![]() |
Register or Log In To remove these advertisements. |
|
|
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
|
![]() |
#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Saluda, SC
Posts: 61
|
Jegs Crate or LS engine swap.
Im about to sink $7500 into my 71 Blazer engine. Should I go with a Jeg's Crate turn key or do an LS swap. Anybody with the ins and outs of both would be very helpful. I'm leaning towards the 454 Jegs motor simple because its plug and play. Thanks Mickey
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 | |
The Older Generation
![]() ![]() ![]() Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Montezuma, Iowa
Posts: 25,487
|
Re: Jegs Crate or LS engine swap.
Quote:
The cons for the LS engines are wiring requirements, speedometer conversion problems, fuel delivery requirements, and on the road repairs. Cons for the crate engines are continued maintenance (somewhat dependent on what distributor is used) harder starting, generally less fuel mileage, and initial break in requirements.(depending on valve train) On the road repairs used to be a plus for the crate style engines but anymore none of the auto parts stores keep repair parts on hand, everything has to be ordered. So that advantage has kind of gone down the drain. I really like the 350 crate and NV4500 combo I installed in my '72 Dually. It gets decent gas mileage, will cruise down the interstate at 75 or 80, and pulls my 20' trailer like a champ. I also like the LS1/4l60e setup I installed in the '67 Panel Truck. It will cruise at any speed you want to cruise at, gets 24 mpg, you can stand outside the truck and start it in any weather, and it runs as smooth as glass.... Conclusion is it kind of depends on what you will use the truck for. This is just my opinion and will differ greatly from person to person. LockDoc
__________________
Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 - |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Fairbanks, AK
Posts: 11
|
Re: Jegs Crate or LS engine swap.
LockDoc, What did you use for FI and trans control on the LS1 swap? I'm curious.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: SE MO
Posts: 106
|
Re: Jegs Crate or LS engine swap.
I took the crate path in SBC 350. Only thing I would do different is to go EFI instead of carburetor. I think that is a great blend of both worlds.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Saluda, SC
Posts: 61
|
Re: Jegs Crate or LS engine swap.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Belews Creek , NC
Posts: 4,220
|
Re: Jegs Crate or LS engine swap.
Exactly what I am doing, a sbc 350 with the Holley sniper efi system
![]()
__________________
Larry It is easily overlooked that what is now called vintage was once brand new. "Project 68" paypal.me/ldgrant |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: SE MO
Posts: 106
|
Re: Jegs Crate or LS engine swap.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 | |
The Older Generation
![]() ![]() ![]() Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Montezuma, Iowa
Posts: 25,487
|
Re: Jegs Crate or LS engine swap.
Quote:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/f...prune=-1&f=206 Check it out..... LockDoc
__________________
Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 - Last edited by LockDoc; 06-14-2017 at 09:12 AM. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Dallas Texas
Posts: 3,090
|
Re: Jegs Crate or LS engine swap.
I am biased.
You can turn that Jegs 454 into something that approximates the positives listed for the LS swap. That is, with FI. Go the old school crate BBC and match it with a bolt on FI system ( Not a salvage yard Hodge podge but a bolt on carberator replacement FI system ). This way you can have both old school "charm" and ease of operation due to having an ECU control the FI. Back that up with some modern 4LXX tranny or manual and you've got a great drive train that will be very reliable and easy to operate! -klb
__________________
67 C10 fleet fuel injected '70 402, 700r4, 3.73 posi 07 335 sport turbo 6sp 94 Trans Am GT LT1 6sp posi -- sold after 22yrs 99 540 sport V8 6sp -- sold 73 240z L24 4sp -- given to friend 68 C10 step 350/350 3.73 open -- sold |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Modesto, CA
Posts: 2,188
|
Re: Jegs Crate or LS engine swap.
I like both, but here's the real world breakdown:
The cost of the LS exceeds the sbc. Headers, radiator, wiring, gauges, transmission, fuel tank, etc. It adds up. A stock LS gets (I'll average) 7-8mpg more than a mild sbc. So in gas, it'd take you possibly years just to break even on the cost of the swap depending on how much you drive it. If you go used, an LS will average 325-350k before things start needing replaced or rebuilt, and your engine may already have 90-150k on it. Sure, some can go 450-500 but that's more luck and not an expected average, as a sbc can go 250k+.... obviously not expected. The more HP/TQ either engine is built for, the less longevity it'll get if you're using that power. EFI is great on a sbc too, but again, cost vs. Return. You aren't squeezing an extra 5mpg out of EFI over a well tuned carb. At over 1200 bucks on the cheap side, that's a big investment if the expectation is mpg. They will obviously start easier than a carb year-around, but a well tuned carb'd sbc only driven in warm weather doesn't and shouldn't have starting issues to begin with. Again, no negatives or bias towards either. The only time an LS swap makes sense for those who are budgeted is if you don't have ANY engine parts already. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Southlake, TX
Posts: 181
|
Re: Jegs Crate or LS engine swap.
Trick question! I simply can't imagine either choice will make you sad. I wanted an LS truck but my donor had a pretty decent 400 so I'm staying with it but adding the Holley Sniper EFI.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Williamsburg, VA
Posts: 958
|
Re: Jegs Crate or LS engine swap.
The answers you'll get in here will vary with opinion,I went the LS route. I drive my truck every day so I wanted easy starting, good dependability, good mileage and low maintenance. The LS provides that. To top it off it has great power too. The wiring is not difficult. There are companies who sell wiring harnesses or you can have the factory harness modified.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Redmond, WA
Posts: 6,332
|
Re: Jegs Crate or LS engine swap.
I put an LS3 eRod 430hp in my '69 Camaro. Didn't even option up to the 480hp. Costs more and is more work than a classic smallblock swap, but in the end, totally worth it.
With that engine, a TKO-600, and a Currie 9-inch helical locker, it cranks, starts, idles and drives like a new 2010 Corvette... at least as far as the engine and drivetrain is concerned. If originality is not a primary concern, I'm now a strong advocate for the LS engine.
__________________
1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper - Built, not Bought 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Coupe 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Convertible |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2014
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 547
|
Re: Jegs Crate or LS engine swap.
I have 2 projects... My C10 with a mild built 454 and a Nova with an LS swap. If I only had to choose one.....I'd go with the 454.
With the budget and choices you mentioned, I would go with the crate engine and an EFI system (like Fitech or Holley Terminator, etc)
__________________
Project Engine Stand 1972 SWB conversion: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=673914 1970 Nova: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=708161 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Midland, TX
Posts: 1,267
|
Re: Jegs Crate or LS engine swap.
I'm running a 350ZZ4 with FIRST TPI fuel injection with a 700r4 and 3:73rear. The truck returns around 17mpg at 75mph. It's not a daily driver, but over the past 3 years I have put around 11k mile on it without issue.
As far a longevity, the SBC utilizing fuel injection will run longer that a carb version because you don't get raw fuel washing the cylinders during start up like a carb engine will. I ran a 95 GMC with a factory 350 SBC TBI set up over 260k miles and it ran just as well as when new. I did maintain it well and ran synthetic oil from day one. I also had several friends with pickups and suburbans that ran well past 350k miles from the same engine set up. So, I don't think longevity is a real issue with a SBC when using FI. Plus many of these trucks never see a lot of milage anyway. Here's a pic of my set up. ![]()
__________________
1969 RS/SS Z10 Camaro Pace coupe 1972 GMC Short Step buildhttp://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post6356218 1979 Mazda RX7 1979 Pontiac Trans Am WS6 & 1979 Pontiac Trans Am 10th Anniversary 1999 Honda Valkyrie 2006 Corvette Z06 2010 BMW 650i |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Saluda, SC
Posts: 61
|
Re: Jegs Crate or LS engine swap.
Thanks for all the replies. The crate option seems the best for the $ I have available. The motor in it know is a Jasper 350. It runs great but I cant get the main seals to stop leaking. That's why I'm wanting a brand new motor and not a rebuilt one. The truck looks to good to have a puddle of oil left everywhere I go.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#17 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: May 2017
Location: Raleigh NC
Posts: 34
|
Re: Jegs Crate or LS engine swap.
If it doesn't have to be a new engine you can get a 6.0L LQ4/LQ9 for a bit over $1,000 with the harness. You're getting the improvements that the LS series engines have but with an iron block.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
|
|