What should I do, help please?
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: NY
What should I do, help please? Okay so heres the deal, I'm building a pro-touring 68 Camaro and I am going to be putting either an LS1 or LS6 in there. I have the opportunity to pick up a 21,000 mile LS1 for $2800. So here are my questions, should I buy the LS1 for $2,800 and spend the rest of the money that I would have spent on a brand new LS6($6,800.) With all forged internals and such, or should I just go with the LS6. The engine will eventually be twin-turbo so also would it be better to build up the LS1 with all forged internals, rather than just twin turbo an LS6. Also is there much difference between the LS1 and LS6 blocks, they are both all aluminum right???
Thanks in advance for any help, it is GREATLY appreciated.
Thanks,
Ralph
Thanks in advance for any help, it is GREATLY appreciated.
Thanks,
Ralph
Re: What should I do, help please? Ralph,
Go with the LS1. LS6 engines have slightly better heads in stock form, but a set of ported LS1 heads are much better than stock LS6 heads. When both types are ported, the LS6 heads really only benefit the 382ci and larger setups.
Blocks are both aluminum. No real gains with the LS6.
The LS6 intake comes standard on the 2001 and newer LS1s. If you are buying an older LS1, this intake is only around $400 and bolts right on. Its worth about 5 rwhp on a 346ci engine, and up to 20+ rwhp on 400ci+ setups.
$2800 for an LS1 is on the pricey side in my opinion. If you shop around you might find some better deals. I bought a '99 LS1 longblock for $1000 cash before, and it only had 10K miles on it. You can pick up heads for around $400-500 per pair easily around here. Shortblocks go for around $600-800 in stock form. Gaskets are only around $100, bolts $100. You could piece together a decent LS1 with some upgraded parts for $2800, like a set of forged pistons, new bearings and rings. The stock crank and rods are pretty nice. Diamond Pistons (one of our sponsors) makes stock replacement pistons.
Bare LS6 heads are around $1200-1400 a set new. Scoggin-Dickey (our GM parts sponsor) sells very affordable ported LS6 heads, check their site.
These engines are VERY easy to build and work on. I'd suggest you just stick around and learn and pick up the parts you really want and put together a sweet LS1. With ported heads and a decent camshaft, over 400 rwhp is easy.
-Tony
Go with the LS1. LS6 engines have slightly better heads in stock form, but a set of ported LS1 heads are much better than stock LS6 heads. When both types are ported, the LS6 heads really only benefit the 382ci and larger setups.
Blocks are both aluminum. No real gains with the LS6.
The LS6 intake comes standard on the 2001 and newer LS1s. If you are buying an older LS1, this intake is only around $400 and bolts right on. Its worth about 5 rwhp on a 346ci engine, and up to 20+ rwhp on 400ci+ setups.
$2800 for an LS1 is on the pricey side in my opinion. If you shop around you might find some better deals. I bought a '99 LS1 longblock for $1000 cash before, and it only had 10K miles on it. You can pick up heads for around $400-500 per pair easily around here. Shortblocks go for around $600-800 in stock form. Gaskets are only around $100, bolts $100. You could piece together a decent LS1 with some upgraded parts for $2800, like a set of forged pistons, new bearings and rings. The stock crank and rods are pretty nice. Diamond Pistons (one of our sponsors) makes stock replacement pistons.
Bare LS6 heads are around $1200-1400 a set new. Scoggin-Dickey (our GM parts sponsor) sells very affordable ported LS6 heads, check their site.
These engines are VERY easy to build and work on. I'd suggest you just stick around and learn and pick up the parts you really want and put together a sweet LS1. With ported heads and a decent camshaft, over 400 rwhp is easy.
-Tony
Re: What should I do, help please? I know someone selling a complete motor and T56 from a super low mile 2001 SS, like 500 miles, the drivetrain is $3000 and in NC. Email me for details if you want the whole thing.
