Resale Value - LS vs SBC

[MDPotter]

Not trying to open the LS vs SBC debate here, just looking for feedback in terms of resale value of a completed restoration, whether it be LS vs SBC.

We bought the truck with the intent of restoring it and selling it. We're not in this to make money, it's just a hobby, but we don't want to lose money when we finish it and sell it either.

We bought it from a guy who put a lot of time and money into the truck but ran out of time or money or enthusiasm. It's got a freshly built 383 backed up by a rebuilt TH400. The rebuild was done by a reputable local shop and it's got good parts in it. But my dad and I are LS guys now and we have the powertrain listed for sale in a couple places but haven't gotten much interest. What we're weighing is sale price of the 383/TH400 vs the cost of the LS powertrain and all the parts that it requires.

So what is the payoff for a completed restoration with an LS vs SBC? I say payoff because the 383/TH400 currently in it runs great, but it's by no means a race engine and we feel that the driveability and power delivery of the LS plays a factor in sale price.

[Willie Makeit]

I can't speak of other places, but here (and there is a very active 67-72 scene here) a very nicely-done LS with and OD trans swap will bring $5-$7,500K more than the traditional SBC/BBC swap.

When I say "nicely done" I am not referring to an oily, greasy junk yard motor tossed in a truck with wires/hoses/etc run all over the place and a bunch of jackleg home-made mounts/adapters. I'm talking about a clean, nicely wired, organized engine bay and a powertrain that idles, runs & shifts like it should.

[MDPotter]

Our goal with this truck is to take our time and build an even nicer truck than our last two, so ideally we want a Gen V LT (possibly with the 8L90 trans) and a clean engine bay.

[kwmech]

If the engine in the truck was worn out and needing replacement, then I'd say go for it. But to purchase a truck that has been gone thru and running nice just to transplant an Ls into to make 'more money' I don' think so. find a project that actually needs a transplant

[MDPotter]

Originally Posted by kwmech

If the engine in the truck was worn out and needing replacement, then I'd say go for it. But to purchase a truck that has been gone thru and running nice just to transplant an Ls into to make 'more money' I don' think so. find a project that actually needs a transplant

Our goal isn't to make money. We just don't want to get upside down on cost when we eventually sell it. This is our hobby, not our day job. So it's not totally about cost, but mostly the driveability improvement that we experience with the LS. We're weighing the proceeds of the 383/TH400 against the cost of the LS and its incidental costs. We know what an LS swap costs, but are not sure how much we can get for the 383/TH400 yet.

[jocko]

I'd submit it's also a question of size of the potential buyer pool. In other words, while a nicely done LS conversion may bring more than a stock truck (and not sure I agree with that when it comes to a great condition stock truck..) but I think that a stock engine truck will have a much larger potential buyer pool. To Willie's point - I've seen very few nicely done LS conversions compared to the number of junkyard swaps that look like junkyard swaps. Everyone has an opinion - my 2 cents is that if one is going to the trouble to build a very nice truck, if the original drivetrain is rebuildable, that may be a preferred and less expensive (i.e. more profit if planning to sell it) approach.

[cj847]

I have this debate with myself frequently as I am an LS fan.

However, I recently purchased a 71 with a 350/350 combo that runs great and doesn't leak a drop. So, I am having a problem justifying even changing to a 700R4 and aftermarket EFI, much less an LS swap. (From the standpoint of putting to much money into the truck.)

Around the South there are still a lot of carburetor and SBC fans so i am going to leave it. In Colorado I would think a fuel injected engine would be preferred by any potential customer.

[toolboxchev]

It will depend on the buyer, why you ask?

1. The truck is heading into full time classic status

2. The LS will only attract the daily driver mentality for a period. Due in part the rest of the truck is 50 years old or close.

I have seen somewhat botched LS conversions I would not step near.

Check out CurtB1971 LS conversions, this guys rigs are really sharp. He thinks things through and comes up with some cool stuff.

Sorry Curt for the attention, I really like your ideas into concept for these trucks.

Now if I wanted to just buy an LS converted truck I would take his work seriously.

[HO455]

I believe that which LS you pick is going to be a factor in the resale value. A 4.8 isn't going to appeal to anyone outside of the fuel economy crowd. Where as a LS7 or a LS9 is going to bring a larger value with a larger by in for you. And in some markets (Where E85 is available) a dual fuel engine may be a plus.

