@@usmclee65 100% and even more simple if your stuck in the middle of nowhere you can put a magneto in it and you done even need the battery if you have a manual trans, or just enough power to spin the motor a few revolutions if it's an automatic
Spun a bearing on my 406 sbc in my 68 Camaro.Friends tried to talk me into an LS swap.Yaaaa right are you kidding me.Everything already lines up.Even though I ended up putting a lot of machine work into this now 408,bore,line hone,square it,deck it and a new balanced bottom end.When all said and done with gaskets,oil,ex ex ex it came out to $4000.I am glad I did not listen to my friends.I already had manifold,carb,headers,brackets,radiator cooling system,charging system,wire harness ex ex.When we lined up the cars and he had his 5.3 LS to my 408 sbc.This 408 torque kicked in and just pulled on him so hard it wasn’t even funny to him.Long live first gen.First gen FTW!…..Love the mechanical side of things.So much easier to work on.
@@justingraves3061a well built stock bore and stroke SBC can be just as quick not saying either or is better they are just are different. Stock vortec clean block balanced scat rotating assembly stock heads made 430 HP on engine Dyno and higher torque number. Only 10:5 1 compression
I just the love the reliability and simplicity of the Old Chevy and Ford small blocks. Even I can work on them with no problems and can draw on Uncle Buck for solid info.
For the wiring harness for ls....buy a pulled ls with computer and harness for the same price he listed for a harness. You gotta extra motor to play with. I have both old school and new school. I'm a decent tuner and that knowledge will cut cost for ls swaps. Good heads for old school sbc will determine how good it is. So, someone who doesn't understand the operations of an ls will be intimidated naturally. A good set of heads for sbc cost as much as a pulled ls with sensors, intake, fuel rail and injection, computer and harness and accessories at this time. I see both sides having both sbc and ls. But some of those costs you can cut if you are willing to learn the fuel injection and operating system.
For the past 32 years I've only owned Chevy trucks. My first vehicle was a 76 Jimmy with a 350 small block and a turbo 350. My current ride is a 09 Tahoe SSV with a 5.3 and 6L80. However I did pick up a 77 Sierra K15 for a project truck back in November. Both the gen 1 small block and LS engines are incredible marvels of engineering. They both have their place and I understand why people do the swap. I'm old school and like the simplicity and ease of working on an old square body. No nonsense, no bull$#!+ extra features or options to cause problems. I believe old truck old engine. New truck new engine.
Great video brotha, I myself am an old school kinda guy but I think the ls engines are great for the power and efficiency they provide but building one is still more expensive than building any small block or big block Chevy when you consider everything other than the block. Out here in CA the average cost of a ls swap into a older vehicle is always above $7,000 and that's if you do the work yourself. I myself just bought a early 90's RV for $700 with a big block 454 with only 28,000 miles on it that I'll be transplanting into my 84 C10 😁 I figure when I'm done I will probably be into it for a total of around $5,000. You just can't beat the look, sound and power of a big block Chevy just my opinion
Oh man ! I almost bought a 71 GMC C15 today with an LS3 in it !!! All of the body was pretty much shot ! So glad I walked ! Oh yeah, gimme old school, simple !
what about the wiring where it goes through the ignition block on the fire wall that goes to the ignition switch wont the wiring harness have to be changed too i dont know if the original ignition system will work if then you would have to switch over to an intake with a carbureteur on the ls !!!
My buddy is financially well off and prefers LS engines but I’m a poor guy with a classic collectible truck and not a pro racer, so for me the Mighty Mouse is perfect!
Bought a 78 c10 that’s been sitting for 15 years changed the battery starts right up I’ll stick with the 350 small block one day the c10 will haul my ZL1
Great video, I will keep my SBC. Currently in the process of swapping out the carburetor, intake, distrbutor, all gaskets, valve covers, wires, plugs, thermostat, water pump etc. I am ready to get my hands dirty and keep it alive. I love watching LS videos and seeing people enjoy them, but I will never go that route. That's why I have my Dodge Charger and a Nissan Maxima. Hop in and go! Great breakdown. LOL @ start a fight LOL
In 1976 I installed a 1972 L48 out of a 1972 Camero into a 1971 FJ40 Land Cruiser. 250 hp with a 2 barrel Rochester. It had 30,000 miles on it. I am still driving it today with close to 200,000 miles. It has never been apart. I did replace the timing chain and installed an HEI tach drive distributor. 100% dependable.
I had one of those l48 engine came out of a Corvette 1980 it would pull a mark at 30 mile per hour in c1500 86 good engine.put some vortec head on it an ride
If you pull the complete swap from a donor vehicle like a pickup truck or SUV, most of the cost is eliminated. Sure, it's more work initially. Once you get it done, it's just as easy as replacing your SBC. More power from the beginning.
I ran a 406 sb back in the day 30 over with flat top pistons 350 camel hump comp 280 magnum hydraulic holley 750 vacuum edelbrock dual plane and it was a stump puller it kinda ran out of breath at about 5-55 but it wasted no time getting there. There really is no replacement for displacement. That being said the LS blocks are superior to the gen1 sbc the stock blocks can handle way more than a gen1 and that would be the main reason for doing a swap
I've had lots of both engines... love em both!!! I'd have to say for several reasons I'd take a 2014 or newer 5.3L 345HP stock or the 6L with over 400HP... that's enough power without upgrades for a guy and you can buy a complete engine from the auto wrecker cheap lol done
My friend has an s10 with a 350 . He's did a some work to the truck such as new brakes , wheels and tires, but the engine is stock as far as he knows. I'm here to see if I want to rebuild that 350, or LS swap it. He was told that 350 was from a vette, but we haven't checked the numbers yet.
These engines are definitely underappreciated. I put a carb swapped low mile junkyard LT1 in my '78 El Camino. Less than $1k all in. Way less than putting aluminum heads and a roller cam in the tired old 350 or doing a junkyard 5.3ls swap. Makes good power too. The carbureted manifold really wakes up these motors.
