Really considering going LS

Discussion in 'The Bench' started by STREETFIGHTER50, Feb 7, 2020.

  1. STREETFIGHTER50

    STREETFIGHTER50 Well-Known Member

    Previously I wanted to go with a Sniper EFI, aluminum heads, and a hydraulic roller conversion (Is there even a kit available?). Lately, I’ve been thinking about going with an LS swap instead. What can I get for this BBB 455 (462) from air filter to pan, including the ceramic coated TA headers and MSD dizzy. Has less than 600 miles on it and breaking-in with Valvoline 10w-30 and Lucas TB-Zinc Plus. Buyer can take it for a test drive first before pulling it out.

    Motor Combo:

    -K&N 14”x2-1/4” Filter

    -Holley 0-83770 Street Avenger Carb 770 CFM w/Electric Choke

    -Edelbrock 2146 Performer Buick 455 Intake

    -‘70 455 Block .030 Over

    -‘71 Heads w/Larger Valves/Hardened Seats

    -TA 290-94H Camshaft

    -TA 2012CSH Stage 1 Shorty Headers 1-7/8”x3”

    -TA 1423-9.350 Push Rods 9.350x5/16”

    -TA 1405 Hydraulic Lifters ‘70&Up

    -TA 1435 Stage 1 Performance Valve Springs

    -TA 1434 Valve Keepers

    -TA 1450 Chromoly Steel Retainers 11’3/8”

    -TA 2026 TA Reproduction Balancer

    -HV Oil Pump

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    Last edited: Feb 7, 2020
  2. BuickV8Mike

    BuickV8Mike SD Buick Fan

    Nice car Nic!
     
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  3. TexasT

    TexasT Texas, where are you from

    Your car, your choice.

    I would want to do a port fuel injected BBB, or If I stayed carb, do a 800cfm qjet set up for the combo. I don't think the sniper is any better than a well setup and tuned qjet. It might be easier and give similar performance but I just cant get with a throttle body deal over a carb.

    Again, My opinion.
     
  4. sean Buick 76

    sean Buick 76 Buick Nut

    I'm a big fan of the LS engines, they are amazing in many ways. That being said here are some things to think about. The LS engines are easy to work on and no leaks. Low $ for parts and replacement engines if needed. I use a Stage 2 BTR cam and Speed engineering long tube headers on the 6.0 in my truck. I use Blackbear Auto cal remote tuning, very highly recommended. I also suggest buying a custom wiring harness from a company that specializes in that, so much hassle retrofitting the wiring into your car. For sure have the rear 02 sensors tuned out so you can run without cats. Avoid anything with the AFM or DOD.

    The downsides to the LS in your application are:

    1. All the details and little things to make the swap work. They add up.
    2. Even the 6.0 is a little lacking in low RPM torque. Long tube headers and custom computer tune help a lot in that respect but still less low RPM torque than a 455.
    3. The 6.2 is a great option, but high $.
    4. If you go with a 99-06 5.3 its for sure low on torque. Good for fuel mileage and lots of fun over 3500 RPM.

    The other downside to the LS swap is that its tough to get good $ for your 455 in most cases. Although I guess if you found a buyer and the price was right then you could make out okay.
     
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  5. Brian Albrecht

    Brian Albrecht Classic Reflections

    Great looking 455". You mentioned a test drive but you're located in central California. What a guy from V8Buick says (unless he lives near you) isn't going to be a reflection of what it is worth locally. Do a CL ad and a FB ad with the number in your head and see what happens.
     
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  6. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Honestly, I think you are giving up on the 455 too early. I can't overstate the difference a set of good heads will make to your engine. I say invest in a good set of aluminum heads with as much porting as you can afford. Mill them to get your compression to 10.5:1. Bolt them on with no other changes and you'll be smiling from ear to ear. Oh, and ditch the Holley Street Avenger carburetor. Go to a Holley 850 DP.
     
