Lt1 Potentials
I started modding my 95 in 97 with the usual bolt ons and went from a 235 RWHP 14.0 car to a 722 RWHP low 10 sec, had issues with the tranny, procharger, but never with the motor or opti.
Let's not regress this thread to the "problems" or "design" of the optispark. Yet again. The topic is aimed at potential.
The majority of people seem to jump right to the opti when discussing the 24x system which is unfortunate. There have been countless threads that ultimately reach demise from opti bashing/debates. Let's not make this another one.
Advice from LT1 proponents that recommend the 24x system for "LT1 potential" is not primarily an argument against (opti) function. The argument is for eliminating the limitations that exist with older electronic hardware and software. Processor speed, rpm capability, coil per cylinder, availability of good tuners (dyno), etc.. are all improvements outside of the engine architecture.
The majority of people seem to jump right to the opti when discussing the 24x system which is unfortunate. There have been countless threads that ultimately reach demise from opti bashing/debates. Let's not make this another one.
Advice from LT1 proponents that recommend the 24x system for "LT1 potential" is not primarily an argument against (opti) function. The argument is for eliminating the limitations that exist with older electronic hardware and software. Processor speed, rpm capability, coil per cylinder, availability of good tuners (dyno), etc.. are all improvements outside of the engine architecture.
Jason Short is on point. The LTX pcm is limited and an old design. It can only work with the optical sensor in the opti and no other ignition system can function with the PCM. The LSX pcm is much better/faster and won't limit your potential.
I have had a modded cam only lsx and my lt1 car. I sold my lsx car and still have my lt1. The opti can be an issue. I had one issue and it was the rotor coming apart and taking out the entire cap, sensor, etc in 2003 (GM opti). It was scary as I was on a 200 shot at the time but the only damage was a blown out K&N. I changed the opti in the pits in 1.5 hours and was able to place runner up in a bracket class.
Both platforms can perform. However, IMO the LSX shines in streetability for a given power. My friend took his 2002 SS with a 408 LSX 11.8-1 comp trick flow 235cc LSX, single plane, 244 248 cam, th400,9" 4500 stall, 12bolt w/3.90 gears, and stock 17" wheels and with MT drag radials to the track on Friday and he was able to pull of a 10.9@126.4mph on his 3rd pass before getting booted. The car has everything from the factory and is a full street car on pump gas with the only reduction being k-member and a-arms. His car runs and drives like a cam only LSX but runs close to my car at the track. Driving/riding in both, his car is much more streetable.
I have had a modded cam only lsx and my lt1 car. I sold my lsx car and still have my lt1. The opti can be an issue. I had one issue and it was the rotor coming apart and taking out the entire cap, sensor, etc in 2003 (GM opti). It was scary as I was on a 200 shot at the time but the only damage was a blown out K&N. I changed the opti in the pits in 1.5 hours and was able to place runner up in a bracket class.
Both platforms can perform. However, IMO the LSX shines in streetability for a given power. My friend took his 2002 SS with a 408 LSX 11.8-1 comp trick flow 235cc LSX, single plane, 244 248 cam, th400,9" 4500 stall, 12bolt w/3.90 gears, and stock 17" wheels and with MT drag radials to the track on Friday and he was able to pull of a 10.9@126.4mph on his 3rd pass before getting booted. The car has everything from the factory and is a full street car on pump gas with the only reduction being k-member and a-arms. His car runs and drives like a cam only LSX but runs close to my car at the track. Driving/riding in both, his car is much more streetable.
TECH Addict
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,103
Likes: 21
Mod for Mod LS will gain more for less money.
Not to say LT's can't perform. IMO a properly built (not radical mind you) LT with stock ported heads, cam and supporting mods making 400 rwhp will be a fun car.
It's just easier to get HP with the LS motors.
Not to say LT's can't perform. IMO a properly built (not radical mind you) LT with stock ported heads, cam and supporting mods making 400 rwhp will be a fun car.
It's just easier to get HP with the LS motors.
.......Advice from LT1 proponents that recommend the 24x system for "LT1 potential" is not primarily an argument against (opti) function. The argument is for eliminating the limitations that exist with older electronic hardware and software. Processor speed, rpm capability, coil per cylinder, availability of good tuners (dyno), etc.. are all improvements outside of the engine architecture.
But damn.....sometimes I just gotta drive the '96 to work because the LT1/4 is just so much more raw and visceral than the LS3 in my '95.
KW
11 Second Club
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,707
Likes: 13
From: New Orleans, LA
It depends on what you're looking for, but if it were me, especially today.. it won't cost much more to get an LS1.. I would just buy an LS1... they're up by 30 -45 HP over a stock LT1, and mod for mod the LS1 produces more gains.. If you dont mind the LT1 the way it is, it's a good deal..but if you want to mod..you'll have to do more to it to keep up with an LS1. Not to say that is slow, but to say that..the LS1 is a much better platform.
I ran some stock heads on a 385 a few years back, its really the heads that kill the LT1s. I wish that we could have some 4.125 bores to get into some better head selection.
385CI LT1 stock heads
385CI LT1 stock heads
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Just did a 6.0 LS with some forged pistions and a cam swap. Heads are stock with some porting. Easily made 500fw on the dyno and we decided to put about 12lbs from a 76mm into it. I don't know what its making but I am afraid of the 10bolt now.
I completely agree with ringmaster72. I've had dozens of LT1 and LS1 F-bodies and I prefer the LT1; however, with the caveat of having the 24x setup. Albeit opinion, there are numerous things that a LT1 car has that I personally like better.
That doesn't mean the LS motor isn't a better design. It is. But, there is more to a car than just the engine.
That doesn't mean the LS motor isn't a better design. It is. But, there is more to a car than just the engine.
By the way, when I worked at the Chevy Dealership we had a Newish Camaro SS on the lot. My friend took it for a test drive and afterwords said he felt like my car grabbed ya by the ***** a lot hard when I got on it. Took him for a ride in mine previously, of course 4:10's help
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 328
Likes: 1
From: coral springs FL
Don't listen to the ford guys. My 97 TA has 196.000 miles and it hasn't put me down yet. The opti was covered in oil and grime but it never gave me sparks issues. I took it apart and i was surprise to see the inner gust smooth and clean. I did replace the cap and rotor as a prevention and the car runs better than ever.
At the end of the day it all comes down to how well the car was maintain!
At the end of the day it all comes down to how well the car was maintain!
I owned a '94 and just bought a new '94 roller to swap the drivetrain into, moving up from a Formula to a Trans Am. I have to say I like the way the LT TransAm looks more than the LS cars, just a bit cleaner IMO. As for the engine I considered moving to the LS platform but I've got a LOT invested in my LT1 and it's making around 400whp so a stock LS isn't going to be better. I'd have to mod it the same as the LT and it wouldn't be a direct bolt in to this new roller. I still have issues with the Opti, but I can change it out in about an hour so it's not really a big deal to me. I like the flat torque curve of the LT1 and with heads and a small cam it's super streetable and sounds like old skool muscle SBC which I like... If I didn't have a built LT1 already I'd be going LS, but I just have to have one, so for me it's a no brainer...
