What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

jmedero · 01-27-2013, 12:07 AM

Hey fellow truckers, I e been on the fence for a while now. My 68 Burb is a 396/400 truck. I have the 396/400 that came out of it. Runs great just needs a good cleaning and paint. I've been watching as more and more guys are doing the ls, 5.3 or 6.0 swap. I'd like to do it, I think it would be cool. I also like the thought and look of the old big block in there as well.
Any help, thoughts, input throw it out. Lets hear it. I'd like some pros and cons and opinions. The truck is far from original so the whole "lets keep it like the general made it" went out the window in a blazing ball of glory. Lol
Thanks guys.

Juan

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travz500 · 01-27-2013, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmedero

Hey fellow truckers, I e been on the fence for a while now. My 68 Burb is a 396/400 truck. I have the 396/400 that came out of it. Runs great just needs a good cleaning and paint. I've been watching as more and more guys are doing the ls, 5.3 or 6.0 swap. I'd like to do it, I think it would be cool. I also like the thought and look of the old big block in there as well.
Any help, thoughts, input throw it out. Lets hear it. I'd like some pros and cons and opinions. The truck is far from original so the whole "lets keep it like the general made it" went out the window in a blazing ball of glory. Lol
Thanks guys.

Juan

Posted via Mobile Device

I say build the 396 bigger with the 400. Hey your gas cap is missing LOL

jmedero · 01-27-2013, 12:17 AM

Haha. The tank wasn't even in there my neighbor was all worried when it rained. He called me saying he couldn't find my cap and didn't want water to get in my tank.
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travz500 · 01-27-2013, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmedero

Haha. The tank wasn't even in there my neighbor was all worried when it rained. He called me saying he couldn't find my cap and didn't want water to get in my tank.
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see we are just looking out for you

jmedero · 01-27-2013, 12:23 AM

Thanks man. I feel all warm and fuzzy inside now.
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s_nova69 · 01-27-2013, 01:08 AM

I guess it really depends on how much of an old school gear head you are. The old school would say keep the BBC cuz it is cool to have one and plus it produces lots more torque you need to move the ole burb.

Although the 5.3 can make some serious power with a little boost it would cost a ton more to make the same power down low. A 6.0 makes a ton more torque than the 5.3 and would require less $$ to make more power than the 396.

That being said I think a truck with a modern LS engine in it is worth more if the truck is not a numbers matching original. But on the flip side a Big ol nasty Big Block is just plain BAD A$$!!! Nothing is cooler than a mean BBC under the hood. Unless you have a 1200 LS motor in its place.

That sums it up

s_nova69 · 01-27-2013, 01:09 AM

Oh I am drooling to get a burb project going of my own and yours looks pretty tuff

mixermike · 01-27-2013, 01:33 AM

I have a 5.3 in my 2000 GMC, bought the truck brand new 13 years ago and still like it very much. Good engine, good power ...no complaints here....got a mildly built 350 in my 72 C10, good engine, good power....no complaints here. Now I also have a 57 Chevy step side with a mildly built 396. Open the hood and it looks killer,sounds great,plenty of grunt right off the line.the truck gets the most looks and the worst gas mileage of the 3......guess which one I like to drive the most? Hope this helps
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RustyBucket · 01-27-2013, 02:02 AM

I have an '02 GMC 6.0, bought it new, 147,000mi. VERY reliable, good power but it's NEVER given 15mpg. I have a mild 454+.30 in my 2wd Blazer with a TKO 5spd. and it WILL give a tad over 15mpg on the road. Both run on regular. Yeah, the Blazer's more fun to drive.

jmedero · 01-27-2013, 01:18 AM

Thanks man. Just racking my brain trying to make the right choose. Nothing like going back and regretting something as big as engine choice.
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Lattimer · 01-27-2013, 01:48 AM

I would have to go with the big block unless its an everyday driver. If you want to use it as primary transportation the 5.3 would be more palatable based on fuel mileage. BB is just cool.

jmedero · 01-27-2013, 02:04 AM

Mixermike your truck is the one that is making me want to do a front roll pan. Love the truck and color.
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mixermike · 01-27-2013, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmedero

Mixermike your truck is the one that is making me want to do a front roll pan. Love the truck and color.
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Thank you sir,it's 88-92 Mazda ( mariner blue )
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sanford&daughter · 01-27-2013, 10:54 AM

I'm an old school guy I love my big block and enjoy the sound and the power but if I was to do a modern engine swap it would be a 6.2 ls they seem to make good power aswell but there a bit out of my price range at the moment

Vintage Windmills · 01-27-2013, 11:04 AM

Cam, tune, headers on a 6.0 and you're looking at 450 Hp.

**lolife99** · 01-27-2013, 11:59 AM

If you had said SBC or 5.3 I would say 5.3.

