mmelters

Hello guys,

I'm new to this forum, just joined because I am in the process of selecting an engine for my Cobra replica.
I have pretty much narrowed it down to either an LS1 or LS6 engine.
My question: is it worth going for the LS6, if I want to supercharge it later ?
I'm asking because I think most of the differences are in the heads, which will have to (?) be replaced anyway to lower compression...

Any info much appreciated,

TIA,
Marcel

QuickSilver2002

Save some money and get the ls1. The motors are currently identical except for the heads and cam. The compression is too high on the ls6 for forced induction. It is a nice setup if you want to stay NA.

Pro Stock John

iTrader: (34)

I bought a bare LS6 crate block since they have better breathing but the differences are minimal.

mmelters

Thanks for your opinions, the consensus seems to be to go with an LS1, unless I decide not to go for a charger after all...
Kind of hard to judge whether it will be worthwhile to charge an LS1 vs. a N/A LS6.
Oh well, I have some time to decide; maybe an LS2 crate engine will be available by next summer ;-) That should keep me happy for some time..

Thanks,
Marcel

QuickSilver2002

Even if you go NA, the ls1 would probably be a better way to go if the price is significantly less.

The best thing about FI is that you can make the car have perfect street maners until you put your foot into it , then it turns into a screaming race car. The high hp NA cars that I have been in seem to be a little rough around the edges on the street.

Warbird

The block are not identical. The LS6 is vented on the skirts to prevent windage problems. If you are planning on a new block there is very little price difference and the LS6 will relieve crankcase prressure better than the LS1 and allow for better oil flow and cooling.

Cam and heads are going to be after market. You can still bolt a set of LS1 ported heads onto them and since FI is your goal, head flow and cam selection will be the same what ever route you take.

QuickSilver2002

I'm pretty sure they only make 1 block now. If you buy a new ls1 powered car it comes with an ls6 style block.

TwnTrboCE

iTrader: (43)

My CE has a LS1 block. It's been working fine for me. I think you'll be fine with a LS1.

2001WS6Vert

I thought that all 2002's came with LS6 blocks. Are you sure its an LS1?

TwnTrboCE

iTrader: (43)

Possitive. Looks like all the other LS1 blocks around here. The 382 for the Formula is also a LS1 block.

2001WS6Vert

I guess I got some mis-information. I did a search which said that 25-30% of 2002's were LS6's.

cm02WS6

Not all 2002's came with LS6 blocks. The LS6 blocks appeared in roughly 10% of 2001 and 25% of 2002 LS1 powered F-bodies due to an overage of LS6 blocks. The blocks are interchangeable, as the LS1 F-bodies with LS6 block still had the LS1 heads.

KHShapiro

iTrader: (10)

there is no proof that the better bay to bay breathing even does anything.
If you follow the trend in the forsale sections of the .COM's and maybe even contact some of the major engine builders most will say the same thing, They even think the Ls1 Block is a stronger block 99+ to resleeve. Either one will do the same thing.

mmelters

Guys,

thanks for all the responses, when it comes time to buy I'll stick with the LS1 and find out whether an ATI P1SC wil fit my engine bay.
If not, maybe an LS2 crate engine will be available by this summer ?

Thanks,
Marcel