I need opinions please

Cool Zr2 · February 21, 2005

I bought this truck below to do a LS1 conversion with a 6 speed. I have been looking around and have noticed that they are quite spendy and have second thoughts.

Please choose what you think would be a head turner and a sweet ride. All engines will be mated to a T-56 6 speed. What motor would you pick?

General Lee 01 · February 21, 2005

if the LS1 is too pricey, how about the 350?

Cool Zr2 · February 21, 2005

if the LS1 is too pricey, how about the 350?

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Well, the thing is, is that I already did that, but, it is the cheapest. I don't want to repeat myself and all the other engines have more power.

General Lee 01 · February 21, 2005

Oh, I see.

My secondary choice is the 6.0, how about that one?

Cool Zr2 · February 21, 2005

Oh, I see.

My secondary choice is the 6.0, how about that one?

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I wouldn't mind that at all, but what do those get for mileage? The Ls1 is suppose to get like 26 in 6th gear.

Frank S · February 21, 2005

LT1 would get my vote.

Cheap enough compared to the LS1 and pleanty of support to do the swap with mounts and harnesses plus the engine cost is down with the popularity of the LS1.

I assisted in an LT1 swap into a first gen S10 and it's definitely enough pop to open your eyes, plus the eyse of those around you.

JimsZR2 · February 21, 2005

I know a guy at work who builds race engines. He has alot of guys that do great work on engines. I think it would be alot cheaper to build up your 350 than to get an LS1. On top of that you probably will produce the same or a bit less than an LS1. I know you want an LS1 but names don't matter. it's numbers. What do you think?

Cool Zr2 · February 21, 2005

I know a guy at work who builds race engines. He has alot of guys that do great work on engines. I think it would be alot cheaper to build up your 350 than to get an LS1. On top of that you probably will produce the same or a bit less than an LS1. I know you want an LS1 but names don't matter. it's numbers. What do you think?

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Well, I don't want to fart around with the ZR2's powerplant. I could get a LT1 and have it worked, plus its still a vette motor. Like I've said I don't want to repeat myself with the vortec 350.

Cool Zr2 · February 22, 2005

Does anyone know of a place that has a lt1 with a 6 speed? or a cheap LS1?

Cool Zr2 · February 28, 2005

Bumpity bump

jelisfc · March 8, 2005

Your poll doesn't include a Big Block. If you want a challenge trust me. I put a 454/M20 in an '82. A lot of labor but it fit. It should be a breeze in a newer body and a 4.3L. I started with an Isuzu 4cyl.

Cool Zr2 · March 14, 2005

Your poll doesn't include a Big Block.
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Because I don't want one, try and pull 22+ mpg from a BB.

Dave686 · March 24, 2005

Funny, when your spending mucho $$$$$$$ on doing an engine transplant (instead of just buying a truck that comes stock with a bigger engine) you wouldn't think that fuel economy would be one of your bigger concerns.

Dont get me wrong I think that the engine transplant idea is cool, it just seems totally contradictory to penny pinching fuel economy.

USA1Fan · March 24, 2005

Money no object - LS1 (how I voted, based on the topic question). Easily the new favorite of most tuners (have a hobbiest that hops up cars in his spare time in my office that swears by the LS1).

Money is an object - probably the old faithful 5.7l / aka 350. This has to easily be the most common engine used by custom modders for the past 20 years or so. So it is most likely the most inexpensive to come by with a very large support base of parts available for doing things to it. Also if you want to put in into xxx vehicle, there's a good chance someone else somewhere has already been there, done that, so you won't have to learn from scratch on your own.

But I see that you really would rather NOT do that. I guess that leaves the LT1, or the Vortecs as choices. I know the LT1 was a 'vette engine, but other than that I don't know how easy it would be to come by or to fit into your truck. The 5.3l is probably extremely easy to find since GM seems to use it in practically every V8 powered application they make. If there was little difference in pricing I'd go for the 6.0l though, otherwise 5.3l all the way. Both make good horsepower, especially given their size. I was amazed that the smaller engine made so much better power than the one it replaced, at least in stock form. And it'll probably return pretty good mileage in an S-10 too, given that I can get anywhere from upper 16's to 19 with normal driving and over 20 with granpappyish behavior in my Silverado.

NJTy180 · March 24, 2005

Are you doing a Supercharged/Turbo/Nitrous application? If so, I would strongly recommend going with an LT1 or 6.0L. The stresses on the bottom end associated with forced induction engines are pretty substantial and you will greatly benefit from an iron block in the long run.

If youre sticking to a naturally aspirated application, definately go with the LS1 engine and take advantage of the weight savings.