SBC vs LS: Small Block Chevy vs LS Engine (and Big Block vs LS)
The small block Chevy (SBC) and the LS are both Chevrolet V8s with the same bore spacing, but they are different engines. The SBC uses a distributor and carburetor; the LS uses coil-near-plug ignition and fuel injection. An SBC costs less; an LS makes more power per cubic inch but needs an engine controller.
The small block Chevy (SBC) and the LS are both Chevrolet small-block V8s with the same 4.400″ bore spacing, but they are different engines. The SBC is the original small block design (the 350, 383 and 400) with a distributor and a carburetor or throttle-body injection; the LS is GM’s Gen III and Gen IV redesign, introduced in 1997, with coil-near-plug ignition, port fuel injection and a different firing order. An SBC costs less to buy and is simpler to fit in an older Chevy; an LS makes more power per cubic inch but needs an engine controller. Our SBC crate engines start at $4,899 and our LS crate engines at $6,042.95 (current list prices).
What’s the difference between SBC and LS engines?
| Small block Chevy (SBC) | LS (Gen III / Gen IV) | |
|---|---|---|
| Bore spacing | 4.400″ | 4.400″ |
| Ignition | Distributor | Coil-near-plug, no distributor |
| Firing order | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3 |
| Fuel system | Carburetor or throttle-body EFI | Port fuel injection (carburetor intakes exist) |
| Main caps | 2-bolt or 4-bolt mains | Cross-bolted main caps |
| Engine controller | Not needed with a carburetor | ECU and wiring harness required for EFI |
| Block material (our listings) | Cast iron | Aluminum or cast iron |
| Our crate engines | 35 listings from $4,899 | 12 listings from $6,042.95 |
The firing orders come from our Chevy firing order guide, and main cap types are explained in 2-bolt vs 4-bolt mains. The block, heads, intake, camshaft and oil pan are different between the two families and do not interchange.
How do SBC and LS crate engine prices and power compare?
| Engine | Family | Form | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BluePrint 350 (BP350CT) | SBC 350 | Long block, cast iron | 341 HP / 371 lb-ft | $4,899 |
| BluePrint 350 (BP350CTCD) | SBC 350 | Complete, carbureted | 341 HP / 371 lb-ft | $5,949 |
| BluePrint 383 (BP38318CTC1DK) | SBC 383 | Complete | 436 HP / 443 lb-ft | $8,999 |
| BluePrint 400 (BP4002CT1) | SBC 400 | Long block | 500 HP / 510 lb-ft | $7,349 |
| GM Performance LS3 (19434644) | LS 6.2L (376 ci) | Long block, no intake | 430 HP / 425 lb-ft | $6,042.95 |
| GM Performance 6.0L LS (452 HP) | LS 6.0L | Long block, cast iron | 452 HP / 441 lb-ft | $7,285.07 |
| GM Performance LS3 (19434638) | LS 6.2L | Complete, aluminum | 495 HP / 473 lb-ft | $9,689.95 |
| BluePrint LS 376 (PSLS3760CT) | LS 376 | Long block, aluminum | 520 HP / 470 lb-ft | $10,949 |
| BluePrint LS 376 EFI (PSLS3760CTFK) | LS 376 | Complete with EFI | 530 HP / 495 lb-ft | $12,560 |
Ratings are from each listing’s own description and prices are current list prices. Compared like for like, the LS3 long block makes 430 HP from 376 cubic inches (about 1.14 HP per cubic inch), while the BluePrint 350 long block makes 341 HP from 350 cubic inches (about 0.97). The 350 costs $1,143.95 less and runs without an engine controller. Bigger small blocks such as the 383 and 400 close the power gap with displacement; see 383 stroker engine and 400 small block Chevy.
What do I need to swap an SBC or LS into an older car?
If the car was built with a small block Chevy, another SBC uses the engine mounts, headers, transmission and fuel system that suit that engine family, which keeps the job simple and the cost down. Many SBC crate engines also come with throttle-body EFI, such as the BluePrint 350 EFI with Holley Sniper EFI.
