468 BBC or LQ9 conflict

[gak68]

I have a 468 with 600hp (dyno'd) with about 5,000 miles on it. I have been looking at LQ9 engines for my build, but I am conflicted after researching online. It looks like a 468 with aluminum heads, intake, and water pump weighs about 575lbs. and a LQ4 weighs 460. Is 115lbs really going to make that big of a difference? (I weigh 250lbs anyways) The block sits low in the car and it will be 90% on the street; I plan to use the car to go to the beach, commute to work on nice days, etc. I feel like if I spend the money on the suspension instead I will end up with a better result overall. Then after I get car complete I could start saving for an aluminum LS engine later on. Any opinions are appreciated.

[67rally]

Keep the 468, and spend the money on other goodies.

[nasty72nova]

I agree. Why spend the money when you make crazy power anyway. Plus if it's a street car you will get that wow factor with the big block. Put the money you saved into the suspension to make up for the added weight.

[gak68]

Thanks guys, that was the advice I needed to hear; this whole project just got a lot easier.

[camaro427-69]

Thanks guys, that was the advice I needed to hear; this whole project just got a lot easier.

naaaaaa i just replaced my all aluminum 540bbc with a procharged 418cui LQ4 and never spend a minute thinking back. do it, go LQ, no more oil leaks on the floor if it depends on budget stay with the 468. i have to wear the same pair of pants for the next 4 years just for getting the LQ where the 540 has been. but like i mentioned i don´t regret any single $ i spent, and everybody who swapped is gonna tell you the same.

[garys 68]

It's hard to justify swapping a low mileage big block that makes good power with anything. But I dropped an LQ9 in my 68 vette to replace a worn out motor, and all I have to say is wow. Gas milage doubled, torque was more than enough, and drivability/reliability doesn't even compare.
Keep your big block, but maybe keep an eye open for a good deal on an LS/LQ motor.

[gak68]

What was always rolling around in my head was get a 5.3 on the cheap, through a cam in it and beat the snot out of it and see how long it lasts. During that time build a nice LS engine with all the money I saved on gas haha.

[garys 68]

lol after the LQ9 68 vette, I dropped a 5.3 in a 72 Olds I use as a DD. It gets about 22mpg combined with a 4 speed (no OD). Fun to drive the crap out of it.

[E.rodz]

lets compare apples to apples here I have been through your case as well with my chevelle I already had a brand new 396 but iron heads and iron intake. new alum heads 1,300, front drive acc. system including a/c 1,000 to 2,000 cam swap non roller and lifters,roller rockers 750 this were I just stopped with my list.now add fuel injection every everyday driver should have this add about 1,500 to 2'500 and this does not include the transmission add up all the things that you would like to upgrade to bring it up to this century and you will spend triple on what you have as compared to buying a a ls2 motor alum block,alum heads ,plastic intake,no hot oil on the intake,roller cam, roller rockers, all stock and capable of big hp.oh yea did I mention that they don't leak like every big block does,everything has awesome gaskets and seals it allready has injection of coarse you will need a harness and a new driveshaft,and some other adapting parts but you also have something alot of people overlook is RESALE of your old motor! I am prob. not helping because you thought your mind was already made up. sorry for that. sit down with a notebook and it might be a easier choice. I wish you the best of luck with your decision I could go on for hrs, about hrs deciding factors that made me change my mind but this should be enough for now.