Calling all experts - Engine advice

[Tinindian6702]

Hi. I have a few questions. i am currently building a pro-touring 1978 firebird. I am at the point where I am contemplating ordering a crate engine. I wanted to see what advice the rest of you had. My choices are the LS3 or the ZZ502. I was wondering what the pros and cons are for each. Also the difficulty of getting either up and running. Any experience you had with either and would like to share qould be appreciated. Also with the hi torque of the 502, are there any other modifications to the body needed??? Non- t- top. Thanks in advance

[carguykeith]

Can't comment on a crate motor but I can say after taking 5 years to get my car running with a big old big block I sure wouldn't do it again the same now. You can make the same power out of an LS that weighs less, is small, and is honestly probably going to last longer.

Just my $.02

[yellow1098Greg]

What's the cost comparison of them? I'm guessing they are pretty close right?

[qnitro]

I have built SBC 383/ 468BB and LS2/6/1 with all tranny configs T56/T400 you name it,.. Ease of use-setup the old SBC/BBC...They are easy to set up and get running, If you want to Build for long term no worries set up that gets great MPG with awesome power, go LSX.. I will never build another SBC/BBC again. Now that I understand what is needed for LSX setups... I am officially a LSX fanboy

[phantom309]

Lsx is the way to go IMO.....at the dragstrip I tried for years with my sbc to get 10s....I took a stock 6.0 out of an 02 truck dropped it in a lexus ...add 150 shot....viola 10.6 all day.

[72blackbird]

Butler IA-II 535- 750+ hp on pump gas should be no problem- and the best part is it's a PONTIAC V-8.

Geno

[MastMotorsports]

Go LS! Okay, we are a little biased.....

[novajess1972]

Go LS! Okay, we are a little biased.....

I would give a testicle to be able to afford one of your engines! :twothumbs