Conversions & Swaps LSX Engines in Non-LSX Vehicles
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Can't decide BB or LSX?

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Old Jul 29, 2008 | 10:01 PM
  #1  
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Question 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?
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 06:02 AM
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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.
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 06:28 AM
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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 ***** 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.
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 06:57 AM
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Big blocks are for race cars and slow a$$ street cars.































Just kidding of course. I voted lsx but it could really go either way for me. Will be cool no matter what.
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 09:22 AM
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Originally Posted by Pop N Wood
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.
Man, I'm right there with ya - ordinarily it would be a no-brainer, but with this one...

Originally Posted by landonew
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 ***** 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.
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.

Good luck.
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 09:51 AM
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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.
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 10:47 AM
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after riding in a 572" '64 Impala ... there is no way to deny the feel and sound
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 11:44 AM
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Do the LS1 with a KB blower on top. That should keep you very happy for a long time.
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 12:36 PM
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y not single turbo with forged iron 6.0 block and dart or afr heads
with th400 or built t56
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 01:27 PM
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Both engines sure are nice, both to look at and have in a vehicle. But I would choose the LSx.
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 02:30 PM
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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.
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 02:35 PM
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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!!
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 03:14 PM
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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
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 04:02 PM
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Originally Posted by subtlez28
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.
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
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 04:40 PM
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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.
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 05:15 PM
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Why don't you go with a VTEC? High rpms, etc. Hell, you can even run NOZ.
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 06:59 PM
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Big block for sure.
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 07:56 PM
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Whats the rest of the cars build going to be like? The "flavor" of the car, so to say. Wheel sizes? Suspension setup?
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 08:09 PM
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[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.
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 08:14 PM
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Originally Posted by bczee
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.
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.
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