So, it's been about 11 years since my last LS swap. I swapped an LQ9 and 5.3 in the 2009-2010 timeframe, and I haven't really kept track of much in this arena for a number of years. I could use some advice.

I've got a Roadmaster that I'd like to, ultimately, make 600ish to the wheels reliably. Back in the day I was scratching by doing swaps via the junkyard and online wiring diagrams, but I've been thinking I'd like to take advantage of the aftermarket growth in the past decade since I'm doing a little better for myself lately.
A brand-spanking-new LSA crate engine + a 4L80 seems like a dirt simple solution. But I've been wondering — is there another crate or longblock solution that, when coupled with an LSA supercharger, makes more practical and financial sense as opposed to going with an LSA crate? I'm on the verge of making some price lists to compare a (L92/LS3 + LSA kit) vs. (other short block + rectangular port heads + LSA kit), vs a (crate LSA engine)...but I thought I'd poll the room to see if there's any conventional thinking I've missed on this topic in the past few years.

 

LSA + and good blower cam is a great way to go (Cam Motion or Brian Tooley Racing for cam ideas).

More cost and effort for (at best) modest gains if you go with a higher compression LS3, LSx or LS7 with the blower on top of them.

For other pieces to ease or optimize your swap, check the link in my signature.

Best of luck!!!

KW

 

In my opinion I would stay with the GM LSA crate engine....... You will then have all the correct parts internally in the engine along with the proper compression ratio designed to work with a supercharger....... Just my $.02

Ken

 

For only 600whp any of the LS based motors will do and be significantly cheaper than an LSA.

 

Being you been there done that before, why not step up to the plate and do a LT4/4L80e swap

 

Lol, yeah y'all are about to get a bunch of my money. Trying not to work too hard on this swap. I'll probably have some questions about accessory drive/AC fitment once I've settled on an engine.

That's fair. I guess my line of thinking with the LSA is reliability. This car will be as close to a DD as I'll have, and a factory assembled and purpose built engine that has some history of reliability is appealing. I made 550 with my LQ9 for maybe 50-60% of what a new LSA would cost, but there was a fair amount of time involved and everything came with miles already baked in. It's been reliable, but it's a fair weather vehicle that just farts around town.

Huh, I had assumed the LT4 was in another league in terms of $$ for a crate motor, but the difference isn't as wide as I had assumed. Good call; I'll throw that in the mix.

 

A forged 5.3 is still a fraction of an LSA and will hold 4 digit power. Otherwise just get a Gen 4 5.3 or 6.0 open the ring gap and put new bearings in it and it's good to go.

 

Everyone has valid points. If you want the goal and the best budget, Get a used LY6 and open the ring end gap for boost. Vette FEAD works for LSA as GM. Calls it a Modified LSA FEAD. Just instal a LSA BALANCER This can be used with HOLLEY’s Vette
Fead too. It basically boils down to how much wrenching/saving money do you really want.

Being older myself, I’d prefer to buy if the money allows it. I just don’t have time to dick around

 

Another option is the 376 B15 and Supercharger or Turbo.

 

this is what I want to do with a new Maggie Hotrod 2650 blower. Just let it eat.

 

I'd agree, I think the best bang for the buck for 600hp is an LY6 and LSA. Cam and a pulley swap and you will easily hit your goal. I'm piecing together an LSA swap myself, and it can be done pretty cost effectively, but it requires a lot of effort to piece together all of the parts. I enjoy hunting for parts so it works for me, but if you don't want to mess with it, your probably better off finding a crate motor.

And there are several kits out there that allow you to run the LSA supercharger on a 6 rib truck pulley and any combination of accessories you want. Check out ICT.

 

depending on what your goals and budget are, you can also get a connect and cruise GM package with LSA and 6l80e including all the controls/wiring, and a warranty. Not sure if you want to run a 4 speed or 6.

https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/p...SLSA6L80E.html

 

My buddy just picked one of these crate motors up recently too. It's a 6.0 crate motor with LS3 heads and LS6 cam. I'd bet if you put an LSA on that with a pulley upgrade you would be right around 600hp. I see LSA kits all over on FB marketplace for around 2500. You'd have to add your choice of accessories and that should be a super reliable combo.

 

Thanks for the insight, guys. It looks like the logistics of swapping any generation ls in a B Body will likely prevent me from using the factory LSA or LT4 FEAD. That plus the likelihood of using a different oil pan and exhaust manifolds has me thinking the B8 or B15 is the way to go. Sounds like the B8 would fit my goals nicely, but it'll be hard to say no to the potential growth the B15 will allow. I'm probably 6-10 months away from starting on this, so I've got some time to ponder.

 

From what I have read LSX Concepts make a very affordable kit to use with a truck LS engine .

https://www.lsxconcepts.com/collecti...roduct-reviews