[siggyfreud]

Speartech also has support for the new 10L90, so if you find an LT1 pullout with the 10L90E you might consider it. That's the route I'll likely be going. You're relegated to pretty much one shifter choice for both the 8L series and 10L series though.

[MDPotter]

Originally Posted by HO455

I believe that which LS you pick is going to be a factor in the resale value. A 4.8 isn't going to appeal to anyone outside of the fuel economy crowd. Where as a LS7 or a LS9 is going to bring a larger value with a larger by in for you. And in some markets (Where E85 is available) a dual fuel engine may be a plus.

Definitely going for a Gen V LT. Should have been more specific, I was using "LS" as a generic term.

Originally Posted by siggyfreud

Speartech also has support for the new 10L90, so if you find an LT1 pullout with the 10L90E you might consider it. That's the route I'll likely be going. You're relegated to pretty much one shifter choice for both the 8L series and 10L series though.

That's probably going to be a little out of our price range. We'll probably go with a L83 and 8L90 or 6L80. I sure like my 8L90 in my 2016 though, other than how hard it is to service.

Originally Posted by toolboxchev

It will depend on the buyer, why you ask?

1. The truck is heading into full time classic status

2. The LS will only attract the daily driver mentality for a period. Due in part the rest of the truck is 50 years old or close.

I have seen somewhat botched LS conversions I would not step near.

Check out CurtB1971 LS conversions, this guys rigs are really sharp. He thinks things through and comes up with some cool stuff.

Sorry Curt for the attention, I really like your ideas into concept for these trucks.

Now if I wanted to just buy an LS converted truck I would take his work seriously.

Does Curt have other build info? I only know of his Bonnie project.

[LS short box]

I big LS fan. As said above if its done right I believe it will bring more money when you sell it. Neatness in the engine bay is a big selling point. I always try to conceal all the wiring both chassis and engine as much as possible. Not knowing the level of your trucks restoration doing any touch up required will also bring more money. Like if you decide to go LS make sure after you pull the engine and trans paint (or repaint) the engine bay. That kind of stuff doesn't cost much except for your time.
The other thing about an LS swap is I think it brings in the resto-mod folks more than a sbc.
Just my .02 and good luck with your swap.

[1971Stepside]

I think if you are building anything other than a mostly stock truck then the LS is the way to go for resale. If you are sticking to the carb then I feel a BBC will be a great option as well.

[70cst]

To me it comes down to a buyer ...

Is the buyer likes the body style of the 67-72 with modern upgrades or...

Is the buyer wanting to be era authentic truck.

Two different type of buyers.

Good question ...

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by MDPotter

Our goal isn't to make money. We just don't want to get upside down on cost when we eventually sell it. This is our hobby, not our day job. So it's not totally about cost, but mostly the driveability improvement that we experience with the LS. We're weighing the proceeds of the 383/TH400 against the cost of the LS and its incidental costs. We know what an LS swap costs, but are not sure how much we can get for the 383/TH400 yet.

I get what your saying/asking, but.... Isn't it about the refined technology behind the LS platform that makes the "experience improvement"?

Fuel injection & over-drive trans equipped SBC/BBC's are just as nice to cruise down RT66 end to end across the country. They're all just an air-pump; the LS is just more refined. I've been through many 'multi state' trips in vehicles powered by a sbc, bbc, straight 6, & LS drivetrains. All of them managed 70+ mph fine (60mph for the non OD 6-banger).

That being said, the difference comes down to $$ spent achieving that level of refinement. It will cost money to bring a sbc based drive-train up to the LS based technology level. If you like LS engines more than the old school sbc, do what you like. Whether it's beneficial to a sale upon completion really depends on what that next person likes.

[special-K]

I figure since it had a fresh way more potent and fun 383 and you are comparing dollars, you will be spending money and doing work to get the difference, if any, in value by going LS. There are plenty of people who know the SBC is still the great engine it always was and in a finely built truck would pay more than you think for that truck. If you want to spend money to make money then do the swap. But if you are concerned about getting upside down, put as little money out as possible. I just see doing the swap as a wash``.

