Steel Chicken

iTrader: (3)

classic lines, modern technology, the way to go.

the only advantage a BB gives you is you can say its a BB. Looks, oohh-ahhs's etc.
A modern LSX will get much better mileage, and if you have to have 572cu like torque, toss a roots on it, and still get good mileage.

DeWayne

I have a 1973TA with the stock Pontiac 455 230hp turbo400 trans and 3.08 gears and the best time was a 14.01.
Now I have a chance to get a wrecked 1999 Camaro with the LS1.

I was surprised to see how many said they would pick the big block.
I have heard great things about the LS1, that is why I have decided to do the swap, I hope I made the right choice.
Also want to think everyone at LS1TECH for the information I have found. I'm sure I have found all the info to complete the build just by using the search function.

luckyhenriksen

iTrader: (1)

You made the right choice dewayne

ryanvv355

iTrader: (17)

IMO I would have stuck with the 455 in the Pontiac, built BOP's are pretty cool in my book, you don't see too many. OK not too many Buicks or Olds, the Pontiacs are more common but still not as common as a BBC in first gen Camaro.

Downside=$$$$, ask me why I know.

sciff5

iTrader: (1)

I would get a 408 with a KB blower on top.

Feels like a big block if not better and then you get all the advantages of the GenIII/IV blocks

petechapter50

iTrader: (1)

theres nothing like a big block chevy....although a lsx may be faster, lighter and get better mpg's its not a big block chevy and it sounds funny haha. plus a bbc is way more intimidating under the hood. normally id be more on the fence you alredy have a ls1 4th gen. so screw it keep some diversity and stay classic. although the lsx sound cheaper off the bat its theres alot more expenses that you're forgetting with the wiring, fuel system and everything else. and btw if you were to do a lsx i would'nt do a ls1 id go somthing a little bigger. mabe a ls2 ...you could put the 396 badges on it ( close enough)

slammer454

they had 402 big blocks, even better is that the RPO for them is LS3.

mdstitt

I am in the same boat with the decision. I have a 1956 chevy truck that I had planned to put a big block into, but I am considering an LS3 now. Ya, there's something cool about a BBC, but I think there is also something cool about an all aluminum motor in an old car/truck. All aluminum BBC would be easily $15K for a mild build. As far as the cost of fuel system and such for an LSx, everyone here assumes you will stick with FI, but for an old muscle car, carburetion is always an option. See the carbureted LSX 454 in Reggie Jackson's Camaro... Pretty cool!!!

Monte4ever

iTrader: (2)

I sold my 600+HP 509 on ebay to help finance my 402 LS1 build. My decision was made after reading a lot of forums, books, ect.. that talked about the amount of power that can be made with an LS based engine. I LOVED the torque and HP of my old motor, but you can achieve those same numbers with an LS based motor. I have a 6.0 iron block which is slightly heavier than the aluminum block, but I think I will still be losing around 225-250lbs off the front-end over my aluminum headed BBC. I LIKE POWER, so my future plans calls for a F1A procharger which should make 200+HP over that BBC. One more thing, ITS VERY EXPENSIVE.

UNmolestedTA

I am doing the LSX build. I always wanted a 502 BB but after crunching some numbers it seems a drop out would be the cheapest route. Also, I had a life changing event. I drove my brother's 454 powered 73 camaro. It was fun while it lasted but a half of tank of gas goes by too quickly for my taste. BTW my trans am is faster and it is stock.

mdstitt

What books, if any, do you recommend?

Najania

A bb would certainly be nice, and more "era correct" but there are other things to take in account. I Drive a 71corvette that now has an LS2 engine. Can't stress how happy I am with it.
Before the swap i had a world engines 509 all aluminum bb. That thing was insane when you hit 3000rpm and i will never forget the sound or the feel of that engine. It was like a drug to drive the first 30minutes, but after that it just started getting annoying more or less.
The ls engine have made the car much more pleasant to drive. Better mpg, superb idle, more comfort, less noise, and it is still very fast. almost as fast as the bb. It is only after 80mph i can feel the bb had more torque. Can't tell you which engine to choose, but i cant tell you whether you pick the ls or bb, it will be 2 totally different cars you'll be driving.

Monte4ever

iTrader: (2)

I recommend any book you can get your hands on that will give you some insight on the LS motor. I personally read: How to Rebuild GM LS-Series Engines, Chevy LS/LS6 Performance, GM High-tech Performance, Super Chevy, Chevy High Performance, Hot Rod, Car Craft (the last four are not pure LS magazines but they have great LS buildups) and surf all the LS, Camaro, and Corvette websites I can. Do the same and you'll come to realize that the LS family of engines are badazz.

kmracer

iTrader: (1)

ok. its actually rather simple.

put it this way. you can get a complete ls2, not not even ls1, with low miles (used) for around 3.5 to 4k with a trans of your choice. thats 400hp, box stock.

phr had an article a while ago, threw an ls2 on the dyno with 1 7/8th headers and made 472hp/450ft lbs. then, with h/c/i it made 57xhp/500ft lbs. out of what 362? ci? thats awesome. and the fact that its so simple to make the power, and SO drivable just sweetens the deal. there are so many advantages to the lsx its just like... why get a 502... when you can have an lsx. especially in a street strip car. then you tell them its just a stock motor out of one of those slow gto's as you mop the floor, run 10's, and cruise home.

jrod_400

ok coming from experience i have had both bb and ls motors its hard BUT and as hard as this is to say the ls motors are soooo easy to make power and are light and good on mpg and could go on forever but if u have one already i would go with a bb. i dont know if u have had the pleasure of riding in a car w huge ci but it is something u will never forget!!! and im not doggin the ls cause they r unbelievable as well but its just a diff feeling and u have both so i would say bb

rockytopper

Maybe you should ask these 2 guys which engine they would perfer.

67 Coronet 440 vs 71 Torino GT conv 351 clev.

http://s282.photobucket.com/albums/k...t=MOV07326.flv

71 Torino GT conv 351 clev vs 1965 LS1- F85

http://s282.photobucket.com/albums/k...t=MOV07327.flv

Final match up

67 Coronet 440 vs 1965 LS1- F85

http://s282.photobucket.com/albums/k...t=MOV07328.flv

I sure like that passing gear..................................

turbo.trex

Man that old school is fast what is in the car 6.0 cam ???

rockytopper

stock 2002 ls1 a4.

67SS&99SS

iTrader: (7)

Nothing like the sound of a high winding 427 BBC wth a muncie 4 speed.

tails8

iTrader: (7)

You can't go wrong either way. Like others have said, can't beat the sound of an old school BB. However I like the newer tech. Better gas mileage, street manners, etc... Just depends on what you're looking for. Either way is an awesome choice IMO..

Tails