Hey guys i have a 56 belair that I would like to put a Ls1 in, but I am also thinking about an LT1. I know most of you will tell me to do the LS1 and I would like to but considering over all cost I am wondering which to go with. This might be a little long. Remember I want to spend the least amount of money possible to have a reliable engine that meets my goal.

Ok my goal is 500-550 fwhp that can be driven on the street, but pretty radical cars to me are streetable. Also I do not have emissions or anything so that is not a problem. I would also like a reliable 500 hp engine (as reliable as possible). But I am going to race it and beat on it, but I also drive it alot. I will be a 6 speed also. Can I put these numbers out with a stock bottom end and not have to worry about it blowing up? Basically I am wondering how much it would cost to put out my HP goals and be a reliable engine. I am guessing with bolt-ons and heads and cam It will be in the $3500-4000 range.

Also I am wondering it I go with a pretty god size cam will can I make close to 550 hp while still being streetable and be able to drive it on the highway?


Ok now for the LT1 I could hit 500 hp with the LE3 heads and cam with all the bolt-ons. I can do this for under $2200 and I realize I am pretty much maxing out the LT1 with that combo and an Ls1 would have more potential, but it is a lot less money. Also I could build a 383 LT1 with forged internals and LE3 heads for about $1000-1500 more than building a stock bottom end LS1, but I would have less to worry about on the bottom end.

Another factor that comes into play is the initial purchase of the engine and trans. The LT1 would be much cheaper than an LS1. So I could probably build a forged 383 LT1 with the same power as a stock internal LS1.

I know this is probably confusing and I know it is my choice. But I would like input from everyone. I would really like and LS1 because they are such cool engines. But If I can obtain the same goals with and LT1 for much less money I would probably do that.

thanks for any and all help.
Tom

 

2200 for an le3 and all bolt ons. Try a lot more than that. Things will always cost more than you anticipated. I would go with a fully forged 383 lt1 with the le3 kit like you talked about...that would get you 500 + fwhp like you want.

 

thanks for the reply. I didn't mean I would get all the bolt-ons for $2200. Sorry about that. I meant the heads and the cam. I owned a built 95 formula before my 56 so I wish that heads, cam and bolt ons were $2200.

thanks for your input.

Tom

 

i have a complete drop out ls1 for sale. includes wiring harness and pcm and auto tranny. if your interested emsil me and ill get you the details

brook

 

I'm no expert, but I play one on the internet, so here's my $.02...

If you're starting from scratch, go with the LS1. A quality rebuilt LT1 couldn't be that much cheaper especially if you are planning to go with an LE3 package and all of the other stuff it will take to get that sorted out.

You can be happy with the performance either way, as each engine has a ton of potential, but with the LS1 aftermarket expanding, why not start with a better base.

 

Agreed, I have looked into this quite a bit, though I do not have the funds to do anything yet and if you are starting from scratch you might as will go with a LSx. I bought a LT1 to put into my '56 and sold it earlier this year to work on other areas of the car and to hold out for a LSx. From what I know, you would have to do similar modifications to put in a LT1 as with an LS1, parts may be a little (not a lot) more and the engine/tranny will be more (though they have come down a lot in price). Otherwise it is a pretty similar swap (again as far as I know). If you would like better info, contact Street & Performance http://www.hotrodlane.cc/ , they sell parts for the swaps, have done both swaps, and would know the ins and outs of the swaps better than almost anybody. Also check out http://www.chevytalk.com and just do a search, there are some very knowledgeable people there as well. Hope this helps.

David