Can't decide BB or LSX?
 

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?

Normally I would say LS hands down. Smaller, lighter, better fuel economy and can make the same HP as most BB's.

But when you mentioned 67 Camaro and a 502, the decision becomes harder. There is something magic about a big block Camaro. And IMO the only thing that beats a 502 is a 572.

Tough call. If you want all out straight line performance that is still somewhat true to the era, then get the 502. But my guess is the LS powered car will be a better all around performer and will unqeustionably be cheaper to fuel.

I say BB. Hell, you already have an ls1 in a lighter car that is better suited for optimum performance. I mean, you could modify the camaros suspension and cut weight to achieve optimum performance that would match the ws6, but why? Have a balls to the wall performance vehicle (ws6) and a nice classic muscle car (the 67 camaro) at the same time.

And who cares about fuel economy. You aren't driving it everyday, and probably not every month. Its up to you, but since you already own an ls powered vehicle a say you add some diversity to your fleet.

Big blocks are for race cars and slow a$$ street cars.































Just kidding of course:D. I voted lsx but it could really go either way for me. Will be cool no matter what.

Man, I'm right there with ya - ordinarily it would be a no-brainer, but with this one... :punch:

I've actually thought about this since I read it last night, & I think I agree. If you put the big-block in, you'll be able to go back & forth between old- and new-school, depending on what you feel like driving that day. :cool:

Good luck.

I vote with Landonew. I'd have both unless you plan on puting a lot of miles on the 67. I'm also with Pop in wood
"If your going to do it put a 572 into it." Wow that sounds good. I think I'll copy right and put it on a bumper sticker.

Either choice is bad to the bone.

after riding in a 572" '64 Impala ... there is no way to deny the feel and sound

Do the LS1 with a KB blower on top. That should keep you very happy for a long time.

y not single turbo with forged iron 6.0 block and dart or afr heads
with th400 or built t56:D

Both engines sure are nice, both to look at and have in a vehicle. But I would choose the LSx.

Wow, I'm surprised the vote is so close.
This is after all LS1tech. I would expect the opposite result on BigBlocktech (if there is such a site).

I vote LS engine. If you have the budget go big cube LSX. Then you have the best of both worlds. Even building a 427 would give it that magical sound "427 Camaro".

I like big block torque, but there is more to life than straight line acceleration.

I go both ways. ended up putting a ls1 in my 69 camaro. they are alot of fun, just doesnt seem the same as the old carbuerated setup though. im in the same boat you are with my chevelle now. I voted BB....LSx is a great choice, but its fun to smoke a LS1 with an old school BB under the hood getting 4mpg!!

How often would you drive it, and what are the plans for the car? I would love a 67-69 lsx camaro, but for a track car, a BB might be nice.

Ryan

Now there you go, put an LS7 in there with 427 flags on the side! Maybe do it up Nickey or Baldwin-Motion style.

Pat

If your looking for support in going with a BBC.. your in the wrong forum... To get one here, you would have to give us some very good reason to say BBC over a Gen III\IV engine.

If your looking for large CI engine.. go with a LSx block and you can get the 427+ size, but you will be misssing out on the great Gen III\IV heads that will out flow the BBC's.

Why don't you go with a VTEC? High rpms, etc. Hell, you can even run NOZ.

Big block for sure.

Whats the rest of the cars build going to be like? The "flavor" of the car, so to say. Wheel sizes? Suspension setup?

[QUOTE=slow;9835676]How often would you drive it, and what are the plans for the car? I would love a 67-69 lsx camaro, but for a track car, a BB might be nice.

Weekend warrior for sure. Straight line performance because I don't really plan on using the car on a road course. I want plenty of power to push me into the back of the seat until I let of the gas. With that being said a drop out LS1 6 speed is cheaper than 8k for a 502 and another 5k for 5speed kit.

I am not really looking for support to go to the big block route. I started this mainly to find out the pros and cons of either setup. Fuel economy doesn't matter with this car. LSx's make good power and torque but how does it compare to a BB? The car had a th350 with 325hp 396.