to swap or not to swap? (that is the question)

[dogsht]

Swap for the LS and store the numbers matching 305 and the car will gain value. Keep the original wheels also.

 

[choppercitysoprano]

Thanks guys! now the big question! 350, 383 stroker, LS1, LS3 ?

 

[melman109]

Thanks guys! now the big question! 350, 383 stroker, LS1, LS3 ?

LS3 8)

 

[Dave V]

all depends on your budget any ls motor is a upgrade all depends on how much you got to spend if you need to do on a budegt you can run a 5.3 ls truck motor which is 285hp then you can setup from there so if your on a budget the 5.3 truck motors can be found for decent prcies and is not that bad of a swap as ive seen them done and they look sweet.

 

[G-Body_Vet]

all depends on your budget any ls motor is a upgrade all depends on how much you got to spend if you need to do on a budegt you can run a 5.3 ls truck motor which is 285hp then you can setup from there so if your on a budget the 5.3 truck motors can be found for decent prcies and is not that bad of a swap as ive seen them done and they look sweet.

x2! I've seen them in them complete in the $500-$600 range and thought about doing that with a future project. To be honest I think the 5.3 would be a nice balance of power, affordability, efficiency and modern tech. It seems like everyone is trying to grab the f-body engines & the 6.0 blocks and the prices reflect it.

 

[G-Body_Vet]

I've been thinking very hard about this and I'm split down the middle! Keep my 1987 Monte Carlo 305 or go with the LS3! If I'm playing for keeps then all signs point to the LS3! But if I keep the factory engine and numbers matching then it'll sell for more! double edge sword!

Maybe it's just my opinion, but I don't think numbers matching 305's will ever amount to a higher value with these cars. They made so many of the SS's and it's not a highly sought after engine. They won't be like a '70 Chevelle with an LS6, ZL1 427 Vette or a DZ 302 Camaro. Those were special engines and they were fast cars. Unless you own a GN or T-type, the rest of our cars were products of the lackluster 80's when GM was in a slump with performance.

 

[choppercitysoprano]

LOL! that's the truth if I ever heard it!

 

[79loserbluebu]

Do the swap and you'll never want to sell the car. Do it right and you'll be driving it daily not just because you can but every other car just feels slow.

I've had mine running for... around 3-4 weeks now and absolutely love it. I can't even imagine putting a 350 back in the car. I had the car dyno'd and it made 378rwhp on the last pull. And that's with a set of CNC'd heads around 10.5:1 compression and and little baby off the shelf cam. The car is so much fun the throttle response is unbeleiveable.