Generation III Internal Engine 1997-2006 LS1 | LS6
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

For the experts: What are the LS1's weaknesses, and how to counter them?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-14-2002, 09:56 AM
  #1  
TECH Resident
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
Lane's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Vertigo
Posts: 955
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default For the experts: What are the LS1's weaknesses, and how to counter them?

What is hindering our motors from making more power?
Lane is offline  
Old 06-14-2002, 01:12 PM
  #2  
On The Tree
 
Ben99Z28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: VA
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: For the experts: What are the LS1's weaknesses, and how to counter them?

should of come with forged pistons, better piston rings and crank, just to name a few!!
Ben99Z28 is offline  
Old 06-14-2002, 01:19 PM
  #3  
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (9)
 
Fulton 1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: WA
Posts: 3,326
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default Re: For the experts: What are the LS1's weaknesses, and how to counter them?

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Catfish:
better piston rings and crank</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I wouldn't say the crank is a problem. From what I've heard the stock crank has been used in applications upward of 600hp without issue. Now the rod bolts might be a different story...
Fulton 1 is offline  
Old 06-14-2002, 01:40 PM
  #4  
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (21)
 
Fireball's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Cecil County Raceway!!!
Posts: 8,484
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default Re: For the experts: What are the LS1's weaknesses, and how to counter them?

definately rodbolts

couple good options: Katech and ARP
Fireball is offline  
Old 06-14-2002, 02:10 PM
  #5  
TECH Apprentice
 
J'sRamAir's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Lexington, SC
Posts: 350
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default Re: For the experts: What are the LS1's weaknesses, and how to counter them?

A little bit of a different view here...but the intake manifold is pretty restrictive and the Ls1 doesn't have a ton of low end torque. Not much you can do about the intake as of just yet, but you can always use gears, and/or in your case, a torque converter. Of course these are very common 'problems' that everyone already knows about. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
J'sRamAir is offline  
Old 06-14-2002, 02:14 PM
  #6  
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
Visceral's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 1,865
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default Re: For the experts: What are the LS1's weaknesses, and how to counter them?

Hypereutectic pistons, weak rodbolts, strangling intake manifold.

\chrisn
Visceral is offline  
Old 06-14-2002, 06:55 PM
  #7  
Teching In
 
HOBBE'S01WS6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: FREEPORT,TX
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: For the experts: What are the LS1's weaknesses, and how to counter them?

I'M STILL GETTING COZY WITH MY SECOND LS1 EQUIPPED F-BODY, BUT THE LAST TWO Z28S THAT ROLLED IN THE SHOP I WORK AT HAD AN EXTREMELY BAD ROD KNOCK. 1ST A 98 WITH ONLY 20,000 OR SO MILES ON IT,IT SPUN #5 ROD BEARING. SAME GOES FOR THE A 99 Z28 WITH A LITTLE OVER 36,000. I'M NOT IF THERE'S ANY LINK, BUT IF A 3RD OR A 4TH COME IN THERE MIGHT BE TROUBLE IN PARADISE.
HOBBE'S01WS6 is offline  
Old 06-15-2002, 12:12 AM
  #8  
TECH Fanatic
 
MelloYellow's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Centrifugal City
Posts: 1,986
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default Re: For the experts: What are the LS1's weaknesses, and how to counter them?

Bad Oil Pumps, Weak Timing Chains
MelloYellow is offline  
Old 06-15-2002, 12:30 AM
  #9  
On The Tree
 
TTA89's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Windham, NH
Posts: 197
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default Re: For the experts: What are the LS1's weaknesses, and how to counter them?

It needs Boooost <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
TTA89 is offline  
Old 06-15-2002, 12:52 AM
  #10  
TECH Apprentice
 
SSINFUL's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Leg Dist #31, WA
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default Re: For the experts: What are the LS1's weaknesses, and how to counter them?

Like any other engine, it needs to be able to breathe better, that's all. More air in, more air out. Simple.