But nothing looks better than a big block chevy under the hood.
Use the 396!
You have it.
Spend your money elsewhere.

see ten · 01-27-2013, 12:23 PM

With the hood closed at 60 mph they're all going to look the same...
Choosing an engine for "looks" is like choosing a cam for "sound"... sometimes you get lucky and it runs/drives great... and sometimes it just makes a lot of noise.
Buying the engine is the cheap part of an LS swap. I don't regret my 5.3 a bit.

69GWC · 01-27-2013, 01:53 PM

I could not see sticking in a 5.3 if you have a 396/400. I would stick a gear venders unit behind it and roll.
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**Already Gone** · 01-27-2013, 03:03 PM

I don't like feeding my 396 gas, but love the driveability and the way it pulls ( torque I guess ) sounds, and is so simple in its operation.

**68350** · 01-27-2013, 03:05 PM

I love the big block chevys. Im not saying 5.3s are bad because my dd gas one. But when i go for a drive in my 427 gmc or 496 chevy, theres a smile that doesnt leave my face lol.
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68Gold/white · 01-27-2013, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68350

I love the big block chevys. Im not saying 5.3s are bad because my dd gas one. But when i go for a drive in my 427 gmc or 496 chevy, theres a smile that doesnt leave my face lol.
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X2

A heavy pickup needs torque to make it move more easily. A 396 is a potentially brutal torque engine. No choice to me...

ratty 46 · 01-27-2013, 04:44 PM

Nice burb.

As for the engine trans choice ... being a long time BBC guy even I have turned to the darkside and believe that the LS/trans combo is the wave of te future in older trucks. It's kind of having your cake & eating it too.

Power that can be drawn from a LS series is far cheaper, overall, than the tried & true BBC.

As an example I saw a recent mag article that a guy bought a new set of BBC aluminum heads & upgraded ... 30 hp addt'l. WOW ... for a set of expensive heads???

How bout you check out the article HR did on a 5.3 that ended up to be a 4.3 with a turbo that made 1100 hp + on pump gas.

You're call but my '64 fairlane chassis car will have a LS with a stick.

R46

**Hart_Rod** · 01-27-2013, 04:48 PM

You already know what I think.....

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jmedero · 01-27-2013, 04:54 PM

Haha rob I guess you would find this thread. Guys meet the little red guy on my left shoulder. Lol ��
Thanks for the input guys. Most decision I can make on the fly and never look back. Hell I didn't think twice about cutting it up to lay it out. This decision is killing me. Lol
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1970 C10 MJW · 01-28-2013, 09:32 AM

5.3l.. you could always post a POLL and you could get a tally of all the guys and gals that view your post..

01-27-2013, 12:07 AM	#1
jmedero Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: pensacola fl Posts: 3,072	What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap Hey fellow truckers, I e been on the fence for a while now. My 68 Burb is a 396/400 truck. I have the 396/400 that came out of it. Runs great just needs a good cleaning and paint. I've been watching as more and more guys are doing the ls, 5.3 or 6.0 swap. I'd like to do it, I think it would be cool. I also like the thought and look of the old big block in there as well. Any help, thoughts, input throw it out. Lets hear it. I'd like some pros and cons and opinions. The truck is far from original so the whole "lets keep it like the general made it" went out the window in a blazing ball of glory. Lol Thanks guys. Juan Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 68 BB burb build thread Scott's super slam front/rear http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=378084

01-27-2013, 12:17 AM	#3
jmedero Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: pensacola fl Posts: 3,072	Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap Haha. The tank wasn't even in there my neighbor was all worried when it rained. He called me saying he couldn't find my cap and didn't want water to get in my tank. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 68 BB burb build thread Scott's super slam front/rear http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=378084

01-27-2013, 12:23 AM	#5
jmedero Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: pensacola fl Posts: 3,072	Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap Thanks man. I feel all warm and fuzzy inside now. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 68 BB burb build thread Scott's super slam front/rear http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=378084

01-27-2013, 01:08 AM	#6
s_nova69 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: slc, ut Posts: 318	Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap I guess it really depends on how much of an old school gear head you are. The old school would say keep the BBC cuz it is cool to have one and plus it produces lots more torque you need to move the ole burb. Although the 5.3 can make some serious power with a little boost it would cost a ton more to make the same power down low. A 6.0 makes a ton more torque than the 5.3 and would require less $$ to make more power than the 396. That being said I think a truck with a modern LS engine in it is worth more if the truck is not a numbers matching original. But on the flip side a Big ol nasty Big Block is just plain BAD A$$!!! Nothing is cooler than a mean BBC under the hood. Unless you have a 1200 LS motor in its place. That sums it up __________________ Phil '70 Longhorn 421 700r4 tach 4 wheel disc hydroboost daily driver '72 short super build 4wd '72 Suburban LT4 coming soon!!

