View Poll Results: LS1 or LS2 for engine swap?
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LS1 or LS2... that is the question
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
iTrader: (13)
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Long Beach Island, NJ
LS1 or LS2... that is the question Ok, first let me state I am in no way an expert on either of these engines, nor do I claim to be, hence the reason why I’m here.
My plans to swap an LSx engine into another vehicle are being held up by my dilemma of going with either an LS1 or LS2 for the swap. My ultimate plans will result in a forced induction version of one of these engines with a 6-speed and a goal of around 700HP.
The general cost of the swap and the fabrication is not the issue as it would be identical for either engine, but my main problem goes a little something like this….
“Is the LS2 just going to be easier & cheaper in the long run based on its stronger design and better/larger components (throttle body, ect), or would be better to start with a cheaper LS1 swap, then upgrade the heads, TB, ect ect or am I just going to nickel and dime myself up to the LS2 cost?”
I hope that makes some sense.
My plans to swap an LSx engine into another vehicle are being held up by my dilemma of going with either an LS1 or LS2 for the swap. My ultimate plans will result in a forced induction version of one of these engines with a 6-speed and a goal of around 700HP.
The general cost of the swap and the fabrication is not the issue as it would be identical for either engine, but my main problem goes a little something like this….
“Is the LS2 just going to be easier & cheaper in the long run based on its stronger design and better/larger components (throttle body, ect), or would be better to start with a cheaper LS1 swap, then upgrade the heads, TB, ect ect or am I just going to nickel and dime myself up to the LS2 cost?”
I hope that makes some sense.
In the long run, go with the Gen IV LS2 you will be better off... IMO the latest is always the best route if you can swing it into the project.
The Aftermarket vendors will be making more improvement with the LS2's, as they are still current production. Currently there are not anymore new production cars being marketed with the Gen III LS1 (that I can recall ?).
The Aftermarket vendors will be making more improvement with the LS2's, as they are still current production. Currently there are not anymore new production cars being marketed with the Gen III LS1 (that I can recall ?).
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
iTrader: (13)
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 64
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From: Long Beach Island, NJ
Originally Posted by THE_SUPRA
^agreed, but i must say that the search is your friend...
There are plenty of people putting out great numbers with both engines, and people reporting minor and major issues with both engines as well, so that still left me torn on the subject.
On The Tree
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 127
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From: DFW, ATL, Tallahassee
What is your goal, other than HP? Are you going to want to stroke the motor or leave it with its stock cubes? If funds are not an problem, I would go ls2, but it doesn't really matter. When you get to high HP levels and have to build the engine, get the best heads, best hardware, etc, I don't think either block will offer any massive advantages. Is having a lightweight aluminum block important to you?
As far as nickel-ing and dime-ing yourself to death, it depends on your goal once again. If you want to slowly progress to your 700 hp, then yeah what you choose from the beginning will be more crucial (you wouldn't want to get the best high compression NA heads if you later were to switch to FI and want to lower the CR). Know what I mean?
If you gave a little more insight to the project, we could help guide you better.
As far as nickel-ing and dime-ing yourself to death, it depends on your goal once again. If you want to slowly progress to your 700 hp, then yeah what you choose from the beginning will be more crucial (you wouldn't want to get the best high compression NA heads if you later were to switch to FI and want to lower the CR). Know what I mean?
If you gave a little more insight to the project, we could help guide you better.
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Thread Starter
Staging Lane
iTrader: (13)
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 64
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From: Long Beach Island, NJ
well, the car is most likely going to be a BMW, I just havent found one I liked yet.
As for my overall timeline and goals, I would swap in and keep it N/A for a while, work out the bugs, ect. When the time was right, change out the cam, rebuild the motor and do whatever headwork/swap would be best and add the Supercharger or Turbo (still undecided on that as well). I havent looked into stroker kits, but I dont forsee myself going that direction.
700HP was just a random HP goal, but if I fall short and make 650HP Im not gonna cry about it. It isnt going to be a drag car or a drifter or an autocrosser, just simply an overpowered extremely fun toy that will take out the occational unsuspecting performance car.
Im not the type who has to build something thats gonna beat Joe Blows 900HP Whatever up the block, I build cars for my own enjoyment, not anyone elses.
The reason Im asking this all now is because I have an opportunity to buy a complete LS2 GTO with minor nose damage for $10K. From what I can see on eBay, LS2 Complete Drivetrains are going from $7800 - $9500 depending on the year/miles/trans.
I would assume I can make a few thousand back from parting out what I dont need, Im just a little unsure if I should jump on this car now, or wait and see if something better comes along.
Im basically putting the cart before the horse since I dont even have the car I want to swap it into yet, but what can I do.
As for my overall timeline and goals, I would swap in and keep it N/A for a while, work out the bugs, ect. When the time was right, change out the cam, rebuild the motor and do whatever headwork/swap would be best and add the Supercharger or Turbo (still undecided on that as well). I havent looked into stroker kits, but I dont forsee myself going that direction.
700HP was just a random HP goal, but if I fall short and make 650HP Im not gonna cry about it. It isnt going to be a drag car or a drifter or an autocrosser, just simply an overpowered extremely fun toy that will take out the occational unsuspecting performance car.
Im not the type who has to build something thats gonna beat Joe Blows 900HP Whatever up the block, I build cars for my own enjoyment, not anyone elses.
The reason Im asking this all now is because I have an opportunity to buy a complete LS2 GTO with minor nose damage for $10K. From what I can see on eBay, LS2 Complete Drivetrains are going from $7800 - $9500 depending on the year/miles/trans.
I would assume I can make a few thousand back from parting out what I dont need, Im just a little unsure if I should jump on this car now, or wait and see if something better comes along.
Im basically putting the cart before the horse since I dont even have the car I want to swap it into yet, but what can I do.
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Originally Posted by Captain Morgan
The reason Im asking this all now is because I have an opportunity to buy a complete LS2 GTO with minor nose damage for $10K.
You can make alot of money back with the interior pieces and the rear subframe.
On The Tree
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 127
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From: DFW, ATL, Tallahassee
Originally Posted by Gen3Benz
If the gto is a 6 speed, you should jump on it.
You can make alot of money back with the interior pieces and the rear subframe.
You can make alot of money back with the interior pieces and the rear subframe.
Teching In
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 10
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Get a LQ4 and put in forged pistons and some good rods. Then get some L92 heads with the L76 intake. Pick your flavor of blower cam. Much cheaper, 85lbs heavier, but hard to break an iron block. I know LS2s can hold 900hp but I'm cheap and iron is a better for FI.
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
iTrader: (13)
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 64
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From: Long Beach Island, NJ
Still trying to get ahold of the GTO owner, so we'll see what happens with that....
as for the LQ4, I was planning on one of them for possibly a future project, but for now Id rather just keep this project as "light" and as close to one type of vehicle as I can.
as for the LQ4, I was planning on one of them for possibly a future project, but for now Id rather just keep this project as "light" and as close to one type of vehicle as I can.
LQ4 Ironblock and build a Stroker while you are here, I am in the process of that right now. I have a LT1 Car, so I am already setup for a Ironblock Engine.
If not, go with a LS2, they have alot more potential than the LS1..
If not, go with a LS2, they have alot more potential than the LS1..
Last edited by the_merv; Apr 28, 2007 at 08:27 PM.
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
iTrader: (13)
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 64
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From: Long Beach Island, NJ
well, I bought the GTO this morning, its currently sitting in my driveway behind the wrecked TA I bought 2 months ago.
its starting to look like sanford and son around here
its starting to look like sanford and son around here
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
iTrader: (13)
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 64
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From: Long Beach Island, NJ
Originally Posted by Bmr4life
no pictures?
Back home with my friends trailer and tow rig (I usually use his dually, but he needed it for work today, lol)
Pretty shiney eh?
Little nose damage
LS2
MINT friggin interior
GRRRRRRRRRRR dumb ****ing red gauges!
protective plastic still on the gas pedal!!!!
my favorite badge
the two recent wrecks unite! lol
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
iTrader: (13)
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 64
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From: Long Beach Island, NJ
Originally Posted by Dstryr
If only you were near ca, i'd come buy the trans am off you now.
