Hey fellas. I usually post in LT1 tech (seeings how I have an LT1 and all) but I am gonna get a LS1 in a couple years (2000-2002 6spd SS) so I am starting to do my research on them now. What are the main differences (besides heads and cam)? Do they have the notorious optical distributors, if not what do they have, and if so is it still real problematic?? Are they easier to work on than the LT1s? Are they better with emissions? How far can you mod a CA LS1 before not passing stringent smog laws (LT headers, heads, cams)?? What mods are they very responsive to (even though its probably the same as the LT1s)? I'm basically looking for any info because my knowledge of the LS1s is far less than that of LT1s.

Sorry for my ignorance, but hey, a couple years goes by fast (I wish ) and I want to get my gameplan down for my new F-body. Please help, I need to get my bearings for starting to plan.

 

Same things work to make power.

Completely different motor tho.. understand everthing is new

The ls1 has no dist.

each cyl has a coil pack of its own

 

I'll give you a few of the advantages of the LS1:

• all aluminum = less weight
• longer stroke, smaller bore = a "stroker" that's cammed to run at higher RPM's
• full-roller engine (hydraulic roller lifters, 1.7:1 roller rockers)
• individual coil packs (as PhantomTA noted) per cylinder which provide a hotter spark every time (and AFAIK, no real "problems" with the ignition system such as "Opti", etc.)
• way better flowing heads = the bulk of the LS1>LT1 advantage --- and again, aluminum
• better intake manifold ('01/'02 LS1's use the LS6 intake)
• factory "shorty header" style exhaust manifolds = better flowing "stock" exhaust --- also, spark plugs are easier to access, since the manifolds are angled downward below the plugs (vs. LT1 w/manifolds that rise above the plugs)

Well, those are a few of the differences anyways. HTH.