lsx vs sb you decide

[anthony 69]

if you had a choice which would you pic. an lsx motor great motors but every body is doing it these days. or 400 sb with a fuel injected magncharger a little differant. hp and about the same. ls with better idle, 400 chopper muscle car idle. i wish i knew how to take a poll. thanks anthony

[Musclerodz]

LSX all the way

[scherp69]

Everyone's doing a LSX conversion because of the better driveability, fuel economy, etc. The heads have better flow numbers and easy to upgrade hp numbers with tuning. Go with LSX.

[anthony 69]

sparky that is perfect but i dont have the funds to do both anthony

[WSSix]

Since you're starting from scratch and appear to have enough of a budget to afford an LSx engine, go with the LSx engine. It's that much better to deal with overall than a built SBC. To me the simple things like how easy it is to replace parts and to not deal with temperamental gaskets like those found on a SBC are worth it.

[XcYZ]

LS all the way. Once you see the light, there's no going back. :thumbsup:

[awr68]

Anthony, I added a poll for ya...and voted LSx!!

[anthony 69]

anthony thank for the poll....... no love for the sb!!!!

[g_vanlaar]

LSX seems to be the way to go now that it has such an aftermarket support. An LSX of the same power as a SBC would be much more streetable and reliable. If I didn't have so much $ wrapped up in my SBC I would be doing a LS motor myself!

[XLexusTech]

Its simply a matter of goals. If your going to stay below 550 hp and your on a serious budget. Go Gen 1 parts are cheap an their is no hidden conversion cost's.
If you have 600 hp goals then the LS is the only way to go and you should realize that these goals will cost you.

for me the cost is about 12 grand. 6K for a GTO dropout (this includes trans)
4K for a supercharger and 2 K for mounts headers and Misc stuff.


Now can you build a 600 hp Gen 1 for that sure.. but not a stable one. Once you get to these numbers you need to go with a Dart block which are 1400.-2k easy. Add in a set of 3K Afr's and a 1K cam lifter rocker combo, 3 k on the efi 2 K on crank rods pistons. Quick math puts you at the same numbers with no trans pluse $$ for a charger and cooler (no cooler for blow through BTW).... it adds up fast... and at the end of the day you wont have 18 degree heads or an alum block.....

[anthony 69]

so far we have 135 views and only 16 - 17 votes. come on vote, your vote could help me deside sell my sbc parts and buy an LS motor over magnacharger. i was thinking of doing the 400 sbc. id also like to see pics of your engine bays .thanks anthony

[XLexusTech]

Anthony perhaps if you outlined your goals, HP,TRQ, and Use it would encouraged people to respond.

Cause its pretty much a no brainier if you want a 600 hp car with good drive ability the clear choice is LS.
If you goal is sub 575 lets say and its a limited use car then its a new discussion. I have milled this over so many times on paper and in my head while making this decision myself

[Vegas69]

The ultimate in my opinion is either an injected big block or a LSX. LSX is really reliable cheap power.

[XLexusTech]

Todd I dont know but often wonder what the weight difference is between the vatious motors. I assume a BB is a could hundred pounds heavier.

If its not. I just saw a Procharged BB here for dirt cheap... lots of potential there

[anthony 69]

i am making the car a pro touring car with stance and handling take it to the local car show etc drive it on weekends. i estamite the 400 when built would make around 450 hp not too agressive and a supercharger would make around 560-580 hp. i have a new roller comp cam.edlebrock etek 200 heads. but with the cost of the supercharger machine shop cost. could still get a LS motor from frank at gp. that my dilemna. thanks Anthony

[XLexusTech]

Very common delema. keep in mind that at those levels your pushing a stock block. Under boost .. your asking for a headache. I was in the exact same spot.

Here is my plan sold the heads, intake carb MSD hearders and various other SBS stuff, also sold the Bell housing, seling the trans (4 spd) end of day made around 2k.

Phase 1 GTO drop out 6k 400 very reliable HP, Phase 2 magna charger, 550-600 very reliable hp. Not pushing the limits of the hardware.

Now if you were to lower you HP numbers then you can be safe at the 500 hp mark.. For you edescribe use that is a good number and very achievable with you Gen1.

My advise start with the motor with the most potential the LS

[ironworks]

In my book, your wasting your time and money with what is avalible today by building a SBC. LSX unless you just need big block torque. I doubt you will ever see an LSX out do and big block. no replacement for displacement. Except in mileage.

