LT1 vs ls1
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Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 2,801
From: Nashville, TN
I hear a lot of guys justify the LT1 over the LS1 due to price of the car. That is a valid point when shopping, but its not applicable when comparing one engine to another.
Regardless of price, the LS1 is flat out superior. Now, if you are shopping for a car, obviously you are limited to what you can afford. But if you know right off the bat you are going to spend megadollars on a George Baxter-esque effort car, the LT1 might be the better purchase because the car will be cheaper yet in the end it will be just as fast as a more expensive LS1 car with the same $$ put into the engine.
The argument changes when you start putting all kinds of conditions on it. The guy asked which one is better. That would be the LS1. Which one is right for you? Well, that depends...
Regardless of price, the LS1 is flat out superior. Now, if you are shopping for a car, obviously you are limited to what you can afford. But if you know right off the bat you are going to spend megadollars on a George Baxter-esque effort car, the LT1 might be the better purchase because the car will be cheaper yet in the end it will be just as fast as a more expensive LS1 car with the same $$ put into the engine.
The argument changes when you start putting all kinds of conditions on it. The guy asked which one is better. That would be the LS1. Which one is right for you? Well, that depends...
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 27
From: Atlanta GA
I'll second that, get what fits your needs. Get what you like. Either engine is more capable than let me make a guess...80% of the cars on the road. The LS1 has more out of box power, the LT has less expensive parts and more parts available (right now).
Tradeoffs are what it comes down to.
Tradeoffs are what it comes down to.
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 507
From: Sioux Falls, SD
All points above are noted, but you're forgetting one key point. The LT1 is not in production cars any more because of the LS1. The LS1 is a far superior engine in almost, if not every, catagory. New engineering, new design, new innovations lead to the LS1. Otherwise, GM would still be producing cars with the "old school" LT1.
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,505
From: looking for a flow bench so Brook and I can race
when piston slap causes a problem, let me know.
oil starvation? how stupid can you be to drive your car and not check the oil? or look at the oil pressure guage!
add a quart ever 2000 miles. oil is cheap.
why would an LS1 guy EVER fear an LT1 guy
they are faster stock and they repsond to mods better-
so basically you gave a faster runner a head start and hes scared of fat albert catching up?
and LS1 guys going to an LT1?
one step foward two steps back? If they wanted a "traditional" small block- why LT1? why not a GEN I?
Aluminum block a problem? running faster than 8's? because that block has held 8 sec times. hell i know a guy running 9's on stock bottom end, stalled stock trans and geared stock rear. How do ya like them apples
and most of you guys whining about internal parts havn't touched your own top end, nevermind bottom end..
I bet all this would change if YOU owned an LS1... just get over it.
wa wa wa- grow up.
The LS1 is better, it doesn't mean the LT1 is bad.
oil starvation? how stupid can you be to drive your car and not check the oil? or look at the oil pressure guage!
add a quart ever 2000 miles. oil is cheap.
why would an LS1 guy EVER fear an LT1 guy
they are faster stock and they repsond to mods better-
so basically you gave a faster runner a head start and hes scared of fat albert catching up?
and LS1 guys going to an LT1?
one step foward two steps back? If they wanted a "traditional" small block- why LT1? why not a GEN I?
Aluminum block a problem? running faster than 8's? because that block has held 8 sec times. hell i know a guy running 9's on stock bottom end, stalled stock trans and geared stock rear. How do ya like them apples
and most of you guys whining about internal parts havn't touched your own top end, nevermind bottom end..
I bet all this would change if YOU owned an LS1... just get over it.
wa wa wa- grow up.
The LS1 is better, it doesn't mean the LT1 is bad.
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 27
From: Atlanta GA
well the obvious reason to go LT and not Gen 1, is that again, just like the GN, the T56 won't bolt up 
It is true, if I could buy an LS as cheap as the LT, I might have gone that way...but...such is life and economics
oh, I almost forgot...reason 2 for LT... FI? :P
It is kinda lame to see people bashing the LS or LT because they happen to own the other...too bad :P almost reminds me of the KA24DE vs. SR20DET
It is true, if I could buy an LS as cheap as the LT, I might have gone that way...but...such is life and economics
oh, I almost forgot...reason 2 for LT... FI? :P
It is kinda lame to see people bashing the LS or LT because they happen to own the other...too bad :P almost reminds me of the KA24DE vs. SR20DET
Last edited by GaryH; Jun 5, 2003 at 01:28 PM.
