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    View Poll Results: What should I do?

    Voters
    17. You may not vote on this poll
    • LS3/T56

      15 88.24%
    • Procharged SBC/TKO 600

      2 11.76%
    Page 1 of 2 1 2 LastLast
    Results 1 to 20 of 34
    1. #1
      Join Date
      Jul 2014
      Location
      Seattle
      Posts
      34
      Country Flag: United States

      LS Swap Vs. Procharged SBC

      Alright all, I know this has been done before... Many times... But I'm curious as to what you all think I should do in my particular situation.



      I've been pricing out an LS3/T56 swap and, as we all know, it ain't cheap! All said and done, I'm around $21-22k with a new 480 horse LS3 and T56 Magnum, and that's with a lot of shopping around (install labor included).

      The other option I've been considering is throwing an intercooled P1SC on my existing 383, at around 6psi, and putting a TKO 600 behind it. Power output would be roughly the same as the LS swap and the cost would be closer to $12-13k. Hence, the temptation to go this route, even though I love the idea of running an LS in my car.

      My Camaro is not a daily driver, by any means, nor will it ever be. However, for the few months a year I'll drive it (maybe 3-4k miles) I do want to be able to start it up, beat on it a bit at the track (auto-x and drag strip), as well as drive it wherever the hell I want without issues. I also want it to have that "Wow" factor when I pop the hood at shows, which I believe either would provide.

      Bottom line, if money were absolutely no issue, I'd go the LS route... However, that's not the case. While I live fairly comfortably, by no means am I rich. However, as a respected and well-to-do friend of mine once said to me, and it resonated, "you only live once and should do what makes you happy - you can always make more money." Still, I find myself going back and forth with this decision... First world problems, right?!

      Anyways... Help! What do you think I should do? I can't make up my mind; help me choose a path so I can move forward with one or the other.
      1967 Camaro "Yellowjacket"
      383 Stroker
      M21 4 Speed
      12-Bolt Posi w/3.31s


    2. #2
      Join Date
      Apr 2001
      Location
      The City of Fountains
      Posts
      16,118
      Country Flag: United States
      Get a ride in a LS3 car and you won't be asking these questions.

      Andrew
      1970 GTO Version 3.0
      1967 Cougar build
      GM High-Tech Performance feature
      My YouTube Channel Please Subscribe!
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      Remote Holley EFI tuning.
      Please get in touch if I can be of service.

      "You were the gun, your voice was the trigger, your bravery was the barrel, your eyes were the bullets." ~ Her

    3. #3
      Join Date
      Oct 2013
      Posts
      70
      Country Flag: United States
      if you can make the same power for half the price thats a nobrainer for me. even though there is more complexity with the procharged set up

    4. #4
      Join Date
      Jul 2014
      Location
      Seattle
      Posts
      34
      Country Flag: United States
      Quote Originally Posted by andrewb70 View Post
      Get a ride in a LS3 car and you won't be asking these questions.

      Andrew
      That good, huh?
      1967 Camaro "Yellowjacket"
      383 Stroker
      M21 4 Speed
      12-Bolt Posi w/3.31s

    5. #5
      Join Date
      Oct 2009
      Location
      Amherst, OH
      Posts
      524
      Country Flag: United States
      Subbing to follow the suggestions!

      This sounds like word for word, the exact same struggle that runs through my head....minus the expensive LS3/T56 combo. lol I'd be looking more towards used LS's and a TKO500 to keep it cheap, or procharging a carb'ed Pontiac motor. Ideally I'd like EFI on it too, but for all that, the LS would be the clear winner.
      Josh

      1968 Firebird project thread - https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/...41#post1180941

    6. #6
      Join Date
      Aug 2004
      Location
      Walla Walla, WA
      Posts
      1,512
      Country Flag: United States
      LS3/T56 in a '68 Camaro in front of a 4.11 rear end. Stupid fast (no time slips), 440 RWHP on a Mustang dyno, gets 23 to 24 MPG in freeway type driving, turn the key it starts right up every time.

      How long are you going to have your car?
      Mike Kelcy - '68 Camaro with some stuff done to it.

    7. #7
      Join Date
      Jul 2014
      Location
      Seattle
      Posts
      34
      Country Flag: United States
      Quote Originally Posted by Mkelcy View Post
      LS3/T56 in a '68 Camaro in front of a 4.11 rear end. Stupid fast (no time slips), 440 RWHP on a Mustang dyno, gets 23 to 24 MPG in freeway type driving, turn the key it starts right up every time.

