Any one have any regrets about doing the ls swap? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

richards72chevy · 07-21-2018, 12:47 PM

Just curious my 350 is probably at the end of it's life soon and it will need a rebuild. I actually drive my truck drove it from California to Tennessee.I have alot of faith in the old small blocks and enjoy the simplicity of them.I see alot ls swapped vehicles being trailered which doesn't make sense to me.

GIZZ · 07-21-2018, 02:14 PM

I wonder why on the trailer, from breakdowns or trailer queens? LS don't drip a drop of oil, the fuel economy is good, they start every time and make lots of power.

flashed · 07-21-2018, 02:22 PM

Im looking forward to my LS Swap once I get everything bought .

**mongocanfly** · 07-21-2018, 02:31 PM

Absolutely no regrets.....I love my swap...got 2 more lined up...

solidaxel · 07-21-2018, 04:12 PM

I will never go back to a distributor and a carb!
I liked the LS which has taught me alot of new ideas
I am on my third one !
2 trucks and 1 Corvette

**truckdude239** · 07-21-2018, 05:08 PM

I have never looked back i did a 4.8 with 4l60e and the power difference is incase and it starts first click of the key

**MidLifer** · 07-21-2018, 06:17 PM

Not a single regret. Love turning the key once no matter the weather and starting up. Runs great on the sh!t ethanol gas and has many more b@lls than my 350 (I did a 6.0).

**Clyde65** · 07-21-2018, 07:43 PM

None! 21mpg, starts and wasn’t all that expensive.

I was in same boat as OP, old SBC gave up, Trans was iffy so made sense to me!

8 years so far!!

ls1nova71 · 07-21-2018, 11:14 PM

I think the only regret you're going to find from people on here is having not done it sooner! But then, you are asking the question in an LS swap subforum, so your answers are likely going to be somewhat biased. For me though, I absolutely love the drivability of them, and as for why you are seeing them on trailers, I can almost assure you it's because the cars are too nice to drive and not that the engines are not reliable.

This is pretty much my daily in the summer, coast to coast multiple times, wouldn't hesitate to drive it anywhere. Could get in it right now and head for California and not think twice about it.

richards72chevy · 09-08-2018, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ls1nova71

I think the only regret you're going to find from people on here is having not done it sooner! But then, you are asking the question in an LS swap subforum, so your answers are likely going to be somewhat biased. For me though, I absolutely love the drivability of them, and as for why you are seeing them on trailers, I can almost assure you it's because the cars are too nice to drive and not that the engines are not reliable.

This is pretty much my daily in the summer, coast to coast multiple times, wouldn't hesitate to drive it anywhere. Could get in it right now and head for California and not think twice about it.

I really like this car.Do you have a build thread on it in the alternative builds section?

72MARIO · 07-21-2018, 11:26 PM

Not doing it sooner. Our 2005 tahoe reliability in -30 starts to +30 summer days got me thinking wow these engines are great. No oil leaks 60,000 mile spark plugs

I have done both my trucks and ready to swap my beater plow suburban as well.

jessemthompson · 07-22-2018, 09:32 AM

I have no regrets at all. The 350 I had was in great shape and the 5.3 was a big upgrade. It doesn’t leak any oil, it’s starts on the first turn of the key, gets good mileage for an old truck and most people are shocked when I open the hood. It was and still is a worthwhile project.

BR3W CITY · 07-22-2018, 09:53 AM

I regret that everyone else realized it was a good idea. Yall made parts expensive

Slowy-gonzalez · 07-29-2018, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BR3W CITY

I regret that everyone else realized it was a good idea. Yall made parts expensive

thats exactly how I feel, greedyness at its finest form lol.

suburban99 · 07-30-2018, 12:36 PM

This is my second LS swap. Thought about going fitech on my K10 350 as it was rebuilt by PO..but glad I swapped it. The driveability, idle, and fuel economy make it all worthwhile..not to mention the additional power. The OBD is great for troubleshooting instead of guessing when you have a carb/distributor.

DLW · 07-22-2018, 01:35 PM

I have been driving LS engines since 1998 when they first showed up in the camaro.
I now have an LS3 in my 1993 Jeep Wrangler and an LS3 my 66 C10...Yeah, no regrets.

Daaaanz67 · 07-22-2018, 03:37 PM

NOPE I second everything above.

**1970 CST Short Wide** · 07-22-2018, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daaaanz67

NOPE I second everything above.

And I’ll give it a third
NO REGRETS AT ALL

stomper · 07-23-2018, 10:41 AM

I only wish it was easy to get the stock temp gauge and speedometer to interface with the LS and electronic OD trans. I do regret letting a hack do my install. I've spent all summer correcting things. I'll do the next one myself - right the first time.

