Deciding on one or the other

[kevstoy]

Hi all I'm a newbie on the board, and I'm on the fence on deciding on an LT1 or an LS1. I'm pure GM through and through, and I want to know the pros and cons of each engine, so I can decide what to buy. My purpose here is NOT to start a flaming riot between LT and LS owners, I just want the pros and cons of each car, the average HP with mild upgrades, etc.
Thanks everybody!:LS1LT1flag:

[Chris 96 WS6]

If the price is similar you are stupid not to buy the LS1 car IMO, if its down between the two.

The LT1 is a great motor but the potential in the LS1 blows it away, plus it is 40+ more hp stock.

[Firebirdjones]

Chris is right. It really comes down to price and what you want to spend.
I have both a 97 Z-28 LT1 and an 02 SS LS1 and I like them both.

I will admit I favor the LS1 a little more,,,comparing stock to stock the LS1 has it all over my LT1 as far as power.

If the price difference is drastic then the LT1 is a better bang for the buck, still a great engine with plenty of power, fun to drive. Right now LT1 cars are pretty reasonable. Since the engine was only made from 92-97 the aftermarket has not come full circle for it. Aftermarket blocks are not available that I am aware of. There are a few cylinder heads to choose from, and Edelbrock just came out with an intake, since GM discontinued the LT4 piece. Optispark can be troublesome. Some people do some don't. I have never had any trouble out of mine, I personally don't think it's as bad as some people make it out to be.
Since LS1 is all the craze the aftermarket has really exploded. Tons of aftermarket blocks, heads, intakes, rotating assemblies etc....and it looks as though this engine is going to stay in production for quite a while, and keeps improving every year. If ultimate performance is what you want the LS1 is probably the way to go,,,but again,,,the initial price is hard to get past.

Find a good deal on an LS1 thats within a couple thousand of a comparable LT1 car,,,and grab the LS1, you will be happy. Problem is I haven't really seen LS1 cars that cheap unless they had massive mileage.
Goodluck what ever you do,,,just enjoy the heck out of it :thumbsup: Larry.

[kevstoy]

Thanks for the replies guys, does anybody have any information insofar as (general) HP outputs for mild bolt-ons for each engine, supercharging, etc?? Good points on the aftermarket for LS1's too. Is it worth having an LT1 even though they're made from cast iron and can withstand more abuse? Are there any specific advantages with a cast iron block or aluminum block in my decision making??

[Firebirdjones]

Well the aluminum is lighter than cast iron,,,(but for some reason my LT1 car is lighter than my LS1 car :rolleyes: )
As far as durability, the aluminum LS1 block has proven itself to be very durable with 6 bolt main caps etc....they support over 600 hp without problems. GM did a great job designing that engine. The 15 degree cylinder heads are the key to it's awsome performance compared to conventional 23 degree heads.

The only disadvantage to the LS1 aluminum block is the fact it can't easily be overbored. When a rebuild is in order, it will either need to be resleaved or another bare block found,,,,this little problem is a big turn off for me. Most guys go for the 6.0 litre cast iron truck block when a rebuild comes time, you can bore the cast iron truck blocks just like any other. Plus there are many aftermarket LSx blocks to choose from as well. Cast Iron truck block is the cheapest and best way to go in the long run in my opinion.
This is 1 advantage the LT1 block has over the LS1,,,at least you can overbore an LT1. One problem with the LT1 though, if you score a cylinder for whatever reason and you are out of room to bore, another used block will have to be found, since no one makes an aftermarket LT1 block.
When looking at high mileage cars these are a few little points that you might keep in the back of your mind if a rebuild is going to be in your future. Larry.

[CamTom12]

The '98 blocks weren't great for boring for rebuilds. All later years can be easily bored for a couple of rebuilds at least

[Garrett TX LT1]

eh LS1 is a better motor, we all know this (coming from an LT1 owner VERY PROUD) but....lt1 is a tricked out motor, reverse cooled witch makes it run 9.9:1 compression ratio, its got the opti and if your buying an 100k plus car rebuild will be easier and normally when your looking at an LS1 car its much more expensive because it is much nicer

some advice i dont think anyone will argue

get the 6 speed even a stock lt1 will light up 3rd

[Turbo-Zone.com]

Well, the LS1 sleeves aren't meant to be bored out. They can be honed for a clean up but boring the already thin sleeves makes for a weaker engine. Just an FYI.

[CamTom12]

Yeah, I meant what TurboZone said :)

[SOMSS]

Thanks for the replies guys, does anybody have any information insofar as (general) HP outputs for mild bolt-ons for each engine, supercharging, etc?? Good points on the aftermarket for LS1's too. Is it worth having an LT1 even though they're made from cast iron and can withstand more abuse? Are there any specific advantages with a cast iron block or aluminum block in my decision making??

The LS1 aluminum block is rated to withstand 700-800 hp stock. Is that enough for you? If not, then you could get the new LSx block which will hold well in excess of 1000 hp and be able to grow to 474 cu. in. That's my next block, the fabled 427 cu. in. rat motor.

[kevstoy]

I've never heard an LS1 taking 700-800 horses, but in response to your question, yeah that's plenty for me (you can never have "too" much IMO). Here's the big "but" though. I'm not going to make the car a trailer queen, that's not of any interest to me. It will have to be a daily driver, as I'm close to completing school.
I like moderate modifications myself, and aim for any car I get to be a "nice" car. By that, I mean:
1) Full interior with spotless and squeaky clean dash, seats, carpet, trim, etc.
2) Upgrade the suspension including 1-1/2 - 2" lowering all the way around.
3) Exterior completely stock looking... no aftermarket hoods, wheels, etc.
4) Engine is moderately modded (ie. functional ram air, throttle body, air foil, port and polishing, longtubes and cat-back.)
So in response, I a 427 is looking into the distant future... I just want the ride described above.:hijacked:

[Diggz]

All I know is LT1 so my answer is clear:thumbsup:

[Linson]

LS1 is a superior engine. i was going to trade in my '96 LT1 Camaro for a 2001 LS1 Camaro, but it just didnt seem worth it, considering that my car was paid for, and it just seemed sportier in most aspects, particularly the interior.

when they changed the interior in 1997 (Camaros anyway), i think they changed it for the worse. the bigger guages seemed kinda "Mickey Mouse" compared to mine; the seats were less supportive. the red only tail lights on the '93-96 Camaros look better than the multi-colored ones on the '97 and newer.

having said that, if the cost difference is not more than a couple of Gs, go with the LS1. i would!

[Dennis93TA]

If you got the cash go with an LS1, they are easier to work on and more reliable. But if you are crazy and like staring insanity in the face and laughing like the rest of us LT1 owners jump right in. I enjoy the fact that is takes a little more knowledge and skill to work on the LT1's. I've said it before and i'll say it again:
LT1, It's not supposed to be easy, It's what seperates the men from the boys!