LS Engine Debate

[rwhite692]

There is a LOT to like about the LS engines.

As Stuart noted, they are far less prone to leaks, and getting them running in retrofit applications has become very much a "plug-and-play" affair, with more support in the aftermarket all the time. Not to mention that (for the aluminum ones) you are getting an all-aluminum engine, which is saving a lot of weight off the nose of the car.

All that being said, I'm not using one on my current project, LOL...too much invested in my current plan. If I ever get around to building up my other 69, I'll definitely use an LS.

Now, if I was building up a vintage mustang, I'd be just salivating over the idea of getting my hands on that new 5.0 DOHC motor.

Can't wait to see who does a retrofit first!

[DOOM]

Originally Posted by Vegas69

LS engines suck.

[DOOM]

Originally Posted by 509Chevelle

Guys, I was having a discussion with a coworker today who is a car guy, but not really a car guy, if you know what I mean. Anyway, he argues the fact that if he still had his "69 Camaro he wouldn't be putting an LS motor in it. He states the fact that he wouldn't because everyone else is doing it and how everybody is putting LS's into their cars. So, I asked him, well what's the difference when LS's were not available and everyone was putting big block's into their cars? He then states that was all that was available was either a small block or a big block. Then I counter with newer technology and now an LS is pretty much all available now as far as Chevy is concerned. Unless you go retro with a 1st gen motor. What's you guys take on this. I just think some people fear the unknown and he is an old school guy who refuses to change. He just want to go against the grain and doesn't want it to seem as if he's jumping on the bandwagon.

I would of stopped this conversation after the first sentence......

[strtcar]

Originally Posted by Vegas69

There is no replacement for displacement....

boost is that replacement

[jannes_z-28]

I am on my fourth season driving my LS1 powered 69 Z/28, I have covered almost 10.000 miles, most of them at highway speed passing many cars. It runs like a dream, mpg as any normal driver. The LS1 engine still has its sparkplugs it came with from the donor car. Only thing I've done to it is one oil/filter change.

All the other guys I know with SBC or BBC are struggling with their engines, can't drive long distances because of 8mpg or that they have some troubles with poor running or broken stuff.

It weighs 3300 lbs empty and runs pretty good for being a untouched 2001 Camaro engine.

Jan

[E.rodz]

I think your right on the fear of the unknown is the big thing for alot of people.I think this is why they invented the carb conversions for them witch makes no sense to me dollar for dollar pound for pound there is no comparison. I was a big and small block junkie until I pulled one apart and looked over all the improvements that that gm. did for these have you buddy do some math comparison how much would it take to build a 500 hp. small or big block and how much for a ls based conversion. don't forget all of the items like all the front drive acc. system alum block,alum. heads that flow over 300 cfm's roller cam just because there seems to be alot on this forum does not mean its to mainstream the people on here are just a little smarter than most hotrodders.after i opened the first ls based motor I sold all of my old small and big block stuff.just my 2 cents worth.

[Scorpner]

I can see both sides to the debate. I personally like the sound of the older engines and despite the LS performance, part of the fun is the individuality of the different engines of the 60's-70's. Each car had it's own distinctive sound and characteristics and you can sometimes tell what's coming down the road before you can see it. For some reason I've always thought that they were a lot like the aircraft from WWII. If you've ever been to an airshow you know when you hear some of these engines, you can feel it. For me the same goes when that older big block shows up. People stop and take notice of a big block with good exhaust and cam because it commands your attention.

Now I'm going to jump on the other side of the fence. You can't beat the performance of an LS engine. With the computer monitoring and controlling every aspect of the combustion process, it's possible to gain more power as well as economy along with emissions. There's nothing better for someone that wants the best power gains possible, or to take their cars to different events with the relatively higher cost of fuel. After all, a car that sits in the garage is basically useless. In keeping with my somewhat silly analogy, I guess this would be more like a jet fighter. It commands your attention too, but all jets tend to sound pretty much the same.

The one thing people don't always compare is what transmission is lined up with the engine and an LS engine isn't as likely to be mated to a TH350 if ever. lol
It would be interesting to see what an LS engine actually gets for MPG at 70 mph at the same gear ratio compared to a SBC.

That being said I know of a few SBC's with two barrels carbs that got close to 20 mpg back in the day. With that possibility, I wonder how close one of these older engines can come to an LS and keep the original sound? (Ie. Something like a 700r4(or T-56), crank trigger and fuel injection.) I was thinking that for the basic street cruiser it might be the best of both worlds.

[BritishGreen68]

Originally Posted by Vegas69

LS engines suck.

[fleetus macmullitz]

Really liked how our LS performed. Prefer the sound of the SBC's and a BBC I owned though. Liked 'em all enough to put in a Tri-Five and/or a Camaro. Now looking at the LT-5 alternative; unique sound, looks great and less filling...up.

I've seen used ones go for $6K and under recently. Pretty good value IMO for a very low volume hand assembled blueprinted motor that helped set a number of endurance racing records at the time (March 1990) with a stock motor. For those interested its quite a story.

http://www.zr1netregistry.com/WRR.htm

I believe this is the biggest one out there at 440 cid. He's driven it long distances in addition to racing it (below).

[CreepinDeth]

I put an LS1 / 4L60e in my 78z in 2006. Best decision I ever made. I'm strongly considering selling the Rocket 350 / TH350 in my 1970 442 wannabe for an LY6 with the L92 heads. they flow 300-320cfm stock iirc, better then BBC heads. I prefer drivability over weekend warrior. But that's me, to each their own.

BTW I got that 12 Bolt I bought off you in finally and working. I took forever to get motivated to get it in. LOL

Originally Posted by XcYZ

As Chad noted, I don't think there's really that many LS conversions out there. At Car Craft last month, with 5,000+ cars, there were very, very few EFI conversions of any make.

Agreed.

I had this discussion on Classic Oldsmobile and some guys are just purists. I was jerking their chains quite a bit because Old's guys are a fickle bunch. They HATE IT when you put a Chevy motor in an Olds, even tho LS are GM engines.

I got the old "Well everyone is doing it so they're as common as bellybuttons". I then asked how many Oldsmobile's they've seen with LS engines in them and I'll be damned if everyone didn't just get the deer in the headlights look. I probably found all of 3-5 total swaps doing various searches online. I told them they are EXTREMELY rare at this point in time.