[Dave B]

I have one of the last LT1 cars and need to upgrade to an LS1. The '01s and '02 are coming off lease and seem tempting.

I figure there must be somethings to look out for compared to the LT1. What are the common engine failure/warranty fixes? I know the power steering pump is a big problem for race track use. On my LT1 this was solved with pulleys but it has a remote reservoir. Are pulleys available for LS1 cars? Do they work or do I need a power steering cooler?

Any easy fix for the rear wheel brake hop?

This car will be used for street and track use including competition but the engine will be stock except for a lid and possibly headers ( if they are worth it)

Also if I get an intake lid is there any difference in power between SS/WS6 cars and regular coupes? I will be altering the suspension significantly so it doesn't matter about the stock spring rates etc.

Another small point. I bought my LT1 new and defintely did not want T tops as they seem to leak. If you have them do your T tops leak? It may take me a while to find a relatively loaded car without them.

[LT4Firehawk]

Dave, one more option for you would be to do an LT4 conversion on your existing LT1 car. It is very reliable, is SCCA legal (ESP for Solo II), and is a lot cheaper than buying a new(er) car. My LT4 puts down the same HP as the LS1s, but has more low end torque and revs higher as well. I've had LT1s, an LS1, and an LS6, and out of all of them my favorite is the LT4. I don't know if you could get away with the hotcam, but even with just the basic LT4 setup I'm making 311RWHP, and could probably gain another 15-20 from headers (which are ESP legal as well). Also keep in mind all the rear axle brake hop problems the LS1 folks have to deal with, while we LT1/4 guys don't seem to have nearly the same amount of issues with it.