LS powered Duster, Abomination or Go For it!

300Ronin said
Hello fellow A-Body enthusiasts!
Im sure this has been asked, but here we go anyways.. As the title states, stay mopar or go LS? I have access to a free LS. 5.3, out of a low mileage GM (27k miles) Would any of you consider that, or would it be an abomination. I have a 71 duster that i recently dragged home, and needs alot of work as you all can imagine. I'm not restoring to trailer queen finish, in fact im going to drive it like i stole it! Restomod, sure but nothing near stock, I just want a street ready, bat out of hell muscle car that can handle the occasional trip to the strip or VIR type road course. Any input or advice would be awesome. Thanks for your reply's, looking forward to the upcoming conversations.

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Your car and your dime. The 5.3 LS is a good engine, but you end up with a transvestite. Personally I would be inclined to hop up.the slant with a Hyper Pac manifold, head work, a roller cam and EFI.
Outside that a Magnum 318 or 360 would be another viable option.
You go to show and shine events and a majority of vehicles had SBC zipper engines. They are/were in every wrecker, and with the oil pan they fit easier than most other engines. For Fords the 289/302 fit well if you can find the early Bronco oil pan and pickup tube. The earlier water pump and timing cover made them slightly longer. Use the serpentine WP and timing cover with accessory mounting, to shorten 1.5".
Now the LS series has taken over as today's zipper motor. Readily available, reliable, fuel efficient and with a few upgrades they make good power. The General's OD automatics are also fairly bullet proof also.
So built what you want and enjoy it. When the skeptics start circling like buzzards over road pizza, just smile and walk away.