      How long are you going to have your car?
      Damn, that sounds exactly like what I'm shooting for... Don't care much about the gas mileage, but it's definitely nice that it does that well! From where did you source your engine? Did you get a used one or new GM crate?

      I'll never get rid of this car.
      1967 Camaro "Yellowjacket"
      383 Stroker
      M21 4 Speed
      12-Bolt Posi w/3.31s

    8. #8
      Join Date
      Aug 2004
      Location
      Celina, Texas
      Posts
      359

      LS Swap Vs. Procharged SBC

      IMO- If you think this will be the very last version of your car you'll build then the 383 would be fine. But if you're like many if us, your car is probably in some sort if constant evolution.

      That being said, if you have the chance to move to an LS platform then do it. It's like finally ditching your beloved flip-phone for a smart phone.

    9. #9
      Join Date
      Jul 2014
      Location
      Seattle
      Posts
      34
      Country Flag: United States
      Quote Originally Posted by Y-TRY View Post
      It's like finally ditching your beloved flip-phone for a smart phone.
      That's f'ing hilarious... And a great analogy. I don't think I'll ever be "done" with this car.
      1967 Camaro "Yellowjacket"
      383 Stroker
      M21 4 Speed
      12-Bolt Posi w/3.31s

    10. #10
      Join Date
      Apr 2012
      Location
      Woodstock, IL
      Posts
      2,410
      Country Flag: United States

      LS Swap Vs. Procharged SBC

      Put a magnum behind the 383!

      -Dale
      SchwartzPerformance
      The leader in bolt-in muscle car chassis
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    11. #11
      Join Date
      Jan 2014
      Location
      Seattle WA
      Posts
      288
      Country Flag: United States
      There are soooo many examples of cheap LS swaps. A bone stock 6.0L will handle a significant amount of boost and still knock down great, efficient mileage with that 6 speed. In the long run, with the same amount of money spent in each engine, you'll make more power with the LS, be dependable, and you can drive it anywhere. I've been a BBC guy my entire life until I built my first LS. Now I'm potentially building my last. Once the wrecked 2014+ Silverados start piling up, I'll be building a new LT1.

      I'm so glad I left that antiquated stuff behind.
      1967 El Camino 408ci LSx....and the build begins!
      1967 Turbocharged 408ci LSx Chevelle - 1012 rwhp, 959 rwtq 67 Chevelle
      2009 Supercharged Silverado - On the Dyno

    12. #12
      Join Date
      Aug 2004
      Location
      Walla Walla, WA
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      1,512
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      Quote Originally Posted by DannyBoy View Post
      Damn, that sounds exactly like what I'm shooting for... Don't care much about the gas mileage, but it's definitely nice that it does that well! From where did you source your engine? Did you get a used one or new GM crate?

      I'll never get rid of this car.
      I got a GMPP LS376/480 and the factory harness from a guy who was going to build a high power sand rail until he priced the transaxle. The mileage allows me to take the Camaro on longer trips and not worry about the cost versus my DD.
      Mike Kelcy - '68 Camaro with some stuff done to it.

    13. #13
      Join Date
      Jul 2014
      Location
      Seattle
      Posts
      34
      Country Flag: United States
      Quote Originally Posted by Mkelcy View Post
      I got a GMPP LS376/480 and the factory harness from a guy who was going to build a high power sand rail until he priced the transaxle. The mileage allows me to take the Camaro on longer trips and not worry about the cost versus my DD.
      I was hoping you'd say you had the exact same engine I'm considering buying... Really leaning heavily toward making the LS investment. Seems like an inevitable thing at some point, so I may as well not build a different engine now, then another later. I love the idea of the modern power, reliability and even fuel efficiency. Would love to see some photos of your car/engine bay if you have any you can post up.

      PS - Great to see so many WA state folks on here!
      1967 Camaro "Yellowjacket"
      383 Stroker
      M21 4 Speed
      12-Bolt Posi w/3.31s

    14. #14
      Join Date
      Jul 2014
      Location
      Seattle
      Posts
      34
      Country Flag: United States
      Quote Originally Posted by Bonehead View Post
      There are soooo many examples of cheap LS swaps. A bone stock 6.0L will handle a significant amount of boost and still knock down great, efficient mileage with that 6 speed. In the long run, with the same amount of money spent in each engine, you'll make more power with the LS, be dependable, and you can drive it anywhere. I've been a BBC guy my entire life until I built my first LS. Now I'm potentially building my last. Once the wrecked 2014+ Silverados start piling up, I'll be building a new LT1.

