I was thinking of getting an LS1 engine swapped into my 3.4, or if it comes to it, somehow selling the 3.4 and buying an LS1. BUT...I've heard many different things about the LS1 and the LT1. What I've heard is that the LS1 is good for top end speed, like it doesn't really kick until after 60 or 80 MPH. So is the LT1 better for low end acceleration? I don't really plan on going to the track and running the 1/8 or 1/4 mile, or doing (much) drag racing, I just want to speed a little, moderately, and have a car that really feels good and powerful at those lower speeds.

So, what is best for what I want out of a Camaro?

 

The ls1 and lt1 are about the same down low but pulls harder up top. Lt1 is cheaper, ls1 has more power potential from the factory because of the heads. Either way it'll be good. a 383 lt1 will be good for that low end grunt.

 

Go to a local shop and quote up a 383 for an LT1, vs an equivalent for an LS1.

My shop told me that the $$$ I spent bringing my LT1 up to speed, wouldn't even cover the parts, let alone the labor, on an LS1.

Also, all of the miscellaneous costs (water pump, alternator, linkage, OBDII, etc.,) will eat you alive.

A junk yard will have an LT1 cheap. An LS1 will be pricey.

 

Based on the description in you post, I would vote LS1. You've heard it doesn't kick well till over 60, 80 mph? 2nd gear should be pulling from an LT1 stock vs. stock from personal experience/viewing. So I agree that LT1s pull harder at lower RPM ranges, but LS1s will take an LT1 before 80 mph..

 

60mph? wtf.

The power seems to kick in about maybe 2000-2500 in a 2001 camaro SS.. so if you launch the car @2500, you'll already have a lot of power.
1st gear REDLINES at 60mph for me.

 

a 6 speed LT1 with a 3.73 gear let alone a 4.10 is quite fun down low I must say.

 

Either is going to have enough low end to blow your tires off. My old LT1 has no traction until about 45 on street tires, and about 30mph on drag radials.

 

My LT1 stays right next to my friends LS1, my car had a cutout, MSD, and a cut up airbox and his had a HTPP, lid and a cutout. We are about the same drive skill, our cars would be RIGHT next to each other untill..... we hit 4th gear(both cars are m6) it would be even untill then and then he just pulls away like hes got nitrous or something. Thats where the LS1 shines. I had the torque to hang with him, but in the end I didnt have the HP. 3rd gear goes to about 90mph

 

Something is wrong with his car if he not pulling away until 4th gear. I am not being an *** or anything but I have raced A TON of stock or lightly modded LT1's and I pull away in second gear if not the end of first.

 

Thanks guys, got some great input from all of you. It'll be expensive no matter which engine I choose, I think I'll have to swap my breaks too if I get a new engine. Well, thanks again. And don't worry, you won't be hearing anymore stupid questions from me for a while .

 

No, his car is ok. It seems to me that my LT1 was stronger than most. Maybe thats why I dunnno. And he wouldnt like edge me out, if we were to pull out 4th gear he would have a car, car and a half on me.

 

Most LS1 guys refuse to beleive a bolt on LT1 can hang with a stock or lightly moded LS1. My car with below mods has run a 12.97 on DRs. It has also beat a friends 01 Z28 with a catback, lid, and cut out numerous times. He has run a previous best on 13.33 on street tires. I'd guess the two cars would be pretty equal on street tires. I usually pull out about a car lenght or so by 100mph.

LS1s are great cars. But If you want to install one in your car its gonna cost a small fortune. I wouldn't do it unless you could buy a wrecked car to use for parts for a decent price. Otherwise you will be nickled and dimed to death.

 

do they make a 3500 stall without a high footbrake i think its called? (where the car doesnt move at all til a certain rpm)

 

Down low the two cars are fairly close but the LS1 is still slightly faster then a LT1 down low, but if all you want is power down low it would be cheaper to get a LT1.

 

my stock 98 M6 blew the doors off my mildly modded 95 A4. I had over a carlength by the end of 2nd gear and the gap kept growing.

It takes quite a few bolt-ons for an LT1 to "hang" with a stock or lightly modded LS1 assuming both know how to drive. Don't be fooled, LS1 cars have just as much low-end grunt as the LT1, it's just that the torque curve on LT1 cars is flat, and the LS1 torque curve keeps climbing. Makes it feel like a real turd before around 2500 RPMs.