[LS short box]

I have kind of different thoughts on the car/truck hobby in general. If I can get my "material" costs (vehicle and parts) out when I sell it I'm good. My labor is worth about .02 per hour. Having said that I have made some money on my hot rods when I sold them.
Consider this, when you go on vacation do you get money back or just say that was a great time and it costs what?. Same thing to think about when you do a hot rod project. Great to make a little or break even but if it was a good project and it takes a bit out of the pocket book don't look back. Go on to the next project.

[burnin oil]

Personally I think it comes down to the buyer. If you wrench you will pay more for a clean SBC and add the LS yourself. You just never know what the previous owner did. If you are just buying it as a completed project to wipe down only then the complete LS route would win. My vote is dump the trans for a 4spd OD trans and that would be the best bang for the buck. Simple cruiser.

[67 twins]

Speaking personally if a truck has an LS I wouldn't even consider buying it. If I wanted a modern drive train I'll just drive a modern truck. The only upgrade I'm looking for is a MANUAL overdrive transmission, No slushboxes needed either!
Honestly I prefer driving my inline 6 truck over all the others & I have a modernish F***

[Grumpy old man]

you already have an small block in the truck running that your selling and you want to pull apart a ready to sell truck to install a ls to try to get more $ ? Save your time and $ and sell it as is ,Then buy a nice LS for your next project .

[HO455]

Originally Posted by MDPotter

Definitely going for a Gen V LT. Should have been more specific, I was using "LS" as a generic term.

Are you planning on converting the steering to a rack and pinion style.

[72c20customcamper]

In your situation I would keep the sbc since it's been rebuilt already. Now if you needed a new engine that would be a different situation yes It's nice having a new power plant in but if your not going to update the rest of the truck it's a new heart in a 50 year old body.

And it's very easy to get upside down real fast. I've had discussions with guys who have done the conversions and I always get the it gets better mileage now and it's so smooth now. I counter with you get 16 to 20 mpg now but you drive it 1000 miles a year so where are the savings I have nothing against doing the conversion but just say you wanted to do it. My trucks will cruise at 75 to 80 mph with ease just came back from the c10 nationals doing just that. I was being paced by a couple of younger guys leaving TN they stopped when I did and were almost shocked that I had the original power plant in the truck. I averaged 12.5 mpg

[tutone]

Value vs investment. I've bought my last 2 sbc engines from young guys swapping an LS into a 67-72 chevy. Keep on doing it, that way I can keep buying good motors cheap. I think it boils down to an age issue. Mostly, those of us that grew up with these trucks, find it a little sacreligious to do the swap. 95 percent or more of all owners will only use the truck for recreational purposes only. Just a great running , dependable truck with ANY combo is a sell according to today's market. Get the guy that is going to daily drive one, he may give more.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by 72c20customcamper

In your situation I would keep the sbc since it's been rebuilt already. Now if you needed a new engine that would be a different situation yes It's nice having a new power plant in but if your not going to update the rest of the truck it's a new heart in a 50 year old body.

And it's very easy to get upside down real fast. I've had discussions with guys who have done the conversions and I always get the it gets better mileage now and it's so smooth now. I counter with you get 16 to 20 mpg now but you drive it 1000 miles a year so where are the savings I have nothing against doing the conversion but just say you wanted to do it. My trucks will cruise at 75 to 80 mph with ease just came back from the c10 nationals doing just that. I was being paced by a couple of younger guys leaving TN they stopped when I did and were almost shocked that I had the original power plant in the truck. I averaged 12.5 mpg

This is the stuff I just don't get. It's like before the LS. if you had a sbc & no overdrive you couldn't go past your neighborhood. The 2nd one is all pre-LS motors leak BAD & LS motors don't leak .
I've had experience w/more than one LS that was just as dirty under hood from oil seepage as my old school motors.

But, this isn't an LS vs. sbc debate. Like I stated previously, MODERN technology is a better benefit. A solid (high quality) install of either set-up is a must but I don't doubt that coming from the OP.

[72c20customcamper]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

This is the stuff I just don't get. It's like before the LS. if you had a sbc & no overdrive you couldn't go past your neighborhood. The 2nd one is all pre-LS motors leak BAD & LS motors don't leak .
I've had experience w/more than one LS that was just as dirty under hood from oil seepage as my old school motors.

But, this isn't an LS vs. sbc debate. Like I stated previously, MODERN technology is a better benefit. A solid (high quality) install of either set-up is a must but I don't doubt that coming from the OP.

I agree if I bought a truck with no or bad motor I wouldn't hesitate putting an LS in.