[leftybass209]

I like both, but here's the real world breakdown:

The cost of the LS exceeds the sbc. Headers, radiator, wiring, gauges, transmission, fuel tank, etc. It adds up. A stock LS gets (I'll average) 7-8mpg more than a mild sbc. So in gas, it'd take you possibly years just to break even on the cost of the swap depending on how much you drive it. If you go used, an LS will average 325-350k before things start needing replaced or rebuilt, and your engine may already have 90-150k on it. Sure, some can go 450-500 but that's more luck and not an expected average, as a sbc can go 250k+.... obviously not expected. The more HP/TQ either engine is built for, the less longevity it'll get if you're using that power.

EFI is great on a sbc too, but again, cost vs. Return. You aren't squeezing an extra 5mpg out of EFI over a well tuned carb. At over 1200 bucks on the cheap side, that's a big investment if the expectation is mpg. They will obviously start easier than a carb year-around, but a well tuned carb'd sbc only driven in warm weather doesn't and shouldn't have starting issues to begin with.

Again, no negatives or bias towards either. The only time an LS swap makes sense for those who are budgeted is if you don't have ANY engine parts already.