LS Swap!Would You do it again?

[FLDBRED]

For those of you that have done the LS swap,would you do it again?Do you miss the sound of let's say a Big Block?

[killer71]

yep, so much so that i am doing it again! Sounds better than a big block if it's set up rite, imo!

[Clyde65]

yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I didnt have a BB.

[68GMCCustom]

I'm just starting but this won't be my 1st LS...just 1st w/o being born that way. Truck has a nice running 383 stroker....thats coming out for a 6.0L!!!

[Ackattack]

absolutely

[Zoomin]

I'd be curious to hear from you guys why you would do it again - what are the benefits you're seeing, and can you quantify it? IOW, how much better is your gas mileage, do you get more hp for the $, what was the big gain for you?

[Clyde65]

for me, I would break it down like this....

40% cool factor
25% cost factor ( opposed to a crate motor/trans)
20% cuz someone said I couldnt
15% I needed a motor bad

Other than the wiring( if you convert a stock harness) this is extremely easy.
cost is about the same if you would do a moderate crate engine/trans

Fi is more efficient, I get between 13-18 city/highway and with my old engine (350/400) I was lucky to get 9 anywhere.

[big_al_71]

My next project will have an LS6 in it for sure....

[68GMCCustom]

the old sbc and bbc are great motors...but the genIII and genIV "small blocks" represent the modern versions. Of course you can get a 620hp 572...but you can also get a much lighter, smaller, LSX 454 with...620hp. Less cubes, less mass, same hp. And yes, the 572 can make 720hp at 12:1...but the LSX 454 can also be improved upon and still run pump gas...not to mention the block is rated at like 2000+hp. The aluminum blocks can take big power too... but the iron 6.0L truck motors are a better choice for forced induction and/or nitrous.

So...back to the question......whats the big difference in the old motors...and pitching a bbc against a LSx? The LSx motors have finer tolerances, roller cams, and better rockers...all for less friction. 6 bolt mains for strength. The heads....well they flow big numbers...like a bbc. The ignition is not only generally computer controlled, but theres a coil just inches away from each plug for better spark, better timing control. Another neat tidbit is 4.8L or 7.4L+.....it all fits in the same size package!

[eagleuh1]

Yes. Mines a 2005 5.3. Better mileage, better power, fewer leaks, more reliable. This is my second. First was a 1996 S10 4dr Blazer with 5.3 also.

[spavinaw]

I am really new so sorry, what is an LS swap?

[Clyde65]

LS series motors are the GEN III and GEN IV Chevrolet/GM engines from 1999 to present. They are fuel injected small block that are mostly in Gm trucks/SUV's and some high end cars.

Some of us that are adventurous have put them in our classic trucks.

[SactoJim]

Originally Posted by eagleuh1

Yes. Mines a 2005 5.3. Better mileage, better power, fewer leaks, more reliable. This is my second. First was a 1996 S10 4dr Blazer with 5.3 also.

Bet that was a fun little ride that could surprise a few Mustangs!

[mike nutt]

yes i would , my first was a 6.0 and the one i'm working on now is an ls1 and the one waiting on the stand is a soon to be bad a$$ 5.3 .

[gixxerpymp]

This thread is making me want to do the LS swap even more.

How much is my 454 / turbo 400 worth?

[FLDBRED]

Great responses!It's kinda sad, I grew up thinking the Big Block Chevy was the BADDEST thing alive!I remember watching Ray Allen's LS6 Chevelle beat all the Hemi cars in Super Stock!I guess everthing changes with time!

['72customdeluxe]

The big block still is the baddest thing alive. When you get into the 454+ inch ls motors even the best aftermarket heads don't compare to some big block heads

[68GMCCustom]

Part of the reason for that is theres only one company (that I know of) that is making aftermarket genIV "non-LS7" rectangular port heads. They have such big valves a 6.0L is the smallest motor that can use them w/o cutting valve reliefs...into the block.

Here's a flow list on Mast's new "large" chamber rectangular port heads:
Flow Data w/4.125" Bore Plate
Lift Intake Exhaust
0.100 78 65
0.200 162 118
0.300 243 171
0.400 304 212
0.500 347 229
0.550 362
0.600 376 245
0.650 384 247
0.700 390 249


I'm sure flow rates over 400cfm aren't far away when the cyl. head companys catch up.

[dmnall]

My Plan is to get a 6.0L Cast Iron Block, set of LS2 GTO heads *port and polish them*, Texas Speed MS4 cam, GMS Fast Intake and GMS Fast 102 MM Throttle Body and bolted up to a Tremec T56 with an LS9 Clutch..

HTH,