LT1 vs. LS1, what do you think?
LT1 vs. LS1, what do you think? i just got the new issue of gm high-tech performance and one of there special features is LT1 vs Ls1. they gave it to the ls1. but if u read all of it all the writes seem to faver the LT1. what do u guys think???
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 607
Likes: 1
From: Anna, OH
I think you're going to find the opinions in this part of LS1Tech a bit biased.
For me, I love 'em both, but for different reasons. The LS1 is more refined and modern and I like the look of the Firebird/TA over the Camaro. For LT1's, I like the Camaro better and especially that old "small block" sound.
The LS1 sounds good too--just my personal preference. Performance-wise, you can make them pretty even with equal dollars--just depends on where you spend them. LS1 parts cost more, but usually get more bang-for-the-buck. But LT1's can make great power with a lot of cheap mods.
Both are very reliable--even factoring in the often faulted Optispark in the LT1. (The opti's are often wrongly blamed for everything from rough idle to global warming. Sometimes it is the Opti, but not nearly as often as it's suspected.)
You really can't go wrong with either--unless it's been beat to crap on the street or strip.
For me, I love 'em both, but for different reasons. The LS1 is more refined and modern and I like the look of the Firebird/TA over the Camaro. For LT1's, I like the Camaro better and especially that old "small block" sound.
The LS1 sounds good too--just my personal preference. Performance-wise, you can make them pretty even with equal dollars--just depends on where you spend them. LS1 parts cost more, but usually get more bang-for-the-buck. But LT1's can make great power with a lot of cheap mods.
Both are very reliable--even factoring in the often faulted Optispark in the LT1. (The opti's are often wrongly blamed for everything from rough idle to global warming. Sometimes it is the Opti, but not nearly as often as it's suspected.)
You really can't go wrong with either--unless it's been beat to crap on the street or strip.
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TECH Apprentice
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 312
Likes: 0
From: Romeoville, IL
Its pretty simple the LS1 series motors are newer and have better technolgy in them. Because of the cylinder head design of these motors, and the degree of the intake runner, they have a big advantage. Sure there are other great benifits of the LS1 but that is the big one.
But yet there are still wicked LT1 cars out there running neck and neck with the LS1 cars. So as much as many would love to discredit the LT1 and the gen 1 small block, you cant deny those who are out there doing more with less. And I'm going to leave it at that.
IMO it all comes down to how much money your willing to spend. And if you look at most of the fast drag cars out there, they aren't even running LT1's or LSX motors. They are running oldshool engines, with new technology in them. And mainly because the aftermarket complanies have came a long way.
IMO we can sit here and argue about lt1 vs ls1, but does it really matter? Lets face it Big Blocks make the world go round
If your asking which would probably be able to make the max power. It's going to most likely be the LS1.
But yet there are still wicked LT1 cars out there running neck and neck with the LS1 cars. So as much as many would love to discredit the LT1 and the gen 1 small block, you cant deny those who are out there doing more with less. And I'm going to leave it at that.
IMO it all comes down to how much money your willing to spend. And if you look at most of the fast drag cars out there, they aren't even running LT1's or LSX motors. They are running oldshool engines, with new technology in them. And mainly because the aftermarket complanies have came a long way.
IMO we can sit here and argue about lt1 vs ls1, but does it really matter? Lets face it Big Blocks make the world go round
If your asking which would probably be able to make the max power. It's going to most likely be the LS1.
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Verdad Gallardo the guy that dose all the work on my car is a great engine builder and he says that the LT1 is a great motor for the money...cant be it. but LS1s kick *** and have tons of ***** power right out of the box ,but cost alot $$ well at least around here. last one that i know of went for $20,000+ it was 02 trans ws6. i only paind $6000 + a nother $1,000 for a 2002 body update. cant beat that.
Launching!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 296
Likes: 0
From: Rochester, NY
The way i look at it is if you have a LT1 and wanna do mods to it, DO IT. when it comes down to limited spending the LS1 is better. yet again it cost 5,000 more or so to have a LS1 i rather have a LT1 and buy 
a PROCHARGER with the extra 5,000. in the end there going to be close, oh by the way when it comes down too unlimited amount of spending on either motor doesnt the LS1 have LT1 by 2 tenths.
a PROCHARGER with the extra 5,000. in the end there going to be close, oh by the way when it comes down too unlimited amount of spending on either motor doesnt the LS1 have LT1 by 2 tenths. 
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo, N.Y.
Performance-wise (STOCK!), the LS1 spanks the LT1 in every category from torque to HP, although the LT1 does offer a bit better low-end torque. I've owned & driven both, and I can vouch for that....it was no trick to put my '95 Trans Am sideways without even trying...my '02 WS6 takes a bit of work to break it loose that badly.
The GM Hi-Tech guys were hedging their bets on the LT1 ONLY because it has ben around longer, has an iron block, more aftermarket performance parts, and, in their minds, the jury is still out on how durable an all-aluminum hi-performance engine will prove to be over the long-haul.
I like 'em both. With enough time, talent, money, and aftermarket performance parts, you can build a pretty sick LT1. One has to remember, however, that GM abandoned the LT1 platform for further hi-performance development, as they just didn't see any large, worthwhile performance gains. On the other hand, the LS1 was designed from a clean sheet of paper, and incorporates cutting edge technology throughout the entire engine. World-wide, the LS-series engines are acknowledged as the most sophisticated, highly advanced, thoroughly developed pushrod engines ever built.
The GM Hi-Tech guys were hedging their bets on the LT1 ONLY because it has ben around longer, has an iron block, more aftermarket performance parts, and, in their minds, the jury is still out on how durable an all-aluminum hi-performance engine will prove to be over the long-haul.
I like 'em both. With enough time, talent, money, and aftermarket performance parts, you can build a pretty sick LT1. One has to remember, however, that GM abandoned the LT1 platform for further hi-performance development, as they just didn't see any large, worthwhile performance gains. On the other hand, the LS1 was designed from a clean sheet of paper, and incorporates cutting edge technology throughout the entire engine. World-wide, the LS-series engines are acknowledged as the most sophisticated, highly advanced, thoroughly developed pushrod engines ever built.
Guys Guys Guys i think he was talking about the article in the mag.. Not in general who is better (we all know what everyone thinks) and my opnion the dyno numbers for the LT1 was WAY off from the norm and with the results they concluded to i would of gave it to the LS1 also.. it said the t/a dynoed at 220RWHP/257RWTQ what the hell is that my bone stock auto dynoed at 258/313 i believe that car had issues and they forgot to mention it to the readers.
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo, N.Y.
"they shoulda used a 97 ta and a 98z with the same miles."
That would hardly be fair...last year of LT1 production vs 1st year (for F-bods) of LS1 production.
How about a '97 LT1 Vs an '02 LS1?
The guys who wrote the article came across like they had a soft spot in their hearts for the LT1, despite what the data showed them. And that's okay by me. I would truly LOVE to get my hands on a clean, low mileage (<20k) '97 WS6 M6. After building the absolute **** out of it, I'm sure it would surprise more than a few '00-'02 LS1's.
I love both engines, but, if you held a gun to my head and forced me to choose only one, I'm afraid it'd have to be the LS1.
That would hardly be fair...last year of LT1 production vs 1st year (for F-bods) of LS1 production.
How about a '97 LT1 Vs an '02 LS1?
The guys who wrote the article came across like they had a soft spot in their hearts for the LT1, despite what the data showed them. And that's okay by me. I would truly LOVE to get my hands on a clean, low mileage (<20k) '97 WS6 M6. After building the absolute **** out of it, I'm sure it would surprise more than a few '00-'02 LS1's.
I love both engines, but, if you held a gun to my head and forced me to choose only one, I'm afraid it'd have to be the LS1.
Originally Posted by LS1SS4ever
Do u have the site link for this issue?????????