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,505
From: looking for a flow bench so Brook and I can race
Originally posted by GaryH
well the obvious reason to go LT and not Gen 1, is that again, just like the GN, the T56 won't bolt up
It is true, if I could buy an LS as cheap as the LT, I might have gone that way...but...such is life and economics
oh, I almost forgot...reason 2 for LT... FI? :P
well the obvious reason to go LT and not Gen 1, is that again, just like the GN, the T56 won't bolt up
It is true, if I could buy an LS as cheap as the LT, I might have gone that way...but...such is life and economics
oh, I almost forgot...reason 2 for LT... FI? :P
altough it lacks seq port fuel injection 
what do LS1 guys do about trannies?
they cant exactly bolt up TH's and i hear the tremmec t-56 sucks. guys are runing 8's and 9's. whats gives?
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 27
From: Atlanta GA
The tremmec sucks?! hmm wonder how to tell which one I got :P I liked the one in my 94, whichever that was...and if this 96 is as good...I'm sure I'll pleased. But from where I'm coming from, 4cyl background mainly...300hp is a *LOT* of power so...heh
I don't think I'll do more than 400 on my LT1, 300hp is fun as hell without sinking into incredible debt :P One thing I've always thought interesting is someone that goes to the drags and lays down 600HP+, breaks a trans or whatever and all of a sudden, whatever that parts was...it sucks.
I don't think I'll do more than 400 on my LT1, 300hp is fun as hell without sinking into incredible debt :P One thing I've always thought interesting is someone that goes to the drags and lays down 600HP+, breaks a trans or whatever and all of a sudden, whatever that parts was...it sucks.
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,505
From: looking for a flow bench so Brook and I can race
Originally posted by GaryH
The tremmec sucks?! hmm wonder how to tell which one I got :P I liked the one in my 94, whichever that was...and if this 96 is as good...I'm sure I'll pleased. But from where I'm coming from, 4cyl background mainly...300hp is a *LOT* of power so...heh
I don't think I'll do more than 400 on my LT1, 300hp is fun as hell without sinking into incredible debt :P One thing I've always thought interesting is someone that goes to the drags and lays down 600HP+, breaks a trans or whatever and all of a sudden, whatever that parts was...it sucks.
The tremmec sucks?! hmm wonder how to tell which one I got :P I liked the one in my 94, whichever that was...and if this 96 is as good...I'm sure I'll pleased. But from where I'm coming from, 4cyl background mainly...300hp is a *LOT* of power so...heh
I don't think I'll do more than 400 on my LT1, 300hp is fun as hell without sinking into incredible debt :P One thing I've always thought interesting is someone that goes to the drags and lays down 600HP+, breaks a trans or whatever and all of a sudden, whatever that parts was...it sucks.
my buddy blew his right off his car (not litterally obviously) in a stock WS6 with a lid
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 27
From: Atlanta GA
ouch! I do hope mine is the BW, but I think the tremmec will do fine under moderate power...don't you think?
I think I'm more likely to break the stock diff off the car first (FC RX7) :P
What do you mean by 'lid'? that's a new one for me.
Oh yeah, isn't the LS1 slightly taller dimentionally than the LT1? If I remember correctly, another plus for the LT (in my particular application) is that it's a more compact design, so I won't have to run a different hood.
I think I'm more likely to break the stock diff off the car first (FC RX7) :P
What do you mean by 'lid'? that's a new one for me.
Oh yeah, isn't the LS1 slightly taller dimentionally than the LT1? If I remember correctly, another plus for the LT (in my particular application) is that it's a more compact design, so I won't have to run a different hood.
Last edited by GaryH; Jun 5, 2003 at 01:52 PM.
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 603
From: I-L-L-I-N-O-I-S
Originally posted by PoorMan
My LT1 with a borla cat back on stock manifold sounded like that.
Deep bass sound to it. Best sounding setup I have heard on a 4th gen.
Jeff D.
My LT1 with a borla cat back on stock manifold sounded like that.
