Old Dog, New Tricks

The old dog learns new tricks. Lately, I have been diving deep into how LS engines work. I plan to reconfigure the garage soon to start working on the 1953 Chevy Wagon. I have a 5.3 LS engine from a 2005 Sierra and a 4l60e from a 1997 Sierra that will go into the Wagon. I also have a full Posi-trac rear end with a good highway gear, 3.08, from a 1967 Camaro that will go into the Wagon. Between YouTube, several books I have bought, and everything I find online, I have learned a lot about the computer-managed drive tranes.

Until recently, I thought of myself only as an analog guy, but now I see myself more as a hybrid between old-school technology and more modern ways of building cars. I now appreciate computer management engines and today's suspension geometry.

The big unknown right now is how I will build the Corvette once the Wagon is finished. I had planned to build a bigblock from a Gen V 454 and the Muncie M21 close ratio 4 speed. Now, I think a better option for the Corvette would be a larger displacement LS engine. But I am not totally sold on that idea yet. I guess the determining factor for that project will be if I can find a set of aluminum big-block heads for the 454 or a large displacement LS. Whatever comes first may determine the direction I will go with the Vette.

A few weeks ago I had a concrete slab poured behind the garage just outside the rear door. My plan is to put a four-post lift and a roof over it all. One of the workers asked me about the Corvette that was on the trailer. When I started to tell him my plans, he quickly asked, "LS?" I said maybe; I am sort of on the fence about what to do. He asked what my other option was, and I told him about the 454 build I had been planning. He agreed that it is a tough choice between those two. Earlier, a good friend recommended finding an LSA pullout with a Tremec 6-speed for the Vette. If I could find a package like that, I would be glad to go the LS route.

I love the old school ways; I completely understand how all of that works. But I am learning to appreciate the newer school ways.