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

LT1/LT4 vs. LS1

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Old Apr 5, 2004 | 01:07 AM
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Default LT1/LT4 vs. LS1

Now I know some of you guys might have a bias being this is the LT1/LT4/LT5 forum, but honestly, which motor do you guys prefer? And one question...how come GM dropped the LT type motors for LS type? I know that the LS have better top end, but didn't it take GM a while to develop the LT type? Couldn't they have fixed that with an updated LT2 type or something? What makes the LS1 a better top-ender?
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Old Apr 5, 2004 | 01:36 AM
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As much as I love my LT1s quirks, there's absolutely NO denying that the LS1 is the better motor. The LT1 is basically the evolution of the old SBC, while the LS1 is a brand new, high-tech V-8 motor.

GM dropped the LT styled motors in favor of a brand new design, the LS series.

The LS1 is improved in almost every single area. 6-bolt mains, coil per cylinder ignition, rougher cam, 1.6 ratio rockers, but the real improvement is in the heads. Stock LS1 heads flow at awesome rates. This is what gives them all of the extra breath up top.

The LS1 may be the better motor, but don't forget that both the LT1 and the LS1 are in 8.5s... the LT1 can make great power just like the LS1 can when it comes to crazy setups

The thing is, if I sold my car I'd most likely get another LT1. Once you drive an LT1, you just kinda get attached to the motor in a strange way. It's a very quirky engine, and you get to know the quirks and love them (even the bad ones). The fact that LT1 F-Bodies are so much cheaper than LS1 F-Bodies would make me want to buy another one if I ever sold mine.
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Old Apr 5, 2004 | 07:07 AM
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It's not just the flow rates in the heads either. THe big advantage the LSx heads have over LTx heads (becides port volume and velocity ) is the fact that LSx heads are 18 degree heads where LTx heads are 23 degree heads. That's alot of power to be made just right there.
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Old Apr 5, 2004 | 11:37 AM
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I thought the LS1s had 1.7 rockers?
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Old Apr 5, 2004 | 11:51 AM
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For a crack or all motor car, I'd definitely run an LS1. For forced induction...LTx all the way.
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Old Apr 5, 2004 | 12:39 PM
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LS1's are 15 degree heads, too, if I'm not mistaken.
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Old Apr 5, 2004 | 12:39 PM
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Originally Posted by mongse
For a crack or all motor car, I'd definitely run an LS1. For forced induction...LTx all the way.
Ditto, forgot to mention that. LS1s can't handle the cylinder pressure that the LT1s can handle due to the lack of a 5th cylinder head bolt... The heads will actually lift off the block.
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Old Apr 5, 2004 | 01:29 PM
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Originally Posted by enisguy
Ditto, forgot to mention that. LS1s can't handle the cylinder pressure that the LT1s can handle due to the lack of a 5th cylinder head bolt... The heads will actually lift off the block.
Cool. I'd like to see that, provided it wasn't my motor.
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Old Apr 5, 2004 | 04:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Elysian
Cool. I'd like to see that, provided it wasn't my motor.
The Procharger cars that are running in 8.5s (in other words, the fastest LS1 cars in the world) have it happen after almost every run, or so I hear. Never seen it happen myself, so I can't really verify. If they could solve this problem, they could get in 7s pretty easily by pumping up the boost even more. However, imo, it'd be hard to go much further than high 7s considering the OHV setup. You need those high revs like the mod motor guys have to break into mid and low 7s.
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Old Apr 6, 2004 | 12:45 AM
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I wouldnt say its that easy to get in the 7's...so the record for a lt1 is 8 seconds???...well i dont have so much knowledge like u other guys so the benefit of having an iron block makes me feel more safe but i really like the fact my car fully loaded cost my 6 grand and with about 200 bucks i beat my friends 13.8 sec car ( camaro lt1 93)
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Old Apr 6, 2004 | 12:53 AM
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Originally Posted by TSAEB
I wouldnt say its that easy to get in the 7's...so the record for a lt1 is 8 seconds???...well i dont have so much knowledge like u other guys so the benefit of having an iron block makes me feel more safe but i really like the fact my car fully loaded cost my 6 grand and with about 200 bucks i beat my friends 13.8 sec car ( camaro lt1 93)
I'm pretty sure the fastest LT1 is in 8.5s, just like the LS1s.

Of course it isn't easy to get in 7s, lol, I just meant that if they could cure the LS1 head lift under high cylinder pressure problem, they'd be able to break 7s pretyt quickly.
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