Rich84 · 07-23-2018, 12:45 PM

No regrets..I couldn't be happier with my LS. I'd rather drive my 84 6.0 (2005) than my 2016 Silverado. The DOD stuff scares me. I'm hearing 2016 trucks need new lifters at 60K.
Put one in my 86 beater truck too. Love the power and reliability.

richards72chevy · 07-23-2018, 06:30 PM

Thanks for all the response.Rich84 what is the dod stuff?

**Clyde65** · 07-23-2018, 07:48 PM

Displacement On Demand, basically becomes a 6 or 4 cylinder depending on need

**MidLifer** · 07-24-2018, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clyde65

Displacement On Demand, basically becomes a 6 or 4 cylinder depending on need

Gotta get that stuff programmed out of the ECU. Caused oil consumption issues with the Gen IV engines. My brother's Tahoe required a quart every thousand miles.

Happy with my non-DOD, Gen III LQ4.

FAKKY · 07-24-2018, 05:04 PM

only how long its taking ........

davepl · 07-24-2018, 10:12 AM

When you see a swapped LS on a trailer I'll give you 95% odds the motor still runs and something else went wrong.

And that's from a guy with the numbers-matching original 396 in his truck, because the LS motors really are that good.

But they're only as reliable as the wiring, plumbing, and fabrication that got them installed!

07-21-2018, 12:47 PM	#1
richards72chevy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: konawa ok/oakdale Ca. Posts: 1,652	Any one have any regrets about doing the ls swap? Just curious my 350 is probably at the end of it's life soon and it will need a rebuild. I actually drive my truck drove it from California to Tennessee.I have alot of faith in the old small blocks and enjoy the simplicity of them.I see alot ls swapped vehicles being trailered which doesn't make sense to me.

07-21-2018, 02:14 PM	#2
GIZZ Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Vancouver Posts: 111	Re: Any one have any regrets about doing the ls swap? I wonder why on the trailer, from breakdowns or trailer queens? LS don't drip a drop of oil, the fuel economy is good, they start every time and make lots of power. __________________ GIZZmotorsports on YouTube & my panel truck build '69 c10 panel, '75 c35 flatdeck car hauler

07-21-2018, 02:22 PM	#3
flashed Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: canton ga Posts: 12,724	Re: Any one have any regrets about doing the ls swap? Im looking forward to my LS Swap once I get everything bought .

07-21-2018, 02:31 PM	#4
mongocanfly Post Whore Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alabama Posts: 14,670	Re: Any one have any regrets about doing the ls swap? Absolutely no regrets.....I love my swap...got 2 more lined up... __________________ Mongo...aka Greg RIP Dad RIP Jesse 1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598 Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334 Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563 2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver

07-21-2018, 04:12 PM	#5
solidaxel Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Cactus Patch So. Az Posts: 4,749	Re: Any one have any regrets about doing the ls swap? I will never go back to a distributor and a carb! I liked the LS which has taught me alot of new ideas I am on my third one ! 2 trucks and 1 Corvette __________________ 53 TuTone Extended Cab 350 4-Spd 3:08 (SOLD) 53 Chevy Moldy pearl green ZZ-4 4L60E 9" 3:25 55 GMC 1st Black Mll (ZZ4) ZZ6 TKO 600 5 sp 3:73 62 Solidaxle Corvette Roman Red (327 340hp 4spd 3:36) C4 & C5 suspension tube chassis LS 3 4L70E 65 Corvette Coupe 327 350hp 4spd 4:11 78 Black Silverado SWB (350/350) 5.3 & 4L60E 3:42 2000 S-Type 3.0 (wife cruiser) 2003 GMC SCSB 5.3 4L60E 3:42

07-21-2018, 05:08 PM	#6
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,237	Re: Any one have any regrets about doing the ls swap? I have never looked back i did a 4.8 with 4l60e and the power difference is incase and it starts first click of the key __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube

07-21-2018, 06:17 PM	#7
MidLifer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: South NJ Posts: 1,268	Re: Any one have any regrets about doing the ls swap? Not a single regret. Love turning the key once no matter the weather and starting up. Runs great on the sh!t ethanol gas and has many more b@lls than my 350 (I did a 6.0).

07-21-2018, 07:43 PM	#8
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,546	Re: Any one have any regrets about doing the ls swap? None! 21mpg, starts and wasn’t all that expensive. I was in same boat as OP, old SBC gave up, Trans was iffy so made sense to me! 8 years so far!! __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

07-21-2018, 11:14 PM	#9
ls1nova71 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Independence Mo Posts: 4,118	Re: Any one have any regrets about doing the ls swap? I think the only regret you're going to find from people on here is having not done it sooner! But then, you are asking the question in an LS swap subforum, so your answers are likely going to be somewhat biased. For me though, I absolutely love the drivability of them, and as for why you are seeing them on trailers, I can almost assure you it's because the cars are too nice to drive and not that the engines are not reliable. This is pretty much my daily in the summer, coast to coast multiple times, wouldn't hesitate to drive it anywhere. Could get in it right now and head for California and not think twice about it. Attached Images __________________ My '72 short bed build. http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/conver...6-0-4l80e.html 5.3 swap into my RUSTY '71 C10 http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversion...71-c-10-a.html Last edited by ls1nova71; 07-21-2018 at 11:21 PM.

