Lt1 vs. Ls1 swap
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2019
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Lt1 vs. Ls1 swap I understand Ls1 is the better engine however I am just curious if swapping an Lt1 is the same as swapping an Ls1 into a car. I only ask because I only have enough funds for an Lt1 and there is nothing I can find when it comes to support on how to swap Lt1 into a car. However on the Ls1 there is always tons of forums and people talking about there swaps. If it's the same parts and process it would make my life much easier.
The LT1 is based on the original SBC where the LS series is completely different. Only drawback to the LT1 is the Optispark which need replacing from time to time and can get a little pricey. Given the shear numbers of LS engine/trans out there I would opt for the LS. Wiring will cost about the same but you'll have a newer drivetrain.
Staging Lane
Joined: Jan 2017
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I guess this depends which LT1 you are talking about- early 90s or 2014+?
Early 90s is a breeze but its not a great engine. no real tuning issues, just hook up power and some basic harness modifications.
The extra work and money for an LS1 (really not that much) is well worth it, coming from someone who started with a 90s LT1 and later swapped an LS1
I've also done a couple 2014+ LT Swaps. These are a little more in depth and expensive. This is perhaps not a good one to begin with unless you are confident and dedicated.
Also, there is lots of information on both versions of LT1 swap info online, you may want to do some more searching
Hope this helps
Early 90s is a breeze but its not a great engine. no real tuning issues, just hook up power and some basic harness modifications.
The extra work and money for an LS1 (really not that much) is well worth it, coming from someone who started with a 90s LT1 and later swapped an LS1
I've also done a couple 2014+ LT Swaps. These are a little more in depth and expensive. This is perhaps not a good one to begin with unless you are confident and dedicated.
Also, there is lots of information on both versions of LT1 swap info online, you may want to do some more searching
Hope this helps
nothing wrong with an lt1. the optispark issues are blown way out of proportion due to people putting junk parts store optis which are known to have issues. i've had my car for 6 years and only had to replace an opti once and it was because my water pump took a dump and weeped coolant onto it. MSD and AC delco optis are the way to go. obviously the LS is the superior platform, but if on a budget an lt1 can be a great option and it isn't hard to get 450fwhp out of one with a nice heads/cam package. they use conventional sbc mounts so you can put them into anything you can get a sbc into.
