i have a 96 z28 with the lt1 and its startin to **** me off, it leaks oil from about as many places as it has cylinders, this is the third lt motor car ive had and theyve all had cooling issues at one time or another and the optispark and plug wires are such a PITA. ive never heard of the BS like this with the ls motors and i just wondered if anybodys had trouble with theirs and if theirs any common probs among all of them like the LTs plagues. im considering looking for an ls car and sellin my 96

 

I just sold my 96 LT1 for an LS1, but not because of reliability. I had the LT1 from 71K miles up to 116K, and it held up great. Only thing in all those miles I had to fix was the fuel pump, which can happen to anything. You said your LT1 has oil leaks, well, more than likely they are related to the intake manifold gasket, and the seals in the timing chain cover, where the water pump, optispark, etc, shafts go through. Many have had great luck getting a ton of miles on an LT1. I really think both motors are good.

 

Generally anything new has newer technology, and the bugs have been worked out from the previous model (SEE: OPTICRAP) I'm sure an LS1 more reliable as long as its been taken care of. Some have better luck than others, I got 96k out of my vert with nothing more than preventative maint. and a intake oil leak. Turns out those cars aren't immune to the sides of Nissan Quest vans, though.

 

My car has 105K and has been pretty reliable and I take very good care of it.

It's all the pick of the litter, maybe your engine was built on a Friday afternoon.

My friend has an '87 Camaro showcar with 190,xxx miles and it's still on the original 305.

LT1s are good engines, but remember, they wouldn't have built the LS1 if it wasn't going to be better.

I'd say buy an LS1 and start over on a clean slate.

 

One of my friends has an LS1 and the only complaint he has the the usual piston slap complaint upon startup. Otherwise, it is a very stout motor. His stock bottom end has taken abuse from heads/cam/200 shot and it continues to live to tell the tale. Just putting a 200 shot ALONE on my LT1 is asking for trouble.

 

Sorry i dont mean to badmouth the lt1 as much as i did. Its not that I think its a bad engine, its just frustrating cause im in college and on a tight budget. Id like to spend my money upgrading stuff instead of havin to re-seal the engine, I mean i lost like 2 and a 1/2 quarts in 2500 miles, luckily i work at an oil change shop so i top it off for free. I know that the ls1 is much better partiallly because its newer, but it still frustrates the hell out of me that the lt leaks so much. Seals are not difficult technology. My girlfriends 84 nissan 300zx turbo doesnt leak or burn a drop of oil in 3000 miles, obviously if they can do it gm should have been able to as well

 

If you want to pitch your LT1 just because of an oil leak, then I think you are doing it for the wrong reasons. All motors have the potential to develop oil leaks.

 

Although like I said I think the LT1 is a very durable motor, I would have to agree that it is too prone to oil leaks. Yes, all engines can leak oil, but the LT1 seems to have two weak spots, intake manifold gasket, and the seals in the timing chain cover. But hey, fix the leaks, and go on. Nothing that can't be taken care of. I would rather replace a seal every now and then than to have a durability issue.

 

The only upgrade reliability wise youre going to get with an LS1 is the ignition system. I guess you could throw in there that the intake manifold wont be prone to leaking as well, but not everyone gets the LT1 intake leak.

I'd see where your leak is coming from and try to fix it. Spending a few hundred on fixing a leak is a lot better than a few grand on a whole new car.