LT1 VS LS1..., Which do you prefer? Options

[wannafbody]

Which is the more versatile engine for parts? Can an LT1 be changed over to a carb easily?

[Mojave]

LS1 is absolutely better. Makes more power with less work, and it doesn't have the optispark. Aluminum blocks let you drop 75+ lbs off of the nose, and when you count the plastic intake and you are around 85 lbs less than an LT1. The LS1 computer is fully cracked and much more powerful, faster, and more tunable than stock LT1 computer. There are tons and tons of aftermarket parts for LSx's, and people are making stupid power with them.

I currently own both, and there is zero doubt in my mind.

GM sells a carb LT1-specific intake, but it doesn't take much (if any?) work to make a regular SBC intake fit. In fact, you could use a carb, ditch the opti all together and run a regular SBC intake and put a small cap HEI distributor in it. At the point, however, building an SBC with 18 degree (or 15 degree) heads would be a better investment.

This post has been edited by Mojave: Jun 29 2009, 12:58 AM

[GlennCMC70]

LS1 hands down. i have owned and raced both.

[rmackintosh]

LS1 hands down. i have owned and raced both.

Werd....and I race an LT1.... (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

[raybob9289]

LS1 hands down. i have owned and raced both.

I'm agreeing with Glenn.
I love my LS1 way more than my LT1...

[SSTAT]

I for one prefer my LT1. Wait... I don't have an LS1. I just went to buy a new front cover to seal up the original LT1 block in my camaro (for reinstallation later) and chevy is out of them, and theres no aftermarket replacement (I think there are plastic non-vented out there - I got a used one and put in new seals). So when the current LT1 in my car dies, Im either going to sub in an LS1 or go to a different platform altogether. I love my LT1 but after building 3 now, it just doesnt seem worth the hassle any more, esp with little aftermarket/no GM support anymore.

[firehawkclone]

I'm hoping the LS1 is, im on my way out to the shop to drop one from a 98 right now in 106deg heat! I have LT motor #9 in the car, and it made 310/354 @ the wheels! Which gave me an advantage this weekend @ BRP, pulling the field with a 331, 4v mod motor, ls6, and a stroked 4.8 LS. But they all kill me at the really big tracks!

[Cap'n Pete]

I sometimes get surprised that people still ask this question (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) .

All it ever ends up being is a smack-down by the LS1 crowd, and a few people trying to defend the LT1 that it's "still a good engine". Yes, but the LS1 is still better!! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

This post has been edited by Cap'n Pete: Jun 29 2009, 09:15 PM

[01badz28]

I'd have to say I prefer the LS3. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/2thumbs.gif)

[MarkT]

The LT1 is a really good engine. It's just totally eclipsed and overshadowed by the much more advanced, refined, and elegant LS series.

Comparing the two is kinda an unfair comparison. The LT1 was based on a revision of a good design that dates back to 1955. The LS1 was a clean sheet engine design.

[speed_demon24]

I own an LT1 and have a ton of money in it, but with that said there is no comparison between the 2. The LT1 doesn't have a single advantage over the LS1.

[CMC #37]

I'd have to say I prefer the LS3. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/2thumbs.gif)

Intriguing! Anyone here driven the new Camaro? There is one of these in it, check? Seems like it would have a ton of power with the specs I have seen.

[01badz28]

I'd have to say I prefer the LS3. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/2thumbs.gif)

Intriguing! Anyone here driven the new Camaro? There is one of these in it, check? Seems like it would have a ton of power with the specs I have seen.

I haven't driven a new Camaro yet, but I just got a cammed LS3 swapped in my car. I only really autocross the car in SM, but its got got a pretty deep power curve.

[00 Trans Ram]

I own an LT1 and have a ton of money in it, but with that said there is no comparison between the 2. The LT1 doesn't have a single advantage over the LS1.

What about extreme low-range torque? I know LSs make good torque, but I've heard that LTs are even better. Just nothing much up top.

[Mojave]

I own an LT1 and have a ton of money in it, but with that said there is no comparison between the 2. The LT1 doesn't have a single advantage over the LS1.

What about extreme low-range torque? I know LSs make good torque, but I've heard that LTs are even better. Just nothing much up top.

L98's make even more but it doesn't make them a good idea. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif)

[CMC #37]

I own an LT1 and have a ton of money in it, but with that said there is no comparison between the 2. The LT1 doesn't have a single advantage over the LS1.

What about extreme low-range torque? I know LSs make good torque, but I've heard that LTs are even better. Just nothing much up top.

L98's make even more but it doesn't make them a good idea. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif)

I've never had a built L98 until now, we'll see what it does once it is in the '91 Formula! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/2thumbs.gif)

[trackbird]

L98's make even more but it doesn't make them a good idea. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif)

True, however, if you are in a hp restricted class (AI?), the old L98 can be built cheap and reliable and rebuilt for a dollar. So, it won't make anywhere near the power of an LS1 when you start for the 400+ hp mark (it will, but it's far more difficult and getting into the mid 600 hp range can be VERY expensive), it can be a good, reliable, and inexpensive option for certain situations. My current L98 (which is nothing radical) makes the same hp (on a dyno that we think was reading low) as my LS1 did (stock) and more torque. On the other hand, I'd like to swap an LSx engine into that car at some point. The ECM and tuning ability of the LSx engines is almost worth the swap (saves me $1,800 on a haltech ecm).

[speed_demon24]

I own an LT1 and have a ton of money in it, but with that said there is no comparison between the 2. The LT1 doesn't have a single advantage over the LS1.

What about extreme low-range torque? I know LSs make good torque, but I've heard that LTs are even better. Just nothing much up top.

That's a myth. Stock for stock and mod for mod LSx's make more torque over the entire RPM range compared to an LT1. LT1's just feel like they have more torque because when they are stock or have stock internals their torque curve is completely flat, where as an LS1 you feel the car gain torque as the RPM's rise so it gives you the impression of being flat down low.