Keep it LS or BBC in truck for towing
10-09-2019, 06:39 PM
#41
TECH Veteran
10-09-2019, 10:19 PM
#42
I hate to say this, but what about a Ford Excursion diesel. Not a Ford guy but the old 7.3 in the early 00s was a trusty and simple setup. Problem is most are so old now you may have to go through a good amount of the truck before taking off cross country.
10-10-2019, 06:53 PM
#43
This is what I have, a 97 crew cab dually with 454 and Whipple. I load a Lance 1191 truck camper in the back pushing 5000# and hook up my 24 foot enclosed car hauler. It pulls in OD most of the time here around 5000-7000', but I'm not about to head to the mountains with this rig. I took this setup to OK and back NA with no drama. Camper alone, I walk up most passes locked in OD, worst case I'm in 3rd and maintaining speed. The 8.1s will walk all over a 454 too. I can buy a lot of gas for the cost of going diesel. I've driven a number of newer diesel duallies and they have the torque, but goddamn do they want a lot of money for one. I wouldn't be racing with that payment. Hell, the truck would probably just sit.
10-10-2019, 08:18 PM
#44
I think at the top of the cost hierarchy is diesel. And its worth its cost, but the cost on its own is high. So that is clear, and unarguable. I disagree on the "old" frame of the GMT900. Check it. I am not talking about GMT400.
I am 5-6k away from having a running BBC in the Truck because of my initial acquisitions. Block, Pistons, building the heads, ( I forgot to mention I have the intake as well). Accessories.
I was more checking the litmus on a LSx install as compared, and I think I have my answer here in these great responses. It could still be fun, and the parts are more varied. With e85 on the plan for either one, I do think the issue of heat would be a bit different. But also, the cost is more. Turbos will add to the cost, and I don't see the math adding up for it being less than a high compression BBC, or a moderate compression with an SC (I'd want to clutch it - driving it around direct would be like 7mpg).
I am 5-6k away from having a running BBC in the Truck because of my initial acquisitions. Block, Pistons, building the heads, ( I forgot to mention I have the intake as well). Accessories.
I was more checking the litmus on a LSx install as compared, and I think I have my answer here in these great responses. It could still be fun, and the parts are more varied. With e85 on the plan for either one, I do think the issue of heat would be a bit different. But also, the cost is more. Turbos will add to the cost, and I don't see the math adding up for it being less than a high compression BBC, or a moderate compression with an SC (I'd want to clutch it - driving it around direct would be like 7mpg).
10-10-2019, 08:36 PM
#45
TECH Veteran
What year is your truck ?
10-15-2019, 10:25 PM
#47
5k to build an engine and the cost of the LSA supercharger ??? Then you have the cost of the computer/harness and tuning and everything needed to get it installed.
He'd be better off spending that same money of the BB he already has or swap in a diesel engine. Trust me I know how much it costs because I have an LSA swapped S10 myself.
He'd be better off spending that same money of the BB he already has or swap in a diesel engine. Trust me I know how much it costs because I have an LSA swapped S10 myself.
10-15-2019, 11:39 PM
#49
I think at the top of the cost hierarchy is diesel. And its worth its cost, but the cost on its own is high. So that is clear, and unarguable. I disagree on the "old" frame of the GMT900. Check it. I am not talking about GMT400.
I am 5-6k away from having a running BBC in the Truck because of my initial acquisitions. Block, Pistons, building the heads, ( I forgot to mention I have the intake as well). Accessories.
I was more checking the litmus on a LSx install as compared, and I think I have my answer here in these great responses. It could still be fun, and the parts are more varied. With e85 on the plan for either one, I do think the issue of heat would be a bit different. But also, the cost is more. Turbos will add to the cost, and I don't see the math adding up for it being less than a high compression BBC, or a moderate compression with an SC (I'd want to clutch it - driving it around direct would be like 7mpg).
I am 5-6k away from having a running BBC in the Truck because of my initial acquisitions. Block, Pistons, building the heads, ( I forgot to mention I have the intake as well). Accessories.
I was more checking the litmus on a LSx install as compared, and I think I have my answer here in these great responses. It could still be fun, and the parts are more varied. With e85 on the plan for either one, I do think the issue of heat would be a bit different. But also, the cost is more. Turbos will add to the cost, and I don't see the math adding up for it being less than a high compression BBC, or a moderate compression with an SC (I'd want to clutch it - driving it around direct would be like 7mpg).
https://ck5.com/forums/threads/2008-....331355/page-5
10-16-2019, 05:31 AM
#50
TECH Veteran
truck here is 8.1 swapped ride. It pulls the heavy impala around with ease.
