68 sb, 283 vs 4.8 ls

[JPsChevy]

I'm slowly making plans for this winter, my 68 currently has a 250 I6 which is a decent running engine but lacks power.
I'm looking for input on opinions here. I'm going back and forth contemplating which engine. I want to run a m20 or m21 transmission, should I go with a 283 which I could probably pickup and rebuild for roughly 1000 total or....should I go with a 4.8L LS? Just looking for some input, would really like to have my truck back together with either engine for our honeymoon on route 66 next June.

[brad_man_72]

Ls

[agawam]

how could you possibly beat the dependability of a 283, near perfect engine, simple and the factory doesn't make them anymore ( THEY DON'T WANT ANYTHING THAT DOESEN'T BREAK)

[GASoline71]

The dependability of a modern fuel injected engine is far superior nowadays.

However... I do agree that the simplicity of the venerable ol' Small Block can't be beat.

Gary

[MARKDTN]

LS.

Or if you really like a 283 you could swap to TunedPort fuel injection. I have always wanted to do a 283 with TPI. I want to find a way to keep the script valve covers, have PCV, and be able to fill with oil. Maybe through the road draft tube opening? TPI would give it some low RPM torque and on a 283 you could still have enough air to rev high. (A 350 with TPI is really limited to about 6500 RPM max due to the runners)

[67 chevelle]

my vote is ls ,6.0 would be really nice ,4.8 is a geat engine also at 1/2 the price

[mcbassin]

I have a 4.8 in my truck. It works way better than any traditional carbed I've ever owned. To me it's a no brainer but if you've never done the swap it might be a bit of a challenge.
Ultimately, you have to do what you want to do with your truck. I'm VERY happy with my little mouse, it was well worth the extra effort.

[67 chevelle]

Originally Posted by mcbassin

I have a 4.8 in my truck. It works way better than any traditional carbed I've ever owned. To me it's a no brainer but if you've never done the swap it might be a bit of a challenge.
Ultimately, you have to do what you want to do with your truck. I'm VERY happy with my little mouse, it was well worth the extra effort.

I feel the same way, 307 out of my 68 , had a rod thru the side , replaced with a 6.0, And another 6.0 in my 67 , replacing the 4 barrel 283 [it was a great motor but leaked horribly] , i can let them sit for months , they dont but I could ,, and go out tap the key and they fire and run like scalded dogs .

[michael bustamante]

damn now i want an LS

[JPsChevy]

I've been leaning towards the ls anyways, I think the challenge at hand would be mating the m20 or m21 behind it. I have found a 4.8l with 90k on it for 750 with no computer but on an engine run stand. But other wise haven't seen any others.

[dell72]

I've been contemplating an LS/overdrive swap on my 69 C-10 also. The I-6 and 3 OTT both work great, but more power and fuel economy would be nice. Tough decision, a SBC looks right at home on these trucks.

[Mike C]

I'm an old school kind of guy, but where late models kill it is driveline. Having the electronic transmission makes the truck as driveable as a new one. My vote would be for an LS with electronic trans. Preferably a 6 speed, but whatever your wallet will allow.

[JPsChevy]

Can I run my factory tach dash with an ls? Or is that out of the question.

[HeavyD]

There was a thread recently that mentioned a place that converted our factory cluster to work with an ls setup.

[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by JPsChevy

Can I run my factory tach dash with an ls? Or is that out of the question.

I am running an original style dash cluster and an original style tachometer. My son completely rebuilt it. You can see more details HERE starting on post #2000.
The electronic speedo is from an S-10. I bought the retrofit kit from THIS thread.
It takes some time and effort to install an LS engine (on a cheap budget), but the effort is well worth it. If you have plenty of money, you can buy everything you need off the shelf today. There aftermarket harnesses, motor mounts, headers, even clusters from Dakota Digital.
If you do decide to go LS, the engine forum on here is a wealth of knowledge.

[F.A.A.benny]

LS all day, everyday

[Andy4639]

For a person who drives there truck more than once a week to go to a car show, the only choice is LS!

These motors are going 200,000 +and more miles before having them tore down and rebuilt. The reliability is just unherd of. They make more HP stock than any stock SB produced ever!

My 71 with the 6.0/4l80e combo is awesome. The 305 TPI I had before was Ok but this combo is Awesome.

Easy start in cold are hot weather, MPG are way better. You want be sorry after doing it.

Here is a link for more info from the guy's on this board that have done the swaps.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/f...prune=-1&f=206

[Robznob11]

Ls all day every day! It's not as daunting as one would think! I was scared at first did all the work my self, I did not even have help stabbing the engine and trans! I wired my own harness, tune is the only out source. Busted of first crank. Got freeked out again on a cam swap. And again it nearly installed itself, and 're flash . Busted off again first try. And will out last out preform any sbc. Like stated before it a no brainer

[boraxman]

LS all the way but a 5.3 instead of a 4.8

[Eddie H.]

I learned to drive in a 57 chevy with a 283. I still have a fondness for those little engines. they are simple, cheap, easy to work on, and reliable. It is probably one of the best engines ever built, but it is still 60 year old technology.

The LS engines on the other hand, are more fuel efficient, more powerful, last longer, and don't leak oil. They are light years ahead in technology. As much as I still like the old school small blocks, I might put a LS 5.3 in my 69 GMC sometime down the road.

[Redline novdog]

If you have the time and money LS hands down. If you are going nostalgia Then a 283 is good,both will give you dependability,the ls will cost way more up front,wiring,trans,diagnostic/tune time. Mounts/driveshaft.

[H20cooled]

I've got a 4.8LS with a 4l60e in my 68, love the little motor and the 4 speed setup is wonderful. It was the first LS swap I have ever done but I read on the LS section what others did and put together a great setup. Its got great get up and go.

[88Stanger]

im old school, nice cleaned up and painted 350 with carb is my style.

[sawman]

still like the 283/327 they ran the streets back in the day very fast revs,very few break downs,never had to be towed,cant say that with newer engines now days,

[fast&low]

I'm going on my 4th day with my 6.0 Vortec MAX / 4l65e combo & my wife says I'm even smiling in my sleep lol
Retired the old 327 sbc & I dont regret it