383, 400, or 454

[sandlapper]

FWIW, most "performance motors" will "kill you at the pump."

It's more likely than not --- an LSx based build will be more efficient than others. You weigh that against other LSx costs. A great deal of a motor's efficiency is within its head(s)

If gas price is a major factor, suggest another line of interest.

from what I recall bout your L98 headed motor, I suggest it's quite unlikely you'd recover anything near $6K. That just doesn't happen with just some unknown guy's cobbled-together 350. No offense; just reality as I've seen it. G'luck.

 

[1980RS]

The big block is going to be a lot more work and unexpected costs. Nothing wrong with that though, if that’s what you want.

Why is that? my BBC's were just as cheap to build as most of my SBC engines are.

 

[Bandit723]

Why is that? my BBC's were just as cheap to build as most of my SBC engines are.

Well if doing a conversion fro SBC to BBC there are costs. Blowers still rock....

 

[1980RS]

Well if doing a conversion fro SBC to BBC there are costs. Blowers still rock....

A blower on anything kicks butt.

 

[need-for-speed]

Why is that? my BBC's were just as cheap to build as most of my SBC engines are.

Not the cost of the engine build. The cost of conversion from SBC to BBC, especially if BBC was never an option in that particular platform.

 

[Dennis Wilkie]

Not the cost of the engine build. The cost of conversion from SBC to BBC, especially if BBC was never an option in that particular platform.

The 1500's didn't have a 454 option, but the 3500's did, and the engine bay's are the same. I think the motor mounts are the only thing that would need changed as far as a conversion goes. I already eliminated the clutch fan and have a big solid aluminum radiator with dual electric fans. So the only clearance issues, if any, would probably be the headers, since I already planned on cutting the hood for a cowl. It all looks good on paper, but i'm sure it won't go as smooth as it's supposed to, regardless of what option I go with, lol. That's why i'm trying to get everything laid out ahead of time, and have a game plan to stick to

 

[Dennis Wilkie]

That's the combined amount if I sold it at a price just to move

FWIW, most "performance motors" will "kill you at the pump."

It's more likely than not --- an LSx based build will be more efficient than others. You weigh that against other LSx costs. A great deal of a motor's efficiency is within its head(s)

If gas price is a major factor, suggest another line of interest.

from what I recall bout your L98 headed motor, I suggest it's quite unlikely you'd recover anything near $6K. That just doesn't happen with just some unknown guy's cobbled-together 350. No offense; just reality as I've seen it. G'luck.

 

[Dennis Wilkie]

Even with oversized A/T tires and 3.42 gears, that L98 still moves 4900 lbs pretty quick.

 

[need-for-speed]

The 1500's didn't have a 454 option, but the 3500's did, and the engine bay's are the same. I think the motor mounts are the only thing that would need changed as far as a conversion goes. I already eliminated the clutch fan and have a big solid aluminum radiator with dual electric fans. So the only clearance issues, if any, would probably be the headers, since I already planned on cutting the hood for a cowl. It all looks good on paper, but i'm sure it won't go as smooth as it's supposed to, regardless of what option I go with, lol. That's why i'm trying to get everything laid out ahead of time, and have a game plan to stick to

Cool. Hopefully no issues with:
the brake booster clearing the valve cover
Same for headers and steering shaft
You certainly have more room under the hood than we do.

Good luck with the build!

 

[sandlapper]

knowledge is power --- part of your game plan
perhaps you put your motor out there now --- for sale locally --- just to see what and who's biting?