I have researched f-bodies for about 4 years now and i have finally gotten into a position to get one. I have made the decision to get an ls1 since gm generally teds to get better as their engine technology progresses, but i keep hearing negatives on ls1 torque percentage when compared to the lt1

I would like to know how much of a difference is it, is it going to feel like im driving in a much less powerful car like a kia or something. I know i am being extreme but when comparing the torque between and lt1 and ls1 some people are putting serious stock in it.

Anyone have som info on this topic

Thanks

 

Yes it has low end torque. Don't worry about it being slow down low or especially up top.

 

Yes, it makes PEAK torque and PEAK horsepower HIGHER, but it also makes MORE torque and MORE horsepower, as with any race-oriented V8. The LS1 is just your average detuned race motor. The shift to higher peak torque can be overcome by simply adding a torque converter with a higher stall speed.

Mike

 

Thanks for the responses, my only dilema is i saw on a post that an lt1 is better to drive around town and feel the acceleration, I drove a friends 97'ws6 and it was strong down low and i felt it strong all the way till the top of 4th gear. can the ls1 serve this up? is the bottom end strong? if you say no then compared to what

 

Are you planning on leaving it stock forever? Like I said before, gear and/or a converter can solve all of the low-end torque issues.

The LS1 owns the LT1 in every which way possible. Some say the LS1 was designed by God himself. Others say the LS1 itself is God and created the universe. People who don't believe in God say that the LS1 is invincible because it has magic inside!!!!!!!!11111111111111oneone

 

just look at 1/4 mile times on an lt1 as compared to an ls1 and what are you looking to do? Are you planning on just driving around town in stop and go? Are you going to try to take this to the track? The ls1 doesn't pull as much down low as the lt1. But, it will pull harder in the higher RPM's. You need modified lt1's to hang with stock LS1's.

 

Would you rather feel like you are going fast? Or do you want to BE fast? Cause thats what your asking.

 

I have a '94 and a '98. The stock fun factor is nearly the same. The LT1 only needs about 2800 stall and the LS1 could use 3500 to best advantage. I doubt you can feel the difference between the engines with a stock convertor in both.

 

Thanks again guys

I can't use a tall stall cause i want a m6, i realize a4 is more consistant, but i have a automatic 91 tarus, the ls1 is going to be my baby of my dreams and in my dreams its a m6.

It was said above that ls1 has more torque at higher rpms. so is it safe to assume it is that way all the way from 1st to 4th gear. in each gear once it gets to the higher rpms it starts to pull hard. or is it only once you start getting to the higher gears..?

Thanks again for the quick replies, i think this weekend i am going to test drive a ls1 to get a feel for its power range.

 

I have had both a 94 lt1 and my current 99 ls1. To me both feel the same down low but it is the high end power of an ls1 that makes all the difference. Dont get me wrong the lt1 is a proven motor but i love my ls1. Also lt1 has the optispark and I always hated dealing with that

 

Just my $.02:

I've driven my buddy's '98 T/A quite a few times, and he's driven my '94 Z quite a bit. We both agree that mine feels stronger down low, and I love it when driving around town. Until he drove mine the first time, he had a pretty negative opinion of the LT1. After the first drive, he was very impressed. So yes, the LT1 does have a little stronger bottom end. But likewise, the first time I drove his, the top end horsepower was ridiculous. When we race longer than just stop-light to stop-light, he's gone. The LS1 might not make it's torque right away like the LT1, but it makes PLENTY of it.

 

My L98 has more SOTP feel than my LS1 does, but thats off the line, once you hit 2-3-4 gear it pulls like no other SBC could.

 

When me and my buddy race, the first 2 gears are pretty even, I think that's because the first 2 gears are short enough that the LT1 can pull through them pretty easy yet. But around third gear, it's over. At that point the LS1's top end just dominates the LT1.

 

Says it all right there. Sounds like you've already made up your mind, and in my opinion you've made the right decision. Go test drive it and reinforce your decision.

Peak numbers don't matter as much as power under the curve, and even more importantly the ability to put it to the ground.

Some people prefer an LT1, but that's their opinion/preference/retardation. If you like the LS1, buy one. You could buy an LT1 car and use the money you save on mods, or you could just buy an LS1.

To answer your question "does LS1 have lowend torque"...Um, yeah, it's a small block Chevy V8. Of course it's got torque.

Abe

 

No.

You're overthinking this.

GM wouldn't have made the LS1 if it wasn't going to be better than the LT1.