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What engine should I put into my squarebody?


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Onebad1983

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Hi, my name is Kaleb. I turn 16 in June. I currently own a 1983 K10 that I plan on turning into a toy. I also own a 2002 Tahoe 4X4 as a daily

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Old77

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350/350/454
:welcome: to the site :waytogo:


If it was me and wanting to LS swap my truck I'd just stick to the basics of 5.3 or 6.0 or maybe even a 4.8 if I got it for almost free. A LOT more bang for your buck where as you'll pay through the nose on the options you have listed in your poll.
 

WFO

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Welcome from the Texas Panhandle.
 

Onebad1983

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:welcome: to the site :waytogo:


If it was me and wanting to LS swap my truck I'd just stick to the basics of 5.3 or 6.0 or maybe even a 4.8 if I got it for almost free. A LOT more bang for your buck where as you'll pay through the nose on the options you have listed in your poll.
Yeah but imo the 5.3 sounds weak
 

Old77

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Yeah but imo the 5.3 sounds weak
The 5.3 is a very reliable engine and is plentiful so many pennies can be saved (as compared to your poll choices) so that the money can be put into hop up goodies or other aspects of your build. I'm just trying to encourage you not to get caught up in the "oooooooooohhhhhhhhhh LS3" factor (or whatever) and use your noodle. You will indeed unnecessarily overpay for the options listed
 

Onebad1983

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The 5.3 is a very reliable engine and is plentiful so many pennies can be saved (as compared to your poll choices) so that the money can be put into hop up goodies or other aspects of your build. I'm just trying to encourage you not to get caught up in the "oooooooooohhhhhhhhhh LS3" factor (or whatever) and use your noodle. You will indeed unnecessarily overpay for the options listed
I just want something to drive and be able to boil the rear (or all four) tires on command
 

Old77

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I just want something to drive and be able to boil the rear (or all four) tires on command
A well built 5.3 will do that. Heck, even a built 4.8 will do that with no problem.
 

Derrick

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5.3
:welcome: the 5.3 is a great option parts are everywhere. they are very reliable I have seen 5.3 trucks were the motor lasted way longer than the body. the big block would be easier depending on what you pick for that. (less wiring than the 5.3) there are a few people on this forum that have done 5.3 swaps and if you need a place to find a cam for a 5.3 go to https://www.texas-speed.com/. Another thing with the 5.3 is if you buy a truck that has a 5.3 (2000-2006 truck seem to almost always have them) you can pull the harness and trans. The 5.3 also gets better gas mileage than a big block could ever dream of. So my vote is 5.3 but it is your truck in the end
 
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82sbshortbed

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:welcome: if you were in Texas I have a buddy with an ls1 ready to go. He offered it to me when I got my 82 c10 about a month ago. I have a 2000 camaro ss with an ls1 so I decided just to rebuild the small block in it for cost and the fact I have the camaro that's already fast as hell. I think here you'll find the big block will be the most voted on. Good luck on whatever you decide on.
 

Old77

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What the hell is other and who voted for it??? Lol
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I added that per my previous comments on this thread. There needs to be an "other" selection here :handshake:
 

Honky Kong jr

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Lil BB 407
I added that per my previous comments on this thread. There needs to be an "other" selection here :handshake:
Ok I was just wondering. Because to me putting in a SB isn’t a true swap lol
 

Old77

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Ok I was just wondering. Because to me putting in a SB isn’t a true swap lol
putting in a 350 or 305...correct, that's not a true swap. Putting in a "small block" LS motor, though, that is a true swap IMO. There's nothing stock about that as it pertains to a square body and in many aspects is a huge improvement over the old power plants.
 

Honky Kong jr

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putting in a 350 or 305...correct, that's not a true swap. Putting in a "small block" LS motor, though, that is a true swap IMO. There's nothing stock about that as it pertains to a square body and in many aspects is a huge improvement over the old power plants.
I’m not arguing it just struck me funny there was a list of LS engines and big block and other. It made me laugh a little.
 

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