Generation III Internal Engine 1997-2006 LS1 | LS6
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

am I missing something (ls1 vs 6.0l)?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 22, 2009 | 11:38 PM
  #1  
thunderstruck507's Avatar
Thread Starter
11 Second Club
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,358
Likes: 27
From: Northwest AR
Default am I missing something (ls1 vs 6.0l)?

So I've been doing some research on lq4/lq9 since I found one local with a bad cam for $300 (dealership warranty pullout with around100k miles)

I'm seeing a lot of people estimating power at 420rwhp-460rwhp with ported 243 or l92 heads. There are a lot of people making the same numbers with head/cam ls1 engines too. I would think the torque would be higher with the 6.0 though.

Am I missing something? It seems like a lot of trouble to get the compression up on them for marginal power gains...and an added 80lbs or so.

I am planning a build for another engine for when mine goes down. Its starting to look like it makes more sense to build a ls1 based one so I can reuse my fast setup instead of selling it at a loss and buying a new intake/heads/ ect for the 6.0
Reply
Old Nov 23, 2009 | 12:37 AM
  #2  
DarkJuggalo's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,275
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC / Ansonia,CT
Default

i beleive its because you can stroke more cubes out of the 6.0 and makes more power in the long run? there is no replacement for displacement, but dont quote me on anything. im just going by what ive read.
Reply
Old Nov 23, 2009 | 03:21 AM
  #3  
kj598bbc's Avatar
Launching!
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 227
Likes: 1
From: CHICAGO IL.
Default

I dont exactly think you're missing anything, but as you probably know, considering you just bought one for cheap, 6.0's can be had for cheap: Ls1's are still pricey and imo an Lq9 with L92's and a good cam, springs, and pushrods should make your figure and maybe 30-40 more with the right drivetrain. Am i missing something ??? for the money i think thats reasonable.
Reply
Old Nov 23, 2009 | 03:26 AM
  #4  
lemons12's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (71)
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 11,088
Likes: 2
From: Winchester, TN
Default

For a simple cam only or H/C setup my choice would be ls1.. I don't like 80 lbs I don't have to have, especially on the nose.
They do make more TQ (15 from what I have seen) and barely more hp.. But the weight offsets it.
Reply
Old Nov 23, 2009 | 09:42 AM
  #5  
deadmanTA's Avatar
TECH Resident
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 868
Likes: 0
From: Midland, NC
Default

The 4" bore will flow more air with a good set of heads. If weight is a concern go for an LS2 block. Use a set of the AFR 225's or TFS 235 (LS2) heads and you can reuse the fast intake.
Reply
Old Nov 23, 2009 | 08:08 PM
  #6  
OUTLWZ's Avatar
Staging Lane
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Waco,Tx
Default

I may be wrong....But I believe there is only a 63lb difference.
Reply
Old Nov 23, 2009 | 10:01 PM
  #7  
01ssreda4's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (96)
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 24,241
Likes: 89
From: Turnin' Wrenches Infractions: 005
Default

I think stock for stock the LS1 is the hands down winner. As the mod level goes up well that changes things. But really, a stock 6.0 doesnt have a very big advantage when comparing only cubes. Add in the weight difference which upsets overall weight balance more then it already is and you can see why me (cam/bolt ons) chose an LS over an LQ during my recent motor replacement.
Reply
Old Nov 24, 2009 | 11:20 AM
  #8  
kj598bbc's Avatar
Launching!
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 227
Likes: 1
From: CHICAGO IL.
Default

Definitely pros and cons, but imo the question is asked by and applies more so to a swap, and the process of buying Gen III or IV motors and thats where its sensible to buy and build Lq9 AND Lq4's. If i had an f-body or dedicated track car i'd build an Ls1 or ^^ cause i'd be more weight considerate.

Last edited by kj598bbc; Nov 24, 2009 at 11:29 AM.
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-1

Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-5

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-8

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Nov 25, 2009 | 05:56 PM
  #9  
lowbirdws6's Avatar
On The Tree
iTrader: (62)
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: La Honda, CA
Default

lq4 or 9 for strength, for serious hp and tq in a forced induction motor. the cast iron block will handle more horsepower without any distortion whereas the aluminum block will deflect and self destruct if pushed too far! unless you're going to turbocharge you car use the ls1.
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2009 | 06:18 PM
  #10  
Monte4ever's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
15 Year Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 4
From: MI
Default

I went with a brand new iron block (LQ9) because of its ability to be reused. These blocks can take a .030 and more overbore unlike the aluminum LS1. Run it hard for some years, break it down, bore it and use it again.
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2009 | 11:39 PM
  #11  
thunderstruck507's Avatar
Thread Starter
11 Second Club
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,358
Likes: 27
From: Northwest AR
Default

thanks guys

that's kinda what I was starting to think after a short period of reading, they are cheap and are great for boost or a budget starting point

I ended up not buying the engine, I guess when mine finally goes down I'll assess damage and decided if I want to rebuild the ls1 or go to something else

I just wanted to make sure I wasn't severely misinformed about the power potential of a mild/budget build on a 6.0...without serious damage to internals I would much rather invest the extra money in better heads or maybe a stoker kit
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:02 PM.

story-0
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-1
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-2
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-3
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-4
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-5
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-8
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-9
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE