Trying to decide... LS1 or 427 SBC or 540 BBC

[flatlander757]

OK, my 94 Z28 is at 195,3XX miles now, and I'm looking to at least get a new shortblock built for it. But I'm also considering saving some more and doing an entire swap. I've been tossing around the idea of having several different setups put in, Here are some that I'm considering with pros/cons of each:

LS1 (320hp 345lb-ft tq)
Pros:
-mounts up to my 4L60E
-is tame enough to live on the 10 bolt for a little while
-great fuel economy, so daily driver would be doable
-insane aftermarket
-responds well to mods
-with the right exhaust, would be a great "sleeper"
-my Votech teacher has some good hookups, so I could get a crate LS1 for about $4000, but I'm unsure if this includes the harness and sensors/etc

Cons:
-doesn't sound too great, that's one thing I love about my LT1 and Gen1 SBC/BBCs
-all that computer crap to deal with
-still a fairly messy engine bay

Merlin 427 SBC (520hp 495lb-ft tq)
Pros:
-big displacement, small block= big power with not too much added weight
-very unique
-the magical 427 number
-tons of head designs available
-simple install, not too much wiring and crap

Cons:
-likely horrible gas mileage
-need to tune the carb often
-probably won't fare as a good daily driver
-I'd probably have to get a cheap beater car first if this becomes a project
-$9,500... so I'd probably be saving for quite a while
-I don't think it will mate to my tranny
-Will likely destroy the rear end instantly

Merlin 540 BBC (600hp 605ft-lb tq)
Pros:
-it's a BIG block... will undoubtedly sound badass
-it will scoot like hell
-unique, very
-big blocks take 200 shots of nitrous without thinking anything of it
-would be worthy of the name "modern hotrod"
-would only be a sleeper when it's not running

Cons:
-gas mileage... not a daily driver at all
-will destroy the entire driveline
-I'd definitely need a beater
-also $9,500
-won't mate to the tranny
-no problems with the heads ever choking it
-need to tune the carb often


As you can see I know that the LS1 has more advantages and less disadvantages but since I'm swapping engines now, this would be a great opportunity to make some fire breathing monster that would stomp everything in sight.

What do you guys think?

[kahjdh]

It would be best i think with an ls1. With how much work it would take with the other 2 that would be my choice.

[KPot2004]

ls1

[cuda_dude]

ls1 or lt1 rebuild

[drvngstorm05]

you want the most bang for your buck? and by far the least complicated? take out the lt1, bore and stroke it with forged internals, port the intake and heads with massive valves, mean ass cam, tune it, then buy a 250 shot for those times you're feeling crazier than normal (which would have you dancing around 750hp)

no harness work, no fabricating, cheapest, fastest, will still be efficient (when you don't nail the gas pedal)

it seems like a no-brainer to me... but if you want to spend more, work more and get about the same amount of power... you're choice...

[Xenostalgia]

Originally Posted by drvngstorm05

you want the most bang for your buck? and by far the least complicated? take out the lt1, bore and stroke it with forged internals, port the intake and heads with massive valves, mean ass cam, tune it, then buy a 250 shot for those times you're feeling crazier than normal (which would have you dancing around 750hp)

no harness work, no fabricating, cheapest, fastest, will still be efficient (when you don't nail the gas pedal)

it seems like a no-brainer to me... but if you want to spend more, work more and get about the same amount of power... you're choice...

Well put young padawan!!

Yeah Drvngstorm has the best idea of 'em all imho. Bore it, stroke it. Add some good internals and throw a 200shot in it and maybe some F/I and you'll never see tail lights again

Also it keeps you within your budget, don't have to worry about getting a 'bum engine' or something that randomly has problems. It is your car, no computer changes (maybe some small mods for tuning but nothing BIG like OBD2)

And lower down time vs swapping in a LS1 and stuff. I think drvngstorm has the best idea of 'em all, not putting the others down. It just seems like you are in a situation that you need a bit of money, while maintaining a daily driver. If you want a garage-queen then get the BBC cause thats what it will do most of the time while you drive around the beater. But for a daily fun fast driver, LT1 rebuild is my vote.

[Link85x]

I was thinking a LT1 rebuild myself. With only a few mods, LT1 can be in LS1 territory. As Dave said, stroke and bore it, and you won't be bored with it. Would be cheaper than the other three aswell...

[flatlander757]

Thanks guys, I know an LT1 would be easiest, but opening a 94's hood to see an LS1 would be just amazing But then again I WOULD keep the nice sound

I found a local, who I think has the most badass streetable LT1 I've ever seen.

http://media.putfile.com/BRUTL-TA

That's all on a stock bottom end

So maybe there is hope If I do indeed stick with an LT1, I would like to at least go to a 383 setup. I'm thinking this:
-Golen Engine Service 383 shortblock
-LE3 heads
(I'm not sure if the cam in that package would be right for a 383, so that will determine if I get the entire LE3 package or just the heads done)
-Pacesetter coated LT headers and some CAI(I'll buy these before I even get the engine... may as well make open up the power of my stock engine for now right?
-I like having decent highway gears, so I'd like to stick with the 3.23s for the time being, so about what size stall converter would I need? I'm thinking 3200-3500?
-New wires/plugs/injectors/58mm TB/ported intake at the time of install
-Dyno tuning

It would probably be wise to get some subframe connectors and maybe adjustable LCAs/panhard rod before all of this stuff?

Would a larger fuel pump be needed?

I'm not too good at making lists of all that is needed, but what else would be missing engine-wise aside from whats listed up top? I believe a new timing chain would be needed as well for example.

[Savage Messiah]

3.8

[drvngstorm05]

lol i try to be the voice of reason around these parts... when i'm not bonging a beer...

[cooltc2004]

Well, I would go with the BBC, but thats just me

[Genopsyde]

good luck getting that big block to fit in that cramped little engine bay.

[flatlander757]

[Xenostalgia]

Looks like alot of custom work flatty

[-The Stig-]

How about a LS2 outta a wrecked GTO/Vette/SSR?

Given time, they'll start showing up at places like this: http://www.hpsalvage.com/

Or on Ebay...

Personally, I'd go LT1 rebuild my friend. Cheapest of all options and would still perform bitchin.