Guys who have had a LS1 and LT1

I posted this on the Forced Induction forum, but I figured I'd post here as well:

Debating the merits of the LT1 vs LS1 debate. I know people are going to say the LS1 is faster stock, etc. That's not why I'm here. I'm looking at this in a 70% cost, 30% performance manifestation.


My setup: It will be a 355 with forged pistons (rods and crank may get upgraded if funds allow), s/c on 6-8lb boost with water injection, huge injectors (42,50 or 55) with a 255lph in tank pump, and ported heads.

I'm not looking for a debate about which one I will like more. It really won't matter to me. I'm wondering about cost. Are the LS1 parts aggregiously more expensive? The startup cost for a LS1 project is going to be about 3-5k more, and I don't want that to increase to 5-8k.

I'm 'sorta' looking for a budget buildup. I won't be doing bottle (the water injection eliminates the cooling shot I was planning for), and I won't be turning the boost up past 10lbs.

If someone can give me a cost comparison, I'd be greatly be appreciative.

Well, i have had both, i think the cars are just about the same thing imop, they do have different motors and other things are different, i have my 99 Ls1 and i liike it alot, but i probalby liked my 96 jut as much, i think the ls1 and lt1 have just the same amount of parts/upgrades out there, it's pretty much up to you, i think the lt1 is cheaper now b/c of the car years will be lower priced, but, it's all up to you... hope that helps a little

Blown LS-1s are relatively big bucks. You could easily spend over $14,000 for bare neccessities on an LS-1 blower car. You can however, build a 480 rwhp N/A LS-1 for 10K or so.

I'd stick with the LT1 for building a fast car cheaper. I'd also look for a '97 model since it is more unique with the newer interior and older body. I still have both and I still like the older body more than the newer style. Basicly no differance in feel when driving either except HP. Eiser to suck someone into a race with a slow LT1, ;) Later>>>>>>>>>>>

I have had both and it comes down to this. A lt1 is a more fun car as it takes a beatin and you don't feel bad beating it. A ls1 is more of a car that is fast when you want it to be but is not something to beat the crap out of but that is just my oppinion.

I'd say it depends on your goals for the car. If you just want a quick street car for the least amount of money, the LT1 wins hands down. The earlier models ('95 is the best - OBDI, MAF, vented opti) are very cheap now.

If you're looking for the best ET, I'd get an LS1. They're a little lighter and A LOT faster stock for stock, so you're starting with a lot better performance.

As someone else said, you can build a monster NA LS1 for not a whole lot of cash. Do that and spray the **** out of it :D

I don't honestly know what I will do. I will probably go with the LT1 car because it will be cheaper starting out. Plus, I already got the complete parts list with everything I need.

But after I'm done with everything it will look like a LS1 car, so...:confused:

If its only 6-8 psi, why not just use a stock LS1 motor? It'll make way more power and you won't have to build it up before hand.


The lt1 will make less power and need the rebuild parts you described.

Originally posted by My84Z
I have had both and it comes down to this. A lt1 is a more fun car as it takes a beatin and you don't feel bad beating it. A ls1 is more of a car that is fast when you want it to be but is not something to beat the crap out of but that is just my oppinion.

well, I must agree, and this is why. The LT1 can take alot more abuse because they are not aluminum blocks, nitrous, blower would not be a problem. My number one reason is that the LT1 can be bored without putting sleeves in the combustion chamber. AND, I like the idea of stroking it and getting a 383 out of it.....:metal:

Just my 2 cents. But I have an LS1 and love it to death....

just find a used lt4 and thats better than both;) just excited

I think I'll be going with a LT1. It's cheaper, and there is untold power to be had, I do believe.

Plus, methinks I'll enjoy surprising some LS1 owners...:D

On motor alone, LS1's can be made to be wicked fast(usually a LOT faster than LT1's depending upon what you do to them). I personally know of so many bolt-on only(untouched motor) LS1's in the 11's it's sick. ;) If N/A was your goal, this is the ONLY way to go IMO.

BUT...I'm not the least bit impressed with blower LS1's. If you *must* use forced induction or nitrous, go with the LT1 all the way as it'll be waaaaay cheaper to start with and net you better results/durability with the right set-up and proper care.

Mike

2002 M6 Z28

Originally posted by 2000LS1Z28
On motor alone, LS1's can be made to be wicked fast(usually a LOT faster than LT1's depending upon what you do to them). I personally know of so many bolt-on only(untouched motor) LS1's in the 11's it's sick. ;) If N/A was your goal, this is the ONLY way to go IMO.

BUT...I'm not the least bit impressed with blower LS1's. If you *must* use forced induction or nitrous, go with the LT1 all the way as it'll be waaaaay cheaper to start with and net you better results/durability with the right set-up and proper care.

