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LT1/LS1 Owners...

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Old 11-06-2006, 06:43 PM
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Default LT1/LS1 Owners...

Well first off, I'll just go ahead and introduce myself. Not really an active poster on LS1Tech or anywhere else for that matter, but I do have some questions.

very recently, I have been looking at buying a 96' Z28 M6. I have not found the car I want quite yet. Thing is I am a very big fan of the LS1 motors, and I like them alot. But from what I have seen, the LT1s are by no means slouches. Everyone I have talked to says the LT1 motors are pretty much bullet proof motors. If you take care of it, it will take care of you.

My question is, I am not really looking to build a 10 second car or anything like that. Infact, I am really looking to build a 12 second car. I would still love to get an LS1, but the hopes of accomplishing that dream are too far and too few in between. LS1s around my area sell for around 17k-24k, and these are not special packages like the SS or WS6, their either regular based Trans Ams or Z28s (not that I really care, as I'd take either one) I did find an 01' Z28 M6 a few months ago for about 11k with about 68k miles if I remember.

Anyway the point I want to make is this, an LT1 Z28/Formula is considerably cheaper than an LS1. If I look around, there's plenty of Lt1 f-bodies for around 4500-7000 dollars, and these will get you good cars.

I want to try and keep the mileage a little low (I don't want to go beyond 80k, that is my maximum point)

I did have some questions for the LT1 owners, and if anyone has owned an LS1 afterwards, I have some questions for you.

1. Just how strong are these motors? I mean reliability wise, what can they take, what can they not take?

2. From what I heard, they are slightly underrated, GM rated them at 285hp from 95-97 I believe...but people told me they were always rated at 305hp.

3. Have you had any major problems with the car?

4. How long have you owned it, how many miles did it have when you bought it, and how many does it have now?

5. Are the LS1s really that much superior to the LT1s? How do the LS1s reliability compare to the LT1s? Good, bad?

Thats pretty much it, if I think of anymore I will post them up.

*feel free to comment on the LS1 motors if you want. Just looking for anything really.*
Old 11-06-2006, 06:59 PM
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Originally Posted by 91ChevyRS
Well first off, I'll just go ahead and introduce myself. Not really an active poster on LS1Tech or anywhere else for that matter, but I do have some questions.

very recently, I have been looking at buying a 96' Z28 M6. I have not found the car I want quite yet. Thing is I am a very big fan of the LS1 motors, and I like them alot. But from what I have seen, the LT1s are by no means slouches. Everyone I have talked to says the LT1 motors are pretty much bullet proof motors. If you take care of it, it will take care of you.

My question is, I am not really looking to build a 10 second car or anything like that. Infact, I am really looking to build a 12 second car. I would still love to get an LS1, but the hopes of accomplishing that dream are too far and too few in between. LS1s around my area sell for around 17k-24k, and these are not special packages like the SS or WS6, their either regular based Trans Ams or Z28s (not that I really care, as I'd take either one) I did find an 01' Z28 M6 a few months ago for about 11k with about 68k miles if I remember.

Anyway the point I want to make is this, an LT1 Z28/Formula is considerably cheaper than an LS1. If I look around, there's plenty of Lt1 f-bodies for around 4500-7000 dollars, and these will get you good cars.

I bought my 01 WS6 M6 with 73K miles for 12+TTL. Look around, dont be afraid to TRAVEL to get the right car.

I want to try and keep the mileage a little low (I don't want to go beyond 80k, that is my maximum point)

I did have some questions for the LT1 owners, and if anyone has owned an LS1 afterwards, I have some questions for you.

1. Just how strong are these motors? I mean reliability wise, what can they take, what can they not take?
I owned a 95 TA and now an 01 TA. The LS1 pulls so much harder up top its crazy. Both motors are DAMN TOUGH, but the optispark and the reverse flow cooling and plug changes are major downsides to the LT1.

