LS1 vs LS2 for a 68 Firebird?
LS1 vs LS2 for a 68 Firebird? I am restoring a 68 firebird and will be buying a donor car(LS1/LS2&T-56) in probably 6-8 months. I am not sure if i should spend the extra money to go for an LS2 or get an LS1 and modify it.
I would like to make 400-450hp and get 25+ mpg highway (i will be doing a lot of highway driving). I have never messed with engines newer than the late 70s before, so i am not sure how easy it is to work on/upgrade these engines.
Any recommendations are appreciated
I would like to make 400-450hp and get 25+ mpg highway (i will be doing a lot of highway driving). I have never messed with engines newer than the late 70s before, so i am not sure how easy it is to work on/upgrade these engines.
Any recommendations are appreciated
Go LS2.. it will be easier to reach the 400-450hp mark... key in on researching and getting recommendation on the Cam if you expect to get good MPG as a DD or Highway cruiser.
But a LS1 can get your there with the right parts (H/C/I) and a good tune. Might cost less to start with, but will pay more to get where you want.
BC
But a LS1 can get your there with the right parts (H/C/I) and a good tune. Might cost less to start with, but will pay more to get where you want.
BC
have you thought about LS truck engines?? Far cheaper and accept all the same mods with the same results. My 67 Firebird is getting a stock 4.8L with a single turbo and will push out over 600hp for half the cost of an LS2 drop out... just my .02. Good Luck 
TECH Resident
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 821
Likes: 4
From: Elkridge MD
Actually my LS2 dropout only cost me $3200, although admittedly most of them are more.
Super Chevy did an article back in 2008 on the common upgrades for the LS1 and LS2. One of the reasons I chose an LS2 (after my 5.3 plan fell apart) is that the LS2 is so incredibly responsive to upgrades. In the article, just bolting on a set of long tube headers to an LS2 took it from 405hp to 462hp.
Now of course, results will vary. You'll need a tune to eliminated the VATS, emissions, etc, at which point you can also add a performance tune. I was told mine would be roughly 30 extra hp. Plus a few for a CAI....and we're talking some real numbers.
I don't expect all those numbers to add up on top of each other and be like 490hp, however 450, 460 is easily achievable with an LS2...and that's before a cam upgrade or a 'charger.
Here is the article: http://www.superchevy.com/technical/...s/viewall.html
Super Chevy did an article back in 2008 on the common upgrades for the LS1 and LS2. One of the reasons I chose an LS2 (after my 5.3 plan fell apart) is that the LS2 is so incredibly responsive to upgrades. In the article, just bolting on a set of long tube headers to an LS2 took it from 405hp to 462hp.
Now of course, results will vary. You'll need a tune to eliminated the VATS, emissions, etc, at which point you can also add a performance tune. I was told mine would be roughly 30 extra hp. Plus a few for a CAI....and we're talking some real numbers.
I don't expect all those numbers to add up on top of each other and be like 490hp, however 450, 460 is easily achievable with an LS2...and that's before a cam upgrade or a 'charger.
Here is the article: http://www.superchevy.com/technical/...s/viewall.html
Carb'd LS2 motors are rated at 440 HP right out of the crate. I have one in my 240z and with a stock cam and 750 DP get 25 mpg highway. It would probably go up a couple of mpg if I had a 6 vs 5 speed trans. Turning a few too many RPM at 70 mph.
LS2's have quite a few improvements over the LS1.
http://www.gmhightechperformance.com..._look_feature/
Also the 4 inch bore allows you to upgrade to LS3 heads
LS2's have quite a few improvements over the LS1.
http://www.gmhightechperformance.com..._look_feature/
Also the 4 inch bore allows you to upgrade to LS3 heads
Trending Topics
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power
Verdad Gallardo
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy
