LS engine vs. engine build?

[powermaddad2121]

I have an 02 4 door Jimmy, and am wondering which route would be the best way to go...installing an LS engine, or building up an engine....say a 383? I was wondering about width...i know the LS will fit...but am I going to gave problems replacing spark plugs with the 383? Also, has anyone done a 4wd conversion? What challenges or parts would I need for that...any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Melonhead]

Check this out.
http://www.s10v8.com/showthread.php?t=1073757272

[RobFromMyS10]

Why not got with a built LSX? You most likely make as much, if not more power, and get better fuel economy.

[Ryoung68]

LSX will require more frame modification but, would provide greater HP and be more streetable.

[Rinkrat456]

Rob you wake up too early.


The Gen III motors of today are well worth the work involved and expense. If you are on the fence, pick the Gen III motor and you will come to appreciate the choice you make. The 4wd conversion has it's own problems like the oil pan and front differential, but there are aftermarket pans available circulating the Sy/Ty communities to make the swap easier. I started the swap long before these 4wd pans started coming out so compared to me, you'll have it easy.

No particular parts lists are available other than the basic mounts and headers simply because each build is unique and the list of things to buy could be endless depending on who you are. Figure out what you want out of the Jimmy and start there.

[RobFromMyS10]

Rob you wake up too early...

Took you long enough to respond.

And I have bills, so I have a job, hence the getting up early.

[jsbhemi]

Okay I may seem a little biased, however IF you have the cash, which I certainly do not, White Performance on eBay has a crate motor. It's rated at 418HP and 400lb/ft of torque. All for the reasonable price of $3200. Here's a link.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/STAGE-ONE-418HP-CHEVY-350-CRATE-ENGINE-100-BRAND-NEW_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33615QQihZ016QQitem Z260288053111

[Rinkrat456]

I could simply tune a bone stock LS6 to make that Chevy 350 in the link go home with it's tail between it's legs. For $3200, I could make that LS6 put out 418hp/400tq at only 5200rpm with another 1300-1400 of head room to run it out for a total of 465hp/440tq. Best thing is, in a 2wd S-truck, it'll still get over 20mpg no matter what 1/2 ton truck or car transmission is behind it. The information to get the swap done is all over the net, and if the money is available, only laziness will hinder a truck to get a new Gen III motor. Again, the rewards are plenty to justify the cost and time.

[Scotty_S-15]

I could simply tune a bone stock LS6 to make that Chevy 350 in the link go home with it's tail between it's legs. For $3200, I could make that LS6 put out 418hp/400tq at only 5200rpm with another 1300-1400 of head room to run it out for a total of 465hp/440tq. Best thing is, in a 2wd S-truck, it'll still get over 20mpg no matter what 1/2 ton truck or car transmission is behind it. The information to get the swap done is all over the net, and if the money is available, only laziness will hinder a truck to get a new Gen III motor. Again, the rewards are plenty to justify the cost and time.

Yeah, that LSx engine family sure seems to show a ton of potential. I keep looking at this LS3-480HP engine... found the link to this right here at the top of Mike's website:
http://www.crateenginedepot.com/store/LS376480-HP-62L-CrateEngine-with-HotCam-19171224-P2218C53.aspx

And the 515HP carbed version is an option too. Kind of pricey for these..... but hey, they seem to do the job.......
.
.

[Rinkrat456]

Ya the newer motors generally are more expensive, especially the Gen IV motors like that LS3. One is better off getting an LS1/LS6/LS7 before going up to the Gen IV style so one doesn't have to mess with swapping out the lifters, tuning out the displacement on demand, and changing out the crank for the the normal reluctor ring. I would take an LS6 and make that into something before going to an LS2, LS3 or L92 any day because of the easy swap to be had.

[powermaddad2121]

Wow!! Thanks for the all the info!!! keep it coming!!!! lol! I'm checking out all the leads you guys have given me....so much to go through, but WORTH it!

[Rinkrat456]

Look into Current Performance Wiring for the harness.

[Thunder55]

Thought I would throw this out there in-case you haven't seen it yet. http://www.superchevy.com/technical/engines_drivetrain/completebuilds_testing/sucp_0806_budget_ls_engine_buildup/index.html