Skerrt

Hey guys first post here.. so a lil back ground here, ive messed with diesel trucks for some time now. Had some cool ones and some quick ones but im ready to move past them. I feel like the dollar to fun amount is much better in a gasser. What turned me onto the ls world was 1) buddy's 5.3/4l80 swapped 86 c10 and 2) other buddy's TA. Both were always super fun and seemed to be a blast.
With that being said i want a truck for sure. Going ti be a DD and put around truck. Trying to decide what i really want to go with and what would be more cost effective . To swap a square body s10 or c10/c1500 or jusy buy a 99+ truck and go from there. My goal for this year is to have something to play around with and have for lsfest in Sept. I'd be happy with some basic upgrades and toying around with 350-400 before going turbo. And for either route, i have a 4l80 ready to go, not much but issa start!
So to buy and swap, or to start with a 5.3!?
What's your suggestion and why?

JoeNova

That's a personal preference.

Buying with be easier and less work.
Building will take longer, cost more, but be way cooler.

ragtopz28

iTrader: (57)

^^I agree with this.
A RCSB 99+ would be easy.
A 67-72 C10 would be BA

ss.slp.ls1

iTrader: (36)

I think it depends on how deep you want to get into it. Personally I find building an engine on a stand and doing a transplant into an older body to be the most fun. However, I can also appreciate the cleanliness and lack of hassle that comes with modifying a car that already cam with the appropriate powertrain.

Skerrt

Id love to have a 88-98 rcsb with a 5.3 and 4l80 but i cant seem to find any in my area worth the money. Almost as cheap to buy a 99+ truck.

LSX user

Buy a 99+ truck. Save time and $. Have fun.

LLLosingit

iTrader: (4)

I would say go old..... The older the better, It will have more value in the end and stand out from everyone else.
I might be slightly biased.....I'm about to start two builds at the same time. Both are early 1950 Chevy trucks. One is a 5-window short box an the other is a standard cab with a long box. The 5-window will be getting the prostreet treatment with a roots blown 408 making around 900hp tubbed with the biggest tire that will fit. The other will be more of a daily driver with a mild cam and possibly air ride. Neither are going to be show trucks but not rat rods by any means they are being built to be used.

MuhThugga

It really depends on what you want and prefer. Do you prefer the look of one truck over the other? If so, then I think you have your answer.

2000LSX