@@edf5967 I just rebuilt mine recently, it came in my 94 Z28 I bought for $1500 and when I got into the motor, I realized it had a 400 Eagle crank, forged pistons and rods, hot cam, billet welded oil pickup, and overall a very clean engine. The OD didn’t work and was stuck at 253k so I figured it was old and needed freshened up but I was shocked it looked new. I changed the gaskets, plugs, water pump, msd optispark, radiator and mounts, had it machined and heads rebuilt with a little bigger springs and new valves, bought a fresh T56 to hook to her and man, she pops wheelies now. Still cheaper than going all the way with an LS. Probably should have put a fresh rear end under her because I’m not sure if it will last now. I was thinking about converting to a carb too.
I feel like you pumped the numbers up a bit on the LS side. Such as buying sensors and accessories. And a 1200-1400 holley terminator. For barlely more than your $1200 core estimate i could buy a 6.0 complete with computer, harness, sensors, and all accessories for $1500. From there buy a $350-500 standalone harness for the factory computer and youre golden
@@unclebucksgarage7695 I will add a little more to the estimate for my route. After that's said in done you have to pay someone like myself $150 to turn VATS off in the pcm so it will start or $300-500 to tune it if you installed a cam or did any other mods
@unclebucksgarage7695 recently completed an 87 suburban going the route I described. Currently putting a GM performance parts 495hp/LS3 in a 68 firebird but that one isn't a budget swap alot of expensive parts on that one
It’s only going to be cheap until the junk yard runs out of LS motors. Remember they stop making the LS MOTORS. If you do a max effort, build on an LS aftermarket, everything you might as well build a BBC it’ll cost you less and make a hell of a lot more power.
I did the LS thing on my 67 Camaro. Small block Chevys for me from now on. I don’t want to be one of those folks that break down on the side of the road, opens the hood, and tries to twist the battery connector and hope that works. Great episode.
I like the gen2 SBC motor. The Vortec 350 makes really good power for lil money. But take the block an heads an make a 388 ci. Stroker with the roller cam motor will make even more power.
I refer to the late model 5L and 5.7L vortec engines as gen 1.5 and the 90s lt1/lt4 as gen 2. I like the gen 2 lt1s, the blocks have proven to be much stronger for me, the stock heads can be ported to flow very well, just address the opti spark. You can put a crank trigger, gen 1 efi single plane intake elbow throttle body, cam sync and use the LS harness and 411 ecm , coil on plug for a more budget deal, same can be done on a gen 1.
@@frigglebiscuit7484 And its said the iron lt1 is better in stock form than the aluminum lt1. There are cnc programs for the alu heads that result in pretty good numbers across the bench. Ive seen a few sets of lt4 heads for sale reasonably priced lately.
I chose the sbc for my s10 for several reasons. 1st being the v8 swap kit was cheaper 2nd was I already had a vortec 5.7 4 bolt. Did the head porting and lapped the valves myself. Screw in rocker studs and beehive springs. I built about 425 hp for less than 3500. Also I think the gen 1 is a better looking engine.
I love my rebuilt 1970 c10 it’s just the starting when the engine is cold. It takes forever versus Ls starts right away. But yet I’m very happy with it
Both have their place. 400hp makes a good cruiser, only reason to go ls in my thoughts is if you want boost. And to make 700 hp daily driver. More than one way to skin a cat. There is many nice stand alone tbi systems that I'd want on either one that you still get to play with and tune. I dig the old school, got a small block myself but there is a place..all toys cost.
Just bought an 88 k5 350 TBI that I daily and have had an 80 trans am with 350 SBC from a 69 Camaro . Everyone says to LS swap. Why? They both Start right up and go. Do I want more power from the TBI sure but it’ll be cheaper to rebuild what I have that’s known to last. Oh and less wiring
Realistically speaking getting the project car done an working properly in a timely fashion the sbc wins hands down. It’s absolutely bare bones simple an I’ll take that every time.
I’m doing a complete LS swap wiring harness and transmission. I’m leaving it stock as that is about 150hp more than the original sbc. It should come in under $2500
Im ditching the 5.7 vortec sbc in my 98 Z71 for a cammed lq4 6.0 vortec being set up for towing... I love the LS motors so easy to make power so much can be done with them and I hate carburetors so naturally I also love the fuel injection on the ls aswell 🙂
Put a cam with the same specs & you not have 100 hp more. Not with aluminum heads you won't. This guy was very generous with cost as the electronics alone(new) w_ the intake, throttle body upgrade plus just the wiring harness can buy you a new carb
Had them both and like them both. I have a solid roller 10.8-1 compression old school 388 Stroker in my full weight C3 vette and I drive it everywhere and it ran a 10.86@122 on the motor and has been in the car since 2009.
there is a $600 timing cover that lets you use a SBF distributor and mechanical fuel pump on the LS. Combine that with a carb intake and you are at least closer to old school.
The block is a function of bore and stroke and the only significant difference is aluminum or iron until you exceed 700hp or 500 ft lbs. Only then does a girdle come into play. Everything else is a matter of what the heads will flow.
LS can run a carb just like the sbc.....intake 250.00........msd coil control 500.00... Bang for buck , the carbed ls will make more power in an easier to drive package . The valve angles are more efficient , so you can run a milder cam and make more power . Here is my experience and it really opened my eyes on ls potential . I have 2 cars , a 68.camaro and a 72 camaro. The 68 was built to run hard and go low 11s . The 72 was built to be an all around cruiser , but with good power. The 68 had a built 406, 220cc aftermarket heads, 11.4 comp, big solid cam , etc . At 2900lbs , it ran 11.30 at 120 . The 72 had an ls3 w a simple conversion to carb like I described above , a set of headers, and a very streetable , small cam . At 3400lbs the 72 ran 11.60 and 120mph . The 68.was setup for hooking at the track w 4.10 gears and had no accessories on the engine. The 72 had ac and ps w 3.42 gears and was designed to be a multipurpose car. With limited traction , the 72 ran within 3/10ths of the 68 that hooked solid. The ls setup was a mild street build and the 68 was set up for the 1/4mile. The 72 was 400 lbs heavier and anyone could get in it and drive it like a new car . The ls costs about the same if you build a gen 1 to make power and carb a performance ls engine w a street cam. The ls makes power very easily and in a much milder package, will run with the sbc that is difficult to street drive by your average person . I like both, but the potential of the carbed ls is hard to.ignore . Just because the ls comes w an ecu and plastic intake doesn't mean it needs that to outperform a similar carbed sbc.
