LS series SBC vs Taditional SBC?

[Racer189]

Just curious as to every ones opinion and experience on how Chevy's LS engine series compares to the traditional SBC for endurance racing, hp/$ ratio, reliability, etc.

Thanks.

[BioMax]

I actually spoke to Leon Patton about this one and he seems to think they are pretty good motors...As long as you spend the necessary $'s to put good parts in them. The factory parts are good for a while, but they are all "throw away parts" just about every bolt, rod and piston is not designed to be reused. Strangely enough the gaskets are reuseable.

If you are looking for top HP the traditional SB is still first choice.

If it were me, I would look into the new "big dog" LS block that World Products is puting out. It is supposed to be as big as 454 ci and has 2 more head bolts per cyl.

[Bulldozer]

Just out of curiosity, what is "SBC"?

[sandking]

Just out of curiosity, what is "SBC"?

"Small Block Chevy"

[Bulldozer]

"Small Block Chevy"


Haha, I guess that makes sence.

Thanx :)

[FABRICATOR]

Just out of curiosity, what is "SBC"?

It's the Budwiser of performance engines. "Nothing else comes close". It used to be called the Mouse just as often. It's big brother was the Rat (BBC).

[dezerts10]

so what would you choose if you had to decide which version of the engine to build and run? I am in that boat right now and have not decided. only thing i like about the LS version is the weight

[Bulldozer]

Unlimited budget.... old school small block.
Otherwise, I'd go for an LS series.

[BioMax]

so what would you choose if you had to decide which version of the engine to build and run? I am in that boat right now and have not decided. only thing i like about the LS version is the weight

The traditoinal SBC is still making more HP per CI (asperated) and for the dollar they're both fairly equal. I think having dealt with both...it's tough, but I would have to say the LS, but only the block from World Products (for high performance.) The stock LS only has 4 head bolts per cyl. I'm not very comfy with that, especially with aluminum.

The old-school SBC is still the engine of choice for high HP reliability, by most. I have a friend that is making 730 hp from a 406ci SBC reliably, in the dirt. That's hard to beat!

[FABRICATOR]

Unlimited budget.... I'd go old school small block.
Otherwise, I'd go for an LS.

Many are using the LS engines pretty much as-is with good results. Use it for x number of races and replace it. I would not scratch build a whazoo LS unless there is a dire need to be a few pounds lighter or you have to use the blingy EFI system.

A small block can be punched out and made more powerful, but to make it lighter and/or bulletproof is very costly. If weight is not a factor but budget is, you can make a fairly reliable engine by upgrading and "blue printing" a crate motor.

[sandking]

so what would you choose if you had to decide which version of the engine to build and run? I am in that boat right now and have not decided. only thing i like about the LS version is the weight

I think that depends on what you want to do with the motor. For my truck, I bought a junkyard LS1 out of a 2000 Camaro. I tore down the top end and put some good parts in there. I have not touched the bottom end. Granted, I dont race the truck, but I beat the living hell out of it.

You will have good results with either of the two choices. I chose the LS for the reliability (being FI). You can add a FI to the SBC, but they are on the pricey side.

[dezerts10]

thanks for the info guys.

im looking at the truck version of the ls2 engine its the lq4/9 its the 6.0L with an iron block vs the aluminium block i can find them for 3k +- 1000 and have not priced out the traditional sbc

Im looking for a reliable 350 to 400 hp for a toy that will be used and abused as much as possible. the engine is my next step and I still have not comitted to the old skool or the new skool.

joey,

what did the motor cost you and how much did you put in it and what harness are you running? what you did is basically what i waS thinking id end up doing.

Gregg
a

[sandking]

I have about 5k total into my motor. I used the stock harness and modified it to my needs. I also used the stock computer and had that tuned to match the parts I installed in the motor.

[Hollowpoint]

When you guys say run it for x miles and then "replace it", do you mean do a full rebuild, rehone, re-machine the block, etc... or do you mean ditch the entire motor for another?