Best LS engine?
Trending Topics
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 6,216
Likes: 236
From: Wichita KS / Rancho San Diego
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine
Verdad Gallardo
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin
Verdad Gallardo
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,653
Likes: 530
I've done LS1, LS6 and LS3 swaps into various hot rods with great results. Engine and trans control wise the 24 tooth reluctor wheel LS engines needs one ECM for the engine and trans. The later 58 tooth reluctor LS engines need two ECM's for engine and trans control if you are running an auto.
A 2000ish 6.0 iron block with a stroker kit and LS3 heads is a good combo that doesn't break the bank. My one of my current hot rods is a 98 Wrangler with a rebuilt LS6/4L60E combo and has been bullet proof for 15 years.
My current project is a 80 Camaro with a 2012 L92/4L60E combo. The L92 is dressed to look like a LS3. I just got it tuned and it runs great.
Really depends on your budget and goals with your project. I am believer in build it once. Don't band aid stuff.
A 2000ish 6.0 iron block with a stroker kit and LS3 heads is a good combo that doesn't break the bank. My one of my current hot rods is a 98 Wrangler with a rebuilt LS6/4L60E combo and has been bullet proof for 15 years.
My current project is a 80 Camaro with a 2012 L92/4L60E combo. The L92 is dressed to look like a LS3. I just got it tuned and it runs great.
Really depends on your budget and goals with your project. I am believer in build it once. Don't band aid stuff.
TECH Addict
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,513
Likes: 480
From: PDX-OR-USA
I really like my L33, compact, lightweight, vanilla motor , gets great mileage in my jeep and with a exterior package off a express van (intake, injectors coils etc, front mounting stuff... ) It ran first crank with the default 5.3 tune on my Holley Terminator Max.
Factory rebuilt (ATK via Jegs..) < 3500 for the long block. The L33 gets a Specific Truck cam that pulls right off idle (625 RPM) to 5500, I have the redline set there..
NOt saying its the best, but it is a tidy package.
Factory rebuilt (ATK via Jegs..) < 3500 for the long block. The L33 gets a Specific Truck cam that pulls right off idle (625 RPM) to 5500, I have the redline set there..
NOt saying its the best, but it is a tidy package.
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 384
Likes: 53
reliable and efficent in stock form
great for a performance build in NA or boosted
Dime in a doozen = cheap
12 Second Club
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,034
Likes: 224
From: San Antonio
While technically there, I doubt the difference is noticeable. Furthermore, is that really a priority for these swaps? I seriously doubt it.
12 Second Club
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,034
Likes: 224
From: San Antonio
GM uses the smaller bore to accomplish better fuel efficiency and EPA compliance. That's the view point I was referring to. If I were doing a swap, I would absolutely get the biggest bore I could find and afford, unless it's an LS7. You can have the LS7. I'll take a 5.3 over an LS7 any day.
Launching!
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 255
Likes: 58
From: Portugal
To me the 5.3, especially in Gen V format is one of those. The 5.7 is indeed more powerful, but at a cost disproportionate to the size difference. It would be interesting to see GM's rationale for dropping the 5.7. 6.0 and 4.8.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 532
Likes: 630