LS1 or 383
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Opelousas Louisiana
LS1 or 383
Looking to get about 400hp for my '82 C3. Could get a stroker 383 (crate with warranty) and have a nice Holley Carb already for around $3500 or go with a low mileage LS1 with ECM, Harness, and Transmission for around $6000. Just wondering what anyone else would do to hit that 400hp mark. Any other concerns as well would be appreciated.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 19
I went with a 6.0 LS. But if you dont have a lot of time to do the LS swap, it is pretty appealing to be able to do the 383 swap in a weekend.
Big plus on the LS is that once complete, you turn the key and drive, hot/cold, rain/shine, and I'm getting 26mpg on the hiway.
Big plus on the LS is that once complete, you turn the key and drive, hot/cold, rain/shine, and I'm getting 26mpg on the hiway.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 845
Likes: 54
From: Bangor, Northern Ireland
I love LS engines but after finally getting my 355 tuned and happy I raced a C5 Z06 and we were neck and neck, it made me think what's the point of going to all the agro for fitting an LS? My engine does everything an engine should do. I love hot rodding and have a '51 Stude with a 350 and i'm all for engine swaps but the LS is only better in that it idles smoother and gets better gas mileage (nether of which bother me) depends what you want from the car. It works in the Stude because I took out a crappy 6 and put in a 350 (big difference), 350 to LS ( Mmmm, not quite so big difference).
For the same money as the LS swap you could have a screaming 383/406 and less fab work agro
For the same money as the LS swap you could have a screaming 383/406 and less fab work agro
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Opelousas Louisiana
I'll have to check on the mileage of the LS1 but I know it is suppose to be low mileage and won't have a warranty. I know the crate motor will. I wouldn't mind the fuel injection but being I live WY and this is a summer car and garage kept through winter. I could sell the carb or keep it with the original motor (the crossfire injection was shot). To boot my previous mechanic raked me on the carb. He was suppose to swap heads, pistons, cam, rockers, etc. and go to carb, well the carb got done but that was pretty much it. Any one know what the HP of the LS1 is. Not sure if any upgrades were done (I'll have to check). Got a friend of a friend (who is a mechanic) to install it once I decide. I wish I had time or the know how myself. Luckily I have a reasonable bank roll to work with.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 14
From: Mobile Alabama
It really depends on how you want to use the car. IMO, the 383 would be quicker and easier, and be great for cruising and short trips. The LS swap could make a better touring or road trip car. I have changed from big cam small block 4 speed to LS 6 speed, because what I want to do with my car has changed. If you pay others to do the work, the LS swap will be considerably more expensive.
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Opelousas Louisiana
Its a just for fun car. Do autocross races with the local corvette club. Sometimes short few hours driving tours with it. Eventually like to drag it for fun. I don't see any cross country trips and rarely take it out for daily drive trips. Eventually get it up to a reasonable show car that can still be fun to play with. Not looking to win at the race track or get awards from car shows, just have fun with it. So gas mileage is not a high priority, have my gas guzzling Dodge RAM diesel for daily drive (sure glad work pays for the gas). Leaning towards 383 for price and ease of installation and maintenance. Got to save some $$$ for other things that need fixing. Of course still waiting to see what my buddy finds out about the LS1. So many decisions not enough $$$.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
Another Gen I retrofit would be much easier, but LS is a more advanced engine design. Also, about 120 lbs lighter over the front axle too. I'd get to know members who've actually done the swap a bit better, and could tell you more on the actual costs, for comparison.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 62
From: Kona Hawaii
406 Dart SHP short block.Aluminum heads,manifold,roller cam ,Fast EZ EFI or Carb.Easy 400 + horses! http://www.tristarengines.com/catalo...shp-block.html
All new engine no second hand stuff.Big power little package,and bolts up in the same location.....My next project after the new year.....
All new engine no second hand stuff.Big power little package,and bolts up in the same location.....My next project after the new year.....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,721
Likes: 108
From: Canada
I went with a 6.0 LS. But if you dont have a lot of time to do the LS swap, it is pretty appealing to be able to do the 383 swap in a weekend.
Big plus on the LS is that once complete, you turn the key and drive, hot/cold, rain/shine, and I'm getting 26mpg on the hiway.
Big plus on the LS is that once complete, you turn the key and drive, hot/cold, rain/shine, and I'm getting 26mpg on the hiway.
Just trying to get a handle on this swap as many who have posted about these big mpg increases have also done a tranny swap as well. So I'm trying to figure out if I swap from my 383, 400+ hp with the 4 sp where I get about 18/19 mpg at 60 mph. What would swapping an ls add, then on top of that what would a 5/6 sp add vs just adding a Fast EFI to my existing engine and then adding a 5/6 sp.
MotorHead has posted the effects on mpg by purely adding a tko, keeping his carb.
Last edited by gdh; Sep 26, 2012 at 08:36 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 19
I went with a Richmond 6 speed, also new wiring, Vintage Air, definitely a touring car. I had a big cam 350 that got 12mpg before that with a muncie and a 3.08 rear.
Before you go with the 383 to autocross and a few 1/4 mile runs, do a little research on your rear end options. It's a great ratio for an LS/4L60 (same as 98-02 f body), but dont think the strength is there for hard driving.
Before you go with the 383 to autocross and a few 1/4 mile runs, do a little research on your rear end options. It's a great ratio for an LS/4L60 (same as 98-02 f body), but dont think the strength is there for hard driving.
Gary, is that 26 mpg solely attributable to the ls swap or did you go to a 5/6 sp as well?
Just trying to get a handle on this swap as many who have posted about these big mpg increases have also done a tranny swap as well. So I'm trying to figure out if I swap from my 383, 400+ hp with the 4 sp where I get about 18/19 mpg at mph. What would swapping an ls add, then on top of that what would a 5/6 sp add vs just adding a Fast EFI to my existing engine and then adding a 5/6 sp.
MotorHead has posted the effects on mpg by purely adding a tko, keeping his carb.
Just trying to get a handle on this swap as many who have posted about these big mpg increases have also done a tranny swap as well. So I'm trying to figure out if I swap from my 383, 400+ hp with the 4 sp where I get about 18/19 mpg at mph. What would swapping an ls add, then on top of that what would a 5/6 sp add vs just adding a Fast EFI to my existing engine and then adding a 5/6 sp.
MotorHead has posted the effects on mpg by purely adding a tko, keeping his carb.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Gold Coast
If you're going to use an aftermarket block, you may as well aim for 427 cubes. With that, efi and a 5/6 speed, you'll get just as much economy as an LS on the highway, depending on the drive style.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 818
Likes: 0
From: coon rapids mn
you can do a stand alone set up with a ls motor .its from Edelbrock ,with a intake and a ignition for $700..you can get a 6.0 ls motor for $1500 or less .a cam swap is $600 from TSP for a ls motor,which can make close to 400 rwhp with a tsp 228r cam pkg.the sbc 383 would be cheaper and easier,but the flow potential of a ls head is great.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 318
Likes: 3
From: NP Nebraska
Gary, is that 26 mpg solely attributable to the ls swap or did you go to a 5/6 sp as well?
Just trying to get a handle on this swap as many who have posted about these big mpg increases have also done a tranny swap as well. So I'm trying to figure out if I swap from my 383, 400+ hp with the 4 sp where I get about 18/19 mpg at 60 mph. What would swapping an ls add, then on top of that what would a 5/6 sp add vs just adding a Fast EFI to my existing engine and then adding a 5/6 sp.
MotorHead has posted the effects on mpg by purely adding a tko, keeping his carb.
Just trying to get a handle on this swap as many who have posted about these big mpg increases have also done a tranny swap as well. So I'm trying to figure out if I swap from my 383, 400+ hp with the 4 sp where I get about 18/19 mpg at 60 mph. What would swapping an ls add, then on top of that what would a 5/6 sp add vs just adding a Fast EFI to my existing engine and then adding a 5/6 sp.
MotorHead has posted the effects on mpg by purely adding a tko, keeping his carb.
One concern is the transmission options for a gen I sbc. I would like a 6 speed given the 3.08 rear in my car and the fact it will be mostly a cruiser. Other than the LT1 T56 are there many bolt on or used options for a 6 speed behind your 406? I am not above getting a new tranny but am worried about the ease and reliability of the "conversion" kits?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,721
Likes: 108
From: Canada
I have a feeling that most of the mpg increase is due to the trans swap. I don't think anyone here doubts how good the ls engine is but I take a look at the vetted that had the last gen motors installed and they just look so outdated whereas the gen 1 engines that have added FAST EFI, eg Bruce's '72 look fantastic and timeless.
So Wayne(MotorHead) do your CF buddies a favour and open your wallet put on an aftermath EFI unit then give us your impressions and new mpg figures. Seriously my friend f you love us you'd do it - go ahead take one for the team.
So Wayne(MotorHead) do your CF buddies a favour and open your wallet put on an aftermath EFI unit then give us your impressions and new mpg figures. Seriously my friend f you love us you'd do it - go ahead take one for the team.