I have a 98 firebird and are wanting to do an engine change here in the next couple of months...
Now i was wanting to get an LS1 but i can find LT1s for a whole lot cheaper and ive heard that the LT1s are easier to put in (dont know if this is true or not). Now which one would be more cost effective to go with, getting an LS1 or getting an LT1. Is it much cheaper to put an LT1 into my car? Also, what does it take to match or get around the power of an LS1...what all would i have to do to get around what an LS1 puts out? Anyone know how long it would take to do an engine swap also?

 

LS1 is obviosly gonna make more power "out of the box" but you can easily make 330-350 rwhp with an intake, headers, exhaust, and a small cam.

The LT1 tranny is also stronger. It all depends on the setup.

LS1 is a crazy beast though. If i were you, i would get a tubular K-member that comes with motor mounts to simplify things.

-Stu

 

ive heard that the LT1 engines are 'stronger' than the LS1 and can handle more abuse and whatnot...is this true?

 

I would go with the LS1

to match the power output (note HP not ET) of a stock LS1 a LT1 needs to have most bolt ons which would most likely exceed the price of the LS1

the time depends on your skill level

I think it would be cheaper just to sell the 98 firebird and get a 98+ T/A or formula, because even though you have a v6 body with a v8 you still have the v6 suspension and driveline

 

Or Z28/SS.

 

They are the same tranny.The borg warner t-56 transmission.

 

not technically true
bw was bought out by tremec i believe and a few thigns changed for the ls1 t56s
they are known for being a slight bit weaker than the lt1 t56s (albeit not by that much)

 

anyone know the website that tells you everything you need to do an engine swap? Ive seen it before but i forgot what it as

 

Well it depends on the year LS1. The 01+ LS1 came with better internals in the trannys. The 98-00 trannys were weaker and had wearable synchros which would wear out over time.

The LT1 trannys were all built alot stronger. The LT1 also has a different clutch and slave cylinder setup.

If you can find a 01+ LS1 engine/tranny then jump on it. Otherwise i would get a LT1.

If you are getting a new car, then i would just try and find a good deal. LS1's all seem to be overpriced, but if you can find a good deal on a "virgin" LS1.. then id do that.

 

Just to give you a price idea. I'm currently in the middle of a v8 engine swap. I have a 97 rs vert, and bought a wrecked 97 z28 with 32k miles on it for $2500. I have a shop doing all the work for me, and said the labor price will be between $1k, and $1.5k. This includes swapping out the whole drivetrain, both axles, adding headers, and all the small stuff like fuel lines, gas tank, etc. So for me it's worth the swap with all the things I've done to my car already, plus I love my car. If you do a swap, the best way is to buy a wrecked car or a whole car, this way everything you need is there.