79shorty

I am wanting to put an lsx engine in my 1979 chevy shortwide...
I am not sure wether to build a 5.3l or a 6.0l as i am new to this lsx thing. I am just wanting something that you normally wouldnt see under the hood of a 73-87 chevy truck... Any advice or opinions would help out alot! Thanks

Paul57

The 5.3 is usually a bit cheaper and should give you a little more MPGs.
If you are interested more in performance then go with a 6.0 because our heavy trucks can use the extra torque of the 6.0.

What are your plans for the truck?

ramdaspadhye

iTrader: (3)

5.3 with a snail shell

If you're gonna stay all motor and no turbo, I would go wtih the 6.0 as was stated. If you wanna go boosted, definately get the 5.3 for the cost savings. Once I get my Impala done, I may be going the 5.3/turbo route in a g-body :O

Paul57

Makes for a pretty good "sleeper"

79shorty

I have heard that 5.3's run better on boost than 6.0's... I'm wanting** to supercharge it.... but im still deciding. It is my daily driver and runs good, just wanting something that not everyone else has.

79shorty

And im wondering if i should go with a t56 trans or a 4l60..

Ls1Mx-5

iTrader: (3)

Go with the t56

Paul57

If you are considering a supercharger (boost), I would choose the LQ4 6.0.
#1 - there is no replacement for displacement.
#2 - if you change your mind then you will still have the 6.0 and its added torque.

As for the tranny, some people enjoy a stick but most can't out run a well built automatic unless they race often (1/4 mile).

bsharpe

iTrader: (3)

The 6.0 will have more potential because it is compatible with the l92 heads and the 5.3 is not.

79shorty

thanks guys that is something to think about... I just go through 700r4s alot and im not sure if a 4l60 would be the way to go...

ten5nova

If it were up to me, building a truck that wasn't going down a drag strip, and just going to be cruised, and light duty hauling (I'm assuming) I would put a 5.3 in it. They are cheaper, would probably do better on gas, and with some simple mods would make plenty of power for a street truck!! My buddy had one in a 70 GMC half ton two wheel drive, all he did was program the computer, and build a set of headers. That truck ran very strong!! That thing would blow the tires off if you really wanted it to. Needless to say the 5.3 is more than adiquate for a light duty pickup!! As far as transmissions go, if you are wanting an overdrive, don't want electronics, and hate 700R4's like I do, go with a 200-4R. They are stronger than a 700 as far as I'm concerned, and non electronic!! The best part is that they are dimentionally identical to a TH 350, so puting one in your truck would be very easy!!! Thats just what I would do anyway. Good Luck!!

ten5nova

I wouldn't run L92's on a mild compression, pump gas, street engine!! Those things have a 250+ cc runner. Unless you had big cubes, or boost, they wouldn't be great on the street. Low end torque, and vacuum are your friends on the street. You would have to turn a lot of RPM to make L92's work on the street, and we all know that's not always a good idea!! A good set of LS2 heads on a pump gas 6.0, ported stock, or aftermarket would be the way I would go.

Paul57

This would solve your 700R4 problems ... http://www.extremeautomatics.com/tra...ons/2004r.html

79shorty

thank you for all of the info!