01-27-2013, 01:09 AM	#7
s_nova69 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: slc, ut Posts: 318	Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap Oh I am drooling to get a burb project going of my own and yours looks pretty tuff __________________ Phil '70 Longhorn 421 700r4 tach 4 wheel disc hydroboost daily driver '72 short super build 4wd '72 Suburban LT4 coming soon!!

01-27-2013, 01:33 AM	#8
mixermike Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Post Falls, Idaho Posts: 606	Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap I have a 5.3 in my 2000 GMC, bought the truck brand new 13 years ago and still like it very much. Good engine, good power ...no complaints here....got a mildly built 350 in my 72 C10, good engine, good power....no complaints here. Now I also have a 57 Chevy step side with a mildly built 396. Open the hood and it looks killer,sounds great,plenty of grunt right off the line.the truck gets the most looks and the worst gas mileage of the 3......guess which one I like to drive the most? Hope this helps Posted via Mobile Device

01-27-2013, 02:02 AM	#9
RustyBucket Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Space Coast, Fl. Posts: 1,050	Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap I have an '02 GMC 6.0, bought it new, 147,000mi. VERY reliable, good power but it's NEVER given 15mpg. I have a mild 454+.30 in my 2wd Blazer with a TKO 5spd. and it WILL give a tad over 15mpg on the road. Both run on regular. Yeah, the Blazer's more fun to drive. Attached Images __________________ Dad always said, "Son, WISH IN ONE HAND, and ......." -------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- Current toy trucks: '71 GMC 1500 SUPER CUSTOM short/step, orig. dk. blue, 350/700r, ps,pb, A/C '72 Blazer 2wd, ochre & white, 454, tremecTKO 500 5spd. ps, pb, A/C, tilt Last 10yrs of hobby vehicles, had a FEW more in the 50yrs. before these: '66 Plymouth Belvedere City of Miami cop car clone. '70 Nova 406"sb, 13.5-1, solid roller, Brodix, p.glide/t.brake, back halved, 9" Ford, spool 4.88, cage,ladder bar/coilover, 10.5 tire....... SOLD!! '67 C10 short/step side mount spare -- SOLD!! '72 Jimmy 2wd, 350/350, ps, pb, fun driver, lots of bondo & a shiny red paint job..... SOLD!! '69 Nova 350, 4spd, A/C, ps, p.b, ...SOLD!!

01-27-2013, 01:18 AM	#10
jmedero Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: pensacola fl Posts: 3,072	Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap Thanks man. Just racking my brain trying to make the right choose. Nothing like going back and regretting something as big as engine choice. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 68 BB burb build thread Scott's super slam front/rear http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=378084

01-27-2013, 01:48 AM	#11
Lattimer Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Mickleton, NJ Posts: 1,776	Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap I would have to go with the big block unless its an everyday driver. If you want to use it as primary transportation the 5.3 would be more palatable based on fuel mileage. BB is just cool. __________________ Shawn 1970 Chevy C-10 SWB, 350, TKO 600 5 speed My build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=559881

01-27-2013, 02:04 AM	#12
jmedero Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: pensacola fl Posts: 3,072	Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap Mixermike your truck is the one that is making me want to do a front roll pan. Love the truck and color. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 68 BB burb build thread Scott's super slam front/rear http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=378084

01-27-2013, 10:54 AM	#14
sanford&daughter Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Upstate , New York Posts: 647	Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap I'm an old school guy I love my big block and enjoy the sound and the power but if I was to do a modern engine swap it would be a 6.2 ls they seem to make good power aswell but there a bit out of my price range at the moment

01-27-2013, 11:04 AM	#15
Vintage Windmills Vintage 4x4s Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Prior Lake, MN Posts: 4,305	Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap Cam, tune, headers on a 6.0 and you're looking at 450 Hp. __________________ 67 GMC K1500 Custom- 305V6 SM420, PTO, Ram Assist, yellow (the outcast) (project period correct upgrades) 67 GMC C2500 351V6 TH400, AC, PS, PB (can't decide what to do with. Update, decided to keep and will restore ) 86 CHV K30 502 th400, apple red NEW 71 CHV K20 350 SM465, ochre (saved work truck) 71 CHV K20 292 SM465, white, tach, PTO, (future project) 72 CHV K20 350 350th, medium blue (project stocker) 01 CHV K2500hd crew, indigo blue ^3 dont run and the others don't see winter either '86 K30 Cummins "Fireside" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=649649 '71 K20 "get driveable" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590642 '72 K20 Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=493477&page=6

01-27-2013, 11:59 AM	#16
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,692	Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap If you had said SBC or 5.3 I would say 5.3. But nothing looks better than a big block chevy under the hood. Use the 396! You have it. Spend your money elsewhere. __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

01-27-2013, 12:23 PM	#17
see ten WTB this ad Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Lafayette Georgia Posts: 5,074	Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap With the hood closed at 60 mph they're all going to look the same... Choosing an engine for "looks" is like choosing a cam for "sound"... sometimes you get lucky and it runs/drives great... and sometimes it just makes a lot of noise. Buying the engine is the cheap part of an LS swap. I don't regret my 5.3 a bit.