An LS swap needs more parts around the engine. The BluePrint LS 376 long block listing says it is intended for swapping into early GM muscle cars and comes with a GM muscle car swap oil pan; the complete LS 376 EFI listing notes that the engine controller kit is not included. Plan for:
- Swap mounts
- An oil pan that clears the crossmember
- Headers
- An ECU and harness
- A fuel system that supplies EFI pressure
- A front accessory drive (LS accessory drives)
Our LS swap guide covers each step, and best LS engine compares the LS engines we stock.
How does a big block compare to an LS?
A big block Chevy has 4.840″ bore spacing against the LS’s 4.400″, so it is a wider, taller and heavier engine that makes its torque through displacement: 454, 502 and 572 cubic inches. An LS reaches similar power ratings in a smaller package with fewer cubic inches. The big block suits cars and trucks that were built for one, and builds where displacement and the big block look matter; the LS suits builds where weight and engine-bay space matter. See big block vs small block for the family differences.
| Engine | Family | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| GM Performance 454 HO | Big block 454 | 438 HP | $8,971.95 |
| BluePrint 454 Base Engine (BP454CT) | Big block 454 | 460 HP | $9,099 |
| GM Performance 502 HO | Big block 502 | 461 HP | $10,195 |
| GM Performance 502 (19433162) | Big block 502 | 508 HP | $14,319.05 |
| GM Performance ZZ572/720 | Big block 572 | 720 HP | $20,062.95 |
| GM Performance LS3 (19434638) | LS 6.2L | 495 HP | $9,689.95 |
| BluePrint LS 376 EFI | LS 376 | 530 HP | $12,560 |
| GM Performance LT4 supercharged | Gen V LT 376 | 650 HP | $19,745.46 |
For 454 vs LS: the GM 454 HO is rated 438 HP at $8,971.95, and the complete LS3 is rated 495 HP at $9,689.95. Our big block Chevy crate engines start at $8,971.95. The LT4 is a Gen V LT engine rather than an LS; see LT4 engine.
Which should you choose?
- Choose an SBC for an older Chevy that was built around one, for the lowest purchase price, or if you want a carburetor and distributor you can work on without software.
- Choose an LS if you want factory-style fuel injection, more power per cubic inch and modern drivability, and you are ready to budget for the swap parts and an engine controller.
- Choose a big block if the vehicle had one, if you want maximum displacement, or if the build is about big block torque and looks.
Frequently asked questions
Is an LS a small block Chevy?
Yes, in the sense that the LS keeps the small block’s 4.400″ bore spacing, so GM classes it as a small block. It is not a Gen I small block, though: the block, heads, intake, camshaft and ignition are a different design, and the major parts do not interchange with a 350.
Is an LS better than a 350?
It depends on the build. An LS usually makes more power per cubic inch and comes with fuel injection, while a 350 costs less, fits older Chevys more easily and needs no engine controller with a carburetor. Pick the one that suits the vehicle and the budget.
Is a 350 cheaper than an LS?
Yes, at our current list prices. The cheapest SBC 350 long block we sell is $4,899 and the cheapest LS long block is $6,042.95, and an LS swap also needs an engine controller, wiring and swap parts.
Is a big block or an LS better?
A big block makes its torque through displacement and suits vehicles built for one; an LS is smaller and lighter for a similar power rating. Neither is better for every build.
Do SBC and LS engines use the same firing order?
No. The small block and big block Chevy use 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2, and LS engines use 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3. See Chevy firing order.
Can I swap an LS into a car that had a small block Chevy?
Yes. It is one of the most common swaps, but it needs swap mounts, an oil pan that clears the crossmember, headers, an engine controller and harness, and a fuel system for EFI. See the LS swap guide.
Related: Chevy 350 engine, GM LS engines explained, LS3 engine, big block vs small block, 454 big block Chevy, best crate engine, all crate engines, all guides.
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