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01-27-2013, 12:07 AM | #1 |
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What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap
Hey fellow truckers, I e been on the fence for a while now. My 68 Burb is a 396/400 truck. I have the 396/400 that came out of it. Runs great just needs a good cleaning and paint. I've been watching as more and more guys are doing the ls, 5.3 or 6.0 swap. I'd like to do it, I think it would be cool. I also like the thought and look of the old big block in there as well.
Any help, thoughts, input throw it out. Lets hear it. I'd like some pros and cons and opinions. The truck is far from original so the whole "lets keep it like the general made it" went out the window in a blazing ball of glory. Lol Thanks guys. Juan Posted via Mobile Device
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68 BB burb build thread Scott's super slam front/rear http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=378084 |
01-27-2013, 12:15 AM | #2 | |
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Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap
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01-27-2013, 12:17 AM | #3 |
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Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap
Haha. The tank wasn't even in there my neighbor was all worried when it rained. He called me saying he couldn't find my cap and didn't want water to get in my tank.
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68 BB burb build thread Scott's super slam front/rear http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=378084 |
01-27-2013, 12:21 AM | #4 |
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Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap
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01-27-2013, 12:23 AM | #5 |
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Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap
Thanks man. I feel all warm and fuzzy inside now.
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68 BB burb build thread Scott's super slam front/rear http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=378084 |
01-27-2013, 01:08 AM | #6 |
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Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap
I guess it really depends on how much of an old school gear head you are. The old school would say keep the BBC cuz it is cool to have one and plus it produces lots more torque you need to move the ole burb.
Although the 5.3 can make some serious power with a little boost it would cost a ton more to make the same power down low. A 6.0 makes a ton more torque than the 5.3 and would require less $$ to make more power than the 396. That being said I think a truck with a modern LS engine in it is worth more if the truck is not a numbers matching original. But on the flip side a Big ol nasty Big Block is just plain BAD A$$!!! Nothing is cooler than a mean BBC under the hood. Unless you have a 1200 LS motor in its place. That sums it up
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01-27-2013, 01:09 AM | #7 |
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Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap
Oh I am drooling to get a burb project going of my own and yours looks pretty tuff
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Phil '70 Longhorn 421 700r4 tach 4 wheel disc hydroboost daily driver '72 short super build 4wd '72 Suburban LT4 coming soon!! |
01-27-2013, 01:18 AM | #8 |
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Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap
Thanks man. Just racking my brain trying to make the right choose. Nothing like going back and regretting something as big as engine choice.
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68 BB burb build thread Scott's super slam front/rear http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=378084 |
01-27-2013, 01:33 AM | #9 |
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Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap
I have a 5.3 in my 2000 GMC, bought the truck brand new 13 years ago and still like it very much. Good engine, good power ...no complaints here....got a mildly built 350 in my 72 C10, good engine, good power....no complaints here. Now I also have a 57 Chevy step side with a mildly built 396. Open the hood and it looks killer,sounds great,plenty of grunt right off the line.the truck gets the most looks and the worst gas mileage of the 3......guess which one I like to drive the most? Hope this helps
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01-27-2013, 01:48 AM | #10 |
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Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap
I would have to go with the big block unless its an everyday driver. If you want to use it as primary transportation the 5.3 would be more palatable based on fuel mileage. BB is just cool.
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01-27-2013, 02:02 AM | #11 |
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Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap
I have an '02 GMC 6.0, bought it new, 147,000mi. VERY reliable, good power but it's NEVER given 15mpg. I have a mild 454+.30 in my 2wd Blazer with a TKO 5spd. and it WILL give a tad over 15mpg on the road. Both run on regular. Yeah, the Blazer's more fun to drive.
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01-27-2013, 02:04 AM | #12 |
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Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap
Mixermike your truck is the one that is making me want to do a front roll pan. Love the truck and color.
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68 BB burb build thread Scott's super slam front/rear http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=378084 |
01-27-2013, 10:00 AM | #13 |
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Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap
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01-27-2013, 10:54 AM | #14 |
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Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap
I'm an old school guy I love my big block and enjoy the sound and the power but if I was to do a modern engine swap it would be a 6.2 ls they seem to make good power aswell but there a bit out of my price range at the moment
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01-27-2013, 11:04 AM | #15 |
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Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap
Cam, tune, headers on a 6.0 and you're looking at 450 Hp.
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01-27-2013, 11:59 AM | #16 |
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Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap
If you had said SBC or 5.3 I would say 5.3.
But nothing looks better than a big block chevy under the hood. Use the 396! You have it. Spend your money elsewhere.
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01-27-2013, 12:23 PM | #17 |
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Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap
With the hood closed at 60 mph they're all going to look the same...
Choosing an engine for "looks" is like choosing a cam for "sound"... sometimes you get lucky and it runs/drives great... and sometimes it just makes a lot of noise. Buying the engine is the cheap part of an LS swap. I don't regret my 5.3 a bit. |
01-27-2013, 01:53 PM | #18 |
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Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap
I could not see sticking in a 5.3 if you have a 396/400. I would stick a gear venders unit behind it and roll.
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01-27-2013, 03:03 PM | #19 |
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Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap
I don't like feeding my 396 gas, but love the driveability and the way it pulls ( torque I guess ) sounds, and is so simple in its operation.
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01-27-2013, 03:05 PM | #20 |
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Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap
I love the big block chevys. Im not saying 5.3s are bad because my dd gas one. But when i go for a drive in my 427 gmc or 496 chevy, theres a smile that doesnt leave my face lol.
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01-27-2013, 04:15 PM | #21 | |
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Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap
Quote:
A heavy pickup needs torque to make it move more easily. A 396 is a potentially brutal torque engine. No choice to me... |
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01-27-2013, 04:44 PM | #22 |
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Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap
Nice burb.
As for the engine trans choice ... being a long time BBC guy even I have turned to the darkside and believe that the LS/trans combo is the wave of te future in older trucks. It's kind of having your cake & eating it too. Power that can be drawn from a LS series is far cheaper, overall, than the tried & true BBC. As an example I saw a recent mag article that a guy bought a new set of BBC aluminum heads & upgraded ... 30 hp addt'l. WOW ... for a set of expensive heads??? How bout you check out the article HR did on a 5.3 that ended up to be a 4.3 with a turbo that made 1100 hp + on pump gas. You're call but my '64 fairlane chassis car will have a LS with a stick. R46 |
01-27-2013, 04:48 PM | #23 |
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Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap
You already know what I think.....
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01-27-2013, 04:54 PM | #24 |
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Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap
Haha rob I guess you would find this thread. Guys meet the little red guy on my left shoulder. Lol
Thanks for the input guys. Most decision I can make on the fly and never look back. Hell I didn't think twice about cutting it up to lay it out. This decision is killing me. Lol Posted via Mobile Device
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68 BB burb build thread Scott's super slam front/rear http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=378084 |
01-28-2013, 09:32 AM | #25 |
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Re: What to do what to do. 396 or 5.3 swap
5.3l.. you could always post a POLL and you could get a tally of all the guys and gals that view your post..
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