LS2 or FI small block?

[Steve1968LS2]

Trying to decide what way to go on the 68.. I love the big block but it is not going to work for how I want the car. I want to get some weight off the front of the car. Also, I know I could detune the BB but it runs so good that that would be a shame. And I could sell the complete big block for decent money since it was just rebuilt.

So.. should I go with a crate LS2 or an aluminum headed small block with an aftermarket FI system?

What would be more interesting??

oh, will be swapping to a T56 as well.. or possibly a TKO 5-speed..

Thoughts?

[69Myway]

What kind of budget will you have to play with?

That is where I have to start with all my decisions.


I think the LS2 is the way to lean, mostly because you have recent experience with that type of technology.


However, if it were me and if I had a large budget, I would shoot to have the first First Gen Camaro sporting the new 500 hp 2006 ZO6 crate motor now being offered by Chevrolet.

[Steve1968LS2]

Budgets.. I have no stinking budget.. lol

but for arguments sake lets say $7000 or so..

Yea, I know the LSx stuff backwards and forwards but I don't want to get in a rut.. besides I was curious if anyone would come up with pluses for the FI small block.

As for the LS7 motor.. I can't even get pricing from GM on it yet.. who knows when it will be kicked loose. Nice motor though

[yody]

that car really needs the LS7, just wait.

[Travis B]

that car really needs the LS7, just wait.

I would say LS2,LS7 you really can't loose can you!

[Rybar]

Another vote for the LS7 if the price is reasonable....

[Ralph LoGrasso]

I think an all aluminum FI small block would be pretty cool. 400+CI, built to spin to 7500rpm. 600+ ponies. Use the big stuff 3 .

But, if going the LSX route, I'd go with a heads/cam LS2. It should make more power than a stock LS7, and it will be a lot cheaper.

[JLM]

I agree with heads/cam LS2. Lightweight, and potent. You could easily squeeze more than 500 ponies out of that combo and as stated earlier would be cheaper than an LS7

[ViperBlue68]

I agree with heads/cam LS2. Lightweight, and potent. You could easily squeeze more than 500 ponies out of that combo and as stated earlier would be cheaper than an LS7

I agree this is what I'm going with so OFCOURSE its the best idea!

[trapin]

Don't wait for the LS7. Yes it has those nice little sexy features on it but Hot Rod Magazine (yeah I know, they're a competitor) just did an upgrade on the LS2 and got close to 500 horse out of it just by swapping out the intake and cam and porting the heads. If you can sell that BB and with the additonal $7000 you could build the Gen IV engine from hell.

You got no kids, right? Wife works?

Git-r-done!!!!!

[Steve1968LS2]

Yea.. I like the LS2 also.. sure the LS7 would be cool but if I did it as an install story how many people could afford to do it??? hmmm.. will have to think on it..

Oh, I put a question in the marketplace about thoughts on what the current big block would be worth.. I welcome all opinions

Thanks guys.. it is nice to bounce ideas...

[beyonda68]

Why not a TT 283cc. When you have all the kinks figured out plus all the parts numbers post them here so I can finish mine. No I am no joking...LOL. LS2 all the way.

[yody]

okay LS2 with heads, cam, intake, all the goodies and a magnacharger

[Steve68]

TT 4.3 all aluminum v-6 light weight lots of power, unique sound, just think of the wow factor of all the alum and TT's under the hood,

[Rick Dorion]

This is a great thread as I have a choice to make for next winter. Can someone point me to an older thread that outlines the total cost(s) of an LSX conversion?

[JayBird]

Steve,

Go with the LS2 with upgrades. I know you've already done a LSx camaro, but it's definitely not a old hat. I wish I had one in my car now.

[jeffandre]

TT 4.3 all aluminum v-6 light weight lots of power, unique sound, just think of the wow factor of all the alum and TT's under the hood,

I like it, wonder what it would cost to build???

The TT 283 would be a throwback motor, kinda along the lines of the 302 but able to spin to motorcycle-like rpm's!!!

[parsonsj]

Here's one for ya:

NASCAR-sourced SB2. 355 cubic inches. Turn 8000+ rpm.

Stielow did a carbureted SB2 in the Thrasher, I think. Add some fuel injection bosses, a Holley dominator-style throttle body and go injected.

That would be dynamite.

jp

[Mean 69]

How timely! I am pondering the bullet for the new project car I just bought (a second gen). "Everyone" has an LSx motor these days, they are terrific, clearly, but not so unique anymore. I have a 530+ HP solid roller SBC in my 69, and frankly, it is pretty brash. Full roller, ported heads, forged 383, it idles at 1k RPM, and it's rough. Makes 10" of vacuum at idle, so power brakes are not an option. It's a great motor, I love it, but it is rough around the edges.

Light weight is clearly important, so....... Merlin X block, hyd roller cam, appropriate heads, and FI is the way I am leaning right now. The block weighs less than an iron SBC, and although the rest of the stuff will weigh more (crank weighs ~70 lbs, my SB crank is low 40's), overall it'll still come out attractive. 540 CI, nothing terribly outrageous, and it'll make a simple 650-700 HP with nice manners. It makes sense now that the price of the blocks have come down a bit. My budget is ~ $15k, but that is starting fresh. With a motor already, you could lick this for your budget, or at least really close.

Mark

[1 BAD BIRD]

My vote a 454 ci LS2 with an Magna charger

Bob