I know a lot of people have done the LS1 conversion, but i was considering the vortec route. Has anyone put vortec heads and the RAM JET intake/fuel injection kit on a 350? can anyone give me some good numbers from a 5.7 vortec engine vs the LS1? opinions please!!

 

LS1 hands down. Much higher capabilities.

 

I did a vortec swap, im satisfied.. but if i could go back and had more money id go with an ls1 swap.

I put about $2500 into my vortec 350 and im probably at the level of a stock ls1 with minor mods.

 

an lsx swap will be more costly up front and a lot more work, but a lot more potential (especially if you go with a 6.0). the vortec route will be easier, but power will be limited

 

You can build a ton of power with the LSx platform, but it's not cheap. Most modifications for LSx's double/triple over the cost of SBC parts. Keep that in mind (aka: performance heads from AFR are $1400 as opposed to $2500 and up for the LSx for similar quality heads, or compare an Airgap intake versus the Lsx FAST intake). Dollar per HP you get a decent bang for your buck, but you'll invest more getting there. Obviously, that will change as the years go by, though. That's your call. If you make a decent amount of money I'd say go with the LSx. Nothing like making a ton of power and having the advantage of good gas mileage as well.

FWIW: I went with the SBC when I had to make this choice and ended up saving a ton of money while getting some good power gains for what I'm working with.

 

LSx parts prices are slowly coming down as parts start circulating. Like 1ADan said, an LSx swap is more costly right away because you have to set the car up for the drivetrain. But after that you could go buy an ls7 crate motor and slap that baby right in.

 

Split the difference and go LT1.

 

While I agree aftermarket LSx intakes are insanely expensive, not so with cylinder heads. For one thing, the factory ones do mighty well. But, CFM for CFM, a "good" SBC head can cost you as much or more than an LSx head.

Local racer bud has a '99 'Bird that runs low-11's (sea level) with nothing done to the engine but air inlet, cam and headers (plus tune, and TH350, and gears, and roll bar, and the only seat being a racing seat). You aren't likely to see that out of an SBC. It still has the original LS1 intake on it even (I'm sure he's losing some power there).

 

I agree with with going the LS route... it will cost a bit more up front, maybe a little maybe lots, depending on the route you take, but it will be a much better choice in the end... more power, better fuel economy, better aftermarket support (compared to the Ram Jet part of your idea, which has basically no support) and its a much more durable base to build on. The LS engine kinda solved all the weak links that plagued the Gen 1 small block almost since inception.

 

My vote, LS1... Lighter, handles better, better mpg, well and just fun.