Hello every body I need some help here in chosing an engine. I am kind of novice in this field so bear with my ignorance.
I am discarding my LO3 out of my 92 RS TBI (170 HP)as it got seized.
Does any body know if getting an LB9 from 88-92 will be better choice than LO3. I will try to keep it TBI for the time being because of financial reasons off course. So

1-Can I get more power with LB9 without having it tpi.
2-If yes then which year LB9 is the best choice.
3- If I make it tpi then how does it affect gas mileage? better or poor?

The car is my daily driver so that is one reason I am considering gas mileage and resisting my desire to have a 350 which off course would be more money also. I am talking about used motors here. Any help is greatly appreciatd. Thanks.

 

Have you considered a new long block and installing your existing TBI intake and accessories? That might be the most cost-sffective solution, and you'd get a 3/36,000 warranty with a GM crate engine.

check out the options at www.sdpc2000.com , and many other places.

 

thanks for that but as I said I am looking for lower price range power and also my car is miles away from my home. I just want to get it on road as quickly as possible but want to make this labour worthwhile at the same time. Any thing about LB9, compared with LO3??

 

LO3 is TBI and the LB9 is a TPI and unless you are getting everything it just may not be worth it. Just a little more HP/TQ with the LB9.

 

I would find a good deal on a long block or something....it will be worth your money compared to a older engine. But I do know how financial stuff is. I wish I COULD buy a damn block . Im so poor.

 

money wise a decent 350 isnt really much more than a 305, check your local machine shops, you can normally find a rebuilt 350 longblock for 400-600 bucks

 

Well, I guess I could but I don't want a rebuilt. Imma buy some bolt ons for my 83, like exhaust and put my intake on, get mid 14's with DECENT driving....I'm not great, I'm not complete **** at drivng.

As for a rebuilt block on subject again...I don't want one. They don't got what I want. I want a good block, Forged rotating assembly, 8.5:1 compression if I want to turbo or supercharge, or 10:1 for n/a. I would really like a power adder though, but I got a little while to begin to build the sucker.

 

Guys either you don't have the info I asked in the beginning or you are not reading the question completely. I know there is difference between LO3 & LB9. I just want to know the detail of how this difference is going to affect the power and gas mileage.At this point I don't want a new engine. After one year I can buy what ever I want. Finance is problem because I am not working these days. I have to write my professional exams and at the same time I am building my own house with all my hard earnt money not through loan or any bank. This is why every penny counts for me. So please read the question again and help me if you can. I certainly appreciate your time. Thanks again.