Switching to Lxx POWER...LT1 vs LSx

TurboSluTT · 08-21-2006, 09:28 AM

Hey everyone, I'm pretty new to this forum and first off let me say thanks for having me. I'm looking to switch over to GM muscle

and I was wondering if you guys could shed some insight as well as opinions as to certain motors. My past cars have been a few imports, some pretty quick little street cars (All RWD) and my last ride was a '92 Mustang with a 306 and a 60-1. So while I am not the total rookie, I haven't the knowledge about GM motors as I do about others. The goals are 600 rwhp via turbocharging, but I've had more than 1 FBod show me tailights with what was termed a "Cam Car w/ a bottle". Not sure on year but a nitrous car does have some appeal to it. Supercharging isn't high on the priority list as drivability FOR ME, isn't what I like.

So my question is... what are the main differences between LT1 cars and LS1 cars and what route should I take. I am can save some considerable $$$ on a LT1 car (92-97) and that could go towards mods, but the whole reason I'm going to GM is what I always tell my import buddies, start with the most power and you'll usually end with the most. So is the LS1 that much better? Also hows the Camaro vs TA? This will be a street driven car with as much a "sleeper" look as possible, so a pre-OBDII car might be beneficial with aftermarket EFI systems and turbos etc. Thanks guys and I'll look forward to hearing from you...

**jmhvenom** · 08-21-2006, 11:15 AM

Yes. Get a 98+ Z28 or firebird. Save money by not gettig an SS or a WS6. I am partial to the Camaro, but there is not major differences at this level other than appearences. All you need to do to keep it look and sound like a sleeper is leave the stock exhaust on and then get 2 electric cutouts coming right off your headers =) If you do not care about reliability... you can get a Big Cam and heads and make well over 400rwhp... w/ nitroust you can definately get a good ways over 500.

**440 rwhp trans am** · 08-21-2006, 11:26 AM

i say get a 96-97 trans. lt1 are whores of motors and you can get parts cheap. the extra money you save buying an lt1 you can put a 383 stroker and put a small turbo on it. that = FAST !!!! i would say around 600-700hp depends on boost. all for about 6-8,000 in mods depending if you know anybody

**jmhvenom** · 08-21-2006, 12:39 PM

Ed has a LS1 383 w/ SC and nitrous is making 666... I dont think just an LT1 with just 383 and boost will make 500 even.

**mysticZ** · 08-21-2006, 12:57 PM

Originally Posted by jmhvenom

Ed has a LS1 383 w/ SC and nitrous is making 666... I dont think just an LT1 with just 383 and boost will make 500 even.

I have a 383 LT. It should put 400 down, I haven't been able to find a good dyno-tuner in my area.

As for EASY power go LS motor. I know of a few people that have gotten 400 to the ground with a cam and exhuast. LS motors are also lighter.

**x-40oz-x** · 08-21-2006, 01:19 PM

LS1 - the extra cost is worth it.
Still LT1's kick ass. Either one is a winner.

***Ed Blown Vert*** · 08-21-2006, 01:23 PM

Yes the LS1 is much better. Go with a 99 or newer.

**mysticZ** · 08-21-2006, 01:25 PM

Originally Posted by Ed Blown Vert

Yes the LS1 is much better. Go with a 99 or newer.

Is that due to the intake being diff. I dunno, got an LT motor.

***Ed Blown Vert*** · 08-21-2006, 01:27 PM

Originally Posted by mysticZ

Is that due to the intake being diff. I dunno, got an LT motor.

I wouldn't go with the first year of any model.

**mysticZ** · 08-21-2006, 01:31 PM

I thought thier was a diff in the intake dsign. Somthin' like the 99 ups hade a Zo6 style.

***Ed Blown Vert*** · 08-21-2006, 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by mysticZ

I thought thier was a diff in the intake dsign. Somthin' like the 99 ups hade a Zo6 style.

If I remember correctly, 01 and up had the LS6 intake.

**sunsetorangess** · 08-21-2006, 02:52 PM

Yepp the 01 and 02's came with the ls6 intake.. Personaly i would go out and find a 84'ish camaro with the l4 and go from there. nooooo
There is a big difference when going from a lt1 too a ls1. The lt1 is very stout on bottom end but dies off towards the top, the ls1 is the opposite. I mean you can do alot too either car. I have the same mindset if you start with a big motor you will end up with more.
Any questions either way and we can hook you up
J

**sk8prk** · 08-21-2006, 05:37 PM

Originally Posted by sunsetorangess

The lt1 is very stout on bottom end but dies off towards the top, the ls1 is the opposite. J

Yep, the lt1 makes more torque but the ls1 is better with hp. They're both awesome and you really can't go wrong with either of them. Just depends on what you like.

**MysticZ28** · 08-21-2006, 06:43 PM

Originally Posted by sk8prk

Yep, the lt1 makes more torque but the ls1 is better with hp. They're both awesome and you really can't go wrong with either of them. Just depends on what you like.

LT1 doesn't make anymore torque then an LS1 ... actually little bit less. The LS1s' power is band is a couple of hundered rpm higher. Then when it comes to top end the LS1 is significanlty higher.

**0rion** · 08-21-2006, 09:40 PM

my vote is for a 99+ LS1.

**irishpenguin13** · 08-28-2006, 11:07 AM

yeah my favorite part is paying over $100 dollars for a water pump! man, gotta love the LT1.

**danziger** · 08-28-2006, 02:10 PM

If you are going with FI, the LT1 is undoubtedly a cheaper alternative. However, a heads/cam LS1 with a bit of juice is a force to be reckoned with for not that much more. Figure out what your needs are (daily-driver, strip car, weekend car) and go from there...

**PwnJabi** · 08-28-2006, 02:14 PM

Originally Posted by irishpenguin13

yeah my favorite part is paying over $100 dollars for a water pump! man, gotta love the LT1.

lol

**irishpenguin13** · 08-29-2006, 03:27 AM

in all honesty, the LT1 and the LS1 are probably the best modern motors ever made. look how many people buy a mustang GT and throw a couple thousand dollars (if not more) just to get to the HP range of an LT1 or LS1 motor.

**Roastem** · 08-29-2006, 06:08 AM

Originally Posted by Ed Blown Vert

I wouldn't go with the first year of any model.

Good advice. They usually work the bugs out in the second or third year.

Damn Ed, you related to Dr. Phil or sumthin'?

Listen to this guy, he knows what he's talkin' about.