[Speedster]

Just remember that the LSX has about 50 years of engineering development over the first gen. Improvements on all fronts. Think of where TV's were 50 years ago compared to today. Which would you choose?

[JamesJ]

This is what I have to say,

Three years ago when I started my motor setup there was very little in the aftermarket parts area, even valve covers were few and far between. I hate the way that a LSX looks stock. so I went with a SBC and a procharger, EFI. I like it, but if I was to build a something today, I would just get a tricked out LS7 with a bunch of sheet metal parts and call it a day.

[boonedog]

This is what I have to say,

Three years ago when I started my motor setup there was very little in the aftermarket parts area, even valve covers were few and far between. I hate the way that a LSX looks stock. so I went with a SBC and a procharger, EFI. I like it, but if I was to build a something today, I would just get a tricked out LS7 with a bunch of sheet metal parts and call it a day.

i agree 100 percent stock ls1 look like sh!t i think i hate the factory intake manifolds and coil setup unless they are moved. BUt dressed up they look bitchin and deliver excellant power.

[anthony 69]

how much hp do's a stock L92 make. what would it take make 570-600hp same with the LS7. thanks

[Vegas69]

I have to say that you might not want to get sucked into the madness around here either. If you have a bunch of money tied up in your small block combo, then use it. You can get caught up in chasing the biggest, newest, greatest thing around here. Ask me how I know. At the end of the day you are going to lose your ass on used parts. I'd go LSX over a small block but not if it strains you financially. If you want to feel better about the small block, go post the poll over on Camaros.net. LOL

[XLexusTech]

I have to say that you might not want to get sucked into the madness around here either. If you have a bunch of money tied up in your small block combo, then use it. You can get caught up in chasing the biggest, newest, greatest thing around here. Ask me how I know. At the end of the day you are going to lose your ass on used parts. I'd go LSX over a small block but not if it strains you financially. If you want to feel better about the small block, go post the poll over on Camaros.net. LOL

X2
and to add to the cost of the aftermarket part is still very high IMHO,headers is a good example.

If the OP is anything like me he will get the need for more so the LS brings more potential to the table. Believe me I fight this arguemnt in my head all the time. I am a long time SBC guys who has been in the small block camp forever. Its tough to make the jump

[Stuart Adams]

LS.:thumbsup:

[anthony 69]

it looks like most of you would purchase an LS motor. I think the sbc with a efi supercharger would look a little different to what most everybody else is doing. knowing I don't have the finance to up grade the LS by much after the purchase. and i think 500 or so hp may not brake any records but will be fine for me. and you know something bigger, faster, newer always show up at the shows to take your trophy. I thank everybody for your input, keep voting like to see the result.

[AJSZR2326]

supercharged ls2 550hp@ with the lsx you will miss that s/c whine ( its a mad max thing):)

[tones2SS]

I'm in the same boat as you Anthony. My car will only be a car show car or a weekend warrior and not driven much as well, so I see your question.
I LOVE the sounds of a SB or BB, but these LSx engines are just screaming for performance parts. Intake, headers and full exhaust and you're on your way to some serious horsepower gains. Never mind cam swaps and of course, tuning!!:_paranoid :unibrow:
GOOD LUCK!:lateral: :cheers:

[BBC71Nova]

You can make serious power with any of these. Sure, LSx platform puts up good numbers and you get EFI to boot. If starting with nothing, then LS crates are good options. However, you can still build a solid SBC or BBC for similar money minus the EFI. Typically those will be built with all forged internals which isnt' the case with LS crates.

I have a big investment in BBC stuff so that is why I'm sticking with that. I love the LS stuff but not enough to eat a huge loss. I also love the BBC sound :-). Not to mention so many people are dumping new BBC and SBC stuff now just to get on the LS bandwagon that you can get some really good deals. On the flip side, don't try and sell any SBC/BBC parts in this market :( .

John

[nightrunner]

from the choices above, definetely go LSx. you can go anywhere from a stock 350hpLS1 to a 620hp LSX454 crate up to 2500hp+ built engine with forced induction/nitrous. there are reports of the 4th gen camaros getting 28mpg on hwy with ls1/t56 combo, very respectable IMO.

i would go LSx under any circumstances unless you were either building a drag-only car or a show-only car, then it'd be a forced induction (of some sort) BBC. but for driveability purposes, LSx all the way.

for HP to displacement numbers with equal driveability, NOTHING beats the LSx.

