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August 04, 2026 3 min read
Every time someone sees a classic truck project, the same question eventually comes up:
"Why didn't you just put an LS in it?"
It's a fair question.
The LS engine has become the go-to swap for everything from C10s and Camaros to Chevelles, Novas, and even vintage Corvettes. They're powerful, reliable, and supported by one of the largest aftermarket industries in automotive history.
But that doesn't automatically make an LS the right choice.
As we've been building this 1970 Chevrolet C10 on a Roadster Shop chassis, that question has come up repeatedly. In this case, the owner chose a traditional Gen 1 Small Block Chevy instead of an LS.
Why?
Because every build starts with a vision, and the engine should support that vision.
There's a reason the traditional Small Block Chevy has remained popular for more than seventy years.
It's compact.
It's simple.
It has one of the largest aftermarket support networks in the automotive world.
More importantly, it simply looks right under the hood of a classic Chevrolet.
Lift the hood on a 1967–1972 C10 and a traditional small block immediately feels at home. Valve covers, distributor in the rear, mechanical simplicity, and familiar proportions all contribute to the character that made these trucks icons in the first place.
Modern engine management systems such as Holley Terminator X allow builders to enjoy electronic fuel injection without sacrificing the classic appearance that many enthusiasts appreciate.
There's no denying the advantages of the LS platform.
Chevrolet designed the LS with modern combustion chambers, efficient cylinder heads, lightweight construction, and outstanding reliability.
Stock LS engines routinely make horsepower numbers that once required expensive racing components on older engines.
They're also remarkably easy to modify.
Add a camshaft, intake, headers, and proper tuning, and impressive power is available without sacrificing drivability.
For someone building a daily driver or a truck focused purely on performance, it's difficult to argue against the value of an LS.
Many engine discussions immediately turn into horsepower comparisons.
That's the wrong place to start.
The better question is:
What do you want the truck to be?
If your goal is maximum performance with modern drivability, the LS deserves serious consideration.
If your goal is preserving the personality of a classic truck while incorporating carefully selected modern upgrades, a traditional small block often makes more sense.
Neither answer is wrong.
They're simply different priorities.
Many people assume an LS swap automatically saves money.
Sometimes it does.
Sometimes it doesn't.
Beyond the engine itself, many swaps require:
Depending on the starting point of the project, those costs can add up quickly.
A builder who already owns a quality Gen 1 Small Block may discover that improving the existing combination makes more financial sense than starting over with an entirely different platform.
For this C10, the owner's vision was never to build the fastest truck possible.
The goal was to build a truck that respected Chevrolet's heritage while benefiting from modern engineering where it actually improves the driving experience.
That's why the truck rides on a Roadster Shop chassis.
It's why modern suspension and braking components were selected.
It's why electronic fuel injection was added to the traditional small block.
The philosophy wasn't "old versus new."
It was choosing the best technology for each part of the truck while keeping the heart of the vehicle unmistakably classic.
Some of the best classic trucks ever built are powered by LS engines.
Some of the most memorable trucks ever built still run traditional Small Block Chevrolets.
Both deserve respect.
The important thing is building the truck that makes you smile every time you open the garage door.
Because at the end of the day, you're the one turning the key.
If you were building a classic C10 today, would you install:
Let us know in the comments.
Every build tells a story, and every builder has a reason for the choices they make.
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This site documents real builds, tools, and shop work from my own projects. Some pages are showcases. Some are how-tos and tool reviews. If you’re working on a project and want experienced guidance, I offer one-on-one coaching.