10-16-2019, 10:17 AM
#51
TECH Senior Member
Nice truck Tusky!
10-17-2019, 04:07 PM
#52
Yes, as long as I can bite the bullet on the 2300 dollar Gen 7 blocks from World or Dart, I can just proceed and have an easier time. But Diesel is always tempting from a "it will have 1000 lb/ft" perception.
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KW Baraka (10-18-2019)
10-17-2019, 08:03 PM
#54
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10-19-2019, 03:00 PM
#55
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What about 12 valve cummins , you can pick up the earlier VE pump versions for pretty cheap and they are pretty good on fuel as well people routinely get around 15-20 mpgs towing light loads with them . Keep it around 300-350 hp and 600-700 lbft torque to make sure the 4l80e lives . The only downfall is they weigh around 1000lbs and are a little noisy.
10-19-2019, 03:42 PM
#56
I've had a couple diesel trucks, Ford 7.3L and Chevy Duramax. They're expensive to own and don't drive real nice as a daily (they drive like 3/4 ton truck). The Duramax was a hot rod by conparison. The Ford was slow but overall was a much better truck. Just about everything was heavier, sturdier, tougher.
Then I bought a new 2012 F150 Ecoboost and it has been fantastic truck. It kicks an LS engine's *** when towing, especially at altitude. Mine has a 91 octane towing tune, bigger intercooler, downpipes. It gets the job done with no drama, and it's a much better daily driver than my old diesels.
Then I bought a new 2012 F150 Ecoboost and it has been fantastic truck. It kicks an LS engine's *** when towing, especially at altitude. Mine has a 91 octane towing tune, bigger intercooler, downpipes. It gets the job done with no drama, and it's a much better daily driver than my old diesels.
Last edited by QwkTrip; 10-19-2019 at 04:02 PM.
04-22-2020, 02:11 PM
#57
Small Update. I am still moving forward on this. I Found a Gen7 block finally, and will get 632" or so out of this, and will still use the Iron Dart heads. I understand that is a limiting factor on detonation and maybe cooling, but we will see.
Need to pick a cam that will be good for that many cubes. But also the truck weighs 6600 or so, and the trailer with a car in it will be about 7k. Max is 10k. Which is not too much, unless you know what going up and down the grapevine is like.
Need to pick a cam that will be good for that many cubes. But also the truck weighs 6600 or so, and the trailer with a car in it will be about 7k. Max is 10k. Which is not too much, unless you know what going up and down the grapevine is like.
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BrendanC (04-24-2020)
04-24-2020, 05:30 AM
#59
I hate to say this but you are going to be one disappointed guy with that. I have had every type of scenario of towing rig power plant there is. Without a doubt the diesel is superior for towing hands down. Anyone telling you different either has no idea or is just plain lieing to you or both. The duramax will make an *** out of any big block or LS towing period. I don't know why anyone would say it costs more to maintain because that's bullshit. The fuel savings alone will more than cover any initial extra it will cost. Sell that suburban and get a crew cab. If you need more storage get a cap. You can thank everyone who told you this after the first mountain you climb with it. I tow a 44ft goose neck grossing 20,000lbs up and down mountains with the Cruze on. Try that with a gas job. Last gas job I had couldn't even go over 55mph on a windy head wind day on flat ground pulling a 29ft travel trailer that only weighed 8000lbs loaded. About killed it. It's one of those things that if you have to be told you probably won't understand unless you experience it. Everyone that does is absolutely amazed at the difference. You will be too. Go rent one and try it. You will forget all about that big block. FACT
04-24-2020, 05:42 AM
#60
I've had a couple diesel trucks, Ford 7.3L and Chevy Duramax. They're expensive to own and don't drive real nice as a daily (they drive like 3/4 ton truck). The Duramax was a hot rod by conparison. The Ford was slow but overall was a much better truck. Just about everything was heavier, sturdier, tougher.
Then I bought a new 2012 F150 Ecoboost and it has been fantastic truck. It kicks an LS engine's *** when towing, especially at altitude. Mine has a 91 octane towing tune, bigger intercooler, downpipes. It gets the job done with no drama, and it's a much better daily driver than my old diesels.
Then I bought a new 2012 F150 Ecoboost and it has been fantastic truck. It kicks an LS engine's *** when towing, especially at altitude. Mine has a 91 octane towing tune, bigger intercooler, downpipes. It gets the job done with no drama, and it's a much better daily driver than my old diesels.