[Ummgawa]

I am Johnson deep in a small block 400 stroker. I would do an LS motor any day over a SBC.

[anthony 69]

just checking in to see if every body changed there mind for the old Chevy small block. it seems to be going the way of the dinosaur. every body is making a very strong point for the LS motor and really its hard to find any fault with your logic as spoke would say.............thanks .......Anthony

[BRIAN]

How about both? Doesn't Bill Mitchell The Engine Shop make a hybrid that uses standard SBC bottom with LS heads?? Probably more expensive than just going with the LS.

Vintage look = SBC

Close the hood and drive it= LS

[waynieZ]

As much as it kills me to say LSX

[tones2SS]

As much as it kills me to say LSX

LOL!!!:_paranoid
Those new LS3's that are in the 2010 Camaro are wicked!!:yes: It's already @ 426 HP @ the crank.
Throw on a full exhaust, a cold air intake and a tune and you get a 50 horsepower gain?!!?! WOW!!
I can only imagine what a cam/heads/intake package would do!!!:_paranoid
I do LOVE the sound of a BBC though. CANNOT BEAT IT!

[69x22]

One with a F-1 Pro Charger is even better.

[tones2SS]

One with a F-1 Pro Charger is even better.

VERY NICE!!!:cheers:

[ZMAN1969]

I'd say LSX all the way - look forward not back!:bow:

[70rs]

Big block. I know it's not on the list of choices for the poll. Big block.:D

[tones2SS]

Big block. I know it's not on the list of choices for the poll. Big block.:D

LOL!!!!
Nothing says muscle like a BBC!:cheers:

[-Freak-]

Turbo SBC...

Can't help but play devils advocate. :unibrow:

[70rs]

Ok, twin turbo big block.......:thumbsup:

[XLexusTech]

I almost started wavering back to the Old School SBC after see the new short block DART is selling with thier SHP blocks. Then I ran the numbers again and I am back to the LS. Which really stinks cause I like the underdog..

[70rs]

The Dart SHP block is a great foundation. But as good as it is, the newer technology behind the LS series with thier efficiency, durability and ease of making more HP is really hard to beat. If I was not going BBC I'd be doing an LS motor. I have always wanted a big block and now is my chance to do one right. Next project will be an LS for sure though. The prices just keep falling too, bonus!
I say to each his own. Any one of the three can make good power and be a ton of fun. They all have thier place in the hobby.:cheers:

[XLexusTech]

The Dart SHP block is a great foundation. But as good as it is, the newer technology behind the LS series with thier efficiency, durability and ease of making more HP is really hard to beat. If I was not going BBC I'd be doing an LS motor. I have always wanted a big block and now is my chance to do one right. Next project will be an LS for sure though. The prices just keep falling too, bonus!
I say to each his own. Any one of the three can make good power and be a ton of fun. They all have thier place in the hobby.:cheers:

X2 well said. Additioannly I am seeing more and more Alum block avail for GEN big and small block. Even on the used market. If the Super mods and other classes move to LS platforms we could see the market fall out of Gen1 stuff.
Like Alum SBC 18 Degree.. on the cheap.. I am all over it]
I constantly troll RacingJunk.com for deals

[70rs]

I agree. There is alot of good stuff getting cheaper by the day for the old platforms. It was not too long ago that you could not touch a set of BBC aluminum aftermarket heads for under 3k. Now they are everywhere. But the LS stuff is following suit. It is all coming down with time. By the time I am ready to do another project the LS engines will be very affordable. They are not too bad now.

[tones2SS]

I agree. There is alot of good stuff getting cheaper by the day for the old platforms. It was not too long ago that you could not touch a set of BBC aluminum aftermarket heads for under 3k. Now they are everywhere. But the LS stuff is following suit. It is all coming down with time. By the time I am ready to do another project the LS engines will be very affordable. They are not too bad now.

