biorn123

im building a 48 chevy truck I want to put a ls engine with a automatic I was thinking a ls2 our ls3 out of a vette but some of the research says use a ls with iron block what is the best engine I can use our build I have it in my head that I don't want a 5.3 thanks a lot this is the frame we built with the original 48 frame I just want a engine to make it look even better

biorn123

so if I was to go with a iron block 6.0 our 6.2 what is the best set up heads and intake wise our should I go with a aluminum block I just want a bad *** engine there are so many options and don't want to spend ls7 ls9 money

ls1nova71

iTrader: (4)

.,?.! Punctuation never hurts.... That said, any of the engines you've listed would be really nice. A lot depends on your budget, aluminum engines tend to cost more.

Also, I don't know if that panhard bar , if that's what it is, in the last pic is going to work. It just doesn't look quite right to me.

tfi racing

iTrader: (2)

I think the panhard bar still needs to be added,anyways,for now you have a good start,but a looong way to go.I would just grab a cheap,running 5.3,get the rest of the truck built,wired and plumbed and burn around in it for a while,the 300hp or so of a crappy junkyard motor would be fun enough until you can build the engine of your dreams.

biorn123

the body is at the body shop and almost done. I just want to buy the engine that is going to be in the truck for a long time and maybe supercharge our turbo it later down the road. I just really want to know if I am better off with a aluminum block our a iron block. will the corvette ls3 handle a turbo set up

Root2812

iTrader: (1)

I have the same build going. Mine is a 1950. I see you have the 8.8 explorer rear end, that's the same one I put in mine. I did opt for the 5.3 because its 3 times the power the stock motor had and I should be able to get good enough mileage to afford to have fun.

If you plan to turbo it go with the iron block. It seems like the 5.3 is the motor of choice around here for turbo applications. Plus the iron blocks are a lot cheaper than the aluminum motors. If you go with a 6.0 you will be happy too. There are a lot of guys that pull their aluminum ls1's and drop in the iron 6.0.

Fastoys

Actually the cross bar being talked about serves the same purpose as a traditional pan hard bar. Many of the aftermarket guys sell them, Fatmans for one. They work well, if you have the clearance.
Rob

MrJuanderful

Any LSx engine is going to fry tires in that truck,try to find the best condition/low mileage5.3,6.0 or even 4.8 is going to power that truck to the point where you won't be able to hook the power up (trucks are light in the rear).

The challenge you have with an LS or any V-8 is clearing the steering shaft and fitting the engine between the firewall and the radiator.Also motor mounts are tricky.Many guys use e-fans to gain a little room and many notch the firewall for clearance.Truck accessories/pulleys take up too much room forward of the engine,passenger car LSx accessories are more compact.

There are many,many of these builds at the 67-72 chevy truck forum,they have a '47-'59 section where you should find a ton of help.

ijimmy

nothing wrong with a 5.3 , they are great engines , 6.0s are great also , I had a 49 with ladder bars in the back from competition engineering , the panard bar looked identical to yours , it worked fine .

DW SD

I installed L92 (aluminum 6.2 like LS3 but with VVT and smaller cam) and 6L80 in my '51 ford truck. should be pretty similar. Had to snake the steering column around the motor mounts / exhaust.
I used LS3 manifolds since they are narrower and good up to 500HP in factory application.
Build here. https://www.icloud.com/photostream/#A855Z2WMGOKzTn Perhaps some ideas for you?

Recently installed a triangulated 4 link in the rear on Ford 9". Doesn't hook up in lower gears, but if I feather the gas, it does, pretty well. (after 25 mph). I have 275s with a limited slip.

biorn123

thanks for all the help. there are a lot of options here what's the difference with a lq4 and lq9

haulass350

iTrader: (2)

compression ratio is the only difference, one has flat top pistons, one has dished pistons.

biorn123

alright I ended up with a lq9 so I have some money to play with. What are the best parts I can install with out stroking it to make the most horse power and I don't want to turbo our supercharge it rite now

ijimmy

Headers are all you need , lq9 with headers will make great power , that engine originally pushed a 7000 pound vehicle , if you have to and I would not ,get your heads ported , and install a very mild cam

biorn123

well parts have started to arrive I went with a custom grind cam from tick bought a fully ported fast 92 intake I bought a set of 243 heads that are on there way to tea performance to get stage 2 cnc porting I guess we will c how it runs before long

biorn123

haven't been on for awhile a little progress has been made engine and tranny our in now for steering and exhaust

solidaxel

Great progress, keep the pics coming I hope you have some wide tires for the rear of your truck and posi you are going to need lot

biorn123

man that looks great do you have more pics like around brake booster and between radiator and accessory drive

Root2812

iTrader: (1)

What radiator is that?

biorn123

i would also like to no what radiator that is