2. From what I heard, they are slightly underrated, GM rated them at 285hp from 95-97 I believe...but people told me they were always rated at 305hp.
An LT1 M6 makes around 255whp and an LS1 M6 around 300whp
3. Have you had any major problems with the car?
No on both accounts other than the other owner blew up the A4 tranny in the LT1 and twisted an axle...I think N drops...
4. How long have you owned it, how many miles did it have when you bought it, and how many does it have now?
LT1:147K until 170K, heater core went out.
LS1:500 miles, lol, bought at 72K

5. Are the LS1s really that much superior to the LT1s? How do the LS1s reliability compare to the LT1s? Good, bad?
In my A4 Lt1 I raced an A4 LS1 one time. From 55 punch he RAPED ME HARD! From a dig I was = until 55 when he TOOK OFF and put 1.5 cars on me from 55 to 70 and it got worse...
Thats pretty much it, if I think of anymore I will post them up.

*feel free to comment on the LS1 motors if you want. Just looking for anything really.*

LS1+cam+tune+LT's=low 12's and that will cost you around 2-2500 including parts and labor.(not counting car).

LT1 will need full-boltons and maybe a cam to be deep in the 12's.
Old 11-06-2006, 07:00 PM
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Dammit guys, show some love, this man could be my little brother with a post like that!!!
Old 11-06-2006, 07:06 PM
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it makes sense seeing how the LT1s are cheaper which means more mod money.. but one day you will get beat in your decently modded LT1 to a mild LS1 and youll say "i shoulda bought the ls1"

edit: if i was in your shoes i would ditch looking for an M6. get a z28 or trans am with an A4, put some 3.73s and a 4000 stall converter & some sticky tires and call it a day.
Old 11-06-2006, 07:14 PM
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my buddy has a lt1, he has bolt ons, and every time we line up at the end he goes"i should have bought a ls1."

lt1's are great, if your in high school and thats all you can afford, but if the ls1 is an option, go for it.
Old 11-06-2006, 07:34 PM
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drive both of them buy what you like and like what you buy... that is all

for me i chose the lt1 because i like the fact that it is basically an old school sbc in disguise, another thing i liked when i drove the lt1 over the ls1 is the low end torque right from 2000 rpm the lt1 felt really strong and the ls1 felt almost piggish and atleast with the ones that i drove the ls1 one didn't pull noticably stronger in the top end to warrent the feel of the low in with the lt1

i bought the car i liked and i liked what i bought drive um buy one and be happy and lets not turn this into a ls1>lt1 debate
Old 11-06-2006, 07:58 PM
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I own one of both, I would definitely recommend waiting for the LS1. It's just so easy to make power, it's scary...

On the other hand... as a testament to the LT1: Mine was horribly beat upon by cops for 90,000miles, but then it was brutally beat on by aggressive teenagers (me) for another 30,000... and it still runs... I cant remember the last time the oil was changed...
Old 11-06-2006, 08:55 PM
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Originally Posted by 1994Z28Lt1
drive both of them buy what you like and like what you buy... that is all

for me i chose the lt1 because i like the fact that it is basically an old school sbc in disguise, another thing i liked when i drove the lt1 over the ls1 is the low end torque right from 2000 rpm the lt1 felt really strong and the ls1 felt almost piggish and atleast with the ones that i drove the ls1 one didn't pull noticably stronger in the top end to warrent the feel of the low in with the lt1

i bought the car i liked and i liked what i bought drive um buy one and be happy and lets not turn this into a ls1>lt1 debate

I have never seen a stock LS1 trap under 102 and I have not seen one with a good 60' run over 13.9. While the LT1 may FEEL stronger, its just SOTP, kinda like my mustang sounds meaner than my WS.6 type of thing. The LS1 will be faster all around.
I'm not hating at all, I am just saying that if he wants the faster car, the LT1 will take full boltons to = the LS1.

