so many choices

**vytamenc** · 02-20-2008, 08:51 PM

ok im looking for a ls1 engine to buy for a 68 panel im restoring. the problem im running into is. i dont know what year ls1 to purchase. all my friends who have ls1's in there buggies tell me dont get an 97 98 or 99. they say they have smaller heads and if i ever want to build bigger horsepower they are like starting with a handycap. i keep having to tell myself im not building this engine for 600 horse power like my subaru im building to to be an everyday driver. im looking to buy a whole engine swap package motor trans ecu the whole package. so what years if any are better to have and why. also is there a place i can go and get a list of casting numbers or a list of casting numbers for a quick reference that i can print out. please dont post get a 99 there good. i want to know why there good technical information please not cause there good. thanks for the help.

**0rion** · 02-20-2008, 09:35 PM

get a 99......they're good.

just messing with ya.

I would look for a '00+ engine though. There were a few changes made to allow better oiling. The rear of the block was clearanced more to improve flow and the mains had windows put in. There were also a couple of rod bolt changes made the first couple of years. The 241 heads are probably what they're talking about but all LS1 heads flow pretty good, the 806 heads on the 98's are probably the less desirable but even those heads flow well compared to other small block heads. If you're looking for power you'd want to swap out heads anyhow so I wouldn't let that influence your decision really. The 01-02 engines would be ideal as they tend to make a little more power stock for stock. Go to amazon and get a book by Will Handzel called "How to build High-Performance Chevy LS1/LS6 V-8's". It has just about anything you'd ever want or need to know about the LS1 in it and it's pretty cheap.