2013 Crate motor swap - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Bowtie Jim · 09-20-2019, 12:18 PM

Found a deal I may have to investigate further.
A customer of my wife asked her to help with an estate. Among the items to be sold is a 2013 2SS with a grenaded engine. The guy was a motorhead and passed a year ago in his late 40's. The car has 12,500 miles and is like new except the engine. It threw a rod right thru the side of the block.
Next to the car is an unopened crate motor. Chevy performance DR 525. These are around $9000. He had plans obviously.
I'm curious how streetable is this motor?
I may be able to get 1st crack at this if everything works out before the official sale. I may have to make a quick decision too so I can steal it before too many people know about it.
I'm all ears guys, What's a good price?

Wizard1183 · 09-20-2019, 12:28 PM

10k

InFiD3ViL · 09-20-2019, 04:08 PM

Let me ask you this...Was your intention to buy another engine prior to this discovery?

If not, what is the point unless you truly get an amazing deal? If so, make sure you also take the time to see what a fully forged, brand new and much more powerful build would cost you instead of this crate engine.

I'm just saying, sometimes it is very tempting to make a purchase because it is such a deal when in reality you never actually intended to spend the money to begin with. If your goal is to simply flip this engine, understand that this is a risky venture and may not pan out the way you wish.

Bowtie Jim · 09-20-2019, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wizard1183

10k

Car comes with the $9000 crate motor so 10 sounds good to me. But really I'm more looking for what the actual car is worth with the blown engine. 13-14?
It looks like the DR 525 is for bracket racing ? Says competition use only.
Probably not very street friendly.
I would probably just buy the car only and pickup a different crate motor knowing that. Any suggestions for a crate 500 hp drop in setup.
Here's the info on it
https://www.chevrolet.com/performanc...le-car-oil-pan

Bowtie Jim · 09-20-2019, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wizard1183

10k

Quote:

Originally Posted by InFiD3ViL

Let me ask you this...Was your intention to buy another engine prior to this discovery?

If not, what is the point unless you truly get an amazing deal? If so, make sure you also take the time to see what a fully forged, brand new and much more powerful build would cost you instead of this crate engine.

I'm just saying, sometimes it is very tempting to make a purchase because it is such a deal when in reality you never actually intended to spend the money to begin with. If your goal is to simply flip this engine, understand that this is a risky venture and may not pan out the way you wish.

My intention at first was to buy this because I will more than likely get a great deal on it and keep the car.
I still want the car but after a little digging I'm not so sure about the crate motor he bought. Im thinking he was going to put that motor in it and bracket race it. No street. Unless I'm wrong and that motor would work for street use. It would be about the limit on the rest of the drivetrain right? It's an automatic also.
I'm willing to drop $10,000-$12,000 on a turnkey crate motor if the DR 525 won't work . 525 hp would be nice.

HDRDTD · 09-20-2019, 06:26 PM

If you can get both the car and the crate engine for 10-15k, you can always keep the car, resell the crate engine and use the money towards an engine of your choice to put in the Camaro.

InFiD3ViL · 09-20-2019, 09:01 PM

Like said above, both the car and engine for 15k or less...That is something I would jump on if I had the ability. In a second.

Think about it. Sell the engine and the car is paid for. Anyhow, however you go about this, good luck.

lemontwist · 09-20-2019, 09:12 PM

i would put the motor in the car and run it on the street.....

Aqua Blue RS/SS · 09-20-2019, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lemontwist

i would put the motor in the car and run it on the street.....

Me too

Strydes · 09-21-2019, 02:40 PM

I have the 525 crate motor.
Runs like a dream

christianchevell · 09-22-2019, 08:09 AM

The actual cost of the engine with the 525 hp ASA cam is more in the 9k range crate so go from there, its lower lift so it can be set and forget and no worrying much about the springs. SO take the engine for below 8k and that's good and the camaro for...… ? they used to be less actually a few years ago as they are a basic crate engine with the Cam and that's not worth that much more and crates sell for about 7k for a basic ls3....and so a different cam and maybe slightly better springs are not worth that much more....IMO but hey...its not a bad deal if you can pick up both for 15 ish area or even more.... figure $1500 to install, and then you can sell off old parts.... https://www.ebay.com/itm/Crate-Engin...EAAOSw~kVde27f

Very streetable and often the choice of retro fitting by my tuner tommy wong …. https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...gine&FORM=VDRE

Avenging Orange · 09-22-2019, 08:52 AM

Have you read much on this site? 95% are trying to achieve with their stock engine what you may have sitting in your lap. Buy it, install it and enjoy.

