Racinjason424

iTrader: (1)

Good morning fellow gearheads.. I've been researching and reading hundreds of threads over the past few weeks and I was hoping you could help me make up my mind on an LS engine swap.. I'm in the process of building a PT '63 Chevy II and I'm planning on a LS swap.. Im considering an LS1, an LS2 or an LS3. I am budget minded, but I have about $5-7K to spend.. My objective is around 500HP, gobs of torque and a very lopey 'muscle care' tone.. For the time being, I plan on running the TH350 with a new 3-3500 convertor.

Here are the platforms that I am considering..

* New LS1 Long block for ~$2500. Add hi-end CNC heads and cam package, victor jr. intake and carb set up. - Should be around $5000 (with me doing the labor) although not worth much, I would have new 241 heads to sell. Probably $1-200 credit, so say around $4,900 all in

* New LS2 Long block for ~$3500. Add new L92 heads and cam package, victor jr. intake and carb set-up. Probably $6000 total. Plus I would have new 243 heads to sell. Probably $500 credit, so around $5,500 all in.

* New LS3 crate motor for ~$6,000. Add cam package, victor jr and carb set up - probably $7500, but I would have intake, TB, rails, injectors, etc. to sell. Probably $800 credit, so around $6,700 all in.

I think the power output would be/ could be close on all three platforms.. My question is, is the LS2 or LS3 with more cubes worth the extra money or power potential? How about resale down the road? Are LS1's getting to be 'old school' in high end swap cars? Would I be smarter to stick with the LS2 or LS3 for being newer/ more modern?

For argument sake, lets say from the LS1, the LS2 is a $1000 upgrade and the LS3 is a $2000 upgrade.

Appreciate any other points of view, or things I haven't considered. Thanks, Racinjason424

427zm

iTrader: (9)

LS3. Bore size makes power much easier, and the LS3, of the 3 motors you have here, has the largest bore size. Larger bores, give you the ability to have heads that breathe better, which, gives you more power everywhere. LS3 hands down.

Racinjason424

iTrader: (1)

Good point on the cubes.. Im wondering though if an 6.0 LS2 with heads and cam of choice would/could make more power than an LS3 with cam only? Plus I think the LS2 would be a grand cheaper or close to it. ?

LS3AEROCPE

In the long run a ls1 & 2 would need work to produce the same power as the ls3, plus labor! All gear heads know we are never happy and always wanting more, so start with power already there?

badazz81z28

iTrader: (6)

Contrary to belief...Bigger is better. Get the biggest engine your budget can afford. Its far easier and cheaper to build upon it than to swap an engine out when you "wish you did". I love my LS1, but yes...I wish I went bigger.

Racinjason424

iTrader: (1)

Sounds like its unanimous.. LS3 for the win! I was leaning that way, just wanted some others opinions.. I would like to save the thou or two, but down the road, im sure id be kicking myself.. Those LS3's are 480HP out of the box! I also see you can get an LS3 with a simple upgraded cam and they are 525HP.. Not sure if a intake and carb will help or hurt those numbers initially? Thanks again for all the words of wisdom....

RyanSws6

iTrader: (72)

That is real clean! I wouldn't do the stripe though.

I say go real odd with future power adder. I read on dyno that a guy ran a 6.0 block with a 5.3 crank. He ran a turbo. Don't flame me for not recalling details, but a nice reving, big bore and big head sounds real good. Plus take on a FI in the future? Sounds real nice to me. Just a thought and a cheaper option.

Racinjason424

iTrader: (1)

Thanks. Im going to pass on the stripes. .Just something I was playing with on photo shop..

427zm

iTrader: (9)

Beautiful car! LS3 is the way to go! For intakes look to Mast IMO. Awesome combo. Big power, good cruisin gas mileage, you'll be glad you went LS3.

HI-BOOST

Ive done some research my self and i'd go Ls3 for sure. Awesome car you got there by the way

badazz81z28

iTrader: (6)

Even if you get the lowest option LS3, you can always build upon that. My max out LS1 is is equivalent to a mild LS3..No room to grow for me.

redtan

iTrader: (5)

Based on his budget, the LS2 is cheaper by 1200 bux (including the LS3s). If he puts that 2 grand + into some killer aftermarket heads it will run circles around the slightly larger LS3 with OEM heads.

In the long run, he'd always be ahead in the LS2 by 2 grand, which will easily make up for the smaller displacement.

Racinjason424

iTrader: (1)

This was kind of what I was thinking in the back of my head.. LS2 is quite a bit cheaper to buy initially and with the 4.0 bore size, I can use L92 or any aftermarket rectangular port heads, which is a huge advantage. Other than more 12 cubes, is the LS3 bottom end better in any way? Any more compression? I was likely going to change cams in any of the 3 platforms, so that doesn't really affect anything.

jdub38672

iTrader: (4)

I second this bigger is better when building a naturally aspirated motor

badazz81z28

iTrader: (6)

What you're saying does make sense...but based on that logic than he needs to go with the LS1. My LS1 runs circles around LS2s and LS3s, but like I said its a step behind. Put the same work I have in my LS into an LS2 or an LS3 and it will whoop my azz. I would take a lower powered LS3 for the future potential.