BBC in a Pro tourer?

[Sebambam]

I think that you will find that this site will be heavily biased towards an LS, and for good reason. They make great reliable power even in out of the 5.3's which can make around 350/350 hp/tq with cams and supporting mods. That said, if you really want to stick with a budget and a BBC, you can run one with aluminum heads and that will shave off a significant amount of the weight. I believe an aluminum headed BBC is roughly the same weight as an all iron SBC. And if you wanted to stick with a 6 speed, look for an LT1 T56 from 93-97 Fbody's and they are a direct bolt on for SBC/BBC. I think with the right springs and shocks, you could make a Chevelle be a good handling car with a BBC and 6 speed if that is truly the direction you want to go.

thanks, i myself love the LS platform .. i have built several in several different cars and setups from mild to turbo wild so i am very familiar.
BUT i also love Big Blocks they have there place and one place is a Chevelle for sure.. mine is alu headed and retro fit roller built with a healthy 288/294 cam , so it sings great bbc noise and has well over 600hp.



im not sure the T56 can hold up to the toerque of the big block... the big block torque especially is the issue for manual transmissions.

[Just 1 More]

[Lonnies Performance]

I love LS swapped vehicles & have built a few, but I could never take the BBC out of my Camaro (or a Chevelle).
Something about the massive engine has such visual appeal.

Yes, it will weigh more but it all depends on what you want out of the car.

The torque of a large cube BBC can run really good & have great street manners, but it you want 20+ mpg on the highway, it is probably not the best route.
I would take a 700HP 572 over a 700HP supercharged LS & be happy with the terrible mileage for my Camaro, but ironically my nice weather daily driver has a supercharged LS in it.

[Sebambam]

very cool setup... i agree 100%

[Alponcho]

I know this is kind of apples to oranges, but I went with traditional Pontiac power, including factory style accessories, cooling fan, etc., for my '70 bird to keep factory vibe theme and big ci type torque. It's actually an aluminum aftermarket (IAII) Pontiac block (535ci), which is still about 40# heavier than an aluminum LS block, but obviously not a max effort type car, so trade off is worth it to me. The T56 magnum hasn't had any problems so far handling the torque. Running a Sniper TBFI and it's been super reliable--turn the key and go. Overall, very happy with how it handles and performs. That said, I'm building a '79 Trans Am with (for) my son and we decided to go LS (built LQ4 based 408)...not quite the same look and feel, but the assembled engine should be about the same weight as my 535, we can save weight in other areas (e.g., TKX instead of the magnum), and in the end, turned out to be 40% less expensive.

[Sebambam]

yea i specd the pricing and anything BBC is much more expensive for me. and i probably have to go Auto transmission (th400) becuase i dont feel like spending 5+K for a trans ... that is my paint and body lol

i might find a LT97' t56 used and see if that will do it.