DngrZne

I am considering a 72 with an LS-5 454 in her. I was wondering if anyone could tell me what they think about this engine and how it really performs?

Thanks,
Chris

73 LS-4

Well I don't have a 72 LS-5 but I do have a 73 LS-4 which numbers wise are very close. There not an LS-6 or L-88 or L-71 or like any of the other really hot solid lifter big blocks in stock form. They are however very streetable and easy to live with and you don't have to worry about them overheating around town like some of the more radical big blocks. Performance wise, they are still fairly peppy and the loads of low end torque help it a lot in this respect. Granted they are not an LS-1 for horsepower, 72 being 270 net horse, but your looking at close to 400 ft/lbs of torque at a low RPM, and the first time you jump on it you'll deffinitly know it's there. If you never been around or driven a big block chevy it's hard to describe the performance, deffinitly a different feel then a small block car (at least the smaller displacement ones), and if your looking to hop up an engine, these engines perk up amazingly fast with little work (at least mine has so far and I haven't done much yet), and the parts prices aren't too bad either. Where is this car located? becouse if you pass on it I have an Uncle looking for a 72 454 4spd car (year he graduated), wanted one since he drove my 73. Did I mention the torque :D

:cheers:
Pat Kunz

Phlash

I have a 72 LS-5 Roadster, TH400, A/C, PS, PB, 3.36 posi, 255/60X15's and love it. Torky and good low to mid-range power. It doesn't compare to a "HOT" BB but it is not picky about gasoline like my '68 was. If you want a good driver that will leave the rice burners at the light, it is the ticket.

Phlash 72 BB Roadster :cool:

MacA1979

I tend to agree with Pat's assessment. If the price is right, I think that the early C3s w/ big blocks will keep their value better than most C3s. Hopefully, we will see a similar (I'm sure not as much) increase in value that the BB Midyears saw.

The bottom line, IMHO, is that not much compares to cruising in a Big Block C3 Corvette. You got the classic Vette look and the awesome sound of the Rat!!

Tell us more about this '72 that you are looking at. Are pictures available? What is the owner asking for it? Options? Numbers matching?

There are a lot of folks here that can be very helpful in helping you make the right decision. Give us some more details!


[Modified by QikStik, 11:28 PM 1/10/2002]

SuperFast80

I am building a '72 spec LS-5 for my 1980 and all expectations are for it to be a bear. It the thing stock doesn't excite you enough, its a hell of a starting point for some serious muscle. :yesnod:

BTW, Motor Trend June 1972:

DngrZne

Thanks guys. I have to call the guy still, but it's advertised as an all original, numbers matching car, fully optioned. I'm hoping that it's a stick otherwise I will pass it up. The owner is asking $15,900 or best offer. I'll let you guys know when I find out more about it.

Chris

DngrZne

Oh well... she's an automatic...sigh...so I'll have to find something else. :( This Corvette shopping is a pain ;)