Hey LS1 pros. I am in the process of buying an LS1 engine and M6 transmission but I don't want to end up with the wrong year! I have done some searches and have not come up with much info about the differences and changes in the engine and transmission in the 5 or 6 years or production. I know the later cars had different valve covers and no EGR, but what other internal differences are there? Did any year have higher compression, weak cranks, oiling problems, etc?

My goal is 425rwhp with a performance cam, heads, LT headers, etc so minor changes don't mean much to me, I just want a strong base!

Any advice would be great

 

do a search on this. there have been plenty of threads started about the differences between them

 

get the newest one. 02. they have ls6 heads and ls6intake you will get more out of your futuremods. it has smaller cam but it won't matter if you will swap it out. I can't remember if the 01 is the same. oo an below are just ls1's

 

here u go. this is one of the members on the site.his user name is "jrp"- he has a nice write-up on the differences.
http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/519275/4

 

The LS1s came out in 97 and where only available on the C5 Corvette.

 

yea, sorry, your right. i was just think f-bodys

 

They had different heads..but I do not think they had the LS6 heads. They did have the intake manifold.

If you want the strongest block, try go get one of the 01-02's with an LS6 block and stay away from the 98's. I think you can only bore them so much.

-Todd

 

gimme a minute

 

I see a whole lot of misinformation being spread here. If you don't know the answers, you really aren't helping out others by telling them wrong info.

97-98 had relatively the same setup, with EGR and the perimeter bolt valve covers and heads.

99 was first year for the 4-bolt valve covers and heads. Performance-wise, there were no gains over the 97-98.

In 01-02, the LS1s came with the LS6 intake manifold from the factory. Its worth about 5 rwhp on a stock engine. Some 01s had an LS6 engine block, some 02s came with an LS6 engine block. No performance gain from that block.

As for cranks and blocks, no performance/durability difference between the years.

Personally, I'd just go with any year shortblock, but stick with 99 or newer heads. The 4-bolt valvecovers can be modified to have more room to clear aftermarket rockers and such. The flat 97-98 covers had very little room under them.

 

Amen! Thanks to everyone who replied to my newbie question, but most of all to Nine Ball for getting the facts to me

One question though Nine Ball. If I am going to buy a new performance cam and aftermarket heads (not sure who has the best ones), will it make a difference if I buy a 97-98 or a 99up?

Thanks

 

Yes, it will make a difference because the valve covers are different (as mentioned) and the coil packs have different brackets as well. You'd be safe to just go with whatever year parts for the corresponding year engine. Now, if you mean will the 97/98 heads bolt right up to a 99-04 block, then I don't see why not.

Also, I think anymore the 97/98 heads are pretty obsolete as most companies don't have sets laying around reading for shipping - which would lead me to beleive they are r&r only. Someone correct me if I'm wrong on that info.

 

Isn't it true that you can only bore out a 98 motor .005, though, right?

-Todd

 

 

Talk about misinformation.
Regaring F-bodies:
The 1997 motor and the 1998 motor are completely different. The 1997 F-bodies had a LT1 whereas the 1998 F-bodies had a LS1.

 

The LS1 started in 97 - in the Corvette. Wise ***.

 

That is a classic one.

 

Thanks for all the info guys. The hunt is on for a good '99up LS1 package!

 

Short, sweet and full of being

-Todd

 

TO THE FUC*ING MAX

 

I know, but it was my impression that we are talking about F-bodies. The LS1 was only available in the Corvette in 1997. The LS1 was not available in the F-body until 1998.

Yes that was my intent.
It wasnt a personal attack, just a jab at a senior member (correction, Admin).