keep the LT1 or go LSx?
keep the LT1 or go LSx? I want more power. I have 115k on my original motor, A4 trans, rear. Of course with any rebuild or new high hp engine I would need a new trans and 9". A strong LT1 engine rebuild with LE2 package would be around $5k but a new LS2 crate engine is slightly more than $5k and an LS6 is about $6.5k. Of course with a crate engine, reliability would be better. I am shooting for a 10 second car or as close as I can come. I think with 400+ rwhp/weight loss/large stall I can get there. I know going from OBD1 to OBD2 will require a new wiring harness and related modifications. What would be the smarter move?
depends on your budget man... i like both, but i would much rather buy an ls1 car before i swapped mine. For what you would most likely have into the swap and all, its probably a smarter move IMO
Originally Posted by urbanhunter44
It would be cheaper and easier to do it with the LT1. If you want an LSx car just sell it and buy a later model.
do both! these days, LSx cars are cheap to run by. I had to turn down a 2000 Trans Am A4 Black on Black for 1500 bucks... "dont ask why" All that was wrong was somebody stripped out the #7 plug hole. Point is, save up and buy an LSx car if you want that motor, personally i would stick to the LT1... we are a dying breed!
Originally Posted by InsaneAuto86
I want more power. I have 115k on my original motor, A4 trans, rear. Of course with any rebuild or new high hp engine I would need a new trans and 9". A strong LT1 engine rebuild with LE2 package would be around $5k but a new LS2 crate engine is slightly more than $5k and an LS6 is about $6.5k. Of course with a crate engine, reliability would be better. I am shooting for a 10 second car or as close as I can come. I think with 400+ rwhp/weight loss/large stall I can get there. I know going from OBD1 to OBD2 will require a new wiring harness and related modifications. What would be the smarter move?
Here is my swap with roughly $6500 invested..and this is the result..
We are expecting 10's and near 500rwhp..
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Joined: Feb 2007
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I would just keep the LT1 and build it up. Alot of people think they can't make any power but what do they know? Like what was said before after all the money spend on doing a swap your LT1 would be making alot more hp.
How deep into 10s do you want? If you just want that one 10.99 for the title, then you would be fine with the LT1. Cheapest way would probably be a forged rebuild, decent H/C, and a nice shot of juice(with all complementing mods of course).
It would be easier with an LSx, but at that point in the game it will be a decent chunk of change either way. Basically,
1. How much do you want to spend
-and-
2. How much do you love the LT1
It would be easier with an LSx, but at that point in the game it will be a decent chunk of change either way. Basically,
1. How much do you want to spend
-and-
2. How much do you love the LT1
Best option is add everything up i was going to build a 355 lt1 but seeing the total cost i decided to due a build similar to The_merv i just stated looking and already found some really good deals on what I need 
So with selling off my lt1 stuff it almost makes up the cost for the LSX build.
So with selling off my lt1 stuff it almost makes up the cost for the LSX build. 
Originally Posted by Revelation Z28
ls1 block- $300
rotating assembly- $400
heads and cam- $1200
machining/porting- $600
gaskets and little ****- unknown
PCM and harness- $300
tuning- $500
rotating assembly- $400
heads and cam- $1200
machining/porting- $600
gaskets and little ****- unknown
PCM and harness- $300
tuning- $500
Originally Posted by InsaneAuto86
Cant sell the car... I love it too much!!!
Here is something you also need to figure is that when the LS3 comes out if you wait a year the LS2 will probably drop a thousand or so, and if you put a cam/heads/tune/headers etc you can get some pretty good HP out of it.