LS Swap Vs. Procharged SBC

[DannyBoy]

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.

[andrewb70]

Get a ride in a LS3 car and you won't be asking these questions.

Andrew

[DannyBoy]

Get a ride in a LS3 car and you won't be asking these questions.

Andrew

That good, huh?

[pro67coupe]

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

[Josue]

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.

[Mkelcy]

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?

[DannyBoy]

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.

[Mkelcy]

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.

[DannyBoy]

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!

[Mkelcy]

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:

[Y-TRY]

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.

[DannyBoy]

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.

[BMR Sales]

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.

Man, I really miss my Military Spec Flip Phone

[OG_Racing]

Man, I really miss my Military Spec Flip Phone

Right!! I went into the GA mountains this weekend none of my phones worked... it was a euphoric free feeling.. sorry back on topic.

[Schwartz Performance]

Put a magnum behind the 383!

-Dale

[DannyBoy]

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...

[Bonehead]

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.

[DannyBoy]

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?

[Bonehead]

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?

Not sure the up a front power is less with the LS. Dollar for dollar, I'd put an LS up against any small block. The only advantage the sbc has is the parts are cheap and everyone has built one. The LS platform can cost more, but the amount of things you have to do to build power is far less than the typical sbc power build. Look at some of the cheap junk Sinister builds over on Team Chevelle. He's the king of not spending money and making big power.

I moved to just outside of Puyallup in 2012. Still getting used to the super short summers. There's a bunch of car guys up here which I never imagined. Nice to meet another one!

[Project92rs]

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.