Good thing for us huh Eric???:cheers:
lol:thumbsup:

[70rs]

Yes it is. If the clock were turned back 5-10 years on BBC pricing for cool aftermarket stuff there is no way I could build this the way I am now.
But then again, naturally aspirated small blocks pumping out 550 plus hp were REALLY rare and VERY expensive. It's like anything else, time and competition in the market place bring prices down. Look what a new microwave cost when they first came out in the '70's to the mass market. VCRs, DVD players, CD players for our cars. Can you imagine paying close to $100.00 for a Sony Walkman? (That's with a TAPE player inside LOL). I am old enough to remember asking my parents for one and them saying something along the lines of "when hell freezes over" !:lol:
So now we have top quality parts available at prices that allow guys like me (on a budget) to go play with the big boys. To come to the party with a respectable level of power and reliability and on pump gas to boot!
I do believe the small and big blocks will always be around, but the LS is going to take full charge of the Chevy power end of the hobby. It is just a better mouse trap (no pun intended).:thumbsup:

[clay69camaro]

I will stick with my set of GMPP 18 degree head set up, massaged over and flowing more than 325 cfm. Mated to a nice SHP block or little M 427-454. Just have to crunch the numbers on everything to make the best selection. Lookin at about 671 hp with current cam and 11:1 compression. But I'm gonna go with a smaller more tame cam and about the same comp. so in the ballpark of 600hp.

Do what makes you happy. and a mean muscle car idle makes me happy :hail:

[Norm Peterson]

If you include the possibility of an aluminum version of the LSx (probably NA only and possibly in restricted displacement), I would choose that.

Of the traditional SBCs, I'll keep my EFI 4-bolt 350 with AFR heads. I could see doing a 400 block with a 350 crank and keeping the good stuff that I already have, but going no bigger inside.

I don't particularly care for long stroke geometry or forced induction. I'll just look for a smaller car to put it in instead.


Norm

[69496]

LSX all the way. It is popular to people on these web sites but overall you will still won't see that many. Just too good of a platform to start with.

[71RS/SS396]

I vote LS the prices are getting very affordable, I just purchased a complete LS-7 w/ all the accy. and oil lines for the dry sump and 7400 miles on it for $6500. off of one of the corvette forums I think it would be hard to match the power level of an LS-7 w a sbc for that much money. The weight of the LS motors is another advantage for handling and straight line performance, you don't need to make as much power if you're lighter to achieve the same performance level. I will have to disagree with Rodger about being able to match the torque of a BBC I have an iron ls motor w/ a Harrop blower that is making 750 lb/ft of torque peak and it makes 650 lb/ft @2300 rpm, most forced induction set-ups are going to make boat loads of torque.

[The T-man]

SBC if I listen to my heart
LSx if I listen to my brain

BTW-
I'm building a DART LittleM 406 w/ EFi so I am biased:cool:

[E.rodz]

everyones going with the ls motors because the gm finaly took care of all the issues that all of the had.pull one apart and you will see why everyones doing it.myself personaly after just opening one up I sold all my old big and small block stuff.price out building the small block with the fuel injection and all new accesories on the front of the motor.alum heads ,oh and lets not forget the roller cam,and the roller rockers.how can you argue with 400 rearwheel hp.@only 4 lbs of boost out of a 5.3 and still 20mpgs.dollar for dollar you just can't beat the ls motor.
http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/erodz/HotRodPowerTour/powertour2009018.jpg
:D

[deuce_454]

everyones going with the ls motors because the gm finaly took care of all the issues that all of the had.pull one apart and you will see why everyones doing it.myself personaly after just opening one up I sold all my old big and small block stuff.price out building the small block with the fuel injection and all new accesories on the front of the motor.alum heads ,oh and lets not forget the roller cam,and the roller rockers.how can you argue with 400 rearwheel hp.@only 4 lbs of boost out of a 5.3 and still 20mpgs.dollar for dollar you just can't beat the ls motor.
http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/erodz/HotRodPowerTour/powertour2009018.jpg
:D

what the heck is that awefull plastic injection stack look alike you have on top of your engine... it just looks wrong... the picture just screams to heaven that either the blower, or the stacs are FAKE..

[Steve1968LS2]

if you had a choice which would you pic. an lsx motor great motors but every body is doing it these days. or 400 sb with a fuel injected magncharger a little differant. hp and about the same. ls with better idle, 400 chopper muscle car idle. i wish i knew how to take a poll. thanks anthony

The blown SBC will cost more.. make less power and get worse mileage.. and weigh more.

Other than that though... lol

Just kidding.. but seriously, the factory EFI stuff is a snap compared to the aftermarket and replacement parts are easy to find, even i the middle of nowhere.

