Engine swaps....which engine?

[Cowboy Cadillac]

Okay so after the local mud bogs I KNOW I need more power. I'm still sure its the carb that killed the trucks power but have decided that a LS swap would probably be the way to go......unfortunately I missed out on an 8.1L 1 week before the bogs as I had all my money tied up in truck. I know I can build one of my 350s but know the LS engines are power monsters....HP costs money so why start with so little HP?
So guys which engine should I drop in the Zombie machine? I already have a 5.3( the wife MAY complain when I grinch it from her truck) I have a line on a 6.0L for an undertermined amount, but there are plenty floating around under a grand, or do I go with an 8.1L( 515 stroker anyone?)? The 4.8 isnt really an option for this rig.

I know the 8.1 is a straight drop in with BBC mounts and headers, granted not as much aftermarket following, but plenty of torque. The 5.3( bored to 383) and 6.0L( bored to 408) are both great engines with lots of aftermarket options and more readily available, but also a bigger pain to install. Either way I'll be spending money to upgrade them, electric water pump, cams, intakes etc.

Now I'm only bench racing this idea, as I have a wedding to pay for next year, but am quite serious about my mud bogging....almost religious about it. Just looking for insight,tips, tricks and positive ideas. Thanks in advance guys(and ladies)

 

[PenguinLTZ]

I love the 8.1, and miss mine to death, but for a high revving machine I would jump on a 6 liter in heartbeat.

 

[Stumpuller6.5]

How about an LBZ duramax??? My bro has one for sale..... stock would do just fine!

 

[CJ Hungus]

Bored and stroked 6.0 to a 408. Best bang for the buck 500+ HP ls engine. The 4.0 bore opens plenty of options as far as heads go.

 

[Cowboy Cadillac]

How about an LBZ duramax??? My bro has one for sale..... stock would do just fine!

Im sure it would be great for torque....deisels just dont seem to do as good in the pits( could be the weight)...I'll keep it in mind for a tow rig though.
I've found in my class (33"and under) and the next class(35" & under) wheel speed is a large factor in determining if you make a full pull or not. Hence the Samuri with the RX7 motor whomping ass all the time.
I dont have 20K to invest in a Ford motorsport BBF( or GMPP BBC in my case) like Myron or the Horse lake boys....I'd love to kill them with a smaller displacement rig....the LS is the way to do that. Besides nodody else is running an LS, makes my rig even more unique.

 

[Stumpuller6.5]

Here is a 5.3 with trans, 158k for $1,600 (in BC tho)
http://grandeprairie.kijiji.ca/c-ca...plete-harness-computer-acc-W0QQAdIdZ294957452

and a stroker pistons kit....

http://grandeprairie.kijiji.ca/c-ca...ngine-parts-6-0-ls-engines-W0QQAdIdZ294843779

 

[66nova]

6.0 FTW

Great mid sized motor. Good cubes and can twist.

 

[Cowboy Cadillac]

Here is a 5.3 with trans, 158k for $1,600 (in BC tho)
http://grandeprairie.kijiji.ca/c-ca...plete-harness-computer-acc-W0QQAdIdZ294957452

and a stroker kit....

http://grandeprairie.kijiji.ca/c-ca...ngine-parts-6-0-ls-engines-W0QQAdIdZ294843779

Seen both those ads....cant run Nitrous in my class though. I already have a 5.3 at my disposal and I know a 383 is possible for "reasonably" cheap. I've been all over Kijiji and car-parts.com searching out LS engines in my spare time( all 3.5hrs) all week.

The thoughts of running a TT 4.8L like in Hot rod magazine still ring around in my head for the Blazer....but its on back burner till I get ZORV worthy of another trophy.

 

[Stumpuller6.5]

I`ll keep my ears open for anything.

 

[Cowboy Cadillac]

I should mention Im also looking to put a built 2spd powerglide and a divorced NP205(ACTIVELY SEARCHING FOR) or a drop box behind this engine.....next year may just be used up building instead of bogging but it'll be worth it.