I was looking to get an LS1, and I can just barely afford one.. But that means no mods or anything like that. An LT1 would let me have some spare cash for the same condition car, but with less power.

Is an LT1 a fun engine to have? I know the power differnece in terms of numbers is small, but the LS1s seem to get much more respect.. thoughts?

Thanks!

 

it's got it's downers and it's uppers.

pros:
decent power for cheap
cheap performance parts
SBC style engine (if you want to convert over to vortech heads and put on a whipple you can)
reliable (with the exception of the opti)

cons:
not nearly as much BHP as the ls1
you'll likely never match the ls1's power (given the same mods)
opti is crap
head designs are very limited...with only 4 options for stock replacements and 2 options for raised runners
very limited on intake manifold designs
smaller TB

personally, i'd go with an LS1 car. it'll take you further for cheap. for one you dont have to upgrade the braking system. lighting is better, interior is upgraded, engine is "younger". spend the extra few bucks and get the lsx

 

both of them have their respective ups and down, but if you are gonna mod - way down the road even, the S is what you want, the S's aftermarket dwarfs the T's like shaq standing next to a person whos 4'6"

 

An LT1 is a ton of fun. If you are just looking for something to have fun with you wont be disappointed at all by the LT1 and you can usually get them for a lot less than the newer LS1 f-bodies. But like others have already said, if you want BIG horsepower numbers (above 400-450 or so), the LS1 is probably the way to go.

 

I'll probably throw a CAI on it, maybe a cam down the line, but BIG power is definently not on my mind. I doubt I'll ever go over 35 or 40 over stock on either engine..

 

The LS1 has a newer---more up to date engine--- and if all your taste is in your mouth then you won't mind the chrysler look.

On the other hand, the LT1 F-Body has some style and you can make it go as fast as your money lasts. JMHO

 

The LT1 is not fun if you have optispark problems, its a poor design and makes me wish I had an LS1 each time I take it off... But like other people said, if your just looking for a fun car, the LT1 is a good choice due to the price. If you are looking for the faster car down the road, the LS1 is better, but costs a lot more to mod.

 

If that's all you are looking for, just get the one you like the looks of most IMO.

-Oh, and to warn you in advance, it will probably be JUST the CAI.................then a catback...then headers...then roller rockers...then a cam....etc. (in otherwords, it really is "addictive")

And don't let everyone scare you, the opti isn't that bad. Sure the design isn't perfect but if you aren't raising your rev limiter and spinning super high (and as long as you waterpump doesn't leak on it), you should be okay. Plus they aren't too difficult to change.

 

There is nothing cheap about fixing up an LT1

 

The Lt1 can make some good power more then most people evber need with the right mods trust me you dont want to be strapped for cash because of a car and the lt1 is fun and boost is a great equilizer in terms of big power so is nitrous id go for the cheaper car if thats what you can afford and mod it slowly if thats what your budget calls for if not......get an ls1 no dobut about that i wanted an ls1 i got an lt1 because of finances and i really dont regret it at all im sure you wouldent either

 

Get the LS1, your going to need boltons to just have a chance against a stock LS1. And I'm pushing close to 500rwhp, but a day doesn't go by that I don't wish I had an LS1 instead.

 

I have both. The LT1 is heavily modded and the LS1 has just bolt-ons for now. IMO I'd get the LS1 even if you have to keep it stock for awhile. I wish I would have done all the mods I did on the LT1 to the LS1. I'd say it would be a bit faster with the same mods.

 

Great.. Now I'm even more confused..

I don't know.. I always wanted an LS1, just because, more or less.
Then, after having to actually work doing concrete to buy one.. I don't know. I've got 8,000 right now. LS1s come in that range, with an M6, lether, ttops, but barely.

The HP difference is also only 20... I don't know.. I guess it'l just come down to whatever actual car I see for sale now...

Thanks for the opinions guys, at least I know the LT1 isn't crap..

 

Your original question was how fun is an LT1. IMO a stock LT1 is alot more fun than a stock LS1. The LT1 will feel faster off the line. It'll give you a nice tourqey jolt that will make you But after that the LS1 will move ahead, and keep on going.

 

ls1s have like 30 more horsepower, and lt1s can easily be as fast....and the throttle bodies arent smaller, there smaller in one port but they have twin throttle ports soooo good one, other than that I was in the same situation as you and I picked the lt1 so I had more leeway and its more reliable in my opinion and im really happy with mine,,,, either is great but I like having more money to spend on the car :P