07-21-2018, 11:26 PM	#11
72MARIO Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Huntsville Ontario Canada Posts: 4,051	Re: Any one have any regrets about doing the ls swap? Not doing it sooner. Our 2005 tahoe reliability in -30 starts to +30 summer days got me thinking wow these engines are great. No oil leaks 60,000 mile spark plugs I have done both my trucks and ready to swap my beater plow suburban as well. __________________ 1968 Suburban numbers matching all original truck now equipped with 6.0/4L80 on Accuair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=625017 1967 C/20 6.0/4L80 Roofing Truck 1990 V2500 Suburban "Plow Truck" 2005 TAHOE DD

07-22-2018, 09:32 AM	#12
jessemthompson Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Williamsburg, VA Posts: 960	Re: Any one have any regrets about doing the ls swap? I have no regrets at all. The 350 I had was in great shape and the 5.3 was a big upgrade. It doesn’t leak any oil, it’s starts on the first turn of the key, gets good mileage for an old truck and most people are shocked when I open the hood. It was and still is a worthwhile project.

07-22-2018, 09:53 AM	#13
BR3W CITY meowMEOWmeowMEOW Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: MKE WI Posts: 7,128	Re: Any one have any regrets about doing the ls swap? I regret that everyone else realized it was a good idea. Yall made parts expensive __________________ *'66 Short Step / SD Tuned / Big Cam LQ4 / Backhalfed /Built 4l80e / #REBUILDEVERYTHING* MY BUILD THE H8RDCPTR //\\ MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL REV J HD

07-30-2018, 12:36 PM	#15
suburban99 Registered User Join Date: May 2014 Location: Mission BC Posts: 452	Re: Any one have any regrets about doing the ls swap? This is my second LS swap. Thought about going fitech on my K10 350 as it was rebuilt by PO..but glad I swapped it. The driveability, idle, and fuel economy make it all worthwhile..not to mention the additional power. The OBD is great for troubleshooting instead of guessing when you have a carb/distributor. __________________ 1962 C10 Longbox LS 5.3 4L60E----Sold$$ 2014 Ram 4x4 3500 Laramie Diesel..Momma's truck 2015 Ram 4x4 1500 1997 Boxster. 1972 K10 Custom Deluxe LS 6.0 1950 GMC 3100 S10 & LS swapped

07-22-2018, 01:35 PM	#16
DLW Registered User Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Union City, CA Posts: 384	Re: Any one have any regrets about doing the ls swap? I have been driving LS engines since 1998 when they first showed up in the camaro. I now have an LS3 in my 1993 Jeep Wrangler and an LS3 my 66 C10...Yeah, no regrets.

07-22-2018, 03:37 PM	#17
Daaaanz67 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Idaho Posts: 857	Re: Any one have any regrets about doing the ls swap? NOPE I second everything above.



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07-23-2018, 10:41 AM	#19
stomper Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 1,701	Re: Any one have any regrets about doing the ls swap? I only wish it was easy to get the stock temp gauge and speedometer to interface with the LS and electronic OD trans. I do regret letting a hack do my install. I've spent all summer correcting things. I'll do the next one myself - right the first time. __________________ "I was patina when patina wasn't cool." 1973 Cheyenne SWB Sunset Gold / Frost White / Saddle

07-23-2018, 12:45 PM	#20
Rich84 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Woodbury, Ct. Posts: 1,692	Re: Any one have any regrets about doing the ls swap? No regrets..I couldn't be happier with my LS. I'd rather drive my 84 6.0 (2005) than my 2016 Silverado. The DOD stuff scares me. I'm hearing 2016 trucks need new lifters at 60K. Put one in my 86 beater truck too. Love the power and reliability.

07-23-2018, 06:30 PM	#21
richards72chevy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: konawa ok/oakdale Ca. Posts: 1,652	Re: Any one have any regrets about doing the ls swap? Thanks for all the response.Rich84 what is the dod stuff?

07-23-2018, 07:48 PM	#22
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,546	Re: Any one have any regrets about doing the ls swap? Displacement On Demand, basically becomes a 6 or 4 cylinder depending on need __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

07-24-2018, 05:04 PM	#24
FAKKY Registered User Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Redington Beach Posts: 1,317	Re: Any one have any regrets about doing the ls swap? only how long its taking ........ __________________ FAKKY 57 PANEL BUILD

07-24-2018, 10:12 AM	#25
davepl Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 6,332	Re: Any one have any regrets about doing the ls swap? When you see a swapped LS on a trailer I'll give you 95% odds the motor still runs and something else went wrong. And that's from a guy with the numbers-matching original 396 in his truck, because the LS motors really are that good. But they're only as reliable as the wiring, plumbing, and fabrication that got them installed! __________________ 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

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