350 groundpounder

iTrader: (5)

I am looking to buy a LT1 Camaro or maybe a LS1. I am not into racing. I just want a good solid 6 speed V-8 that rips from 0-60mph for everyday driving and for around town. My question is, "Is the LT1 better for what I want as opposed to a more expensive LS1?

Some facts that I have heard.

LT1--- has more low end torque, some say it feels faster "seat of your pants", sometimes can beat a LS1 0-60, is more reliable than the higher reving ls1.

LS1---has 30-70 more crank hp. low end torque kinda sucks but it rips starting at around 3-4 thousand rpm. can get piston slap around 100,000 miles. Costs more and insurance cost more than a LT1 Camaro.

So would the LT1 be a better ride for just ripping around town 0-60?

Zlow28

iTrader: (11)

Ive owned both, and id recommend the ls1 if you plan on doing any mods.

I personally found it a bit more difficult to work on a lt1 than a ls1, but thats just my opinion.

The ls1 also has more torque through any rpm. Including lower rpms.

Reliability will mostly depend on the previous owners maintenance at this point. Both are strong engines and tons of fun.

Insurance should be a bit cheaper on the lt1, but that depends on way too many factors to give you a straight answer.

I wouldnt mind owning another clean lt1. They sounds mean. I had a lot more compliments on my lt1 z28 than my ls1 ws6. But the ls1 is the better engine.

350 groundpounder

iTrader: (5)

I am on a budget so the lower insurance and cheaper cost of a Lt1 might fit my needs.

Did your LT1 feel faster from take off? I have heard so many times now that the LT1 sounds better which I like too! I think I would be happy with 300 crank hp, good v8 sound, and good low end torque for stop light to stop light. Don't plan on doing many mods, maybe a CAI, exhaust, and a tune would be about it.

Which is funest to drive stop light to stop light, a 6 speed or a automatic?

1994Z28Lt1

iTrader: (1)

I am a little biased towards the lt1 which is why i still drive one. you will have a more seat of the pants feeling of power from the lt1, although it doesn't transfer to the street in real life because a stock ls1 does have more low end, it just doesn't feel like it because the power delivery is different.

With the cam I have i saw about 350 ft/lbs of torque at the wheels at 2500 rpm, a buddy of mine has an 00 ls1 M6 with ls6 heads and TSP's 233 239 grind on a 112 and it doesn't touch 350 ft/lbs until almost 3500 so once you mod them it all goes out the window

Cajun ELESS-ONE

i have owned both ls1 and lt1 cars. the ls1 modded more then the lt1. for what ur looking for, id go with the lt1. intake/exhaust/tune would be a fine daily plus some 4.10/4.11 gears will help for s decent price. find one with low miles and well maintained and ur set

Adam1203

iTrader: (5)

Id go ls1. Like said earlier the ls1 makes more power in all rpm ranges. It also has a more reliable ignition system. Overall the LS1 is a better engine then the lt1 and it should be as it replaced the lt1.

In terms of 6 speed vs auto. Thats a personal choice if it is your DD and your going to see a lot of traffic I would go auto but thats me.

DUDCOUPE

I know alot of vids ive seen the lt1 usually gets the ls1 outta the hole but then the ls1 starts moving and we know end result

davidc212k

iTrader: (3)

You could do what im doing.
I have a 95 Camaro LT1 as a DD.
I am currently doing an LT1 to LQ4 swap on a 97 Pontiac Formula. The LT1 in it has 213K miles, lol. Got it for 1k with engine .
I am also selling the 213k miles LT1 engine for cheap or if i ship it. You only pay shipping and engine is free.

Wallj

iTrader: (1)

I love my LT1! Sound is amazing and it is a pretty fast car. I have a 6 speed and I can say it does get annoying after awhile going from stop light to stop light but it is a very fun car to drive with the stick.

Ed Wright

iTrader: (1)

I have owned both. Both TAs, both automatics, both with 3.23 gears. I can tell you the only way an LT1 "has a better seat of the pants feel" or more torque is if the guy tuning the LS1 has no clue. The LS1 is much faster and gets better gas mileage.

Catmaigne

iTrader: (6)

With the transmissions and mileage being equal, you can either have a LT1 a few grand to modify it or a stock LS1. You will pay a premium for a 6-speed because it's not as common. But it makes the back roads wayyyyy more fun.

Realistically, neither car is going to be a great DD. If you want something great on mileage and comfortable then get a Honda.

Shownomercy

iTrader: (1)

get a truck with a 454 BBC in it yo

Ed Wright

iTrader: (1)

The stock LS1 timing is backed way up down low for emissions compliance. Properly tuned they for sure have more low end torque than an LT1.
I race an LT1 due to the class it runs, and I have built a couple hundred sbc engines. That is what I know. And that is all an LT1 is.
Don't B.S. yourself, the LS1 is a better, faster engine.

BrainFreezE

iTrader: (2)

Don't forget the damn "Optisparks" in the LT1 I don't know how many issues I had with that damn thing... SRS!!

Shownomercy

iTrader: (1)

Their the worst, can't get mine to last more than a few thousand miles!!!

The Lt1 is a pos that can't even run 14s stock!

Catmaigne

iTrader: (6)

Of course the LS1 is better, to deny that would be really ignorant... but it's all relative to how much money OP wants to spend and how far he wants to go with the car. The LT1 is cheap speed.

Catmaigne

iTrader: (6)

I chopped the muffler off my LS1 and now it has 400 at the wheels COME AT ME BRO

1994_383_Z28

iTrader: (1)

It sounds like you're trying to justify getting an LT1 to yourself. If that's what you want, then by all means get one. But don't fool yourself. I've owned both and the ls1 feels faster at any rpm. The ls will get better gas mileage, be faster, easier to work on, and I'll bet it's more reliable. Not to speak badly about Lt's though. I loved mine, and they're still good motors.

Long story short neither choice is a bad one. But I'm willing to bet that you'll regret not getting the ls1 down the road.

BrainFreezE

iTrader: (2)

lol if it were only that easy

Catmaigne

iTrader: (6)

I know plenty of bench racers with nearly stock LS1s who have confirmed this for me. That and god created their motors in his image so anything I say is heresy.

This whole apples to oranges comparison is pointless.