My old 350 is on it's last legs and I'd like to pick up a stock low mileage LS junkyard engine to play with, maybe change the cam and springs in it, I'm going to run a 4bbl intake and carb. on it with the Edelbrock timing control module for now. Which stock engine would handle RPM better 6500 MAX. And are the cast iron versions any stronger in this respect?

 

This is just my 2c...

If you're talking about your standard 350-400 hp street engine, then either one will work just fine. Offhand, I don't remember the bore/stroke measurements of either engine, but the general rule seems to be that engines with a bore larger than the stroke length will rev more easily - but all of the LS-series engines that I'm aware of will spin to 6500 pretty easily.

As far as toughness goes, I don't know that either one will be any tougher at this power level, since you've still got a little ways to go before seriously stressing either one... I wouldn't even be concerned about stressing an aluminum engine until somewhere around 475 - 550 hp...

Depending on the year & mileage of the engine that you get, it's probably a really good idea to spend the $100 on upgraded rod bolts (I did), but other than that I'd guess that you'd be OK. These are some well-built engines.

Finally, I've heard that people seem to like the MSD controller box over the Edelbrock unit, but YMMV...

 

I just saw a kit that Edelbrock has that comes with a RPM intake and controller too, but if the MSD is better for about the same price I could go that way too, and yes I'll be shooting for only 400 or so HP on this engine as it's going to be a daily driver.

 

5.3's are great engines and can be had for next to nothing. I picked up my 14k mile 5.3 for $200. Try getting a 6.0 for that much. The sucky part with using truck engines is you have to change oil pans and all accessories to Fbody versions. Both engines will go to 6500rpm. I'd go to aftermarket springs to be safe though; if you're changing the cam, you might as well change the springs too. Either PAC 1218 or Comp 918 springs are great.

I would definitely go with Edelbrock's Victor Jr manifold and the MSD 6010. I'm doing the same thing with my project plus a cam (tsp224r), PAC1218 springs, and Hawk's LTs. Should make for 350-375hp.

 

Why would I want to go with a Victor Jr. with a 3500 to 7500 RPM range as opposed to a Performer RPM with a 1500 to 6500 RPM range??? I'll be running a stick shift too but really don't want to loose much low end torque.

 

I don't know of too many people using the Performer intake. Most of the people I've seen with a carb conversion use the Victor Jr and MSD 6010. I haven't heard anyone complaining about losing low end torque.

 

Maybe they just don't know they lost it!!! But I think with a mild cam a dual-plane Performer RPM would be a much better choice.

 

That could very well be. With a mild cam on a mostly street car the Performer probably would be more ideal. Post up some pics when you get it swapped in.

 

negative,
dont throw your money away on that intake.
go with a super victor or even a victor jr.
gives u room to grow and allows for better flowing heads, and larger cams.
i wont anything less than super victor from now on.

 

you can buy the GM intake to help a lil bit on the tq side, but i wouldnt use the performer.
a 6010 box is a must. the edelbrock box is a joke.
if money isnt an option, go 6.0 and never look back. tons of torque, and responds to mods.

hard to beat the price of the 5.3's lately. you can always upgrade later if you feel the need.