94 Z28 M6 Hooker catback, SLP intake, air foil, dynaspark distributor

Best time 13.902 @ 101.51 MPH 2.104 60 foot on street tires
Old 11-06-2006, 10:19 PM
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i like the LT1 for its deep nice sound, and the strength of an iron block.

plus its a hell of alot easier to work on than the LS1 (girlfriend's car)

it may be just me though with it being easier to work on.
Old 11-06-2006, 10:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Revelation Z28
i like the LT1 for its deep nice sound, and the strength of an iron block.

plus its a hell of alot easier to work on than the LS1 (girlfriend's car)

it may be just me though with it being easier to work on.
I think its just you

I dont think the strength of the iron block vs. aluminum block is an issue in this situation.
Old 11-06-2006, 10:49 PM
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I bought my LT1 around 145K miles with no mods, and it still drives just as hard at 184K miles.
Old 11-06-2006, 10:50 PM
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fer a stroker or boost yea

Originally Posted by BLKWS.6
I think its just you

I dont think the strength of the iron block vs. aluminum block is an issue in this situation.
Old 11-07-2006, 01:36 AM
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He wanted mid 12's and doesnt have much money he said. Thats WHY hes considering an LT1. This is NOT! a ***** to the wall project car.
Old 11-07-2006, 01:43 AM
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thats what they all say. until 6 months-1 year after having the car.
Old 11-07-2006, 01:43 AM
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Originally Posted by BLKWS.6
I have never seen a stock LS1 trap under 102 and I have not seen one with a good 60' run over 13.9. While the LT1 may FEEL stronger, its just SOTP, kinda like my mustang sounds meaner than my WS.6 type of thing. The LS1 will be faster all around.
I'm not hating at all, I am just saying that if he wants the faster car, the LT1 will take full boltons to = the LS1.

94 Z28 M6 Hooker catback, SLP intake, air foil, dynaspark distributor

Best time 13.902 @ 101.51 MPH 2.104 60 foot on street tires

the day i made that pass the ls1 f-bodies that were at the track the same day were trapping close to the same speed, the fastest stocker that was there only trapped 102

so if we're gonna be making comparisons lets do it on the same day same track because that is what matters, hell the day i was there nothing was running fast there was a guy with a full bolt on lt1 car with the hot cam only trapping 104

also the same day there was a guy running a 00 Z28 A4 with a 125 shot only running a 13.5 i asked if he wanted to run me without the juice and he kind of avoided me after that absolutely nothing was running well that day so i feel my time is fairly respectable i will get new number this coming spring

i now have pacesetter longtubes madz28 tune and some nittos so my times will be improving
Old 11-07-2006, 01:52 AM
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True, we need to compare apples/apples, but you with your mods were still only = to a stock LS1. That was my point. LT1's are cool, but they dont gain the same from mods and this guy wants mid 12's cheap but in a nice car. I say LS1.
Old 11-07-2006, 02:05 AM
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Originally Posted by BLKWS.6
True, we need to compare apples/apples, but you with your mods were still only = to a stock LS1. That was my point. LT1's are cool, but they dont gain the same from mods and this guy wants mid 12's cheap but in a nice car. I say LS1.
i suppose different strokes for different folks if he wants to build a 12 second car with little effort he should get the ls1 however some people such as myself like to take the underdog and build it up and when its all said and done i think i would have more pride doing it with the lt1 than the ls1 because to some its the road less traveled but like i said different strokes for different folks
Old 11-07-2006, 02:12 AM
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Originally Posted by 1994Z28Lt1
i suppose different strokes for different folks if he wants to build a 12 second car with little effort he should get the ls1 however some people such as myself like to take the underdog and build it up and when its all said and done i think i would have more pride doing it with the lt1 than the ls1 because to some its the road less traveled but like i said different strokes for different folks
Bah, well he got his answers Its up to him now. Not our money.
Old 11-07-2006, 02:32 AM
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+1

a fast LT1 is more respected than a fast LS1 because the LT1 is widely misunderstood as being a turd even modded. plus the looks you get from others when you tell them you ran an 11 or 10 sec pass with an H/C LT1 with DR's and a 12 bolt.

although you can just get the LT1, get a 150 shot, live you life a 1/4 mile at a time, and call it a day.

Originally Posted by 1994Z28Lt1
i suppose different strokes for different folks if he wants to build a 12 second car with little effort he should get the ls1 however some people such as myself like to take the underdog and build it up and when its all said and done i think i would have more pride doing it with the lt1 than the ls1 because to some its the road less traveled but like i said different strokes for different folks
Old 11-07-2006, 10:17 AM
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LS1 cars are getting more affordable, I would get one and not look back.



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