Are LS1's that much better than LT1's?

[Camaro 22]

I looking into doing a swap soon, but I can't decide on what to get. I've seen complete LT1's with tranny's go for about 1500 from a 97 camaro with 70k on it. And i've seen LS1's go for like 3k with a simular set up. Are the LS1's that much better as so it's worth double the price? What would you recommend? I'm looking for HP and speed mostly, also durability and easy modifications.

[Bliggida]

You can't go wrong with either one. The LT1 is a factory made Fuelie Small Block Chevy. Can never go wrong with SBC.

The LS1 makes more power stock and I think is a more efficient fuelie engine. It's lighter in weight too.

I think it comes down to cost. Do you want more power upfront = LS1. You want it cheap and build up power later = LT1.
Like I said, the LT1 is a Small Block Chevy. So you can build a 383 with 450 horsepower without spending a fortune. Where as I think the LS1 while making fantastic results, costs considerably more to make faster.

[Dominic]

I would always opt for the LS1, mainly so I didnt have to deal with the beloved optispark. Oh, and LS1s are good for about 100hp more than an LT1.

Most LS1s make ~350-375hp at the fly
Most LT1s are 275-290hp

[ May 18, 2003: Message edited by: Dominic ]</p>

[navyblue2000]

if you catch a 96 or 97 lt1, you get the vented opti, which isn't near as bad.
the LT1 has an iron block, so it's a little more durable with the juice.
Ellis Juan however, yes, has much better top end (stock) and is lighter, having an aluminum block. also gets a LOT better gas mileage. the fastest LT1 is still faster than the fastest LS1. But, you can't argue with 12's stock from Ellis.

[AllTheGoodNamesAreGone]

I honestly kinda prefer the LT1.. the optispark stuff is a PITA.. but its not that big of a deal.. when it goes bad.. just replace it all.. and if you are installing a new engine jsut get a new opti system to start.. then it wont be a problem for a long long time..

Umm.. I get to drive both on a semi regular basis.. my little sister got my parents old 94 lt1.. and my roomate has a 98 ls1.. ls1's are fast as hell (no boubt about that).. but i really love the low end on the lt1's.. i took my sisters 94 out to an auto-x a while back and that low end power reallllllly helps you get going some time.. they are alot of fun to play around with..

but, like, either one is a good choice.. LT1's are alot cheeper to hop up! there are alot of good cheep parