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SBC or LS1 and Average Cost of LS Swap?

Discussion in 'Engine Topic' started by sandiego74, Nov 19, 2020.

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  1. Nov 19, 2020 #21
    sandiego74

    sandiego74 Veteran Member Lifetime Gold Member

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    This is what I was afraid of. I’m not debating which is better overall. I know the LS is superior, and I know it’s what I want eventually. I feel like, though, if I went through the time and money to get an LS3 working, I wouldn’t be happy because it’s not an LS7, and that’s what I really want. I always told myself that if I went the LS route, it would only be for an LS7. Would the LS3 be more than enough for what I’m looking for? Of course, but it’s not what I want. Sounds childish, I know...

    How much do you figure I’d spend to get an LS3 running well in the car?
     
  2. Nov 19, 2020 #22
    badazz81z28

    badazz81z28 Veteran Member

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    Went through the same iteration with many parts on my car. It a nice feeling to have what you want in the end, but its irritating wasting money by not going that route on the first go. I surely lost money on my crate 355, lost money on my LS1 and many other parts. The LS7 is a pretty robust platform, but I think its over priced. I'm actually looking at the LT4 right now....If you look around, you can put together an LS set-up very economically. People like I have are always living in regret and sell nice parts relatively cheap. I have no doubts I could do one for less than $10K.
     
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  3. Nov 19, 2020 #23
    sandiego74

    sandiego74 Veteran Member Lifetime Gold Member

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    I agree: the LS7 is definitely overpriced. $10K is a lot for a penny-pincher like myself. I’d have to be REALLY happy with it if I spent that much. I know I’d be happy, but it wouldn’t last, I think, because, again, it’s not what I wanted. I feel like I’d have to spend $20K to get what I wanted, and that just bothers me way too much. Hell, I could put that money towards the CCW classic’s that I want, giving the car the bodywork it really needs, or a 2017 SS sedan that I REALLY want...

    I think at this point, I’d be content with a crate SBC. It wouldn’t really be what I want, but I’d be happy that I didn’t spend a ton of time and money getting it to work, and it would be way more fun than what I have now.
     
  4. Nov 19, 2020 #24
    G72Zed

    G72Zed Veteran Member

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    First off, nice runs sandiego74, your car works very well, simple, robust and has all the right parts without crossing over that line.....($$$$$)

    I would really look at some of those 383 sbc crates, the bang for the buck can't be beat...
     
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  5. Nov 19, 2020 #25
    badazz81z28

    badazz81z28 Veteran Member

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    At this point.....I kinda wish I had bought a new vette rather than investing in the sec gen. No matter what you do, these modern car's capabilities are light years ahead. I don't care what suspension you got, what engine...its not running down a C7 or C8.
     
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  6. Nov 19, 2020 #26
    sandiego74

    sandiego74 Veteran Member Lifetime Gold Member

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    Thank you, and exactly what I was going for. I just want a low-budget car to have fun with. I’m not trying to beat everyone and make it to the Optima Ultimate Car Shootout Challenge event, though that would be awesome. I just want it to be a bit more competitive, and actually have some power to back up the muscle-car heritage. Like badazz81z28 mentioned, if I really wanted to go fast and beat everyone at autocross, it would be a lot easier in something like a C5...

    Do you guys think the Blueprint 383 will fit the bill, or should I go with the 355 or 400?
     
  7. Nov 19, 2020 #27
    badazz81z28

    badazz81z28 Veteran Member

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    What is your budget for an engine?
     
  8. Nov 19, 2020 #28
    sandiego74

    sandiego74 Veteran Member Lifetime Gold Member

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    Great question, and it’s hard to say, honestly. You said I could pay $10K, probably more in my case, to get an LS running. I could do that with my budget, but I don’t want to be irresponsible with money while I’m trying to buy a house soon and now have a son. So I don’t have a particular number in mind; only what sounds reasonable to spend right now considering the circumstances.

    $5K for a crate 383 or 400 that is ready to drop in and go sounds pretty sweet.
     
  9. Nov 19, 2020 #29
    sandiego74

    sandiego74 Veteran Member Lifetime Gold Member

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    Again, though, I think I’ve made up my mind on the SBC vs LS. Now I just need to decide which SBC is right for what I want the car to do.
     
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  10. Nov 19, 2020 #30
    muscl car

    muscl car Veteran Member Lifetime Gold Member

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    If you want a nice competitive sbc built check this shop out , the build very nice engines

    http://www.arceengines.com/
     
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