing to have, but if you're getting into more than a couple hundred for machine work I'd take it and set it in the corner for spares later.. and spend a couple hundred on one without a smoked cam bearing.
Agreed 100%!!! You can find GOOD motors sooo cheap it is not worth the money to rebuild them from trash. Only buy one with clean internals, pop the valve cover and check for the honey coloration.
With all the "freshening up" and cam swap goodies do expect about a $1000 engine once complete that produces about 400 HP.
Here is my must-do and el cheapo checklist:
- LS9 cam - new GM (cheap!)
- LS2 cam cover
- LS2 cam gear
- LS6 valve springs (Blue)
- Valve stem seals
- Timing chain (the new ones are beefy compared to old)
- Oil Pan kit as needed for swap
- New GM thermostat (GM only)
- Water pump gaskets (GM only)
- ARP exhaust manifold bolts (worth every penny, GM stock bolts fail)
- ARP crankshaft bolt
- valve cover seals
- intake manifold as needed
- intake manifold seals
The oil pan is the $ killer here. If you can use the truck pan, then you just saved about $300.
Also I have used the LS7 and LS2 cams in my swaps, but the new dollars go for the LS9 which is about $120 new and pretty much identical to the LS7. Note the springs and retainers for the LS7 and LS9 cams do not work on 5.3 heads, stay LS6 for fitment.
Now go forth and completely blow the budget on the transmission, mounts, rear axle, and FI system!
FWIW I have most of the drivetrain setup for the 960, but needs time at home for any real progress at this point. My goal for the Volvo was for fall LS Fest 2017... I doubt it.