racing class for swapped engines

[280Bob]

I've been thinking about what kind of engine I want to swap into my '75 280 since the day I picked it up. The problem is I can't decide which engine would be best for what I want. Right now I am torn between an LS1 swap or an L28et. I am torn because I really want the power, driveability, and reliability that I believe is possible with the LS1. However, I would like to participate in the local dragstrips competitive races that they have a few times each year. I am positive that I could not compete at the import drag events if I had the V8, and uncertain if I would be able to compete in domestic events. Those of you with swaps, both L28et and LS1, what kind of events do you participate in if any? Also, those of you with experience with these swaps what would you suggest? Has it been more fun to have a very fast, very streetable car that doesn't fit in any race classes, or has it been better having a car that can compete and is still fast. Just looking for opinions nothing too deep.

 

Oh, in case anyone is wondering my car is not my daily driver so I can sacrifice some streetability but not much. I would like to be able to take it on long road trips and cruise in it during the summers.

 

Thanks and sorry for the long post,

Bob

[Guest bastaad525]

Right now I am torn between an LS1 swap or an L28et. I am torn because I really want the power' date=' driveability, and reliability that I believe is possible with the LS1.

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Um, you can make plenty of power, with great reliability, and great street driveability with an L28ET.

 

What kind of power are you looking to achieve?

 

If anything, even a mildly worked LS1 would be much more touchy on the street, since any change in throttle pedal position will result in instant push. Heck, I drove a relatively built up N/A L28 before doing the turbo swap... that thing made instant torque, not even anywhere NEAR LS1 quantities, but man any time I went over railroad tracks I had to take my foot COMPLETELY off the gas or I'd start 'bunny hopping' like crazy (is that the right term?) because the throttle was just that sensitive to even very small movements. And forget driving it in the rain, first thru third gear were almost useless, just in trying to get the car rolling from a red light! And this car only had about 200ftlbs of torque! Maybe because the car is so light I dunno.

 

Since the turbo L28 doesn't come on all at once, and doesn't make sufficient boost or torque usually below 2500rpm, they are smooooooth as butter on the street, and quiet too, really giving no hint at their true capabilities, until you stomp on that pedal.

 

I may get a nasty reply for saying this, but PERSONALLY, I believe the L28 would be more reliable than the chevy motor. L28's are well known for going a lottttttttt of miles. 250k + is common on these motors. With the turbo of course tuning is the key and RESTRAINT... too many people push the limits (just one more psi!) and end up with blown gaskets or worse but don't let that give you the wrong impression... L28 is VERY reliable.

 

Also, the L28ET swap would be easier and cheaper, not requiring all the custom parts... money that could be spent on a larger turbo and better EFI setup for an L28ET. And the power potential is definately there. 300+ rwhp on stock internals is not a big deal with a turbo and EFI upgrade,

 

I like V8 converted Z's, don't get me wrong, and have seen some on here that have dropped my jaw to the floor. But for me, I'm usually close to broke and always in a rush, and I know you can do a turbo swap cheaper and faster (again, leaving more money for making it FAST), hence why I personally went that route. I don't regret it one bit