You'll never change the opinions of these old heads lol. I'm a LS guy from experience myself. The sbc (especially pre vortex) gets very fragile after 200-250k miles. Most well maintained LS motors run like new until they reach 400k-500k miles. Then you should expect gasket and manifold replacement.
Definitely SBC! Put the early generation of throttle body injection on it. Ultra reliable, as long as you are not trying to build a top race motor. Stay right at or under the 400hp and they will run all day every day. They make great cruising motors that are clean to look at and can be worked on by most every shade tree mechanic out there.
I tease the guys who have late models !!! With my 68 Camaro, i don't have to worry about emissions, i can put the meanist beast of an engine i want in my car .
I liked your video. Have an 89 Silverado stepside 4x4 with a bad motor. Have gone back and forth with what to do with it, rebuild the 350 or junkyard LS swap. After watching this video I'm 100 percent rebuilding the motor- have to see what's salvageable but in the end I believe will be a better deal than LS swapping it. Had a nice RV cam in original- miss it so much. Appears if I save up 5k I will be good to go for rebuild and some nice upgrades like headers ect.
Im a ford Mustang fan all my 43 years. I own a built procharged 3.7 Mustang Car runs a 11.5@120 on only5-6 psi. My wife and daughter are wanting a car to Race/weekend drive. We decided on a 88 black step side Silverado. I debated going Ls. I ended up picking up a set of cheap Chinese SBC aluminum heads had machine shop go over them, eagle 383 crank, rods, pistons set. Mildish Comp cam .500/.500 had machine shop install cam bearings bore block. I assembled everything. Including all parts and machine shop work I was in $2500-2750. Truck dyno 313 whp @5900 /390 wtq @ 4800. Truck runs a 12.5 @ 110. Here in hot Florida. 355 gears, 700r4, 2400 stall Holley sniper efi. Wife and daughter love it. Only issue I'm having is my wife wants to paint truck pink. Not happening haha.
Swapping in an LS is only financially feasible when swapping it in stock using a running donor. As soon as you want more power the sbc is just way cheaper. However if you want insane amounts of power (600+hp) for RACING APPLICATIONS the ls might hold up better. I still use old school sbc on street engines. You need torque on the street, and high rpm hp at the track. Great video 👍
5.3-6.0 complete Motor $500 + sloppy cam kit $300= 450hp. The worst ls heads outflow all SBC heads. Why do you feel it is more expensive to chase power with the LS? Bc of the fuel system upgrades needed?
Nothing is cheap about any hobby. Especially racing. I’m a Ford guy, so If I’m going to do a late model swap, it’s going to be Fords new Godzilla 7.3L engine. David Wolf made 670hp NA and 650 ft lbs of torque for under $6K including the engine core. That’s aftermarket rods and pistons, BTR camshaft, Johnson LS7 lifters and a BTR intake. A 408 Ls would set you back about $10-12K for the same hp and 100 less ft lbs of torque. This engine swap would be worth the extra cost for the potential power output vs a SBF engine. Now if I was going to do a SBC vs Ls and my vehicle already has a SBC, I’m going to stick with the SBC for simplicity. You all know it’s about what are your current goals and future goals for the build. This could be a never ending argument for car enthusiasts.
First off I want to say great video I have a story for you I will try to keep it short. I have a 1998 Chevy Silverado 4x4 so it had the 5.7 vortex in it I got so tired of the sensors go out on it every other week grrr. So I decided to buy a 1978 4 bolt main 350 from a guy on Craigslist for $300 and rebuild it I asked my machine shop what do i have to do to get 400hp out of her they said we'll you can spend $800-$1200 on a pair of aluminum heads or do a valve job on your vortex heads you all ready have for $500 I said OK let's do that border it out 30 over comp cam vortex heads aluminum intake from summit Holly carb ect. All in I was at $4500
Brought a 808 roller engine great perfect bore bad crank new scat stock crank and bearing rings dingle ball hone . Brought a used zz4 take out cam . Found a set of 906 vortec heads and air gap intake 600 did my own screw in studs blue ls bee hive springs comp + .050 locks and retainers reused my 750 holley reused my headers 350 to 400 hp easy under 2 grand . 13.20 on motor 12.20 with a 125 shot 69 firebird 4.10 gears th400 2500 stall cheep and easy i dig it 😎
Great insight-unfortunately, everyone will have their own insight on which is better. . . I have a 67 Firebird with a 455 (Pontiac) w/ minor cam and polished heads (all iron) + TH400, and folks asked me to just LS it. Why spend the $$$? My old school setup works, and I'm happy with the simplicity, with plenty of torque to knock the tires off at anytime. Enjoy your ride, spend within your means, and have fun.
I like the simplicity of a carburetor. Once you install a fuel regulator and a Wide band gauge it’ll make your carburetor run better once it’s dialed in. My Chevy 350 on my 75 K5 runs like it’s EFI. I don’t mind the cold starts. It will still start up. It may take a few cranks but it doesn’t have a problem not starting. Plus if It breaks down the road it’s much easier to fix. Doesn’t need a O2 sensor replacement or doesn’t need a ECU if it overheats.
I appreciate both, the ls fuel-injected and sbc carbureted engines. They are relatively easy to adjust and tune using a screwdriver or a computer, and there are many stock parts and aftermarket upgrades available. In terms of fuel economy, I would recommend an LS engine, while for a nuclear apocalypse scenario, I would choose a carbureted small block Chevy (SBC) engine.
Don't fear the computer. The LS is just better in every respect. The SBC is the father of the LS. I have all the respect for it but it's time is passed. The lessons learned on the SBC were passed on to the LS and Vortec engines and improved upon. As I mentioned before. You can still carburate an LS if you want to
Im old school and can make power in a small block, in a LS, i buy power and bolt it on cause i or you can not manipulate electronics without a major type race program setup.
I’ll Take my LS any day, 400 horse power 17 mpg at 80 mph. With a junkyard motor. Been on 4 power tours with a LS powered car. As stated earlier they typically don’t leak. To each their own I guess.
I have a 383 sbc with a th350. Everything is nice. But as ive gotten older. Id probably go LS and overdrive for more comfort. And definitely much less power😂😂😂😂
I am debating this now. Have core 350, and 5.3 sitting here. 5.3 would be carbed in my application... but the msd box is +/- $500. Headers, 400 for less expensive deals. Those are biggest hits, in my opinion. Cams are same $ either way. But 5.3 lifters are less $. AFR heads a +/- 1000 everywhere. A sbc victor jr is over 400 now. In the long run its almost a wash. Core sbcs are getting harder to find as well....