Deep bass sound to it. Best sounding setup I have heard on a 4th gen.
Jeff D.
But other than that, I've never heard an LT1 I didn't like.
Mike
2002 M6 Z28
!CAGS, Direct-Flo lid, MAFT, & GMMG Chambered Exhaust
325.1 RWHP & 346.1 RWTQ (SAE corrected @ Speed Inc.)
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 27
From: Atlanta GA
Pardon? LT1s aren't cheaper to modify? Since you didn't provide any examples, I guess I will. From strokerkits.com:
LT1 383 kit = $1250
LS1 383 kit = $3650
Now this is just one example, (not represenative of the entire aftermarket spectrum) and the parts are probably a little different...the LS1 kit has a "billet" crank, where the LT has a cast steel...but...geeeeez what a difference I don't have the time to sit here and do an identical parts search for both engines...but I'd still wager the LT is going to be significantly cheaper on parts than the LS...typically It's only logical that the LTs aftermarket parts supply would be more refined not only in the product, but in the manufacturing. It's just been around longer. shrug.
more info: Though, from lmperformance.com, comparing clutches/flywheels from the two engines, the LS is cheaper for some reason...interesting :P
LT1 383 kit = $1250
LS1 383 kit = $3650
Now this is just one example, (not represenative of the entire aftermarket spectrum) and the parts are probably a little different...the LS1 kit has a "billet" crank, where the LT has a cast steel...but...geeeeez what a difference
I don't have the time to sit here and do an identical parts search for both engines...but I'd still wager the LT is going to be significantly cheaper on parts than the LS...typically It's only logical that the LTs aftermarket parts supply would be more refined not only in the product, but in the manufacturing. It's just been around longer. shrug.more info: Though, from lmperformance.com, comparing clutches/flywheels from the two engines, the LS is cheaper for some reason...interesting :P
Last edited by GaryH; Jun 5, 2003 at 02:26 PM.
Registered User
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 2,801
From: Nashville, TN
To be clear, the LT1 benefits from the fact that all of the internals (crank, rods, pistons) are interchangeable or VERY similar to Gen 1 SBC parts, so the cost of tooling has been paid for years ago.
The LS1 owners are paying more for internal parts because the MFGers are still recouping their development costs.
But if you want to talk bolt ons, The LS1 is as cheap or cheaper. Lid and Cutout ($200 spent max) will get you into the 12s. Try that with an LT1!!!
I love my car, but I'm not BLINDLY loyal to it. Its like saying the Fbody is better than a C5.
The LS1 owners are paying more for internal parts because the MFGers are still recouping their development costs.
But if you want to talk bolt ons, The LS1 is as cheap or cheaper. Lid and Cutout ($200 spent max) will get you into the 12s. Try that with an LT1!!!
I love my car, but I'm not BLINDLY loyal to it. Its like saying the Fbody is better than a C5.
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,505
From: looking for a flow bench so Brook and I can race
Originally posted by GaryH
Pardon? LT1s aren't cheaper to modify? Since you didn't provide any examples, I guess I will. From strokerkits.com:
LT1 383 kit = $1250
LS1 383 kit = $3650
Now this is just one example, (not represenative of the entire aftermarket spectrum) and the parts are probably a little different...the LS1 kit has a "billet" crank, where the LT has a cast steel...but...geeeeez what a difference I don't have the time to sit here and do an identical parts search for both engines...but I'd still wager the LT is going to be significantly cheaper on parts than the LS...typically It's only logical that the LTs aftermarket parts supply would be more refined not only in the product, but in the manufacturing. It's just been around longer. shrug.