[sacarguy]

Everyone's doing a LSX conversion because of the better driveability, fuel economy, etc. The heads have better flow numbers and easy to upgrade hp numbers with tuning. Go with LSX.

starting from scratch you can make as much power as much driveability and as much fuel economy from a SBC but unless you are building a serious engine its just easier and cheaper to do the el es jaun ..

the statement you made is ONLY true when comparing a stock style vs stock style setup

yes a carbed sbc vs a efi ls1 is going to lose out

but when building with aftermarket heads ... aftermarket cams aftermarket efi etc you can do anything with a sbc you can with a ls1

the ls1 has the advantage on milder combos where you are not going to change out the heads going to leave the stock efi etc

But if you are looking to build something wilder 400 + cubes aftermarket efi turbo or supercharged etc 550 + horsepower then he sbc can hold its own all day long with the aftermarket parts that are available out there.

the only reason the el es jaun in my opinion wins out is for a driver with mild performance upgrades you can buy 5.3 drop outs complete with auto transmission and the efi for around 900-1400 bucks all day long if you look and by time you add everything you need to install it etc your sitting around 3 k for a late model efi drive train ..

[sacarguy]

I vote LS the prices are getting very affordable, I just purchased a complete LS-7 w/ all the accy. and oil lines for the dry sump and 7400 miles on it for $6500. off of one of the corvette forums I think it would be hard to match the power level of an LS-7 w a sbc for that much money. The weight of the LS motors is another advantage for handling and straight line performance, you don't need to make as much power if you're lighter to achieve the same performance level. I will have to disagree with Rodger about being able to match the torque of a BBC I have an iron ls motor w/ a Harrop blower that is making 750 lb/ft of torque peak and it makes 650 lb/ft @2300 rpm, most forced induction set-ups are going to make boat loads of torque.

with forced induction but stick a blower on that bbc and you now got 1000 pound feet of torque

[steinepstein]

I'd like to see some kind of equal comparison(s) on a couple different levels.

Check out airflowresearch.

383 makes 500 hp at 5500rpm

stock ls makes 530hp at 6500rpm.

I'd take the 383, better torque and would beat that ls all day long.

LS better technology, all around, no doubt.

[steinepstein]

I realized that I typed that last one and have not even considered proper displacement. I was thinking off the top of my head that I could get a 383 with roller cam and afr heads for an ls1 with afr heads?

Would this be an equivalent price to price setup?

Open up the LSA on the 383 cam setup to rev to 6500 like the afr setup and you are making 550+ easy and the tq curve would be so much juicier.

[70rs]

The small block may make more power or torque but the LS will almost always be more efficient. I don't know this to be true in all cases but I think if you compare the cost of each HP per dollar I believe the LS will be cheaper in the long run because of the edge it has with efficiency. It is just a better design overall. But that is not to say there are not plenty of high HP small blocks out there. It is a proven design and has been a staple in hot rodding for decades. No one will dispute how well it can do. But back to the HP per $ and the LS may come out on top.
If you are going by just displacement then how do you compare? Stock VS stock? Say a 327 VS a 5.3 LS because they are close in size. Or a LS6 VS a LT1 350, the LS6 was factory rated at 405 HP in stock form out of the ZO6. The LT1 was never rated that high. Throw a cam and good set of heads at the LT1 and you will get there, but do the same thing to the LS6 and it will beat the LT again. So how do we do an equal comparison?
One way would be to use all factory parts, even the GMPP heads and cams. The LS will still come out on top.
I am not an engine builder or expert by any stretch of the imagination. So if I am wrong here please go easy on me.:lol: :cheers:

[scherp69]

how much hp do's a stock L92 make. what would it take make 570-600hp same with the LS7. thanks

Not sure if you've made up your mind or not, but to give you an idea of what my L92 that I'm putting into my 68 Acadian (Nova) will cost. It should be close to 560 - 570 hp when I'm done, which is what you were asking. I'm keeping the VVT so it might cost me a bit more. I'm using the Mast Motorsports controller and cam set up. http://www.mastmotorsports.com/page.php?Category=Fuel%20Injection&Section=M-90%20Performance%20Packages&id=70 It runs about $2500. It includes their SS cam, valve springs and their controller. For an extra $299 you can get the software and usb cable to program the controller your self. For another $500, you can get a controller that is already set up to add a turbo down the road. I'm going to add the Speed Tech/Stainless Works long tube headers (about $1400 but are the polished ones, $950 not polished, I'm using those as they are designed for the Speed Tech Subframe). I also have the new FAST 102mm intake ($800) and will be adding a 102mm Nick Williams DBW throttle body ($500). You can use the stock truck intake, which apparently flows better than the stock car intake. This should put me around the numbers that I hope to get...which seem to be around the same that you want.