They are both great engines. If I had a car with no engine and had to purchase engine mounts, accessories, exhaust, etc., It could definitely make sense to put an LS in it. However, I love spanking the LS powered cars with my 8 second old school smallblock powered '69 Camaro.
I’m old school and have worked as a mechanic for over 40 years personally I’d take the old small block. For those that have to have an LS there best bet financially would probably be to buy someone’s old beater car or truck with the LS and rebuild it
Building an ls right now... $500 for the holley oil pan , right at $800 for the cam, lifters, trays ,springs, pushrods . Some of those higher end intake, injection, fuel rails are well over $1000 . I've probably got $3500-$4000 in it and haven't even done any of the fuel system or front accessories. You forgot the $200 oil pump and cost will vary depending on what you're swapping into different oil pan for different clearances , different intakes some are cheap some aren't.... if you've got clearance issues on the bottom more $$ if you've got clearance issues on top and can't run a truck intake then you're going to be spending some more again..... if you're getting a truck junkyard engine and swapping into some vehicles you're going to be buying oil pan, pickup tube, front accessories and intake on top of what you mentioned. 😆 🤣
We can take a wire to the battery and hook it our coil and get home, also we can put a gas can on our fender to the carb and get home! Thanks Buck!
Yes you can!
@@usmclee65 100% and even more simple if your stuck in the middle of nowhere you can put a magneto in it and you done even need the battery if you have a manual trans, or just enough power to spin the motor a few revolutions if it's an automatic
I ls swapped a jeep for around 4500 doing all the work myself, it runs amazing and the milage is on par with to 4.0
NICE
OG Small block 350 all the way. (For me,my opinion only) love the Video comparison.
Thank you very much!
Spun a bearing on my 406 sbc in my 68 Camaro.Friends tried to talk me into an LS swap.Yaaaa right are you kidding me.Everything already lines up.Even though I ended up putting a lot of machine work into this now 408,bore,line hone,square it,deck it and a new balanced bottom end.When all said and done with gaskets,oil,ex ex ex it came out to $4000.I am glad I did not listen to my friends.I already had manifold,carb,headers,brackets,radiator cooling system,charging system,wire harness ex ex.When we lined up the cars and he had his 5.3 LS to my 408 sbc.This 408 torque kicked in and just pulled on him so hard it wasn’t even funny to him.Long live first gen.First gen FTW!…..Love the mechanical side of things.So much easier to work on.
Looks like your friends got a taste of that classic Camaro power! The 408 sbc reigns supreme. Wishing you all the best for the future!
If you plan to do a solid build whether stock but if you want to make power your going to pay for quality machine work.😎💯🔥💸💸💸
AGREED
No kidding a 408 beat a 325 wowzers
@@justingraves3061a well built stock bore and stroke SBC can be just as quick not saying either or is better they are just are different. Stock vortec clean block balanced scat rotating assembly stock heads made 430 HP on engine Dyno and higher torque number. Only 10:5 1 compression
Old School All The Way Just Love Them S/b
yes sir
I just the love the reliability and simplicity of the Old Chevy and Ford small blocks. Even I can work on them with no problems and can draw on Uncle Buck for solid info.
350 and lm7 engines are the best, you'll never go wrong with either one
have a great day
For the wiring harness for ls....buy a pulled ls with computer and harness for the same price he listed for a harness. You gotta extra motor to play with. I have both old school and new school. I'm a decent tuner and that knowledge will cut cost for ls swaps. Good heads for old school sbc will determine how good it is. So, someone who doesn't understand the operations of an ls will be intimidated naturally. A good set of heads for sbc cost as much as a pulled ls with sensors, intake, fuel rail and injection, computer and harness and accessories at this time. I see both sides having both sbc and ls. But some of those costs you can cut if you are willing to learn the fuel injection and operating system.
Thanks for the tip. Have a great weekend
now you get to sit down for many many hours and pick apart that tumor of a wiring harness, and then you have to get your ecm flashed to remove vats.
I still like the simple old school SBC but the LS stuff is nice
You Betcha!!!
For the past 32 years I've only owned Chevy trucks. My first vehicle was a 76 Jimmy with a 350 small block and a turbo 350. My current ride is a 09 Tahoe SSV with a 5.3 and 6L80. However I did pick up a 77 Sierra K15 for a project truck back in November.
Both the gen 1 small block and LS engines are incredible marvels of engineering. They both have their place and I understand why people do the swap.
I'm old school and like the simplicity and ease of working on an old square body. No nonsense, no bull$#!+ extra features or options to cause problems.
I believe old truck old engine.
New truck new engine.
AGREED
Great video brotha, I myself am an old school kinda guy but I think the ls engines are great for the power and efficiency they provide but building one is still more expensive than building any small block or big block Chevy when you consider everything other than the block. Out here in CA the average cost of a ls swap into a older vehicle is always above $7,000 and that's if you do the work yourself. I myself just bought a early 90's RV for $700 with a big block 454 with only 28,000 miles on it that I'll be transplanting into my 84 C10 😁 I figure when I'm done I will probably be into it for a total of around $5,000. You just can't beat the look, sound and power of a big block Chevy just my opinion
My point exactly, thanks for stopping by to watch. have a great weekend
@@unclebucksgarage7695 brother used to smoke 5.7 LS all day with his 350 SBC when they first came out 1998-2002.
You betcha
@billybobbob3003 I know right, they were not that big of a deal when they first hit the market. Thanks for watching Brother
Oh man ! I almost bought a 71 GMC C15 today with an LS3 in it !!! All of the body was pretty much shot ! So glad I walked ! Oh yeah, gimme old school, simple !
Yes sir
I love the torque the sbc puts out!!!!
❤❤
so do I. Have a great weekend!
what about the wiring where it goes through the ignition block on the fire wall that goes to the ignition switch wont the wiring harness have to be changed too i dont know if the original ignition system will work if then you would have to switch over to an intake with a carbureteur on the ls !!!
YES TO ALL OF THE ABOVE
My buddy is financially well off and prefers LS engines but I’m a poor guy with a classic collectible truck and not a pro racer, so for me the Mighty Mouse is perfect!
