1970Turtle

Which of the three should I go with when I go to do the swap in my 70 Chevelle? Aluminum or cast iron block doesn't matter to me, but upgrade availability and reliability are very important, I will continue to use it as my daily driver. I have done some research but can't tell which would be better and need some good advice. Thanks everyone.

Meant LS1 in title, not LS4

zracer323

iTrader: (12)

Whats your goals? Budget? Need a little more info.

A LQ4/9 are very popular because they can be had so cheap. The 5.3 motor is also dirt cheap but you will be giving up some power over the other options.

1970Turtle

Budget=cheap lol. Goals are daily driving, keeping the A/C and PS, and reliable. If it's just a stock motor to drop in and upgrade as I go that would be fine. Might go carb. setup at first to avoid the ecu headache. (I view it as a headache because i've never messed with it) Eventually working into a street/strip car. I just don't know the major differences between the three engines I've narrowed it down to are. I naturally assume that the LQ4/9 would yield the most performance, but is the cost difference worth it? And is the only difference between the L33 and LS1 is aluminum block vs cast iron?

FryZ71

The L33 is an aluminum block 5.3(325ci) available in the FS trucks, the LS1 is an aluminum 5.7(346ci) available in the F-bodies, C5 Vettes and '04 GTOs.

The LQ4/LQ9 is 6.0 (364ci) and they are iron block. They are preferred by most because of their availibility, price, and abililty to make big power w/ the right mods on a stock block.

1970Turtle

Found a L33 short block for 350 shipped. Light rust in two cylinders but no pitting, would hot tank and hone anyways. Good deal?

zracer323

iTrader: (12)

You can get a LQ4 block for that. Used LQ4 blocks go for $300-450. You can get a decent used shortblock for about $1000. You'll make a lot more power with a 6.0 than a 5.3.