  7. Mark Demko

    Mark Demko Well-Known Member

    Ive been saying this for awhile, the LS engines lack low end torque, and you wanna go from a 455 Buick which is the king of low end torque to an LS, that LS will feel like a V6.
    The LS series are good engines, but their not everything and a bag of chips:p
     
  8. Mark Demko

    Mark Demko Well-Known Member

    Listen to Larry, he knows stuff:D
     
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  9. sean Buick 76

    sean Buick 76 Buick Nut

    Good point Larry. A chassis dyno tune with a good carb and your 455 would be very good. It’s easy to dial things in on the rollers. Or at least instal an air fuel meter to help tune.
     
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  10. stump puller455

    stump puller455 1970 GS 455

    The elephant in the room ... i will say it ... a cheby mill in a GS .... puke !! ... no way i could do this to my big bad buick Hell NO i looking forward to showing my tail lights to every LS i can
     
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  11. Brian Albrecht

    Brian Albrecht Classic Reflections

    Careful, you're going to work up the GN guys! :D
     
  12. Mark Demko

    Mark Demko Well-Known Member

    Its ok, I own one:D:D
    The Turbo Buick V6 is a beast in its own right, but V6's will never compare to the instant torque of a Buick V8, its just a different experience, or feeling, hard to put into words:confused:
     
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  13. pbr400

    pbr400 68GS400

    LS engines don’t make peak torque until over 4000rpm. And they don’t make a lot even then. Food for thought.
    Patrick
     
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  14. boe

    boe Platinum Level Contributor

    I would've dropped a BBB in my Lund if I could've found wet exhaust manifolds. I never even considered putting an LS7 in my '67. Stay REAL BUICK!
     
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  15. Mike B in SC

    Mike B in SC Well-Known Member

    I liked the 5.7 LS in my 2004 GTO. Not a lot of low-end torque but it pulled hard once the revs were up. I should have kept that car...
     
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  16. BQUICK

    BQUICK Gold Level Contributor

    For racing having peak torque at 4000 or higher isn't that big of a drawback but in normal use I'd rather have it at 2800 or lower. My little 97 5.0 has more torque than an LS 5.3 when driving down the road at 1800-2K like we all do these days. Gotta love the way an LS pulls from 4500 up though......
     
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  17. black70buick

    black70buick Well-Known Member

    Having all the powerplants discussed here, Vortec 5.3 (aka a truck LS), a GN and a 455. Each has its strengths. I had been running down a crank issue on my 455, in fact I had the plan for more than 10 years that if ever there was a problem with the 455 I would pull it for a Vortec. Afterall, most cranks I sourced were near the cost of a 6.0 with ecm > $600. I already have a 4L80e. I had lined up the Riv for the extraction w/ 6.0 motor off CL and fate intervened. Short story the GN needed TLC delaying me and I found a 455 crank local and cheap. The math of the little details for a ls and being patient I stumbled upon a STD/STD crank for $400 did not tip the scale for me. It was close. The 455 will continue to serve the Riv. I love the simplicity of the Vortec and the legacy of the LC2(turbo 6). In short, it's a tough call. But if your 455 is healthy there isn't an LS with the torque you get with a 455 period so set your expectations accordingly. If you are going full on crazy with 1000hp TT setup, sure, go LS.
     
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  18. jay3000

    jay3000 RIP 1-16-21

    Turbo an LS.
     
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  19. STREETFIGHTER50

    STREETFIGHTER50 Well-Known Member

    Thanks for all the replies. I like everyone’s advice and opinions. I know there’s the die hard keep it all Buick folks, but I really wouldn’t mind a Chevy LS in my car. It’s still GM. Now if someone tried to put a Ford motor in it that would be a different story. For some reason LS motors can go in anything lol. I’ve seen em even in a bunch of Japanese cars and BMWs. They just make sense for alota people...
    More Q’s for y’all. Is there a hydraulic roller kit for the 455? Also, I really want EFI no doubt for many reasons. I don’t want to deal with any carb tuning. Ballpark figure how much it would be with this and some good aluminum heads??
     
  20. Mark Demko

    Mark Demko Well-Known Member

    Carbs are easy to tune compared to fuel injection:D
     
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