Old school engines vs ls swap debate!!

[pontiacgp]

True. But as soon as you cross the approximate 350hp you start to sacrifice stuff the further you go. Unless you spend big bucks on aftermarket roller cam heads and sequential efi with a crank trigger. And then you'd be better of woth a cheaper lighter better idling more fuel efficient stock 6 bolt mains LS engine that wont break a sweat to curb stomp the gen 1 sbc..

I have a 4 bolt SBC 355 that was a recent rebuild that I picked up for $800, vortec heads for $300, intake and valve covers for $200, crate 604 roller cam for $225, lifters and spider kit $250 and roller rockers for $100....it's had 3 hard summers with a manual behind it and nothing has blown yet....can an LS beat it?, maybe but I don't race and I don't lose any sleep thinking about it.

 

[Garrett1982]

Buy an LSx and put a carb on it with a dizzy.

Nothing wrong with that.

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

Thanks a lot Sony.

Just ordered the rear seat brace from Mike Montes and am looking at UMI tubular rear LCAs.

Not sure why this wasn't on my radar but very glad it is now.

I installed a Tinman rear seat brace in my Regal, really did seem to firm it up.

594 hp would be hard on a g body even with bracing. At that point you better invest in a improved aftermarket chassis swap.

There are a lot of guys who just swapped in a better cam into L31 SBC and make 400 hp and better easy. Even a 305 with L30 059 vortec heads can easily make 300 hp. Lots of factory SBC blocks came setup for factory roller cams.

 

[Garrett1982]

I installed a Tinman rear seat brace in my Regal, really did seem to firm it up.

594 hp would be hard on a g body even with bracing. At that point you better invest in a improved aftermarket chassis swap.

A cage and bracing should work just fine.

 

[565bbchevy]

A cage and bracing should work just fine.

Works for me and I might be pushing just a touch more than 594 horsepower. 😉

 

[montec]

I like the classic SBC, I'm not a fan of computer in vehicles. I went SBC in my '79 its fun to drive and I spend time wrenching on it every chance I get, slight changes here and there.

My Monte is the only G-Body I have. But I have 2 S-Series I plan V8's for. My '83 will be getting a classic SBC and I'm looking at the new Holley EFI they are coming out with for that one, just to add more drive-ability in winter months. My '94 will get a LSx and I am hoping for a 6.0 on that.(bat sh*t crazy I am for that)

But to answer your question you asked, basic summer street car you may want to have some fun in, then go with what will fit your budget.

 

[motorheadmike]

Read:
http://www.hotrod.com/news/1601-what-makes-the-ls-engines-so-great/
Watch:

 

[eldervampire]

OP....here is the reality. What gets your blood pumping when you see it, or think about it? These are all Chevy motors, they are like tinker toys. They've been around forever and there are parts for all of them that can make any of them monsters. You play with them until you break them, then you buy more.
More than any other GM product, Chevy has parts every where. If you want to keep a few bucks In your pocket, plan it out. An LS tends to be a bit more, and old school can be temperamental.
I myself, would get an intercooled Buick and have a blast. But that's what gets my blood pumping. All it really takes is money, but can you put a price on fun.
Good luck.

And by no means am I dissing Chevy, I've watched them in my mirror getting smaller, and seen nothing but tail lights from some as well.

 

[Bill Creller]

I'm a new guy here, and I don't know squat about LS engines. But from what I've read, they really do make good power for their size, cubic inch-wise. The only ones I've seen up close are in pickup trucks. And as usual with new stuff, the engine bay & engine are cluttered to the point that it's hard for a good look !
I recently removed & repaired the supercharger on my Buick Park Avenue, which also was quite cluttered !

Bill

 

[Dburger]

My Calais has a V6 in it and I'm not the biggest fan of V8 swapping cars that came with 6 cylinder engines, so I'll eventually tear the engine down and add boost.

I could LS swap my Caballero, but I don't think I want to put that much money/time into it.