ls2 or 468 BBC

[70ssnova]

What would you guys do. I already have the 468 BBC for the car but the tranny ( tremec magnum) is going to cost almost the same money that i can get a ls2 n tranny ( t-56) for. just don't want to have any regrets down the road. I am going to try n hit some auto X events. The car has the DSE front susp conversion and the quadr link set up n mini tubs n back. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[EFI69Cam]

Every time I look at the huge iron 540 in my car I wish I'd gone LS. If your going to auto X the last thing you want is 200-300 extra lbs on the front wheels.

[XLexusTech]

LS

The only discouraging thing is the market on BBC parts has dropped since the LS so it may be painful to sell any parts you have.

[andrewb70]

LS>BBC

Been there, done that.

Andrew

[street3285]

If you are wanting to auto-x, then I would think the lighter LS would be better. But if it is for weekend cruising, go with the BBC. Everybody and their dog has an LS motor. Not that there is anything wrong with them.

For me, there is nothing better sounding than a built BBC.

[stealth71]

If you are wanting to auto-x, then I would think the lighter LS would be better. But if it is for weekend cruising, go with the BBC. Everybody and their dog has an LS motor. Not that there is anything wrong with them.

For me, there is nothing better sounding than a built BBC.

Far from true. I went to Chevellabration last week and there were 250 Chevelles. 3 of them had LSx swaps. They might seem like they are everywhere online, but most are in progress and there really aren't a ton on the road.

Can a BB get 21mpg on the highway?

LSx for sure.

[Gordz32]

I know the LS motors are great, light and efficient, but it hard to beat the sound and torque of a hopped up bigblock

[nightrunner]

Definetely the LS2

[sik68]

I prefer the old-school mills so I'd go BBC. However if you want to scoot around an autocross more quickly, then LS2. With regard to "regret" down the road, I sort of see the LS engines as keeping up with the jonses, since there seems to be a new one out every 3-5 years, you'll eventually be outdated if that bothers you.

[street3285]

Far from true. I went to Chevellabration last week and there were 250 Chevelles. 3 of them had LSx swaps. They might seem like they are everywhere online, but most are in progress and there really aren't a ton on the road.

Can a BB get 21mpg on the highway?

LSx for sure.

Ok.... I was considering all cars though. Chevelles, Novas, Camaros, etc... but I do see what you are saying.

Gas mileage? What is that?
I would think most people aren't building a muscle car for mileage, but I could be wrong. Otherwise, I would go with a V6.

[Damn True]

Ok.... I was considering all cars though. Chevelles, Novas, Camaros, etc... but I do see what you are saying.

Gas mileage? What is that?
I would think most people aren't building a muscle car for mileage, but I could be wrong. Otherwise, I would go with a V6.

James Shipka has well over 500hp in his "One Lap" car. He got over 20mpg while competing in the Silver State race.

...and don't buy the BBC torque is king jive. Take a look at the dyno curves of engines with similar output. The LS is right there, and often better.

[street3285]

I am in no way saying they are inferior, they are great engines. I am just saying they seem to be dime-a-dozen.

It all depends on your plans, and I think since it is auto-x, then a LS might be better because of the weight issue and they come with injection.

For me though, I like the sound and look of a BBC.... for a weekend cruiser I think it is better. Everyone has different things they look for. Weight is not a concern for me, because I will not be competitively racing the car.

[twosaturns]

in a Nova? to me, a BB is too cramped in there. years ago, I sold my '70 to a friend and we put a BB in it; all of a sudden it seemed like nothing fit, couldn't reach anything, handling was way off, etc. BUT, the way that thing pulled from a stop, even the way you felt thrown forward when shifting, was incredible (compared to my puny 283 )
I've never had an LS based car, but it seems like the best way to go, and probably what I would do now. the only thing that would keep me from doing it would be the 'funny' stuff, new fuel line, fuel pump, all the electronics, etc. if you don't want to mess w/ that, old school might be a better route.

[sik68]

In the right car though, I could see myself running a carbureted LS engine....

[-The Stig-]

Big Block or LS?

Both! LSx454 .... and Done.

[BaddestBuick]

how bout an all aluminum BBC with EFI

[compos mentis]

how bout an all aluminum BBC with EFI

Agreed.

[venturabeachpup]

Install the LS whatever and then put a license plate frame that says
"MY OTHER ENGINE IS A 468 BBC" (since you already have one)

LOL. I think that may be a tough choice for a lot of us on this forum. I'm a BBC fan myself but the LS brand is quickly growing on me. Good luck on two great choices!

[Mkelcy]

In the right car though, I could see myself running a carbureted LS engine....

Putting a carb on an LSx engine is like putting a muumuu on a supermodel - you're nowhere near maximizing the potential.

[mc84_zz4]

The LS2 even with with less HP would win, due to the BBC weight penalty.
The handling, for me, would be the deal maker/breaker.... LS2