YOU BETCHA! THANKS FOR WATCHIN AND MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Bought a 78 c10 that’s been sitting for 15 years changed the battery starts right up I’ll stick with the 350 small block one day the c10 will haul my ZL1
I Agree!
thanks for watching
Great video, I will keep my SBC. Currently in the process of swapping out the carburetor, intake, distrbutor, all gaskets, valve covers, wires, plugs, thermostat, water pump etc. I am ready to get my hands dirty and keep it alive. I love watching LS videos and seeing people enjoy them, but I will never go that route. That's why I have my Dodge Charger and a Nissan Maxima. Hop in and go! Great breakdown. LOL @ start a fight LOL
THANKS FOR WATCHING, MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Love the video, built a 350 SBC with a 650 cfm carb and a mild cam from summit from an old vortec block my 93 sings the song of muscle 💪🏽💪🏽🔥🔥
LOVE IT, Happy Thanksgiving
thanks for watching
In 1976 I installed a 1972 L48 out of a 1972 Camero into a 1971 FJ40 Land Cruiser. 250 hp with a 2 barrel Rochester. It had 30,000 miles on it.
I am still driving it today with close to 200,000 miles. It has never been apart. I did replace the timing chain and installed an HEI tach drive distributor. 100% dependable.
YES SIR, have a great weekend
I had one of those l48 engine came out of a Corvette 1980 it would pull a mark at 30 mile per hour in c1500 86 good engine.put some vortec head on it an ride
now I have a 350 lt1 carburetor
If you pull the complete swap from a donor vehicle like a pickup truck or SUV, most of the cost is eliminated. Sure, it's more work initially. Once you get it done, it's just as easy as replacing your SBC. More power from the beginning.
thanks for watching
What if you run a carburetor on the LS? Is that even more expensive or does that fall in between both options?
BOTH, THANKS FOR WATCHING, MERRY CHRISTMAS!
I ran a 406 sb back in the day 30 over with flat top pistons 350 camel hump comp 280 magnum hydraulic holley 750 vacuum edelbrock dual plane and it was a stump puller it kinda ran out of breath at about 5-55 but it wasted no time getting there. There really is no replacement for displacement. That being said the LS blocks are superior to the gen1 sbc the stock blocks can handle way more than a gen1 and that would be the main reason for doing a swap
NICE! Thanks for watching
Are you considering that you can carburete the LS with two sensors and a ignition box
nope i am not
LS for sure , lighter , dependable, more bang for buck
Thanks for watching
I like the small block chevy. Old school, long lasting.😊. Most older machines know.
You got that right!
I've had lots of both engines... love em both!!! I'd have to say for several reasons I'd take a 2014 or newer 5.3L 345HP stock or the 6L with over 400HP... that's enough power without upgrades for a guy and you can buy a complete engine from the auto wrecker cheap lol done
THANKS FOR WATCHING
Love my sbc 350, but my sbc 400 cid was a great engine too.
YOU BETCHA! THANKS FOR WATCHING
Ole school uncle buck keeping er real .... Like em both their different animals period i love both 🤣
Agreed
THANKS FOR WATCHING, HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND
@@unclebucksgarage7695 u likewise sir I appreciate your content as always look forward to more
THANK YOU VERY MUCH, wishing you and yours all the best
@@unclebucksgarage7695 u also
My sbc will have no problem running with ls next summer.
YOU BETCHA! THANKS FOR WATCHING, HAVE A GREAT DAY!
My friend has an s10 with a 350 . He's did a some work to the truck such as new brakes , wheels and tires, but the engine is stock as far as he knows. I'm here to see if I want to rebuild that 350, or LS swap it. He was told that 350 was from a vette, but we haven't checked the numbers yet.
So,,,what is your question?
You give a solid argument but I would go LS all day
THANKS FOR WATCHING, MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Love my gen 2 SBC LT1. It does cost to work on it and build it but still cheaper.
Very nice!
These engines are definitely underappreciated. I put a carb swapped low mile junkyard LT1 in my '78 El Camino. Less than $1k all in. Way less than putting aluminum heads and a roller cam in the tired old 350 or doing a junkyard 5.3ls swap. Makes good power too. The carbureted manifold really wakes up these motors.
@@edf5967 I just rebuilt mine recently, it came in my 94 Z28 I bought for $1500 and when I got into the motor, I realized it had a 400 Eagle crank, forged pistons and rods, hot cam, billet welded oil pickup, and overall a very clean engine. The OD didn’t work and was stuck at 253k so I figured it was old and needed freshened up but I was shocked it looked new. I changed the gaskets, plugs, water pump, msd optispark, radiator and mounts, had it machined and heads rebuilt with a little bigger springs and new valves, bought a fresh T56 to hook to her and man, she pops wheelies now. Still cheaper than going all the way with an LS. Probably should have put a fresh rear end under her because I’m not sure if it will last now. I was thinking about converting to a carb too.
THANKS!
I feel like you pumped the numbers up a bit on the LS side. Such as buying sensors and accessories. And a 1200-1400 holley terminator. For barlely more than your $1200 core estimate i could buy a 6.0 complete with computer, harness, sensors, and all accessories for $1500. From there buy a $350-500 standalone harness for the factory computer and youre golden
Thanks for watching, have a great week.
@@unclebucksgarage7695 I will add a little more to the estimate for my route. After that's said in done you have to pay someone like myself $150 to turn VATS off in the pcm so it will start or $300-500 to tune it if you installed a cam or did any other mods
keep me updated on your build, I am curious.
@unclebucksgarage7695 recently completed an 87 suburban going the route I described. Currently putting a GM performance parts 495hp/LS3 in a 68 firebird but that one isn't a budget swap alot of expensive parts on that one
It’s only going to be cheap until the junk yard runs out of LS motors. Remember they stop making the LS MOTORS. If you do a max effort, build on an LS aftermarket, everything you might as well build a BBC it’ll cost you less and make a hell of a lot more power.
I like how this video is going 😀 go for it my friend 👍
Thanks for the support!
I did the LS thing on my 67 Camaro. Small block Chevys for me from now on. I don’t want to be one of those folks that break down on the side of the road, opens the hood, and tries to twist the battery connector and hope that works. Great episode.
THANKS FOR WATCHING. MERRY CHRISTMAS!