As far as weaknesses, oiling problems and a wimpy timing set-up are the biggest shortcomings, IMO. A double-roller and a ported pump solve a lot.
SSINFUL is offline  
Old 06-15-2002, 10:02 AM
  #11  
TECH Resident
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
Lane's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Vertigo
Posts: 955
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default Re: For the experts: What are the LS1's weaknesses, and how to counter them?

Good stuff guys..
Lane is offline  
Old 06-16-2002, 08:38 PM
  #12  
TECH Veteran
iTrader: (3)
 
MY99TAWS6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Kelowna,BC
Posts: 4,719
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts

Default Re: For the experts: What are the LS1's weaknesses, and how to counter them?

Well..the stock valve springs are crap...way too weak..some stock oil pumps die suddenly.The oil problem but that seems to be helped with new pcv valve at least my intake seems way less oily now.
Also we should have got forged pistons with the money we paid not hypercrap.Agree some strengthening in rod bolts couldn't hurt.Also the stock factory rockers seem to be another lousy part.The stock timing chain is so so.You have to expect weaknesses to come out in racing uses.Just normal street driving most of the above wouldn't be much of an issue..except for the crapping out suddenly oil pump.
MY99TAWS6 is offline  
Old 06-16-2002, 10:00 PM
  #13  
TECH Fanatic
 
MelloYellow's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Centrifugal City
Posts: 1,986
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default Re: For the experts: What are the LS1's weaknesses, and how to counter them?

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by MY99TAWS6:
<strong>Well..the stock valve springs are crap... stock oil pumps die suddenly.pcv valve should have got forged pistons with the money we paid not hypercrap. strengthening in rod bolts stock factory rockers seem to be another lousy part.The stock timing chain is so so.You have to expect weaknesses</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Haha 99TAWs6.. You just replaced the entire engine LOL!!
MelloYellow is offline  
Old 06-18-2002, 10:05 PM
  #14  
TECH Veteran
iTrader: (3)
 
MY99TAWS6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Kelowna,BC
Posts: 4,719
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts

Default Re: For the experts: What are the LS1's weaknesses, and how to counter them?

Yep..but I will personally sleep a lot better when I get a forged bottom end.Did I mention the stock rockers can fall to pieces for basically no reason..
MY99TAWS6 is offline  
Old 06-21-2002, 06:08 PM
  #15  
TECH Apprentice
 
akw408's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: CA
Posts: 352
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: For the experts: What are the LS1's weaknesses, and how to counter them?

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by MY99TAWS6:
<strong>Yep..but I will personally sleep a lot better when I get a forged bottom end.Did I mention the stock rockers can fall to pieces for basically no reason..</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">My rockers are basically all that's left that is stock. I haven't heard of any rockers failing, could you elaborate? Thanks!
akw408 is offline  
Old 06-23-2002, 01:05 AM
  #16  
TECH Fanatic
 
MelloYellow's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Centrifugal City
Posts: 1,986
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default Re: For the experts: What are the LS1's weaknesses, and how to counter them?

Commonly spilling out needle bearings. Nothing major, just a pain.
MelloYellow is offline  
Old 06-23-2002, 11:32 PM
  #17  
LSX Mechanic
iTrader: (89)
 
Damian's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 10,389
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes on 7 Posts

Default Re: For the experts: What are the LS1's weaknesses, and how to counter them?

The intakes aren't as "restrictive" as some people make them out to be. When comparing flow #'s, just a stock LS1 intake will walk all over most other intakes. They aren't that "bad" <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />

Definately oil pumps, valve springs, rod bolts, pushrods..

Josh
Damian is offline  
Old 06-24-2002, 01:40 PM
  #18  
TECH Apprentice
 
Unreal's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Gilbert, AZ
Posts: 366
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default Re: For the experts: What are the LS1's weaknesses, and how to counter them?

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">NO stock engine is built to withstand 2x horsepower increases or 1000 max RPM increases without shortblock work, just so the VAST MINORITY of us can modify them with no thought of shortblock longevity. </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Many import engines have seen 2x-3x the factory HP and many more RPMs without problems.

