Author Topic: Vortec 350 or LS1?  (Read 4242 times)

Offline vroomy

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Vortec 350 or LS1?
« on: August 15, 2016, 07:24:41 AM »
Looking for more performance. I currently have a 96 injected vortec 350. Looking for around 400hp good for everyday driving, what's the best/cheapest option? Do some performance mods to the vortec (if so what?) or do a LS1 conversion? 

Offline vroomy

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Re: Vortec 350 or LS1?
« Reply #1 on: August 15, 2016, 07:37:27 AM »
Also forgot to mention looking for good mileage too

Offline lyndoncp

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Re: Vortec 350 or LS1?
« Reply #2 on: August 15, 2016, 10:22:25 PM »
Personally I would stick with the Vortec. Not to hard to squeeze 400hp out of them.
You will have to do a bit of work to the heads- nothing major, BeeHive springs to allow for some extra lift or machine down the seats to attain the same effect. As well a light porting/polish/cleanup, then a decent cam and some headers to bring it all together.
Your fuel system will need some mods to feed that adequately though.

Offline Qman

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Re: Vortec 350 or LS1?
« Reply #3 on: August 26, 2016, 01:27:55 PM »
What he said. A swap is gonna cost you more money than just the engine. Lots of little overlooked things. Not to mention all the time and work. Keep the vortec. It's overshadowed by the ls but still a great platform.
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Offline frotosride

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Re: Vortec 350 or LS1?
« Reply #4 on: September 07, 2016, 08:34:14 PM »
Agreed, I love the LS platform for power but if $$ is an issue sling a little at that 5.7l and be happy or for less put taller gears in the differential and pretend like you have more power because it ill feel as if you do. Besides if you have an unmolested 1996+ 350 then you have true vortex heads and not the crap swirl port boat anchors used in 87-95. If you have a big enough budget and are the typical power hound you will want more power and any LS will out shine the 350 out of the box except maybe the 4.8l.
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Offline Tazman

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Re: Vortec 350 or LS1?
« Reply #5 on: September 07, 2016, 09:37:50 PM »
Also forgot to mention looking for good mileage too
Good mileage with 400 HP,I look forward to see what you get.
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Offline Flyinhillbilly

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Re: Vortec 350 or LS1?
« Reply #6 on: September 16, 2016, 11:55:40 AM »
Also forgot to mention looking for good mileage too
Good mileage with 400 HP,I look forward to see what you get.
My turbocharged 350 in my 84 K20 gets around 13 and does 3rd gear burnouts as far as I care to.
I was born on a mountian, raised in a cave,
Overpowered cars is all I crave.

Offline Tazman

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Re: Vortec 350 or LS1?
« Reply #7 on: September 17, 2016, 04:22:58 PM »
Also forgot to mention looking for good mileage too
Good mileage with 400 HP,I look forward to see what you get.
My turbocharged 350 in my 84 K20 gets around 13 and does 3rd gear burnouts as far as I care to.
That's good but I really like getting 19.4 my 87 TBI 350 gets.
Proud of and proud to be a veteran of our military.
God BLESS AMERICA