LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

pros and cons

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 18, 2008 | 04:44 PM
  #1  
95firebird5.7's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
Default pros and cons

what are the pros and cons of the lt1 and ls1? i have a v6 and im going to swap a v8 in. i cant decide if i want a lt1 or ls1. i have two donor cars to pick from. one is a 96 ws6 ta with 61k for 1300 but the guy will take 800 or a 98 ta with 100k for 2000. i dont want this thread to turn into lt1 one is better or ls1 one is better i would just like to know the pros and cons of each motor thanks
Reply
Old Dec 18, 2008 | 05:03 PM
  #2  
phirepower's Avatar
TECH Resident
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 958
Likes: 0
From: Mass
Default

They are both fantastic engines.

The ls1 will be more responsive to mods and have more to chose from. The have inherent issues with the number 7 cylinder rapping from time to time. They feature higher flowing heads, new composite intakes, and a lighter aluminum engine platform to work with. They have higher horsepower ratings, but are often out performed off the line by lt1s. Stock for stock they are a faster engine, and will move the car through the quarter quicker. Cost has come down due to newer revised versions of the engine and it's technology.

The lt1 is a venerable engine as well, and most times can't be beat for its cheap cost and strong iron block. Mod prices have drastically dropped due to the availability of the new tech ls1's. The most noted down side to this motor is it's utilization of optispark ignition. Mainly due to its damage suseptibility to water, and it's poor positioned location, I personally have never had an issue however.

Admitedly and in my opinion, swapping for an ls1 will be more costly due to the need for a new computer for an ls1, and several other wiring transfer issues that may rear as you proceed through the swap.

I promise you there will be a number of varying opinions on this topic. Good luck.
Reply
Old Dec 18, 2008 | 05:05 PM
  #3  
92camaroguy's Avatar
On The Tree
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
From: East,Tenn
Default

Depends the question is how much do you want to spend?
Reply
Old Dec 18, 2008 | 05:08 PM
  #4  
95firebird5.7's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by 92camaroguy
Depends the question is how much do you want to spend?
well if i get a whole car i shouldnt have to pay anything but the price of the car right?
Reply
Old Dec 18, 2008 | 05:24 PM
  #5  
marc97taws6's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 0
From: DSM
Default

I'd say go with the LT1 in your case.. my reason is money.. $1,200 saved and 39k less miles.. sounds like a deal to me..

Although the LS1 typically has a little bit more power from factory, i'm pretty sure that $1,200 you saved will compensate.. and the lower miles will help also in the long-term
Reply
Old Dec 18, 2008 | 05:32 PM
  #6  
95firebird5.7's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by marc97taws6
I'd say go with the LT1 in your case.. my reason is money.. $1,200 saved and 39k less miles.. sounds like a deal to me..

Although the LS1 typically has a little bit more power from factory, i'm pretty sure that $1,200 you saved will compensate.. and the lower miles will help also in the long-term
very true. what would be some good mods to do to the lt1 while its out of the car
Reply
Old Dec 18, 2008 | 06:11 PM
  #7  
ThreeHonks's Avatar
TECH Resident
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 823
Likes: 0
From: DetroitRacing.com
Default

Originally Posted by 95firebird5.7
very true. what would be some good mods to do to the lt1 while its out of the car
Definately a nice cam if you dont want to spend a whole lot. install is going to be a ton easier with the motor out of the car
Reply
Old Dec 18, 2008 | 09:29 PM
  #8  
phirepower's Avatar
TECH Resident
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 958
Likes: 0
From: Mass
Default

cam, headers, cat back, cold air intake= FUN
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

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

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-5

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-9

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Dec 18, 2008 | 09:54 PM
  #9  
95firebird5.7's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by phirepower
cam, headers, cat back, cold air intake= FUN
any cams you recommend?
Reply
Old Dec 18, 2008 | 10:19 PM
  #10  
ZMONSTER!'s Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,985
Likes: 0
From: Fresno, California
Default

there seems to be a much larger selection for LS1 parts out there. I believe the LT1 also suffered from an inefficient intake manifold but I could be wrong I think I heard this a while back.
Alot of people Ive talked to who had both ls1 and lt1 liked driving their lt1 better, they just felt faster, but then reality hits when a stock LS1 beats a full bolt on LT1 by a large margin. Honestly it depends on what your trying to do, all out performance or just a fun little ride. all out-LS1 dd cruiser id go with the LT1.
Thankfully Ive never had to make this decision I like them both!
Reply
Old Dec 18, 2008 | 10:32 PM
  #11  
1badzee's Avatar
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,011
Likes: 0
From: SFL
Default

lsx with 100k+ = fail.. my buddy has like 180k miles on his ls1 and its slow as a dog.. no compression at all lol
Reply
Old Dec 18, 2008 | 10:38 PM
  #12  
ZONES89RS's Avatar
In-Zane Moderator
15 Year Member
iTrader: (25)
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 11,941
Likes: 33
From: Conroe, Texas
Default

Originally Posted by 1badzee
lsx with 100k+ = fail.. my buddy has like 180k miles on his ls1 and its slow as a dog.. no compression at all lol
The LS1 has thinner rings for emissions reasons, so it seams to be true on some occasions, depending on how it was driven/treated.
Reply
Old Dec 18, 2008 | 10:40 PM
  #13  
iceman15's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
From: La Palma, CA
Default

Not trying to start anything but but I dont think a stock LS1 can destroy a full bolt on LT1 by a large margin as noted above. I love both engines and either engine would be good.
Reply
Old Dec 18, 2008 | 10:42 PM
  #14  
1badzee's Avatar
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,011
Likes: 0
From: SFL
Default

You can't say that because I've seen bolt on LT1s rape bolt on LS1s lol.. so many variables
Reply
Old Dec 18, 2008 | 11:33 PM
  #15  
ZMONSTER!'s Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,985
Likes: 0
From: Fresno, California
Default

Driver mod makes alot of difference yes.
Reply
Old Dec 18, 2008 | 11:43 PM
  #16  
IronOutlaw's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 1
From: Athens, GA
Default

lsx would be a better choice in the long run...

but considering how cheap you can get that low of a mile ltx i would go with it and just do an le2 package and stay close to the price you would have paid for the ls1.
Reply
Old Dec 18, 2008 | 11:59 PM
  #17  
95firebird5.7's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by IronOutlaw
lsx would be a better choice in the long run...

but considering how cheap you can get that low of a mile ltx i would go with it and just do an le2 package and stay close to the price you would have paid for the ls1.
what is a le2 package?
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2008 | 12:16 AM
  #18  
IronOutlaw's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 1
From: Athens, GA
Default

http://www.elliottsportworks.com/policy.html
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2008 | 12:30 AM
  #19  
95firebird5.7's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by IronOutlaw
what do u think about the le1 package there only 10hp diff but there is a huge price diff
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2008 | 08:37 AM
  #20  
ThreeHonks's Avatar
TECH Resident
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 823
Likes: 0
From: DetroitRacing.com
Default

Originally Posted by 1badzee
you can't say that because i've seen bolt on lt1s rape bolt on ls1s lol.. So many variables
+10000
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:19 AM.

story-0
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-1
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-2
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-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE