Most Chevy guys hate it when I say it, but the LS engines are basically well-designed Ford small blocks right down to center main thrust, exhaust port layout, intake port layout, unfortunately similar oil drain-back issues with the heads as old Fords (which is why the "race" versions like Corvette GS manuals and LS7s have dry sump oil systems and many guys had oil blow-by issues and had to run catch-cans), deck height sorta in-between the 351-Cleveland and -Windsor, so forth. The cylinder head bolt pattern is so darn near identical, I think Bill Mitchell had talked about making a head that bolted to both SBF and LSx engines! The first time I ever built an LS engine I pulled out the gasket set, and working at a shop that built both Ford and Chevy engines, at first glance I thought there was some strange Ford head gasket in the kit by accident or someone was playing a joke on me.
So I say do it
Certainly compared to a mod motor, that LS is more like the '93 5.0L engine you were going to use or an old 289 than a new Coyote 302. I was a hard core Ford guy for a long time and bought a Corvette GS last year because I just love the adaptation of the Ford design into the LS engine, and of course, the Vette is a beast in the handling department
Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
First Hemi 'Cuda Convertible Ever Built
Short clips: Goodguys Pleasanton autocross and pit videos
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