Old School Motor with EFI or LS
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 896
Likes: 7
Old School Motor with EFI or LS
Im slowly wrapping up my C2 Coupe and plan on building a custom C3. The next car will have a TCI 6X transmission, which is a 6sp auto for the wife. The transmission is good to 800hp, not that I want 800.
My choices for engine are an all aluminum BBC with EFI good for about 650hp or an LS motor with relatively equal performance specs. Cost is about equal.
BBC downside is mpg. LS downside is having a completely computer controlled motor.
Opinions are appreciated.
My choices for engine are an all aluminum BBC with EFI good for about 650hp or an LS motor with relatively equal performance specs. Cost is about equal.
BBC downside is mpg. LS downside is having a completely computer controlled motor.
Opinions are appreciated.
Last edited by uxojerry; Jun 16, 2012 at 10:37 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
You'll already have to have a ton of computer controls for the transmission... I'd be going EFI on either motor you setup. The BBC is a lot more front weight too, not to mention harder to service. Much more power potential out of a BBC, but it's really hard to beat the LS.
What are the goals for the car aside from power numbers?
What are the goals for the car aside from power numbers?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 896
Likes: 7
The TCI transmission has a stand alone mini computer, much like the EFI. The car will be more of a touring car and occasional track duty for fun only. I dont have the weight specs an the all aluminum BBC.
My concern with an LS motor is the perception of it 10yrs from now. My C2 has a Dart SBC 427 with an 8 stack EFI. For the C3 I want a different motor but am looking for the car to hold some value. Will the LS motor be viewed as obsolete when the Gen 5 motors arrive?
The rest of the car will be equipped similar to my C2. Custom Chassis and suspension, with a little more luxury in the passenger compartment.
My concern with an LS motor is the perception of it 10yrs from now. My C2 has a Dart SBC 427 with an 8 stack EFI. For the C3 I want a different motor but am looking for the car to hold some value. Will the LS motor be viewed as obsolete when the Gen 5 motors arrive?
The rest of the car will be equipped similar to my C2. Custom Chassis and suspension, with a little more luxury in the passenger compartment.
Last edited by uxojerry; Jun 16, 2012 at 03:54 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 19
I've done 2 LS swaps, so you know where this is going.
A BBC with TBI is not much better than a carb for milage or performance. If you go that route and you're planning on a stand alone trans computer, just go old school carb.
A better choice might be an LS3/6 speed takeout from a camaro. The stand alone trans computer is stupid expensive, let the GM ecu handle the motor and trans.
As for being outdated in a few years. I dont think it will be as bad as an LT1. A lot of that was bandaids put on the first gen SBC. And I'm not sure the next gen (DFI) will be aimed as much toward performance vs fuel economy.
A BBC with TBI is not much better than a carb for milage or performance. If you go that route and you're planning on a stand alone trans computer, just go old school carb.
A better choice might be an LS3/6 speed takeout from a camaro. The stand alone trans computer is stupid expensive, let the GM ecu handle the motor and trans.
As for being outdated in a few years. I dont think it will be as bad as an LT1. A lot of that was bandaids put on the first gen SBC. And I'm not sure the next gen (DFI) will be aimed as much toward performance vs fuel economy.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 896
Likes: 7
The TCI 6X is a six speed in a 4l80 casing. Fit is not a problem and has been installed in several C2s.
If there are any big block fans with EFI and overdrive, please let me know what kind of hwy mpg you are getting.
Last edited by uxojerry; Jun 16, 2012 at 10:37 AM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,361
Likes: 383
From: Plano TX