      I'm so glad I left that antiquated stuff behind.
      Great advice - Even though the LS is a bigger up front investment for less power than I could make with the ProCharger on the 383, it would provide one hell of a foundation for future mods to make more power (and reliable power, at that), which I will inevitably be doing at some point. If I went with the blown 383, that would really be the end of that road.

      As I said in my previous post; loving seeing on the WA state folks on here. Where in Seattle are you from?
      1967 Camaro "Yellowjacket"
      383 Stroker
      M21 4 Speed
      12-Bolt Posi w/3.31s

    15. #15
      Join Date
      Jul 2014
      Location
      Seattle
      Posts
      34
      Country Flag: United States
      Quote Originally Posted by Schwartz Performance View Post
      Put a magnum behind the 383!

      -Dale
      Thought about that as an option, as well, but I'm really getting convinced to go the LS route. The expense makes me cringe but I'm sure the end result will burn a permanent smile in my face...
      1967 Camaro "Yellowjacket"
      383 Stroker
      M21 4 Speed
      12-Bolt Posi w/3.31s

    16. #16
      Join Date
      Aug 2004
      Location
      Walla Walla, WA
      Posts
      1,512
      Country Flag: United States
      Quote Originally Posted by DannyBoy View Post
      I was hoping you'd say you had the exact same engine I'm considering buying... Really leaning heavily toward making the LS investment. Seems like an inevitable thing at some point, so I may as well not build a different engine now, then another later. I love the idea of the modern power, reliability and even fuel efficiency. Would love to see some photos of your car/engine bay if you have any you can post up.

      PS - Great to see so many WA state folks on here!
      Sure:


      Mike Kelcy - '68 Camaro with some stuff done to it.

    17. #17
      Join Date
      Jul 2014
      Location
      Seattle
      Posts
      34
      Country Flag: United States
      Quote Originally Posted by Mkelcy View Post
      Sure:


      Beautiful! What accessory kit are you running? Also, what radiator/fan combo did you go with?
      1967 Camaro "Yellowjacket"
      383 Stroker
      M21 4 Speed
      12-Bolt Posi w/3.31s

    18. #18
      Join Date
      Aug 2004
      Location
      Walla Walla, WA
      Posts
      1,512
      Country Flag: United States
      Quote Originally Posted by DannyBoy View Post
      Beautiful! What accessory kit are you running? Also, what radiator/fan combo did you go with?
      I'm running the GMPP accessory drive (w/o AC) and the Holley bracket for the AC compressor. I had a Kwik bracket for the AC compressor, but ended up eating one of the ribs on the serpentine belt and didn't feel like shimming it out.

      The radiator is a PRC radiator set up for the LS engine with their aluminum shroud and dual 13" fans. I had the car in a parade here for the county fair - about 2-3 miles at a walking pace on a 90 degree day. The coolant went up to 210 degrees (the designed operating temperature) and then stayed exactly there for the balance of the parade. I know because I was watching it like a hawk.
      Mike Kelcy - '68 Camaro with some stuff done to it.

    19. #19
      Join Date
      Dec 2010
      Location
      Peoria, AZ
      Posts
      262
      Country Flag: United States
      As someone who owns cars with each type of setup your are asking about, I would go with the LS swap for what you are wanting to use the car for. My F1A Procharger on a cog belt setup on the SBC (92 Camaro) is a blast to drive but the power curve is more like stairs than a curve. At less than wide open throttle the blower dumps boost to atmosphere but once you go WOT the power doubles almost instantly which can make traction interesting. I wouldn't even want to try to autox this one with the way power comes in and out. The car also gets horrifying gas mileage if you aren't gentle on the throttle. The LS swap in the 88 GTA is much more streetable and with the 418 ci LS3 we're building for it, it will make plenty of power to be competitive at the events we go to.

      Bottom line, if you're thinking of doing a LS, skip the mods to the SBC and do the LS swap.
      Tom Pichette

      Pit crew for Valerie Pichette and her 1988 Pontiac TransAm GTA "DragonLady"

    20. #20
      Join Date
      Apr 2014
      Location
      South Central MN
      Posts
      9
      Country Flag: United States
      Buy a wrecked car. You can pull the engine and tranny and sell the rest or use a lot of the other good parts.

      http://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?_odkw...vette&_sacat=0

      If you look around there are plenty of cars around just like this.

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