View Poll Results: Which is better?
Big Block
49
34.75%
LS!
92
65.25%
Voters: 141. You may not vote on this poll
Can't decide BB or LSX?
07-31-2008, 02:34 PM
#21
I voted ls1 just cause swapped first gens are appealing to me
but if you want real world put your *** in the seat torque and don't care about fuel mileage go with the BBC
it will take a lot to make a LS1 type engine feel as brutal and barbaric as even a mild big block (and it still might not have that big block feel), they're completely different animals
if i wasnt daily driving my car it would have gotten a big block hands down
besides the feel of the big block power band you also get the "look", that nostalgic appeal is hard to resist, there's just something magic about popping the hood on a muscle car and seeing those massive valve covers hugging around the air cleaner
but if you want real world put your *** in the seat torque and don't care about fuel mileage go with the BBC
it will take a lot to make a LS1 type engine feel as brutal and barbaric as even a mild big block (and it still might not have that big block feel), they're completely different animals
if i wasnt daily driving my car it would have gotten a big block hands down
besides the feel of the big block power band you also get the "look", that nostalgic appeal is hard to resist, there's just something magic about popping the hood on a muscle car and seeing those massive valve covers hugging around the air cleaner
07-31-2008, 02:43 PM
#22
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Yea, a big block will definitely have more punch as far as that initial kick in the ***, but very well could be slower. As for just going and seeming like it won't let up, an LSx will do that just fine. 
That 325HP 396 doesn't stand a chance, but 396's were dogs anyway. And yep, a dropout is going to be cheaper to run and install than the 13K for that BBC/TKO setup. Whats this $8K BBC consist of?
That 325HP 396 doesn't stand a chance, but 396's were dogs anyway. And yep, a dropout is going to be cheaper to run and install than the 13K for that BBC/TKO setup. Whats this $8K BBC consist of?
07-31-2008, 07:08 PM
#23
stock LS1s (at least automatics in the fbodies they came in) do not feel fast at all IMO, I would bet that little 396 would feel like a beast in comparison, but would be a LOT slower
LS1 power is smooth and refined to the point you can't tell it's there if you're used to driving a warmed over classic v8, the low end just isn't there for the butt meter.
Keep in mind the costs of swapping though. I'm trying to do mine on the cheap and I already have $5k in it easy. If I were doing $1k fuel tanks, Painless or shop bought wiring harness, and shop bought motor mounts ect it would be tons more expensive.
There are lots of small things that add up quick. I just spent $100 for 2 sensors for instance.
LS1 power is smooth and refined to the point you can't tell it's there if you're used to driving a warmed over classic v8, the low end just isn't there for the butt meter.
Keep in mind the costs of swapping though. I'm trying to do mine on the cheap and I already have $5k in it easy. If I were doing $1k fuel tanks, Painless or shop bought wiring harness, and shop bought motor mounts ect it would be tons more expensive.
There are lots of small things that add up quick. I just spent $100 for 2 sensors for instance.
Last edited by thunderstruck507; 07-31-2008 at 07:13 PM.
07-31-2008, 08:42 PM
#24
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This past weekend I just pulled my Big Block to make way for an LS1/T56. It was a very tough decision and if I hadn't come across such a good deal for my LS1, I would have stayed with the big block. I plan on driving my car every chance I get though and not just as a weekend warrior.
Sure the big block your looking at is expensive but if you had a 396 before it would be a direct drop-in and go situation. Like thunderstruck507 said, there are lots of small things that add up quick with an LS swap.
LS swaps are super nice but I think you will be more than happy with what you want to do with the big block
Sure the big block your looking at is expensive but if you had a 396 before it would be a direct drop-in and go situation. Like thunderstruck507 said, there are lots of small things that add up quick with an LS swap.
LS swaps are super nice but I think you will be more than happy with what you want to do with the big block
07-31-2008, 11:38 PM
#25
This past weekend I just pulled my Big Block to make way for an LS1/T56. It was a very tough decision and if I hadn't come across such a good deal for my LS1, I would have stayed with the big block. I plan on driving my car every chance I get though and not just as a weekend warrior.
Sure the big block your looking at is expensive but if you had a 396 before it would be a direct drop-in and go situation. Like thunderstruck507 said, there are lots of small things that add up quick with an LS swap.
LS swaps are super nice but I think you will be more than happy with what you want to do with the big block
Sure the big block your looking at is expensive but if you had a 396 before it would be a direct drop-in and go situation. Like thunderstruck507 said, there are lots of small things that add up quick with an LS swap.
LS swaps are super nice but I think you will be more than happy with what you want to do with the big block
I just had no idea how much things would keep adding up...I could have built my big block and had the car repainted by the time I finish this thing LOL
08-01-2008, 09:21 AM
#27
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I purchased the ls1 because the cost was about the same as me building the 455 and purchasing a od trans to hold up behind it. The biggest thing I like is the way the LS1 starts just turn the key it fires instantly. In no way to I regret going ls1. But I am in total agreement with Thunder. The BB feels like a beast in comparison, even though it may be slower.
Quote "LS1 power is smooth and refined to the point you can't tell it's there if you're used to driving a warmed over classic v8, the low end just isn't there for the butt meter."
