Are the pre LS engines becoming a thing of the past?

[CraigMorrison]

Who says a 1st gen can't be modern? All aluminum, 538hp, Wilson Manifolds TB and fuel rails, FAST electronics and weighs in at 355lbs! I've been checking weights of the LS engines and this setup is comparable to if not a few lbs lighter. Light weight, good power, looks good in the engine compartment

Having said that, if we do another PT project (like a 2nd gen Camaro ) it will probably have an LS in it.

[MaxHarvard]

As long as there are shade tree mechanics and people like myself who cannot afford the shiny LSX motors (i wish i could)... you'll always have carb'd iron blocked motors. They are an affordable way to have fun

[Ummgawa]

That is Very Cool!!

[MarkM66]

Originally Posted by Efi69Cam

I feel like I should agree, but when CNC'd L92 heads are flowing in the 350+ range, and 454 cid LS engines becoming available (LSX block) it seems silly to cart around the weight of a BBC.

Well, there are aluminum BBC blocks, . LSX block is iron.

BBC, cubes to go 700+, heads that flow 500cfm = KING!

If you were to build both to max cid, I think pricing would be very close, with BBC making more power due to more ci.

BBC Brodix Al. Block; $5200
C5R; $6,400
LS7; $3,500

Sure both can make awesome power, but I think if you wanted max n/a power, BBC would be the way to go, IMO.

[Steve1968LS2]

The old school stuff isn't going anywhere.. in "our little world" the LSx stuff is common. In the whole world "not so much".

The SBC is still the best bang-for-the-buck out there, however the LSx is superior in almost every area other than cost.

[Efi69Cam]

Originally Posted by MarkM66

Well, there are aluminum BBC blocks, . LSX block is iron.

BBC, cubes to go 700+, heads that flow 500cfm = KING!

If you were to build both to max cid, I think pricing would be very close, with BBC making more power due to more ci.

BBC Brodix Al. Block; $5200
C5R; $6,400
LS7; $3,500

Sure both can make awesome power, but I think if you wanted max n/a power, BBC would be the way to go, IMO.

My car is BBC powered. 540 with EFI. It should make 600HP without breaking a sweat, HP and huge torque is easy with a BBC. Other than the logos on the heads, I could claim its a aluminum head 396.

I do like the LS motors and I hope to have another some day.

[Leadfoot1]

Hey! have you guy's read my post at the beginning? Stop talking costs of old School vs Gen3! At a 1000$ for a complete engine, plus, say another1500$ for the conversion (If you really want to do this) you get 480 Horses.

I'd be curious to know how much your engine costed Craig? With the fast set up,$ and aluminumn bock,($)...Just the block costs more than the price of the complete LSX engine...and it makes "only" 538 Hp.

If you want to talk looks, just look at Steve's! Yeah, tastes are personnal, but if you don'y like that engine, it might be more than taste that's your problem! (and you haven't heard it either!)

I just can't wait 'till next month... We'll take that conversation up again.

Anyway, i think old school will always have its place, but we can't deny that LS engines are "Today" and the future.

Hey i even had a luck when i got my LS1...I paid 600$ for it and the 4L60 and they we're still in the car-Running. (the rear of the car is another story :-)! So deals are out there. You just have to look!

Lead.

[trapin]

Originally Posted by MarkM66

Well, there are aluminum BBC blocks, . LSX block is iron.

BBC, cubes to go 700+, heads that flow 500cfm = KING!

If you were to build both to max cid, I think pricing would be very close, with BBC making more power due to more ci.

BBC Brodix Al. Block; $5200
C5R; $6,400
LS7; $3,500

Sure both can make awesome power, but I think if you wanted max n/a power, BBC would be the way to go, IMO.

That is, of course, until they make a big block LSX engine...then all bets are off.

I used to be a nay-sayer when it came to LSX...then I drove an LS2 vehicle and the clouds opened up and the angels sang. Now I can't shut up about them.

I'm building my LS1 engine as we speak. I got the motor and trans for just over $3000. I've sunk another $2700 in it. For $5700 I got an aluminum block, a roller camshaft, roller rockers, CNC ported alumimum heads, fuel injection, serpentine drive. Plus it came with the water pump, alternator, power steering pump, high torque starter, and wiring harness.

When done I'll have around 460-480 hp and comparable torque. If you tried to get those same numbers with a small block Chevy, using the same type of parts with the same features and extras...you're north of $15,000. I know because I had a local race shop price one out for me just for giggles. LSX is the best bang for the buck, by far.

But with that said, I think the small block and big block Chevy will live on. They're still a better looking engine where the LS is more of an aquired taste.

[TravisB]

Originally Posted by trapin

That is, of course, until they make a big block LSX engine...then all bets are off.

I used to be a nay-sayer when it came to LSX...then I drove an LS2 vehicle and the clouds opened up and the angels sang. Now I can't shut up about them.

I'm building my LS1 engine as we speak. I got the motor and trans for just over $3000. I've sunk another $2700 in it. For $5700 I got an aluminum block, a roller camshaft, roller rockers, CNC ported alumimum heads, fuel injection, serpentine drive. Plus it came with the water pump, alternator, power steering pump, high torque starter, and wiring harness.

When done I'll have around 460-480 hp and comparable torque. If you tried to get those same numbers with a small block Chevy, using the same type of parts with the same features and extras...you're north of $15,000. I know because I had a local race shop price one out for me just for giggles. LSX is the best bang for the buck, by far.

But with that said, I think the small block and big block Chevy will live on. They're still a better looking engine where the LS is more of an aquired taste.

15k is a very steep estimate for a 480 hp SBC. BBC is king no question about it build both engines to the max with unlimited budget and BBC will win. Take 5k and build both BBC will win.

*there is no replacement for displacment* sorry but its true.

[Steve1968LS2]

Originally Posted by TravisB

15k is a very steep estimate for a 480 hp SBC. BBC is king no question about it build both engines to the max with unlimited budget and BBC will win. Take 5k and build both BBC will win.

*there is no replacement for displacment* sorry but its true.

Which car is faster.. the one with the 600hp 700-lb big block or the car with the 500hp 450-lb LS2?

There's more to it than making power.. which engine would get better mileage?