Should I convert?
Should I convert? I have a 71 chevelle with a 509 BB with canfield heads etc. It makes 550 rwhp and runs 10.50 at 130. I would like to put a LSX in the car and be able to run the same et.
How much weight would the car loose?
How much to build and convert to LSX that is comparable?
Is this a good idea?
Thanks for your input
How much weight would the car loose?
How much to build and convert to LSX that is comparable?
Is this a good idea?
Thanks for your input
Last edited by Malibu Vette; Jul 24, 2005 at 08:23 PM.
Well a fully loaded LSX probably weighs high 400s - definitely less than the big block. However a 509 BB probably has a killer torque curve, and you would have to go with a bigger inch LSX to be happy - 402 perhaps. What are your goals for the car?
If you want a more streetable engine then I say go for it. Otherwise I would leave what you have. Even a stock shortblock LS1 can make 550hp if its maxed out with the right heads, cam, and intake along with full exhaust and a good tune. The only thing is will it make the torque that BB is making? You may need a stroker for that. Then it still may not make the torque of your BB, especially down low. LS1's wont hit their peak torque till around 4500. If you have a big stall then its not that big a deal. That car is probably heavy and the BB gets it moving quick for it to be deep in the 10's.
Thats just my opinion. Im sure you wil get plenty of them around here.
Thats just my opinion. Im sure you wil get plenty of them around here.
Staging Lane
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Burbank, CA
I would say to build up and LSx engine made for N20, there are pleny of them out there that are very reliable, and then there is forced induction.... I'm not sure but I think an LSx with a blower is still lighter than the BB? Is this car an a/t or m/t car? I would say if it were a m/t then go with a big inch LSx, but if you are runnin an auto trans, like full-force said you dont have to be big inches for the torque, just match it to the right converter.
-Mark
-Mark
10 Second Club
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,471
Likes: 3
From: Berkeley, California
If you are mainly interested in learning about more modern engines, you might be happy converting your BB to EFI and distributorless ignition. That alternative would certainly be cheaper. The grass is always greener… I would love to have a 10-second BB Chevelle.
Originally Posted by Gary Z
If you are mainly interested in learning about more modern engines, you might be happy converting your BB to EFI and distributorless ignition. That alternative would certainly be cheaper. The grass is always greener… I would love to have a 10-second BB Chevelle.
After talking to a few people I am leaning toward building a 400+ ci LS2 based engine. I have a pretty good handle on the LSX based engines from my 01 Z06 and would like to have my cake and eat it too. I believe I can build a comparable hp LSX with a little more reliability and drivability so I can drive my 10 sec chevelle more than just at the track. By losing 400 pounds, the car with the same rwhp will go several tenths quicker and be more drivable than a 510" .750 lift race fuel fed BB. Thanks for the replies. Now to dive into the project.
