Vertigo

iTrader: (1)

I got into the whole Chevy world at a good time. All i really know about is the LS1. Now, I do not want to start a war with the LT1 guys as I love the sound of an LT1 but what happened technology wise to make the LS1 so much better than the good ol' 350 from back in the day. I used to have a truck with a 350 and that thing was a joke! Why does the LS1 perform the way it does? Thanks!

pist0lpete

iTrader: (3)

Well there have been numberous articles and books written on this but part of the huge improvement is in the valvetrain geometry.

ChaseSS

iTrader: (17)

the angle of the heads is a big one, different firing order (not a very big difference tho) than the LT1

ArrestMeRed99Z28

iTrader: (1)

the awsome flowing cylinder head and a completely new intake manifold don't hurt either, until you get to much higher RPM and airflow applications, then #7 is at risk, but you can always switch the a carb style manifold and a big cowl hood. Looks cool too

300bhp/ton

I don't think you can tar all 350 SBC's with the same brush, just because you had one you didn't like doesn't mean they are all bad.

As for the LS1, well it's a completly new engine, apart from being 5.7 OHV there is little else in common with the 350ci (LT1 and all predecesssors).

Also more modern idea's like CAD, CAM and computer simulation and prototyping all aide to a superior engine over the older carved from a block of granit style of engineering involved in the creation of the original SBC.

BLKWS.6

http://www.idavette.net/hib/ls1c.html

This will tell you everything you need to know and many things you dont.

Summary: Aluminum 15* heads that flow hella good, lightweight rotating mass along with low tension rings, factory roller rockers (not roller tip though), plastic non-heatsoak prone intake, 10.2:1 compression.

Those are the main "differences" if you will from the SBC 350 of yesteryear. (as well as 4" smaller displacement at 346CI for the LS1)