SBC/BBC vs ls

[camaroboss67]

How many prefer original cast iron blocks vs going LS. I know about the buildability of the LS But wondering who still prefer old school maybe with a efi system on it.

[TheJDMan]

This has been discussed before.

https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/118254-Who-s-still-running-a-SBC

[bs46488]

I think the answer depends on what you are looking to do with your car.

[camrat68]

Got a 600hp 575 ft/lbs BBC in my 68 and am addicted to torque but EVENTUALLY going to an LS. I've ridden in comparable vehicles with LS engines and the same torque numbers just don't feel as..........violent as the BBC. Now that I'm getting older though, the convenience of an LS engine is hard to ignore. Even with a fuel injected set-up, it's still not as friendly to drive as an LS. :/

Jim

[sheck44]

Jim add some boost and ... 550 RW Torque at 2000 rpm is insanity and violent as hell, you CAN have your cake and eat it too
Just cost $$$$ LOL

Steve

[camrat68]

LOL! It's only money right!

Jim

[Interceptor5588]

The 300hp weight difference between BBC and LS is significant, if it's truly for a pro-touring car. SBC to LS, not so much.

[MonzaRacer]

I can push sbc/bbc pretty hard for cheap, cost of non distributor/ non carbed oem engine swap adds significant cost. Hei and rebuilt carb cost much less than LS ignition alone.Then you get into headers, mounts, accessory drives, etc.

[ra11ysport]

5mpg vs 20mpg

[SPLATT71MC]

I'm in the same boat right now. Love the brute power of a built BBC but don't want the extra weight on the nose of the car. Love the LS engines but the cost of integrating one into my car just isn't feasible at this point. So for now a SBC is my best option. My car already has one so I need nothing to install a upgraded one.

[mckemy442]

Hard to beat a 427 or 434 small block. I love the availability of cheap parts. Not so uneconomical if built right.

[Jk918]

Besides the initial swap cost, cost to make similar power is about the same, between the two.

[nokones]

Instead of putting a LS in my 89 C4 Corvette, I decided to stay with a SBC design and went with an all aluminum Dart block for the weight savings. Lingenfelter built a 427 ci with 646 up at the crank and will spin up to 7600. The engine was designed for autocrossing and I am glad I stayed with the Gen 1 family engine. The Dart block will be a lot more durable than a factory LS block.