On an LS you get into things that make sense to buy that the LT1 doesn't need, like say an intake manifold. MOST LT1 builds are fine with a stock intake. If I understand things right a 400rwhp LS stands to gain like 20hp from a $1200 FAST intake and supporting bits, meaning you want a performance LS you are probably going to buy that very expensive intake.

 

I knew you guys would make this decision tough. Maybe I'll just go as big as I can with the LTx and a hyd roller. Good thing drive ability doesn't matter. Lol

 

I agree with both of them.... ^^^

Im kinda PRO LTX though...lol

Im having a hard time understanding... do you want it to be cost effective or not...? Going as big as you can with an LTX will create the need for a new everything inside the motor, and some things outside the block, thats not cost effective at all either.

Why not add a blower, low boost, and tune and call it a day..... you can enjoy the hell out of it... There is a P600 for sale for 1k..... in like new condition on LTXtech.com

Just my 2c....

 

If it wasnt for the money I would wait till next year and do an LTx swap

 

I'm really not a FI type of guy. I'd truly love to do a 427 or 434 LTx but seeing as nobody wants to make a block that won't happen. I don't plan on going all out either. Currently I'm thinking 383/396, no fill, a cam that will spin probably to 7000 RPM tops so I can keep it a Hydraulic roller. As for heads.....BadHawk has had great success with Brodix...I know plenty of guys have made power with stock heads, but for some reason I want something that flows over 300cfm in in the .600" range. I've also been thinking about trying to do a cheaper version of the 24x swap by using the 02/03 Express van distributor and harness. It runs a 4x crank and the cam sensor is in the distributor. Best part is it runs off the 0411 PCM. Tuning would be just as easy as a 24x swap since it is the same PCM, just a single coil instead. While I do want to control costs, I only want to do things once so I will spend money, luckily the wife understands this for the most part. My money statements were a little vague. I don't want to build a LTx, then be disappointed with the performance then have to build an LSx to satisfy. Again, I'm stuck. I'm leaning towards keeping the LTx as of now, just because I already have half the block parts I would need. If I were simple, I have more than enough parts to do a 355 (I'm short pistons right now), and have the heads sent to LE or AI. The biggest issue I have is I don't like being mainstream. Right here on the boards you can see guys sig's with 3xx ci, AI/LE heads and cam, and 4xxrwhp. That's great don't get me wrong, but I don't like being like everyone else. My ideal engine would be a daily driven mechanical roller that spins to 8500rpm and makes 600+ to the tires. But seeing as I don't have that kind of money, I'm trying to find a happy medium....

Sorry about the rambling.

 

I built a solid 396 with a RPM 6spd and moser 12 bolt, it made 580 on the engine dyno, more than enough for the street. I ran it in my drag car and cut 1.32 60 foot with a 9.6@136 1/4 not spining over 6600. Nothing special on my setup, just a street cam with a set of ported Darts.

 

why are you even thinking of swapping when you havent even set a goal? if you want to knock off a second then heads and a cam, or procharger. problem solved why bother swapping? if you wanta go faster than that you can run both, either way its all expensive.

 

i like your style!

 

Sounds like you are a lost puppy that wants the world for nothing. Best of luck. Post up when you go 10's or 9's or whatever.

 

I'm waiting for someone to do the 24x swap on thier LT1 and then a traditional SBC with 454 CI and 18 degree heads end up in there. But you would need some deep pockets.