Originally Posted by Tusky (Post 7867191)

Tom.... I got less than 4 grand in the motor. Let me guide you on how to pull it off.

I traded a nitrous bottle for a bare block.
The Heads I picked got 150 dollars off Facebook.
The rotating assembly came from a scoggin dickey. 2100 bucks
The timing chain (80 dollars)can be picked up new from ws6store website. Fast shipping they have.
Pushrods came from Brian Tooley Racing. 100 bucks brand new. Brian is the man... very nice guy that knows LS motors.
He also hooked me up on the valvesprings for 140 dollars.
Trunion upgrade was 115 dollars also from Tooley.
Lifters was 140 bucks
The injectors is used.... I paid 125 dollars for them off ls1tech.
Throttle body is off eBay for 150 dollars.
I hunted a intake down at pull a part got 75 dollars.
As far as gaskets/bolts I basically got them free from helping friends doing their cam swaps etc....
On the cam I picked it up from Hubbard Racing for 300 dollars.
Right place.... Right time you can do it too. Just helps to know great people and have sources.
If I missed anything let me know....

If you can get a 6.0 for a great deal I say snatch it up. They pop up all the time with spun bearings on Facebook for around 500 dollars or so. I now have a co worker begging me out the motor LOL....

Originally Posted by Tusky

How much of a motor I need to tow my car 6 hours away from home ? 6.0 or 5.3 ?
What mods will be best for towing?
What transmission would be best?
Long wheel base or short wheel base ?
What gear ratio in the rear I need to get the weight moving?

Originally Posted by MalibuSSwagon (Post 7867313)

I think the biggest thing that made a difference with me towing with the 305 was the SM465. I could just jam it into the low gear at a stop and pull away no issue. That trans was made for heavy loads, it loved it. It drives like crap unloaded but with a load on it's a dream. :lol:

Originally Posted by Tusky (Post 7867358)

Malibu- I never heard of that transmission or had no dealing with one of those but it sounds good.

Originally Posted by Hewfil1 (Post 7867360)

You've never heard of the Muncie 465!? :(

Originally Posted by GRADYS Performance (Post 7867433)

It is not about the ability to pull the load. It is about the ability to Control the Load when something out of the ordinary happens. And sooner or later if you tow much it will. If you value your life and your equipment prepare for that as you choose your towing equipment.

Take into consideration that your load is always heavier than you think because you have to account for everything you take along, Tools, fuel, water support equipment, food, comfort supplies etc.

Originally Posted by daddyjeep (Post 7867467)

Outstanding advice. I often see guys say "my 1/2 ton can pull 10,000 pounds all day long". I'm sure it can pull it just fine, but throw in some strong cross winds or a kid chasing a ball running out in front of you and you will see the reason to use the proper tool for the job. I have towed my Jeep with a Trailblazer, a half ton ford, and a half ton Chevy. They all got me there and back, but when the time came to get me a different truck I went with the 1 ton.

Originally Posted by Alex V. (Post 7868496)

And the 1-ton (even a single-rear-wheel model without optional super stout springs) will be sitting 2" lower than normal ride height.

Originally Posted by GRADYS Performance (Post 7867433)

And we all seem to upgrade so when your flatbed trailer becomes an enclosed trailer will you have to update your tow vehicle or already have the vehicle you need. less expensive to do it right the first time.