01-27-2013, 01:53 PM	#18
69GWC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,089	Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap I could not see sticking in a 5.3 if you have a 396/400. I would stick a gear venders unit behind it and roll. Posted via Mobile Device



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01-27-2013, 03:03 PM	#19
Already Gone 70+ ( Old Skool Club ) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan ,Canada Posts: 9,108	Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap I don't like feeding my 396 gas, but love the driveability and the way it pulls ( torque I guess ) sounds, and is so simple in its operation. __________________ 1972 C10 Custom/Deluxe 613 Highlander 406/700R4 1999 White Tahoe LS 4x2 with Z56 Police Package 1992 K1500 GMC Suburban Members I have personally met: MusicMan70 - HeavyD - ChewyChevy67 - StingRay -71SWB4x4 - 67 Burb - DeadheadNM - too much stuff - bc65 - das601 " Circumsatances Do Not Change Responsibility " " The Sky is not the Limit, Your Mind is." Marilyn Monroe .. RIP Charlie Watts 1941 - 2021

01-27-2013, 03:05 PM	#20
68350 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Williston, ND Posts: 2,999	Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap I love the big block chevys. Im not saying 5.3s are bad because my dd gas one. But when i go for a drive in my 427 gmc or 496 chevy, theres a smile that doesnt leave my face lol. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 68 Chevy CST/10, 50th Anniversary, 327/th400, 373 posi, buckets 68 GMC Shortbox Stepside, 402/th400, Tilt, Tach, Bucket Seats, 3.08 Positraction 69 Chevy Camaro SS, 383, 4 speed, positraction 70 Chevy El Camino SS396, Triple Black, 454/th400, Tach 70 Chevy Shortbox Stepside 4x4, 350/th350, Tilt, Tach, Cab Lights, Bumper Guards, Tow Hooks 70 Chevy 3/4 Longbox, 350/auto, 70k, SURVIVOR 71 Chevy Blazer, CST, 350/auto 71 GMC Sierra K2500, 454, 4 speed, 4.10 posi, 37s 71 Custom/30, Open Road, 350/th400, tilt 72 Chevy Shortbox Fleetside, 496 Stroker/th400, Tilt, Tach, Bucket Seats, 3.42 Posi 72 GMC Sierra Grande 2500. 427/th400, tilt, a/c, tool and stowage, buckets/console, 3.54 posi

01-27-2013, 04:44 PM	#22
ratty 46 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Atlanta, Ga. Posts: 1,104	Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap Nice burb. As for the engine trans choice ... being a long time BBC guy even I have turned to the darkside and believe that the LS/trans combo is the wave of te future in older trucks. It's kind of having your cake & eating it too. Power that can be drawn from a LS series is far cheaper, overall, than the tried & true BBC. As an example I saw a recent mag article that a guy bought a new set of BBC aluminum heads & upgraded ... 30 hp addt'l. WOW ... for a set of expensive heads??? How bout you check out the article HR did on a 5.3 that ended up to be a 4.3 with a turbo that made 1100 hp + on pump gas. You're call but my '64 fairlane chassis car will have a LS with a stick. R46

01-27-2013, 04:48 PM	#23
Hart_Rod ************* Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 17,837	Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap You already know what I think..... Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Rob - https://www.instagram.com/hart_rod_c10 As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Man Sharpens Another. Proverbs 27:17 FOR SALE: DBW pedal bracket - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651123 FOR SALE: Hood Brackets http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=679945 1987 Silverado SWB - 34.5K original miles http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801834 1969 SuperBurb - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=200387 1968 Farm truck - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=358692 1968 SWB - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=551258 1948 Chevy - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=122164&page=3

01-27-2013, 04:54 PM	#24
jmedero Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: pensacola fl Posts: 3,072	Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap Haha rob I guess you would find this thread. Guys meet the little red guy on my left shoulder. Lol �� Thanks for the input guys. Most decision I can make on the fly and never look back. Hell I didn't think twice about cutting it up to lay it out. This decision is killing me. Lol Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 68 BB burb build thread Scott's super slam front/rear http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=378084

01-28-2013, 09:32 AM	#25
1970 C10 MJW Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Indiana Posts: 470	Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap 5.3l.. you could always post a POLL and you could get a tally of all the guys and gals that view your post.. __________________ 70 C10 working on a LSx swap 4.8L MS3 edelbrock pro flo intake, pacesetter long tubes, 4l60e 2500 stall hoping the tranny holds up lol

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