How true this statement is. My 65 Cutlass with stock 2002 ls1 a4 pulls real strong with me driving it and I am a big boy 350#. I loaded up 3 of my buddies to take them to lunch the other day. The Hotrod turned into a dog. It felt like I was in my DD Honda civic taking off. That don't happen with a big block. Even though it's slower it will still send chills up the spine of all three passengers. But even saying that I will never build another car without going LSX. The performance, smoothness, drivability, and economy is un matched.
Quote "LS1 power is smooth and refined to the point you can't tell it's there if you're used to driving a warmed over classic v8, the low end just isn't there for the butt meter."
How true this statement is. My 65 Cutlass with stock 2002 ls1 a4 pulls real strong with me driving it and I am a big boy 350#. I loaded up 3 of my buddies to take them to lunch the other day. The Hotrod turned into a dog. It felt like I was in my DD Honda civic taking off. That don't happen with a big block. Even though it's slower it will still send chills up the spine of all three passengers. But even saying that I will never build another car without going LSX. The performance, smoothness, drivability, and economy is un matched.
08-21-2008, 01:45 AM
#28
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There is nothing more beautiful in the automotive worls than a big block chevy. Seriously you already have an LS based car, go big block! 427/454/502/572 or go with something like a merlin setup and go to like 600+ ci!
Big block for sure.
Big block for sure.
08-21-2008, 12:14 PM
#29
I own a 67 camaro that I am currently restoring. Since the time I purchased it I have wanted to put a crate 502 bb with a 5 speed. Now I have been doing alot of research and LS1 conversion is starting to sound more attractive! Currently I have a stock 02 ws6 so if I went the LS1 route I would either do a H/C/I swap in the process or a magnuson supercharger. Would I be better of sticking to the BB or going the LS route?
That car needs a big block. Agreed w/ all whom have suggested a 572.
08-21-2008, 01:55 PM
#30
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I like the LS engines for driveability and ease of install and tuning. You get a factory efi setup where you turn the key and drive off. No carbs to tune, standalones to worry about, nothing. I'd put an ls3/480 or ls7 in there with a gmpp controller and call it a day. Big block is silly IMO, unless you go fuel injected and crazy ($$$$$). You can contact mast motorsports they have some awesome VVT motors at great prices.
08-21-2008, 08:51 PM
#31
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BBC, and do yourself a favour, if your planning on putting in the ZZ502 crate motor then swap out the heads for some AFR/Dart/Brodix castings. Some guy took one, swapped the heads to AFR 357s (i think) and gained nearly 100 HP right off the bat. either that or do a 540, one of the best all around combos, with the right cam i've seen 600+ TQ at 3000 RPM.
08-22-2008, 11:32 AM
#32
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If you have never owned a big block that is what you should do. They are awesome and everyone should have one. Having said that, the charm can quickly ware off of a car that rumbles, shakes, and can pass anything but a gas pump. I have had many big blocks through the years and now have a 1970 LS5 Chevelle. I just put an LS1 in my 39 Chevy this winter. It is GREAT! It has the power of many big blocks and yet has great manners. It is smooth, quite, and will get great mileage. It is a tough choice. I feel the BB will make you happy in the short run and the LS in the long run.
08-23-2008, 07:42 PM
#33
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Thanks for all the replies, I finish school next year so my 67 camaro is definately getting some love. I have a 396 that I pulled out of the car. I own a 02 ws6 and I am going to buy my brother's 454 powered 73 camaro. There are too many decisions to make! One thing I do know is that I WANT TO HAUL ***!
08-26-2008, 11:59 PM
#34
I drove a big block 71 chevelle today just to remind myself what I'm going to be missing out on lol
its a roller 454 with a monster cam, mild stall th400, 3.73...it was glorious
its a customers car so I didn't beat on it at all, but in 2nd just rolling half into the throttle netted me a firm pull similar to my old 350 (after the tires rolled over 3-4 times which was an honest accident)
I can just imagine what that thing would do WOT with a megashifter like mine so I could manually shift it without fear of hitting reverse
I've decided to give it a mild detail job before he picks it up just for the smile I got listening to that monster lope
but oh...it burned around 1/8 tank of gas on my 12 mile trip (also idled about 5 minutes to warm up)
its a roller 454 with a monster cam, mild stall th400, 3.73...it was glorious
its a customers car so I didn't beat on it at all, but in 2nd just rolling half into the throttle netted me a firm pull similar to my old 350 (after the tires rolled over 3-4 times which was an honest accident)
I can just imagine what that thing would do WOT with a megashifter like mine so I could manually shift it without fear of hitting reverse
I've decided to give it a mild detail job before he picks it up just for the smile I got listening to that monster lope
but oh...it burned around 1/8 tank of gas on my 12 mile trip (also idled about 5 minutes to warm up)
08-27-2008, 02:08 PM
#36
Well, I do know that our 415 package makes 575HP and 585lb-ft of torque. A local customer has one in his 70 Chevelle and can't keep the tires under it.
I would go this way hands down. Big blocks were good in their day, and you can still make really good power, but for what you give up in driveability and weight, I couldn't see using them anymore.
I would go this way hands down. Big blocks were good in their day, and you can still make really good power, but for what you give up in driveability and weight, I couldn't see using them anymore.