The mitsu 4g63 motor and toyota 2jzgte motors have both done 3x factory HP on stock shortblocks (stock longblocks too).
Unreal is offline  
Old 06-24-2002, 02:43 PM
  #19  
TECH Enthusiast
 
TrahnZam WS6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Houston / Dallas
Posts: 623
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default Re: For the experts: What are the LS1's weaknesses, and how to counter them?

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Unreal:
<strong> </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">NO stock engine is built to withstand 2x horsepower increases or 1000 max RPM increases without shortblock work, just so the VAST MINORITY of us can modify them with no thought of shortblock longevity. </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Many import engines have seen 2x-3x the factory HP and many more RPMs without problems.

The mitsu 4g63 motor and toyota 2jzgte motors have both done 3x factory HP on stock shortblocks (stock longblocks too).</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">As well as the skyline's RB26DETT and the Japanese-spec Silvia's SR20DET. Both examples of motors built for twice the power in stock form and de-engineered for public use.
TrahnZam WS6 is offline  
Old 06-24-2002, 03:00 PM
  #20  
TECH Fanatic
 
SS00Blue's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,044
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: For the experts: What are the LS1's weaknesses, and how to counter them?

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Unreal:
<strong> </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">NO stock engine is built to withstand 2x horsepower increases or 1000 max RPM increases without shortblock work, just so the VAST MINORITY of us can modify them with no thought of shortblock longevity. </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Many import engines have seen 2x-3x the factory HP and many more RPMs without problems.

The mitsu 4g63 motor and toyota 2jzgte motors have both done 3x factory HP on stock shortblocks (stock longblocks too).</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Good point. I stand corrected as my 4G63 did just that. But remember that those Mitsu 4-cylinders are the single strongest production 4-cylinders ever made, from 89-93, that is. 2Gs are garbage. So I understand that one can go from 195 to 400 on a turbo 4G63, or in my case 460AWHP.

Now let's discuss going from 350RWHP to 700RWHP with LS1s...

Let's remember that there are many examples of FI LS1s that are putting down 500-600 RWHP, just as there are many Jap examples. You've just served to prove my point. Thank you.

Face it. If you suggest the stock bottom end on these motors are "crap", then you've made an ignorant statement, just as that which was stated above.

Boy, you guys just want to rag on anything, don't you...

C'Mon. You just keep making irrational, unfounded statements about the superior engineering in the LS1, and I'll keep defending them.

I admit that I am not up on the 2jzgte. I think that was the motor in the last Supra, if I'm not mistaken. A fine motor, no doubt. $42K was the tag on that in the mid-90s, right? So today we're talking $55-65K? You've just proven another of my points, where I said it would be cost prohibitive to reinforce an engine to that degree. Thank you.

Those vehicles were real terrors, and still are today. But extremely expensive! I only paid $25 for my '00 SS and received one of the finest powerplants ever unleashed on the street. I don't remember many powerplants from any era that laid down numbers like the LS1/LS6 (REAL SUBSTANTIATED NUMBERS, that is.)

OBTW. I've never heard of a 960hp (320hp x 3)Supras on a stock block. Not for long anyhow. I take this as a freak or a major exaggeration. Then again, the 2jzgte was a great engine, and the LS1 is just "crap", right? And by the way, how much for a factory new example of the 2jzgte today? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="gr_tounge.gif" />

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Trahn Zam WS6:
<strong>skyline's RB26DETT and the Japanese-spec Silvia's SR20DET. Both examples of motors built for twice the power in stock form and de-engineered for public use.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">ROTF!!! Now you guys are throwing purpose-built low-volume factory racers at me. How much for the American import version of the Silvia. LOL! You are comparing factory race cars to high volume production cars... Quit embarrassing yourselves.

<small>[ June 24, 2002, 03:32 PM: Message edited by: SS00Blue ]</small>
SS00Blue is offline  


Quick Reply: For the experts: What are the LS1's weaknesses, and how to counter them?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:12 AM.