LS1 or my current engine?

[energiesource]

So while I'm in the process of taking my truck apart, (only got as far as the front end apart and somewhat gutted the interior) i was wondering if i should keep the 400 small block i have, and fix that up, or put an ls1 engine in it like ive seen some do. thanks

[1969k10stepside]

I'd keep the 400,but that's just me..I dont like them fancy LS1's

[energiesource]

haha, id like to fix it up, put like dual carbs and a huge blower, all that crap on it, but i really dont know much about them, nor have i seen kits or anything for the 400 small blocks, if anyone knows anywhere, post links

[FLEET72]

Just depends on how much ca$h you want to spend. You already have the 400. You can make it really nice for a lot less that an LS1 setup would set you back....IMHO

[energiesource]

Yeah, i was hoping to make the 400 just look good and worry about the restoration of the truck than performance at this time, i could always do it later,

[combustion]

whats nice about ls motors is that they are somewhat rev happy compared to the old engines out of the factory which allows them to make more horsepower . id get an ls1 anytime over any old small block. injection in my eyes is more efficient smooth and having knowledge about it, its really no hard working on it. i don't have the money to get my 454 injected right now, but i would if i could. newer is better. if that was not the case chevy would have kept the old small block.

[energiesource]

well good or not, everyone upgraded, you dont see new cars coming out with carburatted engines anymore, doesnt mean it was a bad idea

[shifty]

i'd go with a GenIII. i don't think the LS1 is even installed in new cars anymore, it's all LS2's and LS7's. You can easily convert any of the truck engines into an LS1 if you're really dead set on having an LS1.

you're looking at about $2000 total for a cheap truck + auto tranny combo installed into your truck if you do nearly everything yourself and make concessions for the spare parts you'll end up needing. you can get more add-ons for the newer fuel injection engines, IMHO.