I know most of you guys in this forum will tell me to put an LS1 in it, but i thought i would get both views from the LT1 and LS1 guys/gals.

Ok here is the situation. I know an LT1 will bolt right in and that the swap will be a little easier. But my main thing is performance and how much money it is going to take to get it. I am only 20and don't have a ton of money so keep that in mind. I can get a complete LT1 and T-56 for $3000 or less. And from what I have seen a LS1 and T-56 are going for $4500-5000.

I could make the LT1 faster than the LS1 with the extra $1500-2000. Plus parts for the LS1 are much more expensive. What I am looking for from you guys is your opinion on which one you think I should buy. Since I own a 95 formula now I don't know much about LS1's. Tell me which one you think I should get and why you think that?

thanks
Tom

 

I am lazy, and thus can understand the allure of the LT1 as a bolt in project.

However, for 3K you oughta be able to build a pretty healthy motor of the type currently in the car.

Having driven a grand total of : 1 !! LT1 (thanks, Neil350 ) I can't say a lot about them other than that the low end torque feels awesome !!

I can say that the LS1 is far stronger stock vs. stock, offers better breathing - really noticeable on the upper end , no opti spark troubles down the road, and is lighter.

Couple that with the fact that you did not mention whether or not the $'s for the motor included the appropriate wiring harnesses, sensors, and powertrain computers to drive it, I think your ultimate cost is liable to be much greater than you think.

I'd say stick with what ya got ...


My .02

Britt

 

Money aside it dsepends on what you like. Torque or high revs. An LT1 will give you seat of the pants feel and run in the low 14s to high 13s. An LS1 will go a little faster through the quater. Either will be a good swap but the LS1 will be more involved. Me I'd go with the LT1. Even though I own an LS1 Z. I'am concidering a LT1 swap in my Monte Carlo SS.

 

thanks for the opinion guys. The price of each included all accessories and sensors ect. I want to put an LT1 or LS1 in my car because i want to be able to drive this car anywhere and be able to afford the gas. I take 250 round trips to see my girl friend at school all the time and i want to be able to afford to drive this car on those trips. I can build a mean LT1 or LS1 and still get over 20 mpg on the highway instead of 10-15. Plus i would most likely want a 3.73 or 4.11 rear and i don't like doing 60 on the highway.

I really like torque but my main thing is going fast, so which ever will be better in the 1/4 is the one i would want.

And YES money is a factor because I am a 20 year old college student and i won't have a ton of extra money after buying the engine and trans.

any more opinions are more than welcome

thanks
Tom

 

I've owned both...and I have to agree with the previous posts. I know more about the LT1 because I had it longer. At 110,000 miles, it's a good strong engine and still pulling. I just bought my LS1 in May 2002. I honestly don't know a lot about it. I'm too scared to screw around with it due to warranty restrictions. The LS1 is the faster of the two, but there's something about the LT1 that I favor. If you could afford either one...I'd say toss a coin and go from there.