more info: Though, from lmperformance.com, comparing clutches/flywheels from the two engines, the LS is cheaper for some reason...interesting :P
Pardon? LT1s aren't cheaper to modify? Since you didn't provide any examples, I guess I will. From strokerkits.com:
LT1 383 kit = $1250
LS1 383 kit = $3650
Now this is just one example, (not represenative of the entire aftermarket spectrum) and the parts are probably a little different...the LS1 kit has a "billet" crank, where the LT has a cast steel...but...geeeeez what a difference
I don't have the time to sit here and do an identical parts search for both engines...but I'd still wager the LT is going to be significantly cheaper on parts than the LS...typically It's only logical that the LTs aftermarket parts supply would be more refined not only in the product, but in the manufacturing. It's just been around longer. shrug.more info: Though, from lmperformance.com, comparing clutches/flywheels from the two engines, the LS is cheaper for some reason...interesting :P
Yorkies rods, pistons and crank cost him $560. mine cost me $1300 and i have a cast crank. both LT1. see how we cant compare
internal parts are the only real things that are more expensive in the LS1
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,521
From: Costa Mesa, CA
Originally posted by UnbelievabLS1
John, the only reason you've gotten attitude from some owners is because you have a lil bit of an attitude yourself.
Where do you get this piston slap, oil consumption, and motor survival crap at? Do you just know that many thousands of LS1 owners who are having these exact problems. Dude, those problems are totally isolated to just a handful of cars, it's not happening on every LS1 out there. I've never experienced any of the problems you speak of, and my car has 81K VERY HARD miles on it.
And what about the 3 blown up LS1's that you know of. OK, let's talk about those. Number 1 would be Carl, simple answer, bad set-up all the way around. A heads and cam set-up, along with a nitrous kit and an inexperienced driver. Blown motor waiting to happen in my opinion.
Number 2 is Eddies car. A cammed, bolt-on + N20 car. His motor letting go was nothing more than bad luck. It's very unfortunate what happened to Eddies car, but you say it like all this in only happening to LS1's. Should I start counting all the LT1's that I know of right now that are down?
And who is this 3rd mystery person with the blown LS1? It seems I would know about it, considering I know most every LS1 in our area. Who is it, and how did it happen?
You speak of the LT1 as if nothing could ever happen to it, and you drive it for 200,000 miles and be perfectly fine. Well, maybe you could, but do you honestly think you couldn't do the same in as LS1? Because if you do, then you better put your Dremel down, and step away from the heads buddy, cause you're not thinking right now! Hell, you can make any car last forever, it all just depends on who the owner is, and how he'she takes care of their car.
To sum it up, both the LT1 and LS1 have their good and bad points, but in the end, the LS1 will always be the far superior motor, if not for the amazing engineering that went into it, then for the shear power it makes in stock form. IMHO, dollar for dollar, the LS1 will always come out on top.
John, the only reason you've gotten attitude from some owners is because you have a lil bit of an attitude yourself.
Where do you get this piston slap, oil consumption, and motor survival crap at? Do you just know that many thousands of LS1 owners who are having these exact problems. Dude, those problems are totally isolated to just a handful of cars, it's not happening on every LS1 out there. I've never experienced any of the problems you speak of, and my car has 81K VERY HARD miles on it.
And what about the 3 blown up LS1's that you know of. OK, let's talk about those. Number 1 would be Carl, simple answer, bad set-up all the way around. A heads and cam set-up, along with a nitrous kit and an inexperienced driver. Blown motor waiting to happen in my opinion.
Number 2 is Eddies car. A cammed, bolt-on + N20 car. His motor letting go was nothing more than bad luck. It's very unfortunate what happened to Eddies car, but you say it like all this in only happening to LS1's. Should I start counting all the LT1's that I know of right now that are down?
And who is this 3rd mystery person with the blown LS1? It seems I would know about it, considering I know most every LS1 in our area. Who is it, and how did it happen?
You speak of the LT1 as if nothing could ever happen to it, and you drive it for 200,000 miles and be perfectly fine. Well, maybe you could, but do you honestly think you couldn't do the same in as LS1? Because if you do, then you better put your Dremel down, and step away from the heads buddy, cause you're not thinking right now!
Hell, you can make any car last forever, it all just depends on who the owner is, and how he'she takes care of their car.To sum it up, both the LT1 and LS1 have their good and bad points, but in the end, the LS1 will always be the far superior motor, if not for the amazing engineering that went into it, then for the shear power it makes in stock form. IMHO, dollar for dollar, the LS1 will always come out on top.
As for the three broken LS1s, I was told there were three at Delk waiting to be fixed. One that a guy was FI and ran out of fuel blew up, Eddies was next to be fixed and then Carls.
Oh and BTW, not porting with a dremel anymore, as soon as I got done with the ports I started using a die grinder
John