63 Chevy

Henry95

Member
Apr 4, 2015
283
0
16
I need some advice on a budget build for a 63 half ton step side my older brother gave me. I wish I had the money to put my lly in it but need a truck for work too. I am thinking about picking up an ls for it. What gen ls motor would be good at like a 400-500 hp mark with little work and cheap but reliable. I want to keep all the original gauges. I know cheap and reliable don't go together that well but will spend money to make it reliable. What trans would be best with what upgrades. I want a plan before I start buying stuff to make sure I stay on budget. That's what I want the body to end up as.
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wilrob

Back in the Motherland
Sep 14, 2016
366
0
16
Dallas, TX
Second the 4l80e. Any of the LS motors are stout enough to get to that HP range. My 83 C10 has a LS2 which is the iron block and about as cheap/reliable as you can get.
 

Henry95

Member
Apr 4, 2015
283
0
16
So what would be the best upgrades for 500hp.


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Burn Down

Hotrodder
Sep 14, 2008
7,092
28
48
Boise Idaho
iron 6.0 will be the easiest way to get that power.

Healthy cam and springs to match, some head work, headers and a tune should get you in that ball park. Give or take a bit.
 

Henry95

Member
Apr 4, 2015
283
0
16
Okay. That helps a lot. Narrows done my research for parts.


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CarolinaHD

Member
Feb 8, 2011
969
6
18
NC
I would head over to Performancetrucks.net and start reading up on specifics. Lots of good info and knowledgeable guys.
 

ltr450ryder

Member
Jul 12, 2012
213
0
16
racine WI
Turbo any of the LS motors and 500 is a cake walk a head cam intake 6.0 will carry you to the mid 400s for sure have a nice choppy idle. And yes pt.net is the place for the ls engine lots of good into over there