which one would you pick engine tranny combo?

[lynx5653]

1999 Trans Am Camaro LS1 Engine with Auto Transmission Wiring and ECM 88k

2006 SIERRA 5.3 L59 VORTEC ENGINE LIFTOUT 4L60E TRANSMISSION 4X2 2WD LSX 106K LS

[iowaboynca]

Hmmm...that's a tough one.

TBH, I think it would depend on cost. I would think that you're getting all the peripherals needed (ECM, TCM, harness, etc) with both so...

[lynx5653]

cost about the same, all needed components come with both.

[mr48chev]

Hard to beat the 5.3 for being a dependable engine that you can rack up the miles on. I think my son has over 250K on his. The LS 1 might have more zing to it though. And a few LS bragging rights over a "truck" engine.

[1project2many]

LS1 is more likely to be programmable in a way that lets you control what you want. The later the engine, the more "stuff" needs to be attached to make it work, generally speaking.

[lynx5653]

also up for consideration is a mildly built 454 with 4l80e and fitech fuel injection

[lynx5653]

Thanks for the replies, forgot to mention the chosen setup will be for a 55 2nd on a 86 chassis

[mongocanfly]

I'd lean towards the 5.3 combo myself

[tmoble]

is this a driver to lay down the miles with or week-only cruise nights deal?

does your truck have a stock frame or has it been sub-framed with a Camaro or MII setup? I personally wouldn't get into a deal where I run a BB chevy on a MII front. With a stock frame you can buy a engine and transmission crossmember setup that works well. Just avoid any type of setup that cantilevers the engine mounts off the frame rails. Don't ask how I know this.

LS deal is more "modern" but SBC chevy is cheap and reliable. I'm not sure what the whole 'modern" deal buys you once you hit the road. That LT deal is EFI too.

[lynx5653]

tmoble

this will be a driver it will be on a stock 86 chassis just lowered a bit, will be using body mounts from ezchassi

[nikwho]

I'd either go with the FiTech BBC/4L80-E if it's a hot rod or the 5.3 if it's gonna be more frequently driven. I have probably an irrational affinity towards BBC's. Nothing has ever felt the same to me when you get on it!

[lynx5653]

it seems the 5.3 is in the lead. Why the 5.3 over the 5.7, I understand the 454 not being the top pick for a daily driver it is in my 90 3500 4x4 and I get maybe 7 mpg highway so not the best choice but ya gotta love the power

[jweb]

I would definitely choose one of the Ls engines if it's going to be driven a lot. They are easy to get parts for and tons of information available

I would choose the Ls1 if you don't plan on many upgrades. I have read about a few oiling issues with the 98/99 Ls1.

The 5.3 would be good if you plan on some major power upgrades in the future, there are tons of builds on here and ls1tech for reference.

[lynx5653]

no upgrades don't need to smoke the tires off ,just some decent get up and go.
will look into oiling problems on the ls1. Have a 99 trans am and haven't had any problems with it so far.

[tmoble]

claims of oiling problems with no source or verification? not a chance I'd buy into that.

[CountofMonteCarlo84]

1999 Trans Am Camaro LS1 Engine with Auto Transmission Wiring and ECM 88k

I have a 98 Z28 LS1 in my 57. I daily drive a 2002 SS with LS1, and I also owned a great 99 Z28 with LS1. Oiling issue, lol what?

[OutlawDrifter]

Go with the 5.3 if it has EVERYTHING included. DBW throttle body means cruise control is easy to setup, because it's all there.

Check the heads on the 5.3, if they are 243 or 799 casting numbers, it's a no brainer also. These will outflow the 241 LS1 heads all day long.

If you go the LS route, put a new oil pump and timing chain in and drive it for another 200k.

[jweb]

Originally Posted by lynx5653

no upgrades don't need to smoke the tires off ,just some decent get up and go.
will look into oiling problems on the ls1. Have a 99 trans am and haven't had any problems with it so far.

If you're not planning upgrades then I would go with the LS1. The oil pan and front pulley system should be a good fit for your truck.

The oiling problems I had heard about are very minor and I would have no issue running a 98/99 in any of my vehicles.

[jweb]

Originally Posted by tmoble

claims of oiling problems with no source or verification? not a chance I'd buy into that.

I wasn't intending to offend anyone, the 98 LS1 is a great engine. When I first got interested in doing an LS1 swap I purchased an 02 LS1 and they shipped the wrong engine so I asked a few questions about the 98 that I received. I got some comments from people about the oil passages and pcv setup. I was just trying to pass on that information. Remember these are just some peoples opinions. The fact is the 98 would be a great choice unless you plan on adding a turbo or mass power down the road.

Here's one example of a comment I got:
I have heard that the oil passages on the 97-98 blocks were pretty small, and that was the problem gm fixed on the 99-04 blocks. Basically the passages were 2 small holes side by side and the later blocks had just a big opening back there.

And another example:
I've heard about oiling problems in the 98's,
at least the oil pump in my 98 stopped working and crashed my motor.

[cooperhw]

I would put the LS-1 in it. I am currently in the process of putting a 2000 LS-1 in my 78. I passed on quite a few 5.3 motors. Nothing wrong with em, even better mileage, but it's like putting in a 327 as opposed to a 350. Just my $0.02.

[_Ogre]

if you want to drive it stay away from the bbc
i have the 5.3 in my 09 gmc, it pulls that 5300 lb pig easily

[Dan in Pasadena]

I'm putting an almost-stock LQ4 and 4l85e into my '55. I say "almost" because after installation I reconsidered and put a mild cam in it. My mechanic claims it'll likely still get over 20mpg but have something approaching 350+hp. Way more than I ever intended to shoot for. It will be started for the first time in the next week or so. I'd go for the LS-1

[lynx5653]

Thanks guys, I am close to a decision I am looking more toward the 99 LS1 only because I have one in our trans am and it is really nice to drive lots of power. It wont be the one we have already my wife would kill me if I messed with HER car.

[cooperhw]

Originally Posted by lynx5653

Thanks guys, I am close to a decision I am looking more toward the 99 LS1 only because I have one in our trans am and it is really nice to drive lots of power. It wont be the one we have already my wife would kill me if I messed with HER car.

"She'll get over it". ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Eventually

[LCA1971]

LQ9-4l85, I think that's the 5 speed.
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