I like the gen2 SBC motor. The Vortec 350 makes really good power for lil money. But take the block an heads an make a 388 ci. Stroker with the roller cam motor will make even more power.
NICE!!!
I refer to the late model 5L and 5.7L vortec engines as gen 1.5 and the 90s lt1/lt4 as gen 2. I like the gen 2 lt1s, the blocks have proven to be much stronger for me, the stock heads can be ported to flow very well, just address the opti spark. You can put a crank trigger, gen 1 efi single plane intake elbow throttle body, cam sync and use the LS harness and 411 ecm , coil on plug for a more budget deal, same can be done on a gen 1.
@@stevenbelue5496 the vortec head is just the iron lt1 head with the regular cooling design put back.
@@frigglebiscuit7484 And its said the iron lt1 is better in stock form than the aluminum lt1. There are cnc programs for the alu heads that result in pretty good numbers across the bench. Ive seen a few sets of lt4 heads for sale reasonably priced lately.
I chose the sbc for my s10 for several reasons. 1st being the v8 swap kit was cheaper 2nd was I already had a vortec 5.7 4 bolt. Did the head porting and lapped the valves myself. Screw in rocker studs and beehive springs. I built about 425 hp for less than 3500. Also I think the gen 1 is a better looking engine.
VERY NICE! sounds like it would be a lot of fun to drive.
Got the same thing going in a 1992 s10. 😎♌️❤️💯🔥
NICE
A 5.3 big cam and headers alone will put you at 430 to 450 all day long.
@@Dboyquicks10 I love those 4 bolt vortec blocks. Much easier to run roller lifters.
I love my rebuilt 1970 c10 it’s just the starting when the engine is cold. It takes forever versus Ls starts right away. But yet I’m very happy with it
THANKS FOR WATCHING
Both have their place. 400hp makes a good cruiser, only reason to go ls in my thoughts is if you want boost. And to make 700 hp daily driver. More than one way to skin a cat. There is many nice stand alone tbi systems that I'd want on either one that you still get to play with and tune. I dig the old school, got a small block myself but there is a place..all toys cost.
Thanks for watching
You are right. I have had both and while the LS is great, I can't fix it when it's broken.
Merry Christmas, Thanks for watching
Hi Again Uncle Buck! looks like you might be a Navy vet too? Sending Love, Light and blessings to you my brother! Cheers from Motown/Dearborn!
THANK YOU VERY MUCH BROTHER
Thanks for the information, this helps a lot. My c20s engine is smoked and was considering swapping it. Think I’m gonna stick with a 350
Glad I could help. Have a great week
Like the pragmatic method you use to justify outlay for horsepower !
thanks for watching
Just bought an 88 k5 350
TBI that I daily and have had an 80 trans am with 350 SBC from a 69 Camaro . Everyone says to LS swap. Why? They both Start right up and go. Do I want more power from the TBI sure but it’ll be cheaper to rebuild what I have that’s known to last. Oh and less wiring
Have to agree with you. Have a great weekend
You could put a carb on your LS and a MSD box
thanks for watching
I'd go with a World Products Motown SBC/LS block (small block on the bottom, LS on the top) - best of both worlds...
Nice idea, have a great week
The swap mounts can be bought for around $40 now.
Thanks
have a great week
I wonder if it would just be easier doing a big block vs LS. And which one would work better
Good question
not a bad idea. Have a great weekend
Realistically speaking getting the project car done an working properly in a timely fashion the sbc wins hands down. It’s absolutely bare bones simple an I’ll take that every time.
THANKS FOR WATCHING HAVE A GREAT DAY
2:35 my 6.0 AND 4l80 TOGETHER cost me $400…. Where are u getting these numbers
THEN YOU GOT A GOOD PRICE
It's not easy or cheap to do it right. I am doing a LS3 in a 77 Trans Am and it is taking me a lot longer than I thought.
Yes Sir
Should've kept that poncho under the hood of that t /a
Wow that's gay you don't deserve a trans am
I’m doing a complete LS swap wiring harness and transmission. I’m leaving it stock as that is about 150hp more than the original sbc. It should come in under $2500
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND
Im ditching the 5.7 vortec sbc in my 98 Z71 for a cammed lq4 6.0 vortec being set up for towing... I love the LS motors so easy to make power so much can be done with them and I hate carburetors so naturally I also love the fuel injection on the ls aswell 🙂
Put a cam with the same specs & you not have 100 hp more. Not with aluminum heads you won't. This guy was very generous with cost as the electronics alone(new) w_ the intake, throttle body upgrade plus just the wiring harness can buy you a new carb
Had them both and like them both. I have a solid roller 10.8-1 compression old school 388 Stroker in my full weight C3 vette and I drive it everywhere and it ran a 10.86@122 on the motor and has been in the car since 2009.
NICE!!!! Thanks for watching
I went with an old school 400 in my ‘85 GMC
NICE, I appreciate you watching. Have a great week.
FYI you can buy the harness and box to run a carb on the ls for like $450. MSD 6014.
NICE!!!! THANKS FOR WATCHING, HAVE A GREAT DAY
Give me old school any day ! I have said tje same thing for years !!
THANKS FOR WATCHING
there is a $600 timing cover that lets you use a SBF distributor and mechanical fuel pump on the LS. Combine that with a carb intake and you are at least closer to old school.
THANKS FOR WATCHING
The block is a function of bore and stroke and the only significant difference is aluminum or iron until you exceed 700hp or 500 ft lbs. Only then does a girdle come into play. Everything else is a matter of what the heads will flow.
Merry Christmas, Thanks for watching
1:28 this is false so far…. $75 adapter plates use factory SBC motor mounts… and $30 spacer to bolt to the trans… headers start about $130… continue
THANKS FOR WATCHING AND MERRY CHRISTMAS!
LS can run a carb just like the sbc.....intake 250.00........msd coil control 500.00...
Bang for buck , the carbed ls will make more power in an easier to drive package . The valve angles are more efficient , so you can run a milder cam and make more power .
Here is my experience and it really opened my eyes on ls potential . I have 2 cars , a 68.camaro and a 72 camaro. The 68 was built to run hard and go low 11s . The 72 was built to be an all around cruiser , but with good power. The 68 had a built 406, 220cc aftermarket heads, 11.4 comp, big solid cam , etc . At 2900lbs , it ran 11.30 at 120 .
The 72 had an ls3 w a simple conversion to carb like I described above , a set of headers, and a very streetable , small cam . At 3400lbs the 72 ran 11.60 and 120mph .
The 68.was setup for hooking at the track w 4.10 gears and had no accessories on the engine. The 72 had ac and ps w 3.42 gears and was designed to be a multipurpose car.
With limited traction , the 72 ran within 3/10ths of the 68 that hooked solid. The ls setup was a mild street build and the 68 was set up for the 1/4mile. The 72 was 400 lbs heavier and anyone could get in it and drive it like a new car .
The ls costs about the same if you build a gen 1 to make power and carb a performance ls engine w a street cam. The ls makes power very easily and in a much milder package, will run with the sbc that is difficult to street drive by your average person .
I like both, but the potential of the carbed ls is hard to.ignore . Just because the ls comes w an ecu and plastic intake doesn't mean it needs that to outperform a similar carbed sbc.
HAVE A GREAT DAY
You'll never change the opinions of these old heads lol.
I'm a LS guy from experience myself.
The sbc (especially pre vortex) gets very fragile after 200-250k miles.
Most well maintained LS motors run like new until they reach 400k-500k miles. Then you should expect gasket and manifold replacement.
Definitely SBC! Put the early generation of throttle body injection on it. Ultra reliable, as long as you are not trying to build a top race motor.
Stay right at or under the 400hp and they will run all day every day.
They make great cruising motors that are clean to look at and can be worked on by most every shade tree mechanic out there.
Merry Christmas, Thanks for watching
Old school all the way.
THANKS FOR WATCHING
I tease the guys who have late models !!! With my 68 Camaro, i don't have to worry about emissions, i can put the meanist beast of an engine i want in my car .
YOU BETCHA!!! THANKS FOR WATCHING
I liked your video. Have an 89 Silverado stepside 4x4 with a bad motor. Have gone back and forth with what to do with it, rebuild the 350 or junkyard LS swap. After watching this video I'm 100 percent rebuilding the motor- have to see what's salvageable but in the end I believe will be a better deal than LS swapping it. Had a nice RV cam in original- miss it so much. Appears if I save up 5k I will be good to go for rebuild and some nice upgrades like headers ect.
NICE, Have a great week
Im a ford Mustang fan all my 43 years. I own a built procharged 3.7 Mustang Car runs a 11.5@120 on only5-6 psi. My wife and daughter are wanting a car to Race/weekend drive. We decided on a 88 black step side Silverado. I debated going Ls. I ended up picking up a set of cheap Chinese SBC aluminum heads had machine shop go over them, eagle 383 crank, rods, pistons set. Mildish Comp cam .500/.500 had machine shop install cam bearings bore block. I assembled everything. Including all parts and machine shop work I was in $2500-2750. Truck dyno 313 whp @5900 /390 wtq @ 4800. Truck runs a 12.5 @ 110. Here in hot Florida. 355 gears, 700r4, 2400 stall Holley sniper efi. Wife and daughter love it. Only issue I'm having is my wife wants to paint truck pink. Not happening haha.
THANKS FOR WATCHING
You should try the turbo 350 transmission.
Quicker and more reliable than the 700r4.
Swapping in an LS is only financially feasible when swapping it in stock using a running donor. As soon as you want more power the sbc is just way cheaper.
However if you want insane amounts of power (600+hp) for RACING APPLICATIONS the ls might hold up better.
I still use old school sbc on street engines. You need torque on the street, and high rpm hp at the track.
Great video 👍
thanks for watching
5.3-6.0 complete Motor $500 + sloppy cam kit $300= 450hp. The worst ls heads outflow all SBC heads.
Why do you feel it is more expensive to chase power with the LS? Bc of the fuel system upgrades needed?
@@BnMGarage fuel, electronics, mounts, hours of extra labour, all that stuff adds up fast.
I'm sold on the small block 350
thanks for watching
If you pour gas in the tbi the. The engine starts. I have tried 4 different new fuel pumps on the teuck. No start
CAN YOU SEE FUEL FRON THE TBI WHEN IT IS TURNING OVER?
Fella you just helped me make up my mind. Gonna SBC my '89 S15. Thanks for the info.
Glad I could help! THANKS FOR WATCHING
Nothing is cheap about any hobby. Especially racing. I’m a Ford guy, so If I’m going to do a late model swap, it’s going to be Fords new Godzilla 7.3L engine. David Wolf made 670hp NA and 650 ft lbs of torque for under $6K including the engine core. That’s aftermarket rods and pistons, BTR camshaft, Johnson LS7 lifters and a BTR intake. A 408 Ls would set you back about $10-12K for the same hp and 100 less ft lbs of torque. This engine swap would be worth the extra cost for the potential power output vs a SBF engine. Now if I was going to do a SBC vs Ls and my vehicle already has a SBC, I’m going to stick with the SBC for simplicity. You all know it’s about what are your current goals and future goals for the build. This could be a never ending argument for car enthusiasts.
thanks for watching
First off I want to say great video
I have a story for you I will try to keep it short.
I have a 1998 Chevy Silverado 4x4 so it had the 5.7 vortex in it I got so tired of the sensors go out on it every other week grrr.
So I decided to buy a 1978 4 bolt main 350 from a guy on Craigslist for $300 and rebuild it I asked my machine shop what do i have to do to get 400hp out of her they said we'll you can spend $800-$1200 on a pair of aluminum heads or do a valve job on your vortex heads you all ready have for $500 I said OK let's do that border it out 30 over comp cam vortex heads aluminum intake from summit Holly carb ect.
All in I was at $4500
NICE!!!
This just made mind up to stay old school, great video!
Glad you enjoyed!
Where do you buy car parts this cheap? I have never seen an LS for under $2000
Oklahoma
YEP, pick your parts here are 500 to 700 for a 5.3
Brought a 808 roller engine great perfect bore bad crank new scat stock crank and bearing rings dingle ball hone . Brought a used zz4 take out cam . Found a set of 906 vortec heads and air gap intake 600 did my own screw in studs blue ls bee hive springs comp + .050 locks and retainers reused my 750 holley reused my headers 350 to 400 hp easy under 2 grand . 13.20 on motor 12.20 with a 125 shot 69 firebird 4.10 gears th400 2500 stall cheep and easy i dig it 😎
NICE
Great insight-unfortunately, everyone will have their own insight on which is better. . . I have a 67 Firebird with a 455 (Pontiac) w/ minor cam and polished heads (all iron) + TH400, and folks asked me to just LS it. Why spend the $$$? My old school setup works, and I'm happy with the simplicity, with plenty of torque to knock the tires off at anytime.
