LS vs. "Old School" 350
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Teching In
Joined: Nov 2013
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LS vs. "Old School" 350 Hi All..... I'm a new member but have read this forum many times and know there is a lot of expertise out there. I'm restoring a 1959 El Calmino and am considering different options regarding the engine. I am curious as to the feeling regarding installing an LS motor vs. an "old school" 350. Thanks!
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,343
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From: Katy, TX
the feedback you get on this site is going to be pretty one-sided, but what are your plans and goals for the car?
Having owned and worked on both types of engines, I'll never touch an SBC again.
Having owned and worked on both types of engines, I'll never touch an SBC again.
10 Second Club
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,317
Likes: 20
From: Hurley, VA
IMO for something thats going to sit most of its life and only be driven to car shows I would do the SBC just for the simplicity. For something I planned to drive much at all and I cared about the performance I would go LS.
It all depends on what your goals and budget is. I have two cars, a 72 nova with a SBC and an 02 camaro with a LS1. The nova is primarily a bracket car and with a nothing too fancy pump gas 400 it will run 10.90's all day. I also have a back up 350 SBC engine that will run 12 flat. With a cam and a few add ons the camaro ran 11.87 last summer and for next summer I am shooting for 11.50. I drive both on the street but as of now the camaro will have friendlier street manners.
If this is going to be a cruiser and you already have everything set up for an SBC I would keep it that way. If you are starting from scratch, ie prior 6 cylinder or something else then maybe consider the LS platform.
If this is going to be a cruiser and you already have everything set up for an SBC I would keep it that way. If you are starting from scratch, ie prior 6 cylinder or something else then maybe consider the LS platform.
On The Tree
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 166
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From: Seattle, WA
Like its been said, you'll find biased opinions here. Same if you go over to Team Chevelle and ask this same question.
Technology moves us forward. As we work, we learn better ways of doing things with better results. The LS is a culmination of that. Easier, cheaper horsepower than the traditional small block. WAY better fuel economy without giving up that gained horsepower. And the dependability of fuel injection and the benefits it brings to both of the afore mentioned.
I have two 67's. One Chevelle one El Camino. Both LS powered. I've had more fun with these as an LS than I ever did as big block or small block cars.
Now the LT1 is starting to crack into the market. The only thing that isn't available yet is cores from wrecked trucks and cars. But its coming. I'm about to finish up an LS build and most likely, its my last. I'm moving forward with the technology into the LT1 and I cant freakin wait!
Technology moves us forward. As we work, we learn better ways of doing things with better results. The LS is a culmination of that. Easier, cheaper horsepower than the traditional small block. WAY better fuel economy without giving up that gained horsepower. And the dependability of fuel injection and the benefits it brings to both of the afore mentioned.
I have two 67's. One Chevelle one El Camino. Both LS powered. I've had more fun with these as an LS than I ever did as big block or small block cars.
Now the LT1 is starting to crack into the market. The only thing that isn't available yet is cores from wrecked trucks and cars. But its coming. I'm about to finish up an LS build and most likely, its my last. I'm moving forward with the technology into the LT1 and I cant freakin wait!
Same here. I had several SBC's over the years with various transmission combinations. For just pure fun on the street, the LS is a blast. I've even daily driven my LS swap for a couple months (in a pinch) which is something I could never do with the previous 383.
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If this car has no engine and you need to start from scratch, I'd say build a LS 6.0 iron block torquer motor. That '59 is a heavy car.
A SBC is SIMPLER than an LS and it's installation in your car would be easy. The LS engine would require at minimum an ignition controller, engine swap headers and engine swap motor mounts. Hedman may have what you're looking for.
If this car has no engine and you need to start from scratch, I'd say build a LS 6.0 iron block torquer motor. That '59 is a heavy car.
A SBC is SIMPLER than an LS and it's installation in your car would be easy. The LS engine would require at minimum an ignition controller, engine swap headers and engine swap motor mounts. Hedman may have what you're looking for.
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 436
Likes: 41
From: Vancouver area, West coast Canada
LS all the way, buuuut what is the frame like in that '59 ? Is it like a '55 chevy, or an "X" frame style ? You may want to consider header/manifold fitment issues. Has anyone done a swap on that generation of car ? . You may want to see how much work it will be to get the engine in place.
Idk a project like this would have its up and downs for whichever, idk ive always wanted to build a sbc they seem fun to mess around with. One of my buddys did a nice build in a s10 years ago since then ive always wanted to do one
here's a few highlights
- six bolt mains. The block extends past crank centerline, also structural oil pan creating a much more ridged design.
- all aluminum
- roller fulcrum rockers
- 15* valve angle at the worst.
- symmetrical intake runners
- better ignition.
- better gasket sealing
- six bolt mains. The block extends past crank centerline, also structural oil pan creating a much more ridged design.
- all aluminum
- roller fulcrum rockers
- 15* valve angle at the worst.
- symmetrical intake runners
- better ignition.
- better gasket sealing
It's not an issue of which is the better engine (an LS is obviously the better of the two). It's an issue of what's best for the vehicle and it's owner. It may be difficult enough to go with the LS engine that staying with the SBC might make more sense.
It's up to the OP, his level of expertise, time and funds.
Ultimately, in this case, staying SBC would be less costly and less work.
I don't think the vehicle is being built as a road or track racer and a decent built SBC can still make pretty good power.
It's up to the OP, his level of expertise, time and funds.
Ultimately, in this case, staying SBC would be less costly and less work.
I don't think the vehicle is being built as a road or track racer and a decent built SBC can still make pretty good power.
To me it all depends on your budget, mechanical ability, and horsepower goals. Ls more money but easier to make power due to the better designed heads and factory roller cam.