Sorry if this has been posted before but I didn't come up with much when I searched. I am considering picking up an LS1 TA in the near future. I wanted to find out how these engines hold up as daily drivers. I always wanted a 4th gen F-body so I picked up an LT1 and that thing has been a mechanical nightmare since day 1 literally. A friend of mine told me not to pick up an LT1 with over 100,000 miles cause that's when things that are known to break on these cars do. I didn't listen and I ended up having to replace EVERYTHING that is known to fail on LT1's. I guess in a way I'm trying to figure out how the reliability is with LS1's compared to LT1's. I know I will get replies saying it will hold up great as long as it's maintained but that wasn't the case with my LT1. What are some of the things that are known to have issues on LS1's? I read about the piston slap but are there things that go out like the water pump and ignition system components like on the LT1's? Like I said I apologize if this is a repost but I didn't come up with much on my search and I'm trying to figure out about some things that I should expect may need to be replaced if I pick up an LS1. Thanks in advance.

 

The ls1 is nite and day from the lt1 from what I hear, the ls1 is a much better built motor as well from what I have read. For reliability the ls1 is better, but for modding its gonna be costly.

 

I believe it is still a relatively cheap motor to mod honestly. Also with the newer GenIII motors coming out, prices are definately going to drop.

As far as reliability. From the engine ITSELF, I haven't had any problems since purchase at 40K and I'm approaching 80K... Now... For the rest of the car... ...Have you ever had your stock exhaust system come a loose on you for absolutely no reason? Happened to me. Oh, and be prepared to replace front Brake Pads and Rotors, they run through them like skittles... Enjoy!

 

113,000 Miles still has the original clutch
All I've replaced is front brake pads because a slide pin seized up and one pad was worn unevenly
Water pump failed at around 88k plugs and wires at 92K
Replaced push rods (missed shift) at 98K
Everything else was under warranty
Broken shock 20k headlight motor 24k a/c compressor 48k fuel level sending unit 49k.
This is my DD Owned since new and has been dead reliable.
Car was street raced often for the first 5yrs and still made over 300 RWHP at 109k back in June `06.

 

My LS1 has about 190K on it and still runnin mid 12's with mods listed..I swear by the LSx.

 

That´s nice to hear.

 

It is a very nicely engineered motor in my opinion and can take alot of abuse. My buddy is still beating the crap out of his stock shortblock with a heads/cam combo and a 150 shot of nitrous. Two of the nice features of the LS1 motor is the coil pack per cylinder ignition setup and the six bolt mains. I've seen plenty pushing over a 100K now and haven't had any mechanical problems.

 

Well I think most cars will give you decent life you take care of them. (not to start an lt1 vs ls1 argument) but I have known many friends with over 130k on there lt1 and few issues. I presently OWN both an lt1 and ls1. I have 164k on my lt1 and its been a GREAT car I have been good to the car but it has been good to me. Usually when buying a new car the how the previous owner treated it has a lot to do with it.

I think the ls1 is a great engine. Yes I do think its better than the lt1, but the lt1 was/is a good engine too. I like the fact if your belt breaks you still have a waterpump working on the lt1.

Good luck on your search.

 

I got a buddy with a 99 LS1 with 158k running a 150shot and cammed untuned and it runs like a beast!!

 

There's no comparison.

I had an LT1 car before and will never buy another.

 

I've had to replace many of the accessories but that was due to the p/s cooler failing on me and taking everything with it. Long story, and a freak occurence.

Nevertheless, I have had nothing on the engine ever fail me. Like stated before, the rest of the car is a differant story.

I rev my car out every day, have done several events where I am in high RPMs for 20 minutes constantly, and have overheated her twice due to my lack of a sufficient air dam. She still pulls as strong as before with no complaints with 75k hard miles.


:knock on wood:

 

My 2001 SS has 63,000 on it, Replaced the Alternator
My 1999 B4C LS1 has 119,300 on it. Replaced nothing

I have personally owned a Lt1 with 184,000 on it when i sold it. But LS1 can't be beat!!!

 

The 1995 LT1 I had is NO WHERE near as reliable as my LS1 has been.

I am at 87K miles.. All mine.. 0 days in shop.
I race monthly and daily drive it. Well, I say 0 days.. but I did have to finally have the clutch replaced.. but thats no biggie.. at 85K miles.. heheh