LS or 505 Big Block Stroker

[Rob Scariano]

Sweet 2 door! I'd go with an LS based drivetrain personally. You can make similar power, more gear can give you that torquey feel np, weight savings over a big block would be big.

What do you mostly use this rig for? Its definitely not a serious off road rig with those big old wheels and low pro tires. Besides it too darned good looking! Show vehicle?

Definitely not show worthy but it's clean for its age. I'd call it an oversized grocery hauler. Lol. I put about 300 miles on it each month, if that.

 

[Rob Scariano]

Hey man Big blocks are awesome. A carb and a big lope @ idle is cool with me on an every once in awhile kind of vehicle. But if you want to actually drive it then the gen 3 gen 4's make a lot of sense.

It won't be a daily driver. More or less used for errands. I drive it about 300 miles per month.

 

[Rob Scariano]

Clean ride man, I like it! I too would go with LS. They can be had for a dime a dozen and bolt ons will make great power. Not to mention it will always run cool too.

With the LS, is still have to change the transmission as the stock 4L60 won't handle the extra power. I priced it out at a local shop. The big block route is slightly more expensive but not drastically. An LS installed will run anywhere from 5-8 grand installed depending on the engine/transmission mileage/condition etc.

The big block with TH350 will come in around 10 grand. With the BB, I would scrap the factory computer and gauges and run analogue for everything. I would most likely use a universal dash from Dakota digital.

 

[drakon543]

If you have the $$ to throw at it and your dead set on having that extra big block rumble then i say go for it. Reliability can be thrown to the wind if its something only meant to be taken out to scare the bejesus out of everyone and to beat on it. As a toy mpg should be bottom priority anyway. With the right parts and work you could have the power you want from either engine but back to your other wants it still points back to the big block. All in all it sound like you want something different, be able to scare the sh** out of people and be able to say it has something most others dont.

 

[Rob Scariano]

If you have the $$ to throw at it and your dead set on having that extra big block rumble then i say go for it. Reliability can be thrown to the wind if its something only meant to be taken out to scare the bejesus out of everyone and to beat on it. As a toy mpg should be bottom priority anyway. With the right parts and work you could have the power you want from either engine but back to your other wants it still points back to the big block. All in all it sound like you want something different, be able to scare the sh** out of people and be able to say it has something most others dont.

I appreciate the feedback. I guess I'm wrapped around the axle on reliability.

Why would a low compression big block built to proper specifications be any less reliable than an LS pulled from a junkyard?

 

[Rob Scariano]

I'd add one last comment for consideration. If I was building a drag car, the LS would be my choice. However, I am searching for torque. Lifted trucks benefit more from high torque at lower RPMS (obviously) than high HP achieved from high RPMs. Does anyone have subjective data to show that an LS will outperform the BB on torque at lower RPMs?

 

[SUBURBIAN]

No. And looky here. http://www.vortecpro454.com/#xl_xr_page_engines

 

[ccapehartusarmyINF.(ret)]

500 cid moter in a halfton blazer and with a big lift like that
id be concerned with drivelines snapping if yer one of types that likes to try to break the wheels loose

 

[drakon543]

I appreciate the feedback. I guess I'm wrapped around the axle on reliability.

Why would a low compression big block built to proper specifications be any less reliable than an LS pulled from a junkyard?

What i was getting at is if this is going to be a toy with the intent of showing off, weekend warrior, play thing your bound to break something at some point regardless. Either engine built with a balance thought of the power output you want and some concerns of reliability can be achieved. Go with big block parts rated well above your output goal is and you will get your reliability. There is nothing wrong with a good carb setup either, a good quality carb matched up with your build and normal maintenance and there wont be an issue. Im saying you seem stuck on having a big block and already have an idea how you want to do it i say go for it. Its your truck you should build it for your approval not everyone elses.

 

[Rob Scariano]

500 cid moter in a halfton blazer and with a big lift like that
id be concerned with drivelines snapping if yer one of types that likes to try to break the wheels loose

No burnouts. Just need more power. It's a sluggish dog. I feel like I'm driving a Prius (power wise) when I'm accelerating.