besides the fact that the first LT1s were carbed and 92-97 were F/I what else is different btw the genI and genII. what makes an LT1 different from any other SBC...meaning if you stripped the two down to the bare block how could you tell an LT1 from any other SBC. same for LS1s what makes them so different from regular SBCs. how can you tell them apart. whats different btw the three LS1s as far as block and heads?...just a couple things ive always wondered

 

The LSx is completely different. Gen II and Gen I have a common basic architecture. The LTx and the later model Gen I blocks (that also have a 1-piece rear main seal) are nearly identical. Rotating assemblies will interchange. The coolant passages are drilled differently on the LTx to accomodate reverse cooling and the front cover is different to accomodate the Optispark. The heads, of course, are different but they can be interconverted.

Rich

 

oh, okay...what about differences btw genI LT1s (non-opti) and other small block chevys, are there any ways to physically tell these blocks apart?

 

The original "LT-1" (note use of hyphen) was a 370HP, 4-bbl carb, solid lifter 350ci engine, used in Corvettes and Camaros. It is largely unrelated to the "LT1" (note absence of hyphen) used in the 4th Gen Corvettes and F-Bodys. The "reverse flow" cooling of the Gen 2 SBC, and the block front casting to accomodate the reverse flow cooling and the Optispark distributor make most of the key performance parts incompatible between theh LT-1 and the LT1. Heads won't interchange, cams won't interchange, 2-piece crank rear main seal in the early Gen 1 SBC vs. 1-piece in the Gen 2, etc.

The blocks will have a different front face, different motor mount spacing and different coolant passages. The LT1 blocks ALL have "327" cast in them.

Here's a link to an online article that identifies some of the differences between the Gen 1 and Gen 2 SBC engines.

http://www.automotiverebuilder.com/ar/ar99928.htm

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