Mike

2002 M6 Z28

My only requirements are to go fast, and then to go faster.
That, and to not spend a fortune doing it.

And actually, I've heightened my anticipation for this thing. I'd really like to see 11s and low 12s with a s/c LT1. I might even switch over to forged crank and rods at some point so I can explore things above 6500 without fear.

I'm thinking I'll be able to do all of this for under $13k (including vehicle) without labor. Hopefully I'll become really good friends with a guy that can do the block and heads work and prep.

LOL you should buy my car it is already in 12's and kills LS1s in street races and stock ones at the track. On the highway its driver.

The LS1 is smoother and kinda sings, whereas the LT1 is the bruiser I like them both I'm only getting rid of mine mostly for just something new and I LOVE THE new WS6s and found a SOM one I'm picking up tommorow!

Sounds like that for you the LT1 is the better way to go just b/c you plan on building it up. Who said the LS1's are weak though? The blocks don't crack every other week- they are way, way stronger the the stock LT1 engines.

There's a lot of people starting to extract a lot of power out of the LT1 now. You could do a budget 396 build up on an LT1 with ported stock heads for around 5-6 grand for the complete motor, and easily make 450 HP at the wheels.

The LS1 is a great motor, I've owned both, but it is definitely not the most cost effective at this point.

Originally posted by Fastbird93
There's a lot of people starting to extract a lot of power out of the LT1 now. You could do a budget 396 build up on an LT1 with ported stock heads for around 5-6 grand for the complete motor, and easily make 450 HP at the wheels.

The LS1 is a great motor, I've owned both, but it is definitely not the most cost effective at this point.
I agree to a point but the ls1 is alot cheaper to make fast you can do a cam install wich is cheaper then and lt1 install and get almost 450 rwhp on stock heads with good tuning (obviously with bolt ons. so id the goal is around 400- 450 rwhp the ls1 is alot cheaper to go that route but if your goals are higher hp yes the ls1 becomes pricey but for less then 2grands worth of parts you can have low 11 second car.

Originally posted by My84Z
yes the ls1 becomes pricey but for less then 2grands worth of parts you can have low 11 second car.

I know, and it's killing me. I really want to buy an LS1 WS6 to go along with my 93, but here's another LT1 vs. LS1 thing:

LS1 cars carry a hefty premium over LT1 cars. For me in NJ, we're talking about $600+ a year. That's a mood killer right there.

Originally posted by Fastbird93
I know, and it's killing me. I really want to buy an LS1 WS6 to go along with my 93, but here's another LT1 vs. LS1 thing:

LS1 cars carry a hefty premium over LT1 cars. For me in NJ, we're talking about $600+ a year. That's a mood killer right there.
I know all abotu that me being 22 and haveing my ls1 right after my lt1 and i am in taxachussetts.

Yeah, I'm 24 and in Souther NJ. I paid off my 93 earlier this year and dropped comp and collision from my insurance because I was being charged $2300 a year. I immediately started looking for a 98+ WS6, but when I got a quote of $2900 for a 00 WS6, I realized that I can't afford it having just bought a house earlier this year. it's very discouraging actually, knowing that the high insurance rates is the only thing stopping me from having one of each. This is on a clean record too.

Not a flame but I gotta ask, what cam only LS-1 is making ~450 rwhp? Do you mean on a small shot of N20? I've never seen more than high 300s cam only and the only 430 rwhp cars I've seen have awesome heads with a fairly large cam. In my experience, it is pretty hard to hit over 430rwhp N/A in an LS-1 without some more cubic inches. Not to say it can't happen, but I gotta see it if its true!

I do agree that up to 450 rwhp the LS-1 is the winner as far as cost, reliability, and street manners.

The new lgmotorsports cam.

Almost all of the major shops have H/C LS1's beyond 450 rwhp, and most have cam cars in the 410 rwhp bracket. Many with the G5X-2 cam in stock head cars are beyond 400 rwhp.:D

Show me some please! :eek: Any links? Couldn't find any of these setups.

You'll have to post up some links, because I checked the LG site and there was nothing about it.

I know a h/c LS1 will do some damage in the RWHP dept, Cory Morgan's SOM T/A is a testament to that (plus duals).

But I've never seen any cam only 400rwhp+ cars. I'd be interested to see.

do a search this was posted a while ago with a dynochart and all.

Originally posted by 1994 RX7
Show me some please! :eek: Any links? Couldn't find any of these setups.

Shoot me an email. I'd like to discuss flow #s between LT1 and LT4 heads...and the other fun stuff.

Do a search on www.ls1tech.com take your pick.

...well I'm off to the Chevy dealer :D Thanks guys.

Originally posted by 1994 RX7
...well I'm off to the Chevy dealer :D Thanks guys.
well what cha buying??????