When is it no longer an LS1?
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TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Quad Cities, IL
When is it no longer an LS1? At what point do you no longer technically consider the engine an LS1?
I think the furthest I could go and still call it an LS1 is cam swap/ported LS6 heads. (since GM makes the heads) If you put forged internals (stock stroke), swap the cam and ported GM heads. That's pushing it for me, I'd probably say no. Some might say as soon as you swap the cam it's not an LS1 anymore. Of course you can do anything to it and still "call" it an LS1.
What do you think?
I think the furthest I could go and still call it an LS1 is cam swap/ported LS6 heads. (since GM makes the heads) If you put forged internals (stock stroke), swap the cam and ported GM heads. That's pushing it for me, I'd probably say no. Some might say as soon as you swap the cam it's not an LS1 anymore. Of course you can do anything to it and still "call" it an LS1.
What do you think?
11 Second Club
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,320
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From: NE PA
Look at all that's been done with SBC and BBC motors over the years. No matter what you do to a Big-block Chevy motor, it's still a BBC motor.
Put a forged bottom-end in an LS1 and it's an LS1 with a forged bottom-end. It's that simple.
If the LS1 block is still there, it's still an LS1 motor.
Put a forged bottom-end in an LS1 and it's an LS1 with a forged bottom-end. It's that simple.
If the LS1 block is still there, it's still an LS1 motor.
Launching!
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 224
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From: Monticello, MN
Originally Posted by LSWannabe
At what point do you no longer technically consider the engine an LS1?
I think the furthest I could go and still call it an LS1 is cam swap/ported LS6 heads. (since GM makes the heads) If you put forged internals (stock stroke), swap the cam and ported GM heads. That's pushing it for me, I'd probably say no. Some might say as soon as you swap the cam it's not an LS1 anymore. Of course you can do anything to it and still "call" it an LS1.
What do you think?
I think the furthest I could go and still call it an LS1 is cam swap/ported LS6 heads. (since GM makes the heads) If you put forged internals (stock stroke), swap the cam and ported GM heads. That's pushing it for me, I'd probably say no. Some might say as soon as you swap the cam it's not an LS1 anymore. Of course you can do anything to it and still "call" it an LS1.
What do you think?
Ed
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: upstate ny
As everyone else said, It started life as an ls1, and no matter what you do to it, it will continue to be an ls1. Just like your car started as a Z28, and no matter what you do to it, it will always be a Z28.
TECH Junkie
Joined: May 2003
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From: its fucking cold
Originally Posted by bickelfirebird
Whenever an LS1 part is replaced with a non-LS1 part. For example, an LS1 engine with an LS6 intake is not an "LS1", etc, etc, etc,
As long as it uses an LS1 block it will always be an LS1.
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Originally Posted by bickelfirebird
OK, I got carried away and perhaps chose a bad example, but the idea still holds. You can't substitute non-LS1 parts and call it an LS1.
Originally Posted by bickelfirebird
Well, what would GM call it?
3rd gen small block = LSx family. So whats the point in trying to find a new name for it?
Originally Posted by LSONE
thats like saying you cant call your firebird a firebird because you changed the body panels...
Originally Posted by Zinc
I use the block as a guide. Ls1 block= LS1. LS6 block = LS6.
But some of the 02 models got LS6 blocks instead of LS1 Blocks. My car did from the factory. I have no idea about the rods but it did come with the LS6 intake and LS1 Heads. But the sales man told me it was a SBC 5.7L, I knew better then that. It does use SBC rod bearings so he might have been right. Maybe we nees to consult the GM Gods on this one.
11 & 7 Second Clubs
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Motorhome, Freeways, Truckstops, Pits
Well, in the case of my Firebird, it becomes very difficult to convince most people that it really is a Firebird. I'm referring to street cars here.
Originally Posted by LSONE
thats like saying you cant call your firebird a firebird because you changed the body panels...