hey everyone i have been debating very hard about this issue do i stick with the 454 i already have and build it or do i sell it and build an ls motor ,, i want my car to be able to drive everyday and still run with the best of them on the strip ... i know either motor could do it but which do ya think would be best let me hear what yall think...

the car
64 chevelle 300

thanks
justin

Well, you could get what you're after either way, as you've admitted. The fact that you mention driving it everyday makes me think an LS might be a good way for you to go. I gather that money is not a problem given that you're considering the LS and a BBC.

If you're talking about building an LS with fuel injection, computer controls, etc. (is anyone building LS w/ a carb?) you will be able to build an engine with excellent street manners, pretty good mileage (depending on how wild, and large you intend to go) and impressive power/performance.

On the other hand, if you enjoy tinkering on your engine with a wrench, a screwdriver and a timing light, you're out of luck. You can still have fun messing with the computer settings, and you could, of course, swap out cams, rockers, etc., but you'll have to decide if that's your kind of gearhead experience.

Good luck. Sounds like you'll have an awesome machine either way.

depending on your skills, the ls conversion can be hard or easy-you can get into an ls motor pretty easy if you want to run a carb.-msd 6010 controller, intake, carb
then i would go for a 6.0 motor, found in larger trucks-then you need the conv. headers, diff oil pan, and a front drive system (wp, alt, ps) that will clear the steering box
it would be cheaper to build a bb, and easier, but i belive you can get good results from the ls engine and be more street friendly
i just finished an ls conv. in my 69

I drive both.
LS6 in a cadi.
For a daily driver an LS motor is versatile, light, and highly efficient (mileage)......and capable of big power.
Nice fit with a 64.
good luck.

I also have a LS1 and a 454.The 454 has lots of torque but the LS1 seems to have no limit on the rpms and it can get 25 mpg in 6th gear on the hwy.If you want to go ls I now see that paceperformance has the setup for the front dist and carb if you do not want the computer.Ls1 is great for a my daily driver but I still like a bb.

ive been debating this question for my next build up (which is a while off) but from what ive seen its hard to say no to a 6.0 build up when considering the drivability and gas milage compared to the big blocks. I guess ill have to sleep on that one awhile.

If it's merely a matter of economics, take how more an LS would cost and work that against the increased mileage. I was considering adding a Gear Vendor to my TH-400, but calculated that even with these high gas prices, it would take over 8 years to make back the extra cost. And that's with driving 10,000 miles a year.

thanks for the replies everyone,,,, i still not sure i thinking on going with a 6.0 probably with fuel injection ,,, will be saving for a good while to do either but gonna start buyin parts now ,,, fixing to get started on the rest of the body,,, thanks yall

A nice ol' Chevy should have a Chevy-designed engine.

BBC!!!!

Get something else to drive every day. Keep it period correct.....