Chevy engine wt. comparison
 

Hi:

How much does a SBC 350 weighs in comparison with a 5.3 (LM4 I guess) and 6.0 (LQ4)? How these wt. changes can affect the front suspension/steering and overall performance?
Thanks

Re: Chevy engine wt. comparison
 

Quick search says BBC 665, SBC roughly 575lbs, Iron block (LQ4) Gen III+ roughly 520lbs, Aluminum block (LM4) Gen III+ subtract 75lbs or so.

The trucks are front heavy on account of the bed just being a sheet metal open top box and the windshield, battery and motor/trans forward of the center of the truck.

As to how better weight distribution actually affects the vehicle I don't have any more google time. Visually i'd imagine it would affect ride height.

Re: Chevy engine wt. comparison
 

I don't have the paperwork in front of me, so my numbers may be slightly off, but I know their close. A few years ago, I weighed my truck on a four corner scale at a RideTech booth at a show. At the time, it had a 350/TH350 mounted in the factory V8 (forward) location. Later that summer, I blew that engine and swapped in the LS1/700R4. The engine is mounted in the 6 cyl(rearward) location along with offset adapter plates.

With the 350 combo:
3737 lbs and almost right at a 60/40 weight bias.

With the LS1:
3590 lbs and about a 55/45 weight bias.

Re: Chevy engine wt. comparison
 

I started with an iron-headed 396.
Installed aluminum heads, intake, headers - nose came up 1/2"
Replaced iron 396 with aluminum 376 (LS3) - nose came up 1/2"

Now for some reason either I got weirdly used to it or it settled, because I was going to swap springs down to small block springs but the ride height is fine. I guess my point is that swapping to a much lighter motor will change your ride height and alignment.

Re: Chevy engine wt. comparison
 

Sbc to 5.3 swap. I also moved the engine back and relocated the gas tank under the bed. It handles much better.