LT1 vs LS1 - weight, power, cost?
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Teching In
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6
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LT1 vs LS1 - weight, power, cost? I was planning on building an LS1 for a project car of mine however I have recently found myself leaning toward an LT1 due to the price tag I am seeing on the parts and engines them selves.
Here go my questions:
What is the weight difference between the two engines? How many lbs less is the LS1?
I realize that the LS1 has an aluminum block but I can’t imagine it being a whole lot lighter maybe 50lbs??? I’m shootin in the dark here.
Does a T56 bolt up to an LT1? **EDIT Stupid Question never mind**
Speaking of trannys can the T5 handle just as much power as a T56?
Is a T56 less weight than a T5?
If I built an LT1 I think it would go something like this.
Get a used engine (for cheap)
Throw in a 383 Stroker Kit
Get some after market heads, like trick flow or something
Get a cam I haven’t looked into cams yet but some thing moderate. I like lumpy but still want drivable yet the car won’t be a daily driver.
I’m thinking with a set up like that 450hp at the crank would be plausible. Am I being unrealistic? What do you think a set up like the one mentioned would put out?? Assuming I would go with decent headers high flow cats and moderate to low restrictive mufflers.
Now if I built an LS1 it would go like this
Get a salvaged engine with low miles
Get cam and head package
This alone would cost more than the LT1 set up according to my calculations. Would the power be comparable?? What do you think a set up like that would put out?? Assuming the same exhaust as listed above.
Sorry I have talked your ear off asking a million questions ill end it with just one more.
Which would you build? Keep in mind I am a bang for your buck kind of guy as I have limited funds.
Here go my questions:
What is the weight difference between the two engines? How many lbs less is the LS1?
I realize that the LS1 has an aluminum block but I can’t imagine it being a whole lot lighter maybe 50lbs??? I’m shootin in the dark here.
Does a T56 bolt up to an LT1? **EDIT Stupid Question never mind**
Speaking of trannys can the T5 handle just as much power as a T56?
Is a T56 less weight than a T5?
If I built an LT1 I think it would go something like this.
Get a used engine (for cheap)
Throw in a 383 Stroker Kit
Get some after market heads, like trick flow or something
Get a cam I haven’t looked into cams yet but some thing moderate. I like lumpy but still want drivable yet the car won’t be a daily driver.
I’m thinking with a set up like that 450hp at the crank would be plausible. Am I being unrealistic? What do you think a set up like the one mentioned would put out?? Assuming I would go with decent headers high flow cats and moderate to low restrictive mufflers.
Now if I built an LS1 it would go like this
Get a salvaged engine with low miles
Get cam and head package
This alone would cost more than the LT1 set up according to my calculations. Would the power be comparable?? What do you think a set up like that would put out?? Assuming the same exhaust as listed above.
Sorry I have talked your ear off asking a million questions ill end it with just one more.
Which would you build? Keep in mind I am a bang for your buck kind of guy as I have limited funds.
Last edited by Script917; Nov 5, 2004 at 12:11 PM.
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Portage, MI
Sounds like you're about to have some fun! I'd say your on the money with LT1 being 50lbs more...as for trannys, the T5 is a Gen 3 v8 tranny, and Gen 4 v6 tranny, I wouldn't recommend using one. the T56 is an incredible durable trans, they come stock on all manuel Fbodys, 93-02, (98-02 being a little different) They'll hold 450+ easy.
The setup on the LT1 you have will make 425-450 minimum. I personally have a 383 LT1, with stock heads and i make right around 415fwhp with a 230/242 duration cam. So with a set of aftermarket heads that'll acheive your goal no problem.
LT1 short block ready to go= $1000-1500
LT1 heads 850-1500
Bolt ons/programing=1000
Total= ~3000
I don't know much about the LS1 pricing so I'll let someone else help you there, but LS1 heads flow much better stock than LT1's so I cam only will produce equal power to the built 383 LT1 described above. Without spending money on LS1 heads your about equal on spendings, and have equal results. I'm tired now, hopefully that helps....
The setup on the LT1 you have will make 425-450 minimum. I personally have a 383 LT1, with stock heads and i make right around 415fwhp with a 230/242 duration cam. So with a set of aftermarket heads that'll acheive your goal no problem.
LT1 short block ready to go= $1000-1500
LT1 heads 850-1500
Bolt ons/programing=1000
Total= ~3000
I don't know much about the LS1 pricing so I'll let someone else help you there, but LS1 heads flow much better stock than LT1's so I cam only will produce equal power to the built 383 LT1 described above. Without spending money on LS1 heads your about equal on spendings, and have equal results. I'm tired now, hopefully that helps....