Strydes · 09-22-2019, 05:44 PM

I got lucky and got the 525 crate when it was 6 grand. I like the low lift cam compared to my higher lift that I had put in my original engine. I just drive on street and wanted to keep my low end trq with no spring maintenance

Bowtie Jim · 09-22-2019, 09:00 PM

Well it wasn't meant to be.
The son in law who was never interested in the car all the sudden wants it.
I went there today with $16,550 cash in my pocket and a trailer. The widow and her daughter were there digging through some boxes getting ready for the estate sale when I pulled up with my buddy trying not to act like Richard Rawlings. After a few minutes looking over the car I was ready to get a deal going. Then the son in law then shows up and is wondering why I'm there with a trailer. The widow told him I was there looking at the car and maybe going to buy it . That's when it went South. He said he always wanted the car but that was news to her. ( I don't think he had a clue about the 525 either) They went out in the back yard and talked for a few minutes then came back and told me they were sorry but they couldn't sell me the car.
I told them I would pay $16,000 cash right now. No deal.
My life story I'll tell you.
I'll keep looking. But that one had some serious potential.

09-20-2019, 12:18 PM	#1
Bowtie Jim Drives: Two 2018 Silverado's Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Rogers, MN Posts: 26	2013 Crate motor swap Found a deal I may have to investigate further. A customer of my wife asked her to help with an estate. Among the items to be sold is a 2013 2SS with a grenaded engine. The guy was a motorhead and passed a year ago in his late 40's. The car has 12,500 miles and is like new except the engine. It threw a rod right thru the side of the block. Next to the car is an unopened crate motor. Chevy performance DR 525. These are around $9000. He had plans obviously. I'm curious how streetable is this motor? I may be able to get 1st crack at this if everything works out before the official sale. I may have to make a quick decision too so I can steal it before too many people know about it. I'm all ears guys, What's a good price?

09-20-2019, 12:28 PM	#2
Wizard1183 Drives: ABM SS2/RS M6 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Lafayette,LA Posts: 2,230	10k __________________ Life is short, drive it like you stole it!

09-20-2019, 04:08 PM	#3
InFiD3ViL Drives: 2010 CGM 2SS/RS LS3 Swapped A6 Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Spring Hill, FL Posts: 4,570	Let me ask you this...Was your intention to buy another engine prior to this discovery? If not, what is the point unless you truly get an amazing deal? If so, make sure you also take the time to see what a fully forged, brand new and much more powerful build would cost you instead of this crate engine. I'm just saying, sometimes it is very tempting to make a purchase because it is such a deal when in reality you never actually intended to spend the money to begin with. If your goal is to simply flip this engine, understand that this is a risky venture and may not pan out the way you wish. __________________ 2010 CGM Camaro 2SS LS3 Swapped A6 - GPI LS3 SS1 .647/.638, (224/237, 112 +4, 7º overlap) on CamMotion 8620 core, BTR Platinum .660" Dual Spring kit w/titanium retainers, CHE bronze trunnion upgrade, stock heads milled @ .015, Melling HV 10296 oil pump, TSP 1-7/8" long tube headers (W/Catless Off-road Pipes), Corsa Xtreme 3" Catback, GPI Ported/Rod Mod Intake, Stage 2 Ported Throttle Body, Vararam OTR CAI, Mike Norris Gen 2 catch can + GM 1LE clean side separator, 160º thermostat - Megan Racing adjustable coilovers (lowered 1.75"), MRR M017 10/11" wheels-Tuned by Ryan @ GPI

09-20-2019, 09:01 PM	#7
InFiD3ViL Drives: 2010 CGM 2SS/RS LS3 Swapped A6 Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Spring Hill, FL Posts: 4,570	Like said above, both the car and engine for 15k or less...That is something I would jump on if I had the ability. In a second. Think about it. Sell the engine and the car is paid for. Anyhow, however you go about this, good luck. __________________ 2010 CGM Camaro 2SS LS3 Swapped A6 - GPI LS3 SS1 .647/.638, (224/237, 112 +4, 7º overlap) on CamMotion 8620 core, BTR Platinum .660" Dual Spring kit w/titanium retainers, CHE bronze trunnion upgrade, stock heads milled @ .015, Melling HV 10296 oil pump, TSP 1-7/8" long tube headers (W/Catless Off-road Pipes), Corsa Xtreme 3" Catback, GPI Ported/Rod Mod Intake, Stage 2 Ported Throttle Body, Vararam OTR CAI, Mike Norris Gen 2 catch can + GM 1LE clean side separator, 160º thermostat - Megan Racing adjustable coilovers (lowered 1.75"), MRR M017 10/11" wheels-Tuned by Ryan @ GPI

09-21-2019, 02:40 PM	#10
Strydes Drives: 2010 inferno orange 2SS 6spd Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 35 View My Garage	I have the 525 crate motor. Runs like a dream __________________ roto fab cai bbk full length headers High flow cats 411rwhp/411trq engine pulled/ oil pump fail 525 crate engine installed 391 gear installed 226/236 110 cam tuned by full throttle speed 443@6000rpm /420trq@4900rpm

09-20-2019, 06:26 PM	#6
HDRDTD Drives: 2013 Triple Black ZL1 Vert M6 ECF Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Trenton, Michigan Posts: 7,047	If you can get both the car and the crate engine for 10-15k, you can always keep the car, resell the crate engine and use the money towards an engine of your choice to put in the Camaro.

09-20-2019, 09:12 PM	#8
lemontwist Drives: 12 2SS/RS L99,11 2SS/RS LS3totaled Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: mooresville nc Posts: 1,048	i would put the motor in the car and run it on the street.....

09-22-2019, 08:09 AM	#11
christianchevell old school chevy rodder Drives: 2013 2SS/RS Manual,DM exhaust,CRT Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Oregon Posts: 5,588 View My Garage	The actual cost of the engine with the 525 hp ASA cam is more in the 9k range crate so go from there, its lower lift so it can be set and forget and no worrying much about the springs. SO take the engine for below 8k and that's good and the camaro for...… ? they used to be less actually a few years ago as they are a basic crate engine with the Cam and that's not worth that much more and crates sell for about 7k for a basic ls3....and so a different cam and maybe slightly better springs are not worth that much more....IMO but hey...its not a bad deal if you can pick up both for 15 ish area or even more.... figure $1500 to install, and then you can sell off old parts.... https://www.ebay.com/itm/Crate-Engin...EAAOSw~kVde27f Very streetable and often the choice of retro fitting by my tuner tommy wong …. https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...gine&FORM=VDRE __________________ 2021 Wild Cherry ZL1 A10, Sunroof, Data, Carbon, Nav, RotoFab Dry CAI, Elite x2, Borla ATK, Driveshaft shop

09-22-2019, 08:52 AM	#12
Avenging Orange Drives: 2010 Inferno Orange 2SS/RS Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Clermont, IN Posts: 3,297	Have you read much on this site? 95% are trying to achieve with their stock engine what you may have sitting in your lap. Buy it, install it and enjoy. __________________ 2010 Inferno Orange 2SS/RS M6 Black Leather, Sun Roof, OBX Headers, Borla touring axle back, Cold Air Inductions CAI , non synthetic fluids, BMR total bushing upgrade/1" lowering springs, DSE 32mm rear sway bar. GM fe4 shocks/struts/LCA's, AAM 3.91 diff, Vertini RFS1.8 20x9 +30. Conti ExtremeContact Sport 275/35/20. sjm autoprod ABL dash kit. Mike Norris tuned 413/419. Avenging Orange: 43 years of not buying into the Hype........and damn proud of it!! https://youtu.be/9JD9it6SmB8 https://youtu.be/xmelTlEzI34 KICKING CANCERS ASS SINCE 2015!!

09-22-2019, 05:44 PM	#13
Strydes Drives: 2010 inferno orange 2SS 6spd Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 35 View My Garage	I got lucky and got the 525 crate when it was 6 grand. I like the low lift cam compared to my higher lift that I had put in my original engine. I just drive on street and wanted to keep my low end trq with no spring maintenance __________________ roto fab cai bbk full length headers High flow cats 411rwhp/411trq engine pulled/ oil pump fail 525 crate engine installed 391 gear installed 226/236 110 cam tuned by full throttle speed 443@6000rpm /420trq@4900rpm

09-22-2019, 09:00 PM	#14
Bowtie Jim Drives: Two 2018 Silverado's Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Rogers, MN Posts: 26	Well it wasn't meant to be. The son in law who was never interested in the car all the sudden wants it. I went there today with $16,550 cash in my pocket and a trailer. The widow and her daughter were there digging through some boxes getting ready for the estate sale when I pulled up with my buddy trying not to act like Richard Rawlings. After a few minutes looking over the car I was ready to get a deal going. Then the son in law then shows up and is wondering why I'm there with a trailer. The widow told him I was there looking at the car and maybe going to buy it . That's when it went South. He said he always wanted the car but that was news to her. ( I don't think he had a clue about the 525 either) They went out in the back yard and talked for a few minutes then came back and told me they were sorry but they couldn't sell me the car. I told them I would pay $16,000 cash right now. No deal. My life story I'll tell you. I'll keep looking. But that one had some serious potential.