454 vs LS vs LQ9

[Snifflez]

I just starting working on a budget build 67 C10 about 4 months ago. Something I've been debating in my head for awhile now is whether I should go with a 454 an LS or LQ9 build. I do plan on installing a 4L80e sometime soon. When ever the build is semi complete and drive able I'll probably only drive it a few times a week to work and back and maybe to the drag strip a couple of times a year for events. I would like to have the 454 with efi because I'm not a fan of fiddling with carburetors. As far as the LS and LQ9 I've always liked the LS and have always wanted one and the LQ9 I like because the block is stronger and can handle more power and I know they relatively the same. In the distant future I would like to add boost for sure. Which ever motor I choose it will have to come from a junkyard.

[mongocanfly]

LS covers alot of ground....a LQ9 is a LS...if you want turbo I'd definitely go LS....(Google LS big bang theory)....any of the LS engine can make big power...the LQ9 is getting harder to find and bring big $$$ when you do..I considered doing a LS turbo...but space won't allow it....so I got a LS3 instead....probably cheaper in the long run and has 450ish hp...

[77c10bowtie]

keep in mind the lq9 is literally nothing more than an lq4 with flat top pistons, nothing more. honestly any ls you choose you cant go wrong with.

[weq92f]

.
I'm going to suggest BBC old school style. Even a mild 454 build ( Start with a Craigslist short block, cast iron stock heads, aluminum intake, mild cam, EFI system and headers ) will get you up around 400-500 hp and 400-500 torque.

Put your 4L80 behind that and you'll have a beast. No LS required.

-klb

[Stormin08]

i would use an IRON truck block...with the way the main caps are installed, they take a ton of abuse.

no to mention better handling from the weight loss vs the BBC.

[tinydb84]

I had a 454 and pulled it for a 5.3 that I am turboing. If you want to stick with a big block check out the 8.1's. You can get them pretty cheap and they are set up with EFI and roller cam. The computer will run the 4l80e so you don't need an expensive standalone controller.

[68is4me]

I am old school. Nothing like a wow factor when you pop the hood with a big block.

[57NAPCO]

Originally Posted by 68is4me

I am old school. Nothing like a wow factor when you pop the hood with a big block.

[Captainfab]

Around here, if you can even find a 8.1 they are gold plated. I agree that an 8.1 would be the best of both a big block and a LS engine.

Originally Posted by tinydb84

I had a 454 and pulled it for a 5.3 that I am turboing. If you want to stick with a big block check out the 8.1's. You can get them pretty cheap and they are set up with EFI and roller cam. The computer will run the 4l80e so you don't need an expensive standalone controller.

['63GENIII]

8.1 with the cathedral ports are more like the LS in that respect but seem pretty pricey around here.

These L29s are still pretty cheap around here and there is still another version (L19?) that runs a coil per cylinder as well.

I pulled mine apart for rebuild just on GP. The machinist that I use said most of the ones that he sees usually have little wear on the rotating assembly likely due to the fuel injection much like an LS. It makes great power with only a few upgrades and a very stock tune. Although I kept mine relatively stock, I think it still shares many more common parts with the previous generation than with the 8.1.

IMO, the LS platform has proven itself as a versatile and robust platform for nearly any application.

I just happen to like me some big valve covers and the unmistakeable big block sound!

[Putzer]

i have an lq4 with flat top pistons essentially making it an lq9. Put a cam in, milled the heads and had a shop test it at close to 10:1 compression if I remember correctly. If youre going FI id suggest to start with lq4 as youll have lower compression than lq9 and will have an iron block, or at least all gen iii are.

[68post]

It's pen and paper time, 2 spreadsheets. One LS, one Big Block. Costs vs output and drivability/personal wants. ....or something along those lines.

If you're leaning one way - then convince yourself, everything else is just opinions or facts thrown-out from an uninvolved point of view.

[franken]

Originally Posted by 68post

It's pen and paper time, 2 spreadsheets. One LS, one Big Block. Costs vs output and drivability/personal wants. ....or something along those lines.

If you're leaning one way - then convince yourself, everything else is just opinions or facts thrown-out from an uninvolved point of view.

Good answer. I'd lean BBC but i have one in the garage. My guess is an LS makes less torque low, and HP up high, which is less fun light to light.

[68post]

To be fair,if starting from scratch, a 496 is easy to produce for this comparison - cost wise. Wouldn't really need low gears or a stall.

[franken]

I think the sort of unanswerable question becomes what do people want? My guess is an LS will beat you at the track, but the BB will beat you in the fun department.

[Orange Crate]

I'm a fan of the Dirty Larry build with an 8.1 liter L18. BBC engine mounts work and manifolds or headers. I believe the BBC bell housing is the same also. His work is top notch so not really in the "budget" category.