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 0-70mph 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?

z28SSilvest

I would assume an ls1 and lt1 cost the same insurance wise. And I'm also sure this answer I'm about to give is going to get heckled by some lt1 fanatic.. But anyway, ls1 hands down. Stock for stock, an ls1 will rip on a lt1. Which also means it will respond to mods better than an lt1. Want more power? Get an ls1. Want a v8 that you can rip on and don't care about how fast you get to 70? Get a mustang.

02DroptopZ

iTrader: (3)

Have you driven an LT1 or LS1 car before? If not, go test drive a few. Much easier to pick from behind the steering wheel than it is to pick from behind the keyboard!

In my opinion though, I would go with an LS1 car, the main reasons being reliability and more power. The only way I would pick an LT1 car is if you got a great deal on a low mileage well maintained one.

00MaroonZ28

iTrader: (3)

Save for the LS1

TechCam97

iTrader: (5)

I've had both and to me the difference was night and day between the two. After I sold my Corvette I had to make the choice again and decided to wait and find a nice LS1. I'm very glad I did!

JD_AMG

You have been misinformed.
While the LT1 might feel more torquey down low, the LS1 actually makes more torque everywhere compared to the LT1.
The LS1 is also more reliable (you may want to seach "LT1 Opti-spark")
Also all LS1's make roughly ~345+crank hp regardless if they are rated at "310hp" or "325hp", the rating is BS.
Also from what Ive seen mileage has nothing to do with piston slap.
There is nothing wrong with the LT1, its a great engine, but the LS1 is in a league of its own.

TechCam97

iTrader: (5)

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

^ This is the correct answer all-around.

Opti-spark definitely puts the LT1 behind in the reliability department. If not for that, then I would call it a draw as both are great engines.

Piston slap is not a product of mileage; some do it, and some don't. In my experience the '01+ models are more prone to it, but any LS1 can have this issue. I've owned them from brand new all the way to 100k+ miles, and for the examples that have the issue it never gets any better or worse no matter the mileage. Cool/cold weather will make the condition more noticeable. Engine longevity doesn't seem to be at all compromised by this, so it's really nothing to worry about.

Only reason why an LS1 example might be more to insure would be due to the fact that they are newer cars and therefore generally worth more. So if you have full coverage, replacement cost would be higher on the newer of the two cars.

1BurnedZ28

LS1 all the way. Optispark distributors on LT1s are expensive and an incredibly poor design. Not all LS1 6speeds are expensive. I bought mine for alot less than most of the LT1s you see for sale in running condition.
Don't get me wrong, the LT1 is a splendid car, but the LS1 is the more dependable, better-engineered version.

JDEP162

Not to mention, the aftermarket for LS series is so freaking huge. Mods and parts are plentiful, as well as knowledge like this site.and all the above reasons too

AnotherWs6

iTrader: (17)

The truth has been spoken.

demonspeed

iTrader: (7)

This.

While I wouldn't knock someone for getting a LT1, if they are considering one or the other then LS1 makes most sense to me.