My LS Conversion Dilemma:
 

Hey Guys, I've been doing more research on how to add more HP to my car. An LS seems like a wise choice, pretty easy and cost effective to get +500hp on a wet sump application. Unfortunately in studying the impact of the conversion, it seems like I will need to touch almost every major subsystem of the car: fuel delivery, cooling, exhaust, clutch / bell housing / flywheel. I just finished a Viper T56 install on my SBC and most of the new parts will not be applicable in an LS swap.

I'm not sure it makes the most sense or "cents" :-) I'd like to get up to 500hp and think I can get pretty close in old school small block with hi flow heads, roller cam and a TB EFI. I'm considering putting a few power upgrades on the old SBC and plan a more extensive more upgrade +600HP dry sump LS conversion in the future. Is there anyway to do an LS conversion without replacing or upgrading all the subsystems mentioned above?

I'd love your thoughts. Thanks!

What are you starting with? You may need to change out parts of those systems just to reach your goals with a traditional SBC too.

I'm in a similar position as you are with the SBC/LS dilemma. If I add the TB EFI to my SBC, I think I'll splurge a bit on the fuel tank/pump/regulator/sender so that I would have the option of re-using it with an LS. The vaporworx/rick's combo is definitely a premium option, but it should work well with any EFI application, so why not go that route and give yourself flexibility down the road.

The majority of your exhaust could probably be re-used. You might just have to cut and re-do the first couple feet to get it to mate up with the LS collectors.

Cooling: You may be able to work it out such that you can use an LS-compatable radiator with your SBC. I'm not sure on this though...

I had to laugh at your " not making cents" comment. None of this stuff is financially a "good idea", but we don't do this because it is, we do this because, uh, well..hmmm....I guess we just can't help it. Does this make us junky's?

The sbc upgrade is going to cost you money. Heads, cam, intake, efi system, fuel system for the efi. It's gonna be expensive.

On the LS side of this deal, your gonna need headers, and most of the exhaust. If your gonna keep the LS efi, then you'll need a new complete fuel system, but that's a wash, if your gonna make your sbc efi. LS engines don't ask for much in the cooling department, so what you currently have should suffice. Your new tranny conversion won't work as it is. Is it fixable? Yes. My t56 came out of a camaro with a sbc. I converted it myself, for $600ish. It's really easy. You'll need a clutch and flywheel for sure, and the bell housings will interchange.

There's no arguing that the LS route will cost you more. I guess it all comes down to how much you want to spend. My LY6 makes 500 at the flywheel with a simple cam change, and headers.

Tell us more about what you currently have.

Thanks guys, I have a plain jane 350 SBC (late model heads 1975 or newer heads / stamped rockers) that was in the car when I bought it. Alum radiator (small stock replacement), engine driven fan, Edelbrock 600 CFM electric choke carb and Edelbrock 120 GPH electric fuel pump, shorty headers to flowmaster 40 series.

I'm all up for spending money, I'm just not keen on wasting it. I just installed a Alum flywheel and RXT clutch with my Viper T56 install, not too excited in selling both for a loss when upgrading to an LS.

I didn't anticipate I would want to upgrade the motor so soon. However, after running 2 ACSC events, my lack of power is evident in all three challenges: large track, autocross, and the speed stop squared. I'm building the car to run in these events and know it is an iterative process. Trying to determine if spending a little now will hold me over for bit and enable me to have a more competitive car.

How good of a driver are you? Lack of power can be a problem but if you're driving skills are on par with the guys you're loosing to, then more power is not your answer.

Here's a bell housing that will work for you. Maybe this will keep you from having to make any transmission changes beyond the flywheel and clutch. I don't know the Viper T56 though.

http://lakewoodindustries.com/drivet...dge-viper.html

Honestly, it sounds to me like you need to just go ahead and make the change to LSx. You have a lot of changes you're going to need to make to get an SBC competitive power wise. Many of these same changes will be needed with the LSx swap as well. I think you'd be wasting money to build the SBC and then swap to an LSx. The other thing to realize is you're scratching the surface of the LSx at those power levels. With the SBC, you're starting to get into very expensive territory to make even more power. Long term investment points towards LSx in my opinion.

For what it's worth, I'm telling you this as someone who intends to build an LTx motor. Call me crazy for not following my own advice but I'm not racing anyone either. Make the swap or buy Beach Cruiser's 377 he has for sale.

As much as I would love to see you with an LS swap and back in my shop for some work :hello: I would say hold off on the HP increase. Improve on your driving skills and zero in that suspension for more adjustability. Your car will tell you when you are ready for more HP and reliability. In other words, it may not be a neccesity at this time.

A far as the Viper T56, you can easily adapt it and use your clutch too.

Also what have you done as far as re gearing that diff?

Hey guys, I appreciate your concern over my driving skills. I think I'm pretty good and my wife says I drive TOO fast, however I haven't won OUSCI or any ASCS event, so more seat-time can always be good thing :thumbsup:

I found this article that Steve Rupp wrote in '09 and addressed my concerns about the flywheel and Quicktime Bellhousing, looks like I can re-use both.

Vince, you make goods points about suspension adjustability and re-gearing. Both are in the works. I couldn't put power to the ground with my 3.08, turbo 400 and skinny rear tires. The T56 is better, but I need more rear rubber and lower gears.

Josh, what is that 350 making... maybe 350 hp tops? Yeah that ain't cuttin it any of these events short of a GoodGuys Peanut.

The road course requires decent power. The Speed Stop deal requires decent power. And from what I saw of the RTTC4 autoX course setup, that was a pretty straight layout with horsepower getting real advantage. So I certainly see your point.

You can get 500hp easily out of a 383 SBC and it will be not be some radical race motor. stroker rotating assemblies are dirt cheap, get some decent heads and top end and there ya go. 150+ more hp it appears.

Not saying an LS isn't cool, but everyone loves to recommend it so quickly.

And as far as the advice of buying that 377 (no offense to Beach Cruiser) from all the way across country (um, shipping costs?) but why on earth would that make any sense whatsoever? Did you see the parts list of that 377?

Josh, I saw your times... you seem to be doing very well with what you got. I'd want more power too. :thumbsup:

Question: what is your ultimate power goal? 1 year? 3 years? 5 years?

I'm sorry but I had a good chuckle with this statement... Not laughing AT you at all so please don't take my comments as an insult.

You want more power -- but you can't put down the power you already have?

Like most of these discussions ---- it's never ONE item or ONE change that fixes a cars ills.... it's a PACKAGE DEAL... it's the COMBINATION -- and all those things working together and working well. What good is a big brake upgrade if you have skinny little street tires.... etc.

Look at your entire project and see if you can't tweak EVERYTHING just a bit to become more competitive??