Cheapest way out is buy another good 3.4 and put it in or sell yours and buy the ss and buy a trans for it. I'm guessing that's the cheapest way out anyway lol

 

Well that's already sounding more expensive than just getting the SS. If I were to part out my LS, what are some big money pieces that I should take out first?

 

Hard to say, best thing to do is advertise the car as a part out and sell things as people need. It takes longer to part things out but in the end you make more money.

 

Ugh, this all sucks. Sounds like there's no hope for my current budget, anyone have any hope for me?

 

Don't know what your budget is. Go buy a good junk yard 3.4 and install it yourself. Shouldn't be that expensive for the engine.

 

wouldn't it just be cheaper to replace the head gaskets? Considering the 3400 is known for having bad stock head gaskets anyways?

 

My apologies on the misread, if all the LS needs is a head gasket (and possibly heads if they're too warped), just do that. Gaskets are what, 150 bucks or so for the top end, and I'm sure if you need heads you can get them for 100 bucks a piece or less. That's going to be your cheapest option. Even if you get the SS for 600, you're going to need a tranny (which will be at LEAST 500) plus installation.

 

As stated above it may just be gaskets but you may need heads as well.

 

although i have never done the swap on a newer monte, here is my suggestion if you want the extra power of the 3800:
1) take your 03 remove engine and keep trans.
2) get a 3800 engine, harness, exhaust, down pipe from "01 ss parts car"
3) You will need a pcm tuned for the 03 3800 and ls trans $100-150
4) you might want the bigger radiator from the 01
5) deff need the high pressure power steering line from the 01

you could take the suspension from the ss and put in your ls. leather interior and wheels. basically take the best parts from it to update and clean up yours