originally I wanted to get an LS1 most likely a z-28 I don't care to much for the SS, but I am not sure that I will be able to afford one, I do not want to have to make payments, I have about nine grand, I wanted to know are there anything I need to know about the LT1's I haven't heard to much about them. how do the two compare, how good is the engine, tranny etc... thanks for all the help.

 

I have seen 98's Ls1's go around for 9 grand, Look around.

 

Basically, the cars are identical minus the motor. The only major difference is '97+ cars have an updated interior and the 3 tone headlights. The LS1 also has better brakes.

Both are equally fun to drive though, and many will tell you the LT1 is more fun to drive on the street due to its torque curve.
The only major motor problem to look out for on LT1s would be the optispark ignition which can crap out on you. Just check your car from top to bottom before you make a purchase.

My '95 cost $8000 with 67k on the clock, and is very clean. You should be able to find a similar deal. With 9k, you ought to be able to find a nice LT1 and afford a few mods. For $1000 in mods you can run with LS1s down the strip no problem.

 

Lt1s have 275hp for the years 93-95 and 285hp 96-97.

These cares run right around 14 seconds flat stock, give or take a few tenths of a second. The transmission for the Lt1 is the same as the Ls1's. A 97 Lt1 has the same rear tailights as the newer models, as well as the newer interior.

From what I have seen, 98 Ls1's arent as beastly as many other years, for whatever reason, the times just don't seem to compare. Most 98's I have seen or read about are mid to high 13 second cars.

 

LS1 has the better brakes, is a little lighter, and the newer cars can make over 400RW on stock heads. Power for power there is no comparison IMO, but the LT1 is a cheap and fun car, and the parts are less expensive. Then again, you wouldn't hardly replace a thing on an LS1 for awhile, you wouldn't have to in order to make the power.

 

400 rw with considerable amount of bolt ons I'm sure you meant to say...including headers.

 

Bah, one reason I'm not really considering an LS1 right now is because 85% of their owners have an ego problem, almost as bad as supra owners....... THE LS1 CAN NEVAR LOSE!!!! I'll take my cheaper LT1, and put my money in mods, thankyouverymuch.

John

 

Type LS1 vs LT1 in search and you should get "tons" of info on what your wanting. It comes up at least 1 time a week.

 

OH no not this thread again !
SOMEONE please CLOSE IT!

 

There is nothing wrong with staying LT1, but it sure is funny how even Civic MSG boards bow down to the LS1, and flame thier own members for BS kill stories.

 

if you can get an LS1 then do it.

now besides the VERY MINOR! opti problem on LT1s... theres not that much that can go wrong with them.. maybe intake leak. LS1s however and especially a 98 could have piston slap which is an internal problem and requires a rebuild or new motor to fix it which of course isnt cheap. another downside is the higher insurance rates b/c its a newer car and higher rated hp. of course if you can get a good running LS1 it will pound any LT1 in the ground with the proper mods LT1 is no slacker but the LS1 is a better motor.

 

And just how many Civic message baords do you frequent Doc?

-Mindgame

 

LoL, well with my foot somewhat in the import waters now (I feel dirty), the links get passed on from time to time. I've even seen Mustang guys post "...if I would have known, I would have gotten an LS1," thats how I feel now, instead of me having my LT1

Import guys may want to consider American car drivers rednecks or idiots, but what is Honda guys building engines in thier basements, and then asking how do I get it out now? Or how about, "I just put new forged Eagle rods on my Civic, but its making alot of clunky noises. My rods didn't come with those little U shaped things, what is wrong with my car?"

 

I couldnt agree with you more, LT1's have 30 + yrs of engineering behind them too

 

why? This is how people learn that may have just bought an fbody. This is my second one but I get asked this a lot myself, no biggie.