Is a Backyard LS Swap Better Than a Shop Installed Built Small Block? | The Bottom Line

Engine swaps are one of the most common modifications for classic truck rebuilds as the original equipment either lacks power or is too tired for regular use. The Chevy Small Block 350 engine has been the go-to for decades as it is very common and easy to find parts to build for power and strength. However, the Chevy LS line of engines is a more modern version and has been dominating the swap market.

As the transmission went out on our ’62 GMC with a Stroker Small Block, we are weighing out the options to change everything up. In doing so, we visit Hector Muñoz and discuss the costs and differences between these two engine platforms.

0:21 Intro with Kevin Aguilar and Truck Updates
1:20 SBC Vs. LS Engines
4:26 Carb Tuning Vs. EFI Tuning
5:58 Cost of Junkyard LS Swap
10:31 SBC Vs. LS Seals and Leaks
13:00 Hector Muñoz’s ’73 GMC With Budget LS Swap
14:29 High-end Junkyard LS Swap
15:21 Cruising in Hector’s Squarebody
17:27 SBC Vs. LS Final Thoughts

Interested in different engine swaps for classic pickups? Watch our previous video about Gas Vs. Diesel with Gale Banks.

Check out Danny Carrasco’s LS3 swapped ’56 Chevy 3100 pickup that was built from scratch.

[boblast]

idk about the rest of it but you can put fuel injection on an SBC

[KGisthename]

Bottom line for me is if you cant adjust your carburator then go LS. I learned from dad when I was a kid and have been doing it all my life so I love my 383 stroker.

[mrclean]

I like hearing real numbers. Great job on these builds.

[joshuagarvey]

Everything he says doesn’t make any sense.The same thing can happen with an LS you still need A mechanic.If you want to fix your so called idle problem then bolt on an EFI.All motors need maintenance.Oil has to be changed, plugs has to be changed, air filter, so on and so on.Your 383 now we are talking.I would take the 383 over your 5.3 LS all day.

[itchy-scratchy]

I just did a 86 chevy g20 extended top. I rebuilt a 6.0 with a 4l80. All in 9k.

It had a stock 305 and th350. It had 97K odometer It needed new gaskets intake and a new trans. After pricing out new trans more or less rebuild on the top end. Swap made way more sense. It's tuned to get 26 mpg. I can tow anything.

[Joetemalet]

Oh wtf my boy shady is here wtf 😳 the last person I’d expect 😂😂😂 wassup shady 🤘🤘🤘 creek kiids 🧐

[alexisagc]

Cool s10. I got a 85 2.8 v6 ls swapping in the near future

[clydebethatway]

There’s just some guys that can’t work on an engine why would you have to re-do your timing once it set it set

[Blizzon]

And in Chicago ls swap looking at 12 to 15k

[mblake]

😆 carbs are such easier if there is no computer near by on side of road

[rubenramirez]

My 84 C10 355 5 speed has 420 HP I’m out running camed 6.2

[thebiguy]

Love episode that featured Hector 's truck.i have a 02 silvarado with 4.8 and I want to put a 5.3 in to use as a daily driver.Any suggestion on how to do it on a budget?ps I'm in Florida...

[jlarocque]

He never actually says how much he has in his ls swap must be his cheap isn't the same as most other people's.

[jlarocque]

Must be this guy has never heard of the one piece small block Chevy rear main seal lol.

[Timmermon]

Nice trucks, what’s the detail on the hood called?

[jonnyboi]

Awesome video! What 383 crate motor did you buy? I’m back and forth myself for a 55 gmc I’m doing.

[Clorox]

That’s not true I let my car sit over the winter and my carb is still failed in

[christmanscustomcreations]

just spend 800-1200 $ & put efi on your 350 !

[SWB_mike]

So full of crap that ls with Holley sniper is 1800 b4 anything installed the 350 is best bang for the buck period