Like what he said above. Please get the electric water pump. The stock water pump is driven on by the cam and robs a good amount of power espically if your water pump is old.

I learned a lot about motors when I bought my LT1.

 

I wouldn't put an electric water pump on a daily driver.


buddy had one on his LT1 and it died without warning - he didn't notice till his temp was WAY UP, good thing he was close to home.

 

I am in the process of building a bracket car as well. Fred (above) is and excellent source of information and one of the best people on the board. But like he said, learn the engine you are working on. The only things that are belt driven are the power steering, alternator, and AC. If you are just deleting the AC, then an AC delete pulley is all you need. If you want to delete the power steering too, then you need to get a custom bracket for the alternator. Thunder Racing sells them and it relocates the alternator to approximately where the AC used to be.

 

As has been said, the LT1 versus LS1 is really a personal decision. But since you're buying a used car, you might want to consider that the newest LT1 equiped car was the 97 models. 12 years old and counting. Anyway, there's a lot more to a car than just the engine. I have an LT1 car and love it but I recommend people buy the newest old car they can, especially if they don't have a preference. Like I said, I have an LT1 car, my wife has an LS1 vette and I had a LS2 GTO. Bottom line is that the LS family of engines is a great series and they really respond well to mods. Buy whichever you want....

Two things I'll say now that will get some comments...
1) I run an electric water pump on my daily driver and wouldn't hesitate recommend others do the same. When it fails the temp goes up, just like the stock pump. The big differences are that the engine always runs cool...same flow at idle or 6000 rpm and changing the pump is now easier than the mechanical one. 6 little allen head screws and the thing is out and in your hand....you don't even have to take the fans down. I've had to replace only one in the 9 years I've owned the car and the benefits outweigh the potential for problems.
2) LS engines are great for power production, response to modifications etc. However, there is one place where they come in second to the LT1..exhause sound...the LS series sounds awful compared to LT series engines or, for that matter, any pre-LS small block ever made!

Have a good day....

 

I DO LIKE THE lT1 EXHAUST BETTER AND I THINK EVERYONE ELSE DOES is the exhaust worth the possible troubles? you be the judge

 

No? Seems silly to even think about choosing a car just for the exhaust, an LT1 at that.

 

I also have an lt1 car its great i love it. The car is a blast to drive as you may know. The ls1 cars are great as well, they do respond well to mods and they do have more power stock for stock. I however do like my car because building an lt1 is rare nowadays most people are all over the ls cars so spanking them is a bit of good fun. With the 3000 you will have left over making an lt1 car much much faster than even a decently modded ls1 will be relatively easy just gotta put the work in i say lt1 all the way.

 

I know it would be dumb to buy a car just for exhaust bbut just threw it out there. KEEP THE OPINIONS AND FACTS COMING... by the by i personally like the LS1 look better much more aggresive, exspecially with ram air. dont get me wrong the LT1 does look good at one point i liked them better but.... ITS IN THE AIR RIGHT NOW

 

if looks are not an issue (which it doesn't seem to be), you should get an ls1. much easier motor to work on and more powerful out the box.

 

looks definetly matter but i love al the years of camaros and trans am mentioned.... but not really feeling LT1 headlights they look really outdated,, im not dumb i knows its 12 or so years old

 

Personally I like the 93-97 front end better as far as looks go. And that style headlight is distinctive. Not many other cars have that look. the 98-02 front end however resembles that of a lot of other cars. as far as motors, that's a matter of preference and how you want to spend your money. I'd personally like to have some extra cash left over after getting the car but that's me. I'm not one to drain my whole budget on just the car itself. Just a matter of how you want to spend it.

 

If I was starting over I would get an LS1 just because of the variety of parts and the massive following of aftermarket suppliers....


But I love my LT1 I have had it for several years now and its had its ups and downs but I have replaced/upgraded all the bad stuff and she runs like a top and the exhaust is way better IMO-but not enough to get LT1 over an LS1

 

So what im gettin out of you LT guys is that if you could go back you would get the LS1. NOW I KNOW SOME WILL DISAGREE WITH THIS I DONT CARE REPAEAT I DONT CARE. From what i have seen the LS is a better faster more reliable engine.... True????????/??????

 

lt1 is a little slower top end.

lt1 will be faster off the line.

lt1 sounds better, rides rough, looks better...

if you want a sports car go with ls1, you want a muscle car? go LT1

 

I have a "sort of DD" with EWP ... if a person is going to use an
EWP on a vehicle, they should also wire in a warning circuit - don't
rely on the gauges.