Old technology VS new technology. IMO this really isn't even a question. I would go with the newer technology if I was investing that kind of money. In the future most of your aftermarket support is going to be towards the newer engine. The old chevy motors IMO will quickly become dinosaurs. Inefficient, less reliable and just plain more work.
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.
BBC vs LS#/X Need Advice Please
- Thread starter cliles
- Start date
Old technology VS new technology. IMO this really isn't even a question. I would go with the newer technology if I was investing that kind of money. In the future most of your aftermarket support is going to be towards the newer engine. The old chevy motors IMO will quickly become dinosaurs. Inefficient, less reliable and just plain more work.
This LS3 just has a cam and headers making 517hp with a pretty smooth power curve:
Hurry up warentee, I really want to put a cam in my Camaro now...
Hurry up warentee, I really want to put a cam in my Camaro now...
Last edited by a moderator:
Once again, these engines can certainly make the hp, but I am under the impression that for our heavier, ultimately lower top end speed vehicles, its is the low-low-end torque that gives the most perceived performance. By perceived, I mean the most enjoyable/readily apparent performance increase.
They might make horsepower, but they lack low end torque. Buddy had a GMC with the 5.3 in it, supposedly close or over 300 horse, and well, I wasn't impressed. I have an '08 Tundra with the 5.7, that is 370-ish horse and 380-something torque and that doesn't pull as hard as a big block. The 4.30 gears and 6 speed auto gives it the "feel" of having alot of torque/power. My old 97 with the Vortec 454 seemed to pull much better than this truck does.
You need the low end torque to get you going, not high RPM power.
You need the low end torque to get you going, not high RPM power.
texas4x4rebel
1/2 ton status
Ever seen Tim Cameron's videos he's running ls motors. Just saying!
So you gear it deeper, big deal. If you were terribly serious about balls out "low-low rpm tq" you'd be talking Cummins swap IMO.
Even the lowly 6.2 NA diesel probably makes more "low-low-rpm tq" than most gas V8's, and having owned a couple I can attest to the instant off idle tq you feel...however they do lose steam quickly. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say the LSX might not have the extreme low end tq, but once the tq really comes on it pulls damn hard and easily pulls into a higher range than most people would want a big block to go to. So, gear it appropriately.
Still leaning towards the RJ bc of the ease and that it is an actual known. Sounds like this HP3 crate that never ended up being produced was probably the answer to my problems. Anyone heard of performance crate built from the 8100 Vortec?
Last edited:
y5mgisi
1 ton status
Not that it really helps, but to add some entertainment to the thread, Here is a 454 LS motor being put through its paces,
Vs. a Ramjet 502.
Vs. a Ramjet 502.
Last edited by a moderator:
y5mgisi
1 ton status
I think its saying something that THAT guy went away from the RJ and to the LS.
He mainly just wanted to save weight, I'd say big block, I guess the ramjet is fine, i just can't imagine dropping 10k on something that only makes 500hp though
Tim cameron has already been through at least one LS engine
Tim cameron has already been through at least one LS engine
Dyno Numbers
TRustyk5 posted this sweet ls3, which I got dyno numbers for
http://www.jegs.com/i/Blueprint-Engi...ductId=1647808
(black and white pic)
I am now leaning towards this 489 stroker (pretty much exactly what I was originally going to build, other than they can do it about a grand or two cheaper than I estimated, plus I get to sell the Gen VI that I have.
Can get it with the Fast EFI - setup, installed, tuned, dyno'd and warrantied for a little under $10k
http://high-performance-engines.com...Screen=PROD&Store_Code=ATK&Product_Code=HP41C
Its dyno numbers are the color pic.
As you can see, LS3's (at least the ones I have found) do not generate big block torque. They are are bad ass, lighter engines, that would send a camaro down a drag strip, but I think the BBC is better suited for Betty.
TRustyk5 posted this sweet ls3, which I got dyno numbers for
http://www.jegs.com/i/Blueprint-Engi...ductId=1647808
(black and white pic)
I am now leaning towards this 489 stroker (pretty much exactly what I was originally going to build, other than they can do it about a grand or two cheaper than I estimated, plus I get to sell the Gen VI that I have.
Can get it with the Fast EFI - setup, installed, tuned, dyno'd and warrantied for a little under $10k
http://high-performance-engines.com...Screen=PROD&Store_Code=ATK&Product_Code=HP41C
Its dyno numbers are the color pic.
As you can see, LS3's (at least the ones I have found) do not generate big block torque. They are are bad ass, lighter engines, that would send a camaro down a drag strip, but I think the BBC is better suited for Betty.
May have spoke too soon
Well, I may have spoke too soon. ATK's 489, ultimately wins out in hp & tq, but the RJ still beats it in TQ on the low end.
Pro's for ATK's 489
$500ish cheaper
2 year warranty (extra year, but those warranty's sound like crap anyway, good luck getting anybody to pay or give you a new engine)
EZ-EFI (not sure if that is much of a pro)
Cons for ATK
Gen 4 or earlier bbc
Should be tuned close to optimum
Pro's of 502 RJ
Mass produced, has some reliability/repeatability data vs a local shop
Gen 6 bbc
Should have hp on the table and tuning upside
Well, I may have spoke too soon. ATK's 489, ultimately wins out in hp & tq, but the RJ still beats it in TQ on the low end.
Pro's for ATK's 489
$500ish cheaper
2 year warranty (extra year, but those warranty's sound like crap anyway, good luck getting anybody to pay or give you a new engine)
EZ-EFI (not sure if that is much of a pro)
Cons for ATK
Gen 4 or earlier bbc
Should be tuned close to optimum
Pro's of 502 RJ
Mass produced, has some reliability/repeatability data vs a local shop
Gen 6 bbc
Should have hp on the table and tuning upside
Last edited:
That ATK is pretty sexy. 
y5mgisi
1 ton status
Truthfully i think you are already talked yourself into the ramjet and no amount of convincing otherwise would make any difference. So just order the puppy up already!
Somewhat true. Maybe it's an engr thing, but I am looking for proof in a world that is frought with opinion. Engine will be ordered by end of next week, regardless. We can get to four wheeling and stop nit-picking.
I will also give a mpg and rear wheel dyno update for anybody who may want to know the outcome.
Thanks again.
I will also give a mpg and rear wheel dyno update for anybody who may want to know the outcome.
Thanks again.
texas4x4rebel
1/2 ton status
I would pick the one better suited to future mods, ease of tuning,etc.
lovebomb_69
Registered Member
Have u looked at Arizona speed and marine? they got a few performance items for the ram jet
