Are all LS1's the same???
 

Hi all..

I'm downunder in New Zealand. I have a 99 VT Commodore SS.
I want to purchase a spare LS1 engine to rebuild on a stand while I continue to use my commy as a daily driver.

My question is.. are all the LS1's the same. Ie same block accessorie mounting holes. Sensor plugs a/c water pump pwr steering mounting???
Even sumps. .pulleys.. bell housing bolt patterns??

I'd hate to buy a long block for rebuild and find the engine mount holes are in a different place or the ac compressor now goes on the left or something silly like that.

Might be a stupid question for some but I'm unsure.

I want to buy a 2nd hand engine and want to make sure I get one that's the same. Everything just bolts on in the same place and the engine just slots back into the hole.

Cheers.

Yes...

No, the Corvettes, GTOs and fBods all have some differences. The mounting holes for the mounts and bell housings are the same though. My LS1 GTO has a LS6 block (with holes for the LS2 chain dampener), LS6 intake manifold, oil pan and some different accessories and positions. You should be able to adapt anything tho as all of your accessories should switch over.

Don't forget the funny front wheel drive versions.. I have heard that those should be avoided. Maybe those were US-only.

They aren't LS1's.

cams are different in the 98-00 vs 01-02

My question is.. are all the LS1's the same. Ie same block accessorie mounting holes. Sensor plugs a/c water pump pwr steering mounting???
Even sumps. .pulleys.. bell housing bolt patterns??

Yes!

Mattathm, welcome to LS1tech!

Engine blocks and cylinder heads are identical. They all have the same mounting bolts.

What varies between the vehicles it's installed in is the accessories brackets, oil pan and intake manifold.

Pretty much all LS series blocks and heads are interchangeable. Changes along the way are knock and cam sensor locations and front & rear covers. As mentioned above, the 5.3 LS4 front wheel drive block is the only completely different animal.

Cylinder heads are not all identical. Early versions has perimeter bolt valve covers and newer are center bolt. Try to avoid earlier ones or swap to a better late model head.

Good catch!

Yes, this is correct but they rarely surface in the marketplace. However, other than the valve cover and coil mounting, they bolt up and have the same accessory mountings as later LS heads.

Yeah; you are absolutely right. I was thinking along the lines of how junk yards/Craigslist/eBay sellers list them..everything LS-based gets listed as LS1. If OP is able to properly identify LS1 then all is gravy.

Hi, Welcome.

Any reason you aren't considering the LS2 or even the LS3 engine, both can be made to work very well in the VT.

Thanks all for the answers....
The VT I have has done 260000 kms, Id like an LS1 to rebuild on a stand and freshen up to have ready to just slot straight in, keeping the car with the std engine.
The car itself is a bit of a crappa so I dont want to spend too much money on it, hence just an Ls1.
Now I know they are all the same, Ill try and get my hands on one that requires a freshen up.

Now my next question...... where can I get one of these "needs rebuild" engines at a good price.
Im after a long block.
Here in NZ people are asking $4000 dollars for 1 engine... just outrageous.
I dont mind paying freight if I get one at a good price.

cheers

Depending on the way you have it freighted will determine whether it's cost effective.
Air freight will cost you heaps. If you can get it piggy backed in someone's container & come by sea you will be all good.

Externally, in regards to bolt holes and accessory locations, you'll be fine. The differences will lie in cam specs, blocks, cylinder heads, etc.

Hell, you could even put a LS2 in your car with minimal work just to have the extra cubic inches, if you so desired.