Enjoy your ride, spend within your means, and have fun.
THANKS FOR WATCHING
You got it right 😊
Merry Christmas
I like the simplicity of a carburetor. Once you install a fuel regulator and a Wide band gauge it’ll make your carburetor run better once it’s dialed in. My Chevy 350 on my 75 K5 runs like it’s EFI. I don’t mind the cold starts. It will still start up. It may take a few cranks but it doesn’t have a problem not starting. Plus if It breaks down the road it’s much easier to fix. Doesn’t need a O2 sensor replacement or doesn’t need a ECU if it overheats.
AGREED, Thanks for watching
I love the LS. I love that it dropped the price of a good SBC.
Thanks for watching
I have both your right 💯
I APPRECIATE THAT, THANKS FOR WATCHING!
I appreciate both, the ls fuel-injected and sbc carbureted engines. They are relatively easy to adjust and tune using a screwdriver or a computer, and there are many stock parts and aftermarket upgrades available. In terms of fuel economy, I would recommend an LS engine, while for a nuclear apocalypse scenario, I would choose a carbureted small block Chevy (SBC) engine.
LOL, AWESOME
396/375 , throw a Crower & a set of headers, a dual plane & a double pumper
YOU BETCHA. Thanks for watching
ZZ 632 , 1000 hp right out of the box ,
YOU BETCHA!!!!
Give me old school ANY day of the week!! I have no interest in that LS business.
i have to AGREE with you, have a great week
Don't fear the computer. The LS is just better in every respect. The SBC is the father of the LS. I have all the respect for it but it's time is passed. The lessons learned on the SBC were passed on to the LS and Vortec engines and improved upon. As I mentioned before. You can still carburate an LS if you want to
thanks
@@wolf06291980 wires etc etc. I don't want a computer to get my car tuned and running
thanks for watching
Im old school and can make power in a small block, in a LS, i buy power and bolt it on cause i or you can not manipulate electronics without a major type race program setup.
THANKS FOR WATCHING
I’ll Take my LS any day, 400 horse power 17 mpg at 80 mph. With a junkyard motor. Been on 4 power tours with a LS powered car. As stated earlier they typically don’t leak. To each their own I guess.
THANKS FOR WATCHING
yeah junkyard motor is a risk, and you aren't getting 400 horsepower unless you swap the cam and some other items etc
😂😂😂😂😂
Yeah but to get aluminum heads and a free floating rotating assembly,and a girdled main cap system its not a bad deal,and seals that leak alot less
Thanks for watching
I have a 383 sbc with a th350. Everything is nice. But as ive gotten older. Id probably go LS and overdrive for more comfort. And definitely much less power😂😂😂😂
Fair enough!
Jus swap the trans out with a 400 or 700
I have a 1996 gmc k1500 woth a 5.7
It's not running. I dint know why
CAN YOU HEAR THE FUEL PUMP PRIME ITSELF WHEN YOU TURN THE KEY?
I just stick with my old 388. Aluminum heads and 780 cfm qFT carb. It just works overtime.
YES SIR! THANKS FOR WATCHING
I think you just changed the direction of my whole build.
LOL have a great day
Buck.. we gotta get you to do one LS swap.. rock bottom entry..
THINKING ABOUT IT, MERRY CHRISTMAS
I rebuilt the stock Gen 1 engine and TH350C in my C10. If I could go back and do it again I would absolutely go used LS with transmission.
have a great day
Never too late to get that 5.3 out of the junkyard, or get a GM B-8 or B15
LOL THANKS FOR WATCHING
He added a lot of price to the ls that’s not needed u can do the ls the exact same way as the sbc but have more power in the end with the ls
thanks for watching
A lot of other things not mentioned.. steam crossovers.. getting rid of knock sensors, ignition on the ls different oil pan etc
YES SIR, THANKS FOR WATCHING!
I am debating this now. Have core 350, and 5.3 sitting here. 5.3 would be carbed in my application... but the msd box is +/- $500. Headers, 400 for less expensive deals. Those are biggest hits, in my opinion.
Cams are same $ either way. But 5.3 lifters are less $.
AFR heads a +/- 1000 everywhere.
A sbc victor jr is over 400 now. In the long run its almost a wash. Core sbcs are getting harder to find as well....
Sometimes it is a hard decision to make. wishing you all the best.
They are both great engines. If I had a car with no engine and had to purchase engine mounts, accessories, exhaust, etc., It could definitely make sense to put an LS in it. However, I love spanking the LS powered cars with my 8 second old school smallblock powered '69 Camaro.
Thanks for watching. Have a great weekend!
Love my 427 sbc old school high HP
Love this, man's preaching my book
HAVE A GREAT WEEK
My old school 421 SBC is a dart block beast with 18 degree heads, solid roller cam and forged everything. Not cheap but not LS. 700HP at the crank.
NICE!!!! THANKS FOR WATCHING, HAVE A GREAT DAY
I have built both motors and is 1000 difference for me that because I got extra non needed parts
Thanks for watching
I’m old school and have worked as a mechanic for over 40 years personally I’d take the old small block. For those that have to have an LS there best bet financially would probably be to buy someone’s old beater car or truck with the LS and rebuild it
Thanks for watching MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Building an ls right now... $500 for the holley oil pan , right at $800 for the cam, lifters, trays ,springs, pushrods . Some of those higher end intake, injection, fuel rails are well over $1000 . I've probably got $3500-$4000 in it and haven't even done any of the fuel system or front accessories. You forgot the $200 oil pump and cost will vary depending on what you're swapping into different oil pan for different clearances , different intakes some are cheap some aren't.... if you've got clearance issues on the bottom more $$ if you've got clearance issues on top and can't run a truck intake then you're going to be spending some more again..... if you're getting a truck junkyard engine and swapping into some vehicles you're going to be buying oil pan, pickup tube, front accessories and intake on top of what you mentioned. 😆 🤣
THANKS FOR WATCHING