buckeyeGT

hey, i am looking for an f body ls1 but have realized that i may have to settle for an lt1 if im going to find a low mile car in my price range (around 11k) how much better is the ls1 than the lt1? what does it take to get a lt1 into the 12s?

MIKE_84

i paid $8900 for my 98 Z28 with 87,000 miles.

BLKWS.6

A little, and not much. Most LS1's with 50K or less can be had for in your price range if they are 98-00.

then00b

I'd really recommend going for the LS1.... It is supposed to be the more reliable engine so a higher mileage LS1 might last you longer than an LT1 with less miles... 11k is a pretty decent amount of cash.... I'd recommend either saving for an LS1 or just waiting til you can find a good one for you withing your price range.

jaberwaki

2 things....

1. ls1 can be had all day for 11k check the classifieds on this site

2. Lt1's can be made very quick with little effort but it does take a little more then it takes an LS1... (but an LT can be had for 5k or less )

BLKWS.6

My LT1 had 170K miles and ran great with not a problem in the world, I knew a guy who raced his on the weekends and drive it daily with 220K on his and it was jsut fine. LT1 normally will last longer, the opti may go out, but my vote is for the LT1 for the internals on long term.

Dragon-LS1

iTrader: (12)

I'll vote for the LS1. My roommate has a 95 LT1 automatic Trans Am and has had more problems with it then I have with my car. (I have mine modded up and his is bone stock.)
Not to mention, the LT1 is harder to work on. Water pump being over the distibuter and some other problems in design.
Someone from one of the other sites I am on said this in answer to a question about why woud he prefer to have an LS1 over a turbo? "Because the LS1 has been touched by the hand of God". LOL. He actually has an LS1 drive train installed on a Suburu WRX.
So the LS1 wins the battle and the war in my opinion. The F-Body is much more aggressive looking as well. The bigger and higher front end looks like it's flexing.
I hope that helps your decision.

BLKWS.6

My trans am had an axle replaced (twisted of, who knows why?) and converter/tranny replaced. THat was it (I think they were doing neutral drops in it.) Other than that, one heater core. SOlid as a rock beyond those issues.

slowmofo

iTrader: (6)

I agree with you about going LS1 except for the reliable part. Lt1s taken care of will last forever it seems, as will the ls1. That might be a area where the are on par....

BLKWS.6

The reverse flow cooling of the LT1 engine is more conducive to keeping cylinder wall temps at optimum temperature than conventional flow. Other than that, its a pain in the ***. I will say, My LT1 was quite reliable for a 95 with 170K miles on it.

97blkz

iTrader: (1)

lt1 are very relaible , now if you have a **** box that was beat and 150K of course it have issues duh!! They are a SBC and they last for ever! If your going to leave it stock go ls1 , faster in stock form. If your modding find a decent lt1 for 5-6 k add heads /cam/spray and be very happy!

BLKWS.6

My LT1 had the **** ran out of it judging by the need of the guy to replace an axle. I also had to stop running castroil GTX and run Shell Rotella T 15W-40 to get all the castroil sludge out of the motor. I must have drained goo out of my filter for at least 3 oil changes (done at 500 mile intervals).

Starz T/A 17

iTrader: (6)

Both are very reliable But I saved up and got a LS1 for the simple reason there easier to work on such as changing spark plugs and such. The LT1's are really crammed in their and are a pain to work on

97blkz

iTrader: (1)

Long tubes change that!

infinitebird

iTrader: (11)

full exhaust, intake, gears, stall, tire

LittleSneak1

While I like my ls1 you can get an lt1 very cheap now and they make a head/cam combo for I think around 2000-2500 dollars, which could still be under most ls1 prices, and it adds I think 70-80 hp, I mean but it'll most likely just come out even with an ls1 in the end (A cheap lt1 + mod money, vs a close to stock ls1 with less miles).

97blkz

iTrader: (1)

If you get ls1 get a T/A , ls1 camaros are ugly!!

777

iTrader: (21)

I would say that's a little overboard just to get into the 12's. That should be good for low 12's.

A stall and tire's should get you into the 12's. If you have an automatic.

BLKWS.6

I always liked the TA's better than the camaro's in 4th gen. The SS is the only one I like the looks of. Otherwise, they are too plain for my looks *puts on flame suite and stacks sand-bags*

97blkz

iTrader: (1)

4th gen lt1 Camaros look good not ls1 style.