Big block or LS series motor ?
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Albertville AL
Big block or LS series motor ?
I plan on a drive train swap for my 72 Stingray in the future. I cant decide if I want to put a 502 or 454 big block, or a modern day LS series engine. All comments and ideas are welcomed.
PS
Im not trying to decide which big block to use,.... the decision I cant seem to make is LS or Big block
Thanks
PS
Im not trying to decide which big block to use,.... the decision I cant seem to make is LS or Big block
Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,404
Likes: 1
From: Ansonia/NYC CT
Making easy to use power with a big block will obviously be easier (but NOT cheaper) than with an LS1, BUT, the LS1 WILL save you a good deal of weight.
LS1s can make big power, but not in the same way as a 454 or higher displacement motor. If it were me? I'd go super charged LS1. Just because.
LS1s can make big power, but not in the same way as a 454 or higher displacement motor. If it were me? I'd go super charged LS1. Just because.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 19
A little more info would be helpful, like what do you use the car for? What drivetrain do you have now or would you use? A lot of the LS advantages come with appropriate gearing, so if you're going to keep a Muncie and 4:11 gears, the LS might not be the best choice.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,404
Likes: 1
From: Ansonia/NYC CT
Good call....LS motors are screamers, they like to rev, while big blocks...not so much.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Albertville AL
Thanks for the comments,
I was considering the big block because Im know I can do that install myself. The whole fuel system and electronics part of the LS series kinda worries me. I do like the idea of the lighter, more fuel efficency of the LS..... I just cant decide, but thats ok, I got plenty of time to figure it out. I wont be able to do anything for a few years,anyways. I got 2 kids in college, so I'll probably just add the vortec heads to my original motor and just drive it like it is for a few years.
I was considering the big block because Im know I can do that install myself. The whole fuel system and electronics part of the LS series kinda worries me. I do like the idea of the lighter, more fuel efficency of the LS..... I just cant decide, but thats ok, I got plenty of time to figure it out. I wont be able to do anything for a few years,anyways. I got 2 kids in college, so I'll probably just add the vortec heads to my original motor and just drive it like it is for a few years.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 4
From: Oakland California
Thanks for the comments,
I was considering the big block because Im know I can do that install myself. The whole fuel system and electronics part of the LS series kinda worries me. I do like the idea of the lighter, more fuel efficency of the LS..... I just cant decide, but thats ok, I got plenty of time to figure it out. I wont be able to do anything for a few years,anyways. I got 2 kids in college, so I'll probably just add the vortec heads to my original motor and just drive it like it is for a few years.
I was considering the big block because Im know I can do that install myself. The whole fuel system and electronics part of the LS series kinda worries me. I do like the idea of the lighter, more fuel efficency of the LS..... I just cant decide, but thats ok, I got plenty of time to figure it out. I wont be able to do anything for a few years,anyways. I got 2 kids in college, so I'll probably just add the vortec heads to my original motor and just drive it like it is for a few years.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,872
Likes: 3,548
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
Thanks for the comments,
I was considering the big block because Im know I can do that install myself. The whole fuel system and electronics part of the LS series kinda worries me. I do like the idea of the lighter, more fuel efficency of the LS..... I just cant decide, but thats ok, I got plenty of time to figure it out. I wont be able to do anything for a few years,anyways. I got 2 kids in college, so I'll probably just add the vortec heads to my original motor and just drive it like it is for a few years.
I was considering the big block because Im know I can do that install myself. The whole fuel system and electronics part of the LS series kinda worries me. I do like the idea of the lighter, more fuel efficency of the LS..... I just cant decide, but thats ok, I got plenty of time to figure it out. I wont be able to do anything for a few years,anyways. I got 2 kids in college, so I'll probably just add the vortec heads to my original motor and just drive it like it is for a few years.
Or you could kill two birds w/ one stone - A 454 AND a LS motor w/ any complicated fuel system or electronics-
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Weight having been brought up, just how much does an all up LS engine weigh? FWIW, a BB w/ alum heads, water pump and intake only weighs in a tad over 600...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 19
Dont sweat the LS wiring. I sent my harness and computer out for a simplified setup. In retospect, I could have easily done the wire harness myself. You just eliminate the non used ones.
As for my comment on drivetrain. You can eaily run a 2.2 overall ratio for the highway. I put in a Richmond 6 speed with a 3.08 rear end. I'm at 2000rpm on the hiway (26mpg) and can still tear up the rear tires in most gears.
A carbed BBC will do that too, but at about 1/2 the mpg, more maintenence (ignition, carb, etc), tougher cold starts, etc.
My 68 LS vette starts, drives as smoothly, and gets better mpg than my new truck. No regrets on the LS motor here.
BTW, you can save about half on the motor cost going with an LQ4 or 9 iron block truck motor. More torque than the LS but about 60lbs heavier than the aluminum block.
As for my comment on drivetrain. You can eaily run a 2.2 overall ratio for the highway. I put in a Richmond 6 speed with a 3.08 rear end. I'm at 2000rpm on the hiway (26mpg) and can still tear up the rear tires in most gears.
A carbed BBC will do that too, but at about 1/2 the mpg, more maintenence (ignition, carb, etc), tougher cold starts, etc.
My 68 LS vette starts, drives as smoothly, and gets better mpg than my new truck. No regrets on the LS motor here.
BTW, you can save about half on the motor cost going with an LQ4 or 9 iron block truck motor. More torque than the LS but about 60lbs heavier than the aluminum block.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
Doing a LS engine is not as hard as you think, the fuel can be simplified with a 82 tank and sending unit, a fourth gen f body fuel pump, a c5 corvette regulater/filter and you can even re use your stock lines for the most part or run your own.
Eletronics is to easy, you can get someone to make the harness for you, have the computer sent off for a tune.
if you keep a auto trans it gets even easier,
however if you go LS engine you will have to change alot more than just doing a engine swap.
but a LS2 with a heads and cam can make 550 hp easy
Eletronics is to easy, you can get someone to make the harness for you, have the computer sent off for a tune.
if you keep a auto trans it gets even easier,
however if you go LS engine you will have to change alot more than just doing a engine swap.
but a LS2 with a heads and cam can make 550 hp easy
Thanks for the comments,
I was considering the big block because Im know I can do that install myself. The whole fuel system and electronics part of the LS series kinda worries me. I do like the idea of the lighter, more fuel efficency of the LS..... I just cant decide, but thats ok, I got plenty of time to figure it out. I wont be able to do anything for a few years,anyways. I got 2 kids in college, so I'll probably just add the vortec heads to my original motor and just drive it like it is for a few years.
I was considering the big block because Im know I can do that install myself. The whole fuel system and electronics part of the LS series kinda worries me. I do like the idea of the lighter, more fuel efficency of the LS..... I just cant decide, but thats ok, I got plenty of time to figure it out. I wont be able to do anything for a few years,anyways. I got 2 kids in college, so I'll probably just add the vortec heads to my original motor and just drive it like it is for a few years.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,883
Likes: 3,320
From: NYC NY
It would be nice to be able to weigh a complete (from induction to oil pan less accessories) an all aluminum LS motor, an iron block LS motor, an iron head small block, an aluminum head small block, an aluminum head big block, and the ZL1 crate motor to see what the differences REALLY are.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 667
Likes: 87
From: Bismarck IL.
I insalled my ls1 3 years ago and never looked back.It is the best thing I ever did.I have headers and a 3:55 rearend to install.By the way I have put 4500 miles on my 73 this year.Best of all it gets 24 mpg.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
LS aluminum motors are ~80 lbs lighter than a SBC. Your handling-braking will feel lighter compared to a SBC and will be WORLDS apart from a BBC.
GenIII iron block motors will be a wash.
Go LS and don't look back. I would say it will cost you less for just about any power level.
GenIII iron block motors will be a wash.
Go LS and don't look back. I would say it will cost you less for just about any power level.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,872
Likes: 3,548
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
TSW take a look at this thread. http://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=70591
It would be nice to be able to weigh a complete (from induction to oil pan less accessories) an all aluminum LS motor, an iron block LS motor, an iron head small block, an aluminum head small block, an aluminum head big block, and the ZL1 crate motor to see what the differences REALLY are.
It would be nice to be able to weigh a complete (from induction to oil pan less accessories) an all aluminum LS motor, an iron block LS motor, an iron head small block, an aluminum head small block, an aluminum head big block, and the ZL1 crate motor to see what the differences REALLY are.
http://forums.hybridz.org/index.php?showtopic=59086
Richard
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 914
Likes: 14
From: Aberdeen, Scotland
What hood are you going to run? If you want to stick with a stock SBC hood good luck with the BBC swap. If you will go with a stock BBC hood your options are still limited. If you go L88 or bigger you will be fine. This has been a real PITA for me as I can't run the intake that I want on my BBC with the stock BBC hood. Thus I am limited!
If I was to do it over ....... I would go with an LS ..... and I love Bog Blocks ....
Ray Y ... wow what an engine! Where did you get the vlv covers; nice!
carbster09
If I was to do it over ....... I would go with an LS ..... and I love Bog Blocks ....
Ray Y ... wow what an engine! Where did you get the vlv covers; nice!
carbster09
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,242
Likes: 12
From: Kalispell MT
http://www.yourcovers.com/valve_covers_11042.php
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 4
From: Oakland California
LS aluminum motors are ~80 lbs lighter than a SBC. Your handling-braking will feel lighter compared to a SBC and will be WORLDS apart from a BBC.
GenIII iron block motors will be a wash.
Go LS and don't look back. I would say it will cost you less for just about any power level.
GenIII iron block motors will be a wash.
Go LS and don't look back. I would say it will cost you less for just about any power level.