I know Frank was doing a L92 deal where he replaced the VVT and put in a new cam and springs and a stock LS3 intake. They were making 525hp so as you can see...doesn't take much.

I know I voted for LSX but at the end of the day....you need to choose the way you want to go. I decided to go LS because the last few sbc's I did...I was constantly playing with the carbs, timing, etc. I'm sure part of it was cause everytime I adjusted something, I made matters worse. I really like the idea of having big power, good fuel mileage, reliability, etc. But I decided that's how I wanted to go. If you like the old school looks with the charger...than do it. It's your car...you need to be happy with it. Good luck with the decision if you haven't already made up your mind.

[INJECTED69]

Lsx !

[G-Body]

Not even close the 400 all day long and twice on sunday!

[FETorino]

so far we have 135 views and only 16 - 17 votes. come on vote, your vote could help me deside sell my sbc parts and buy an LS motor over magnacharger. i was thinking of doing the 400 sbc. id also like to see pics of your engine bays .thanks anthony

I tried to vote for a 427 Ford side oiler but the option wasn't on the poll...... I'm three years late anyway :lol:

[Rod P]

I voted LS but you cant really compare the SBC to the LS, sure there both chevy V8's, but they do everything completely different, power delivery, torque curves, sound, Idle characteristics, weight, length and so on

my car (Plain Jane) SBC powered 2011
http://i752.photobucket.com/albums/xx162/crazyshopmonkey/engine%20build/Photo0016.jpg

my car (Plain Jane) LS powered 2012
http://i752.photobucket.com/albums/xx162/crazyshopmonkey/LS%20Swap/IMG_0021.jpg

[clill]

Now that.....is a radiator hose.:cheers:

[Gatekeeper]

I voted LSX. :thumbsup:

[Den69RS96]

I know i'm in the minority here on this site, but I still love the gen 1 smallblock. LS motors def have the advantage in the hp department, but to me the gen 1 engines look better and sound better. I personally love the sound of a high compression, cammed, gen 1 smallblock.

[LSfan70s]

LSX

http://www.homebuiltairplanes.com/forums/attachments/chevy/6011d1267207337-ls1-engine-aircraft-ls1-firewall-forward.jpg

[anthony 69]

Just an update I’m putting the 400 sbc in an 85 camaro. And I am going to get a 427 short block from dart and put the supercharger on it. I must say things have been going a lot slower than I hoped. I’ve got big ideas [dreams] and empty pockets but it’s getting there

[hifi875]

What can a sbc do better than a ls. I can't think of anything.

[snappytravis]

Microwave popcorn or hot air, ls if you want to drive it sb 400 if you want to work on it.

[IMPALA MAN]

With this build an LS seems like a no brainier. When I bought my engine 3 years ago, I went with a TPI/SBC (tune port) for a few reasons:
1. I wanted fuel injection without breaking the bank.
2. The price of a used LS engine was considerably higher than a TPI SBC
3. I had to be able to find headers to fit without them being a $2000 custom set.
4. The difference in price for the wiring harness and computer from SBC to LS was considerable.

Today, none of these are issues. Everything is available and priced the same. I gave $1100 for a running TPI engine out of a Vette. You can find a good running LS for that now.
The headers, for my car (a 77 Impala, Project Impulse) are still not available and probably will not ever be. For a 1st or second gen Camaro, they are available all day long.

When the LS was introduced, it was dubbed "the next 50 year engine". The SBC was a 50 year engine. So the question becomes, do you want an engine designed for the next 50 years or the last 50 years.

Last thoughts, pull the pan on a SBC and an LS. Take one look at the main caps and see what you think. The LS engines are designed throughout to run higher power, and still remain reliable and streetable for 100G miles or better.

[XLexusTech]

my 2 cents... I spent a lifetime supporting the SBC... absolutely love the engine... and after much internal dialog i am going LS...

Now if an aluminum block Gen1 SBC were affordable i would be leaning in that direction... 18 degree, hell yeah... but since that is cost prohibitive compared to the LS... its LS all the way for me...

if you want around 500 HP or below and money is tight SBC is the way to go...