Yep, I do, and yes I can


...and like stated above, even a stock LS2/LS3 in a C6 will absolutely kick the crap out of most of the h/c LT1 cars here. The LS1/2/3/7 are just superior designs out of the gate.

As you suggested, that's not to say that economically and mechanically motivated folks can't make any other sbc haul ***.

 

Exactly! So when a guy on a budget asks "stock superior design motor or modified old design motor in the same basic body for the same money?"
He should not be force fed: "THE BEST! THE BEST! THE BEST! THE BEST!"

He should get objective opinions based on facts, experience and the actual question he asked. Not hype or things read in magazines.
LT1 - LS1 f-body? = Pick one and have fun!
LS2/3/7 -C6? = Can you lend me some money?

 

LOL.

 

How about buying a 98-02 LS-1 Camaro and putting a 93-97 front end on it. Path of least resistance and best of both worlds.

I've seen 93-97 Camaros with the 98-02 front ends for sale. So why not the reverse?

I've considered doing this since I prefer the 93-97 front end. I thought about buying the 98-02 and living with it as is. If down the road, I still like the 93-97 front end, I'd switch it.

Just my screwed up logic...lol

Steve

 

or just buy a 93-97 camaro and drop in a LS1?

 

I toyed with the idea of putting the 93-97 nose on my 00 Formula to truly love the car - I think research showed the hood or fender height would not clear - obviously the swap has been done in reverse....I wonder?

Plus - I have a complete LS1 K-member that rolls I could shove under my 94...
Ahhhh - it's fast enough with the 383 and as someone mentioned - the LTx sounds old school mean compared to an LSx out the exhaust - at least it seems

 

theres a guy in our local fbody club that has a LS1 in his 95 camaro, stock hood. He had to use a new k-member, but you cannot tell theres a LS1 in there unless u REALLY know the sound difference

 

That is great job. I read somewhere it was not an easy swap. I wonder if the wires and harness needed alot of modification.

Steve

 

I wonder if the Camaro has the same height issue?

 

I don't know where you keep getting your information, when LS1's first came out 400rwhp was an acomplishment on a heads/cam car, and now people are breaking 500rwhp on stock bottom end street cars, and 600rwhp on stroker street cars, all motor. LT1's don't even come close to that. LT1's are loosing ground on LS1's, not making it up.

 

Heres another thing. Ive seen quite a bit of the LS cars in my area pretty much grenade at around 100k miles. LT1 cars seem to last longer than the LS cars around where im at.

 

ok, im not talking a stroked LS1, u can make a 427 LS1 vs a 396 LT1. Im talking about stock block for stock block. U can make 450 or so out of a LT1, and im hoping that these better brodix heads, and even good ported trickflow heads will help with that. Compare headflow, we'll use LE3 for both
Ls1 - 315/220
LT1 - 280/195
we know that heads do a LOT for both of these motors. The new brodix heads, and even AFR and TFS heads should help make up the difference there, although yes, the LS1s will be better still.
Id like to see a build up of a LT1 and a LS1 where both have the same headflow, and same sized cam to compare, i bet it would be a lot closer then

 

Just a guess from building cars for 30 years as a hobby = the car chassis are very much alike such as interior, accessories, outside lights, safety features. If you pull a 98-02 cars full harness systems out - tail lights to headlights, gauge cluster and sensors, including the PCM and under hood harness - the physical locations would be the same. Just pretend you're putting a new set of harness' in a 98 but into your 95 and ta-da! hook up the engine wires to your LS1 that's mounted to the LS1 k-member. Complete with better brakes
pack and pinions interchange - sway bars, struts, etc. If only the firewall and floorpans are proven to be indented the same for clearance of belhousing, headers etc into an older body. I bet he sheetmetal is stamped the same from 93-02 - just a bet - not positive.

 

A lot of this is personal preference. I have both types of engines. The LT1 car is being built up as a strip/street car and the LS1 is the dailey driver. (I've owned the LT1 longer, so the LS1 stays unmodded for resale purposes, warrenty and gets me to work)

I enjoy both cars. But as a "personal" preference I think I like the LT1 better because of were the power is. The LS1 car takes a long time to get up to the 3K area were it feels alive. The LT1 has never had that problem with me.

Yes, I know I could mod it, put in gears and stall and all that, but I have a project car, and I like getting 28-30mpg highway in a 300+ hp V8 and rubbing it in the noses of all those import owners at work.

Bottom line, go with what you want and what you like. Otherwise you'll be kicking yourself later and wondering why you didn't go the other way.

Which ever way you go, have fun doing it. Thats what this is all about anyway.

 

All excellent points. Good to know.

I miss my 1985 IROC 305 (and the Cady 6 cyl. CTS I drove for 3 months) because of the great low end power. The powerband of the SLS Northstar I drive now is similar to my 69 302 Z/28 daily driver from 30 years ago (mostly top end power). I can't bear to use my 1996 SSs as daily drivers even though they would be fun cars.

For me, in perfect world, I would have a low end H.P. A4 daily driver and a hi end H.P. M6 for fun.


Steve