Original engine or Aluminum LS3?

[Braker68]

Hello fellow C10 enthusiast, I am new to this forum website but have been in the C10 scene for a while. I recently picked up an all original 1968 C10 long bed and it is my third C10. It has the original 307 (feel free to correct me if I am wrong on the V8 engine these trucks originally come from the factory) with the original 3-speed fully synchronized transmission. My question for you all is that if I should rebuild the original engine and transmission or put in a aluminum LS3 with (yet undecided) transmission? What would be the pros and cons for both set ups? And what transmission would you recommend for the LS3? In advance, thank you for viewing my post and responding. (Oh and one more thing, a build log will come in the future when I have more time in my schedule.)

[70STOVEBOLT]

Welcome to the board! I think a 68 would have a 327, the 307 was standard for 69 up. If I am wrong, someone please correct me.

[hugger6933]

Welcome to the site. It really depends on what you want to do with the truck. picking up a 350 or spending the money to get the 3?? running is gonna be the cheapest by far and it just goes back to what you want. If your just gonna do a little riding the stuff that is there is more than enough. It did make it a good 40 some years. Are you sure your fully aware of what your getting into by doing a LS swap? They aren't hard [too bad] but they are really expensive. Either way welcome and you can find your answers here. Jim

[The Chainsaw]

The LS3 is an awesome motor. I would personally run the 4L80e transmission behind it. Most aftermarket EFI systems will be able to control that transmission plus they are very strong in mostly stock form.

[67 chevelle]

First welcome to the board ,,307 standard in 1968 base c10 , 327 optional , like in a anniversary edition , both my c10s have ls motors ,,soooo you know my motor choice

[Braker68]

Thank you all for replying fast.

@70STOVEBOLT Yes, the 327 was an option for this year, clarified by @67 chevelle .

@hugger6933 Yes, I am fully aware on the expenses that a Ls swap requires because I have a 1969 C10, that I drive on the weekends, that has a 5.3 Vortec in it with a posi diff. The whole purpose of the truck would be to daily drive it to school and possibly have fun on the weekends. And I already have the engine sitting at home.

@The Chainsaw I agree that the LS3 is an amazing engine and I was thinking of putting that transmission with it because of all the good things I have read about it. And also it could handle some pretty descent amount of power (correct me if I'm wrong).

@67 chevelle Ok that's what I've read on the Chevrolet option manual for these trucks. It seems like a lot of C10 owners do the LS Swap.

[The Chainsaw]

The 4L80e will handle a decent 500hp engine in bone stock form, but it is only a valvebody away from holding much much more.

[boraxman]

LS3 all the way!

[cooperhw]

LS-3.
I just started a 72 Chevelle build. Putting a low mileage LS-1 with a Tremic T56 6 speed. Put the nasty "Saturday Night Special Stage 3" cam in it from Tick Performance.
I am also going to use mine as a daily driver and a little cruising on the weekends. A couple years from now my 63 GMC S.B. can take over weekend duties.

[joeydurango]

If you've already got a truck with an LS swap, why not stick with original on this one? I've had one LS-swapped truck and one stocker, and if it were my only vehicle I'd prefer the LS. But as a second or third truck, the original is fun to work on and pretty cool just for old time's sake.