Your previous message directed at me isn't showing up on the web, however I have it on my phone... lol IDK.
Anyway, All I have to say towards the price is you gotta shop. I've found people who are ready to yank their LS3's out of their running Corvettes to toss in their newly built motors for 3grand. Harness, ECU, Motor. I've pulled Harness, ECU, Motor and Transmission from wrecked T/A's and Camaro's for around $1200
Even this engine swap with transmission and ECU cost 1200 plus the welding, pipes, etc... All the things needed to swap it in.
And if I remember correctly, it was like a 80k LS1 with a T56. We ended up doing some head work and tossed in a Cam before strapping it all down.
As for the 5.3L... As you said, yes it doesn't put down much power Stock. But the parts to set it up isn't too bad. Not as bad as you have quoted. Really, Just google Junkyard 5.3L, and you'll find tons of pages dedicated to different magazines, shops, and people who have spent chump change on building it to easilly put down a reliable 500hp. Stock or Built. Lots of the Magazine websites you find tho, will be dedicated more towards converting it to carburated, for using in older cars. Then you got the boosted guys.
Here's a quick one I pulled up on the 5.3L.
594HP 5.3L Gen III Small Block for $3,252
My 5.3L cost me $280. And I don't plan on keeping most of the internals. Just to be safe. It came with two sets of headers which I'll prob sell.. Maybe. One are some cheap Shorty headers which might be useful. No Intake Manifold since it will be switched to the cars manifold and no AC Compressor or Injectors. I picked up some injectors for 80 bucks that can handle some boost. Connecting Rods from SCAT for 500. Forged Pistons for 400 to $$$$. Haven't decided on Pistons Yet. Crank can handle tons of boost stock. So I'll just send it to the machine shop to get polished and knife'd. Got some locals with a garage packed of LSx Parts. I'm hoping to pickup an ECU, and Harness for 600. And a low profile oil pan for 100.
5.3L $300
Forged Rods 500 +/-
Forged Pistons 600 +/-
Engine Management 600
Oil Pan 100
Haven't selected a Cam yet but I'm up to 2000 dollars for a built LS ready for tons of boost. Yes I do plan to turbo. But you don't have to, to get lots of power. Heads and Cam LS Motors put out a lot.
I am in no way against your build J. I think its awesome. And you are completely right. You get a 480hp LS3 with a Warranty. That is super wicked!
How to Boost a 5.3L LS Engine to 611-Horsepower - Super Chevy Magazine
611hp with stock cam. Anyway, Enough of the arguing on that.
I totally agree with you. Esp on the boxsters can be had cheap. Lots of places will sell them for low prices. Hell didn't the other guy in the V8 Thread pay only like 3k for his without a motor?
A price point under 10k is highly unlikely. The Swap parts from Renegade are close to 5k alone. You'd need to get motor and harness for cheap cheap. I'm looking at 12k with my built, Turbocharged setup and I plan on building some of my own brackets instead of going the Renegade way. Even saw the guy in the other v8 Thread doing different Power Steering Setups for much cheaper than Renegades kit.
Renegade develops a nice product. But it doesn't have to be the only option.
Again I'm sorry if I come off rude or whatever. Not meant to be towards NERV or J. You both are an inspiration and I applaud you both.
J, I'll pm you.