Ls v bb... chime in

[1sikride]

Ok ok...

I will try to make this a wee different...

My 71 is in need of operation.
Blow 4spd. Tired 350.
Winter project...
Is getting a 6spd... That?s the only thing
I?m committed to at the moment...

I like the tech of the ls. Weigh power mileage ratio.

But a bbc is a bbc. Street thumper.
The sound. The power. Etc.

Plus way cheaper to install..

Ok so....
What about a bbc with a fuel injection
Kit slapped on.
I hear a lot of issues with them at present
From reading posts on here..

Is this a middle ground for the two?
how will the FI change the sound n performance n mileage of the bbc ??



Thx guys.

[USAZR1]

Drew, I think this poll will be just a little bit different than the one on TC.

[TheJDMan]

If you are set on doing a swap go LS3. But my vote would be to stroke your 350 to 383. A BBC would be my last choice because it is just too damn heavy.

[raustinss]

you cant build a bb at the same hp levels cheaper then a ls ...I had a 396 you couldn't pay me to take that over a ls now . I will agree the sound of a bb is awesome

[MuscleRodz]

Just did a holley sniper on a zz502. Love it. No real gains in mileage,you will get that with the overdrive. gobs of torque even with the 3.08's we put in it. I would look at it differently, how do you plan to use your car. Short drive local stuff, or more open road? do you plan to sell? You can do LS on the cheap now if you plan ahead. You can do a 6.0, same bolt on efi as the bbc, and be in it for similar money unless you have the parts laying around.

[1sikride]

The car isn’t a daily driver persay,

I prob do 5/8000 km a year.
I’d like to be able to do a small road trip.
Couple hours away.
The odd 1/4 mile run on an open drag night.
But mostly a grocery getter.

Not selling anytime soon.

and the ls...how am I able to do it on the cheap
I’ve read for hours. And I cAnt do the
Swap myself. And I don’t want a 5.3
Truck ls. I have seen pans n headers
And fuel pumps for an affordable price..
N some other accessories..

[sheck44]

Oh man ... and I've got a NEW full TURN-KEY LS3/525 ready to drop into that Chevelle and I'm 5 minutes away !!
If you decide to go the LS route I have a 'little' experience to help you out

Cheers
Steve

[raustinss]

I'll come stand around and drink your beer ...lmao same thing if you need a hand just chirp me . Ps Steve is a good guy built a hell of a camaro

[1sikride]

Where are you guys located?
I need some street thumpin cruzin buddies lol.

[sheck44]

Drew ... just 5 minutes north of you in Claremont
Ryan is a west end guy ... Kitchener, btw, thanks Ryan

Sent you a text Drew

Cheers
Steve

[raustinss]

yeah what steve said ...lol .. I'm a fabricator if that helps . at least that's what my boss pays me to do lol

[andrewb70]

If you are set on doing a swap go LS3. But my vote would be to stroke your 350 to 383. A BBC would be my last choice because it is just too damn heavy.

If budget is a huge concern, I agree with Steve. If the block is good, a new rotating assembly can be had cheap. Rebuild the 350 into a 383...add a Sniper EFI system...be happy. If there is room in the budget, the LS is the way to go. Not sure what you have against a "truck" engine, but a stock 5.3L makes 300HP at the crank. Your current 350 probably makes 180...

Andrew

[badazz81z28]

Each engine has their purpose and shines in their realm. Here in the PT.com world where people drive their cars on road courses, autocross, braking performance....The choice is smaller and lighter. A LS engine can overcome big BBC power numbers and handles way better. You can build any engine at any power #s, the argument that BBCs can produce xxx Hp is irrelevant. BBCs are for fun and the strip.....

[cornfedbill]

In my opinion, the LS motor has the most potential to make power at a light weight. This is very good for handling.

The least expensive route - the one I took - is a built small block. I used a 400 block and 350 crank. If you have a good 35- block, a 383 balanced rotating assembly can be had at a reasonable cost from several retailers. Add EFI and go.

If I were to build a car for serious open class open road racing, where the engine is pushed hard for a long time, but absolute cornering ability is not the main objective, I would consider the big block. For most other uses, the big block is just too heavy over the front end of the car.

So, my recommendation is to rebuild the small block into a strong 383 and enjoy. Quick, easy and not too expensive. However, you will not have the power of an LS or BBC. That is the compromise.

It depends on what you value most.

[SSLOW6.0]

Here's my thoughts. First a 6.0L truck motor is the best value in all of engines. hell even a 5.3L can make 400HP with a cam. You could probably do a cammed 6.0 swap for the cost of a set of aluminum BBC heads. Hell, the cost of MPFI (Throttle body injection is a waste of money) You're into LS Swap territory. Or if you want an aluminum block, try to find one of out of a newer Escalade. If you can verify that it came from a running and driving truck, and the miles are less than 150K (my motor had 125 on the clock and still had cylinder crosshatch) I recommend the junk yard motor route. As for manual options you could use your 4 speed if you want, or a TKO600 or T-56 Magnum.

The only thing a BBC has on an LS is the big block sound. For me, that's not worth everything you give up. not to mention that there LS heads that flow almost as good some of the aftermarket BBC heads. Sure you could build a 496 BBC that beats a 376 LS, but above 500hp you're limited more by tire than anything else. Both setups can make 500 hp with a little massaging, but the LS will do it cheaper and lighter.

I highly recommend the Holley swap kits, they worked wonderfully for my SBC to LS conversion in a G-body. ( I used some cheap Ebay headers though)

[mytmouz]

I am doing a 6.0 LS Swap in my 67 malibu. I am doing the work, (all of it). Cheap is not what I am seeing though, lol...

[SSLOW6.0]

I am doing a 6.0 LS Swap in my 67 malibu. I am doing the work, (all of it). Cheap is not what I am seeing though, lol...

I did mine into a G-body for about $3500...

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

you cant.. CAN NOT.. beat the LS for its useability, mileage, power potential.. etc.

[Josue]

I am doing a 6.0 LS Swap in my 67 malibu. I am doing the work, (all of it). Cheap is not what I am seeing though, lol...

^This!

I've been watching some DIYautomotive channel on YouTube, as i'm in the initial researching stage for LS swapping my '68 Firebird. Guy documented a LS2 and 6sp auto from a 2010-2012-ish truck, into a '66 Chevelle swap. Motor, trans, and all accessories were $4500, then all the installation items needed easily doubled that price. But, these were all brand new, top of the line swap parts that I'm sure could be had for cheaper if you look out for used deals. He didn't even throw some high dollar intake manifold or swap headers on it though, stock truck intake and then some 2014 Camaro SS stock exhaust manifolds. 6.0/5.3's can certainly be had for a LOT less than $4500 though, so you're already saving money there.

[1sikride]

Lots of good info.

I don’t want a built 350/383.

I’m in love with the bbc sound.
And raw power. The car isn’t a track car.
So straight lines are fine.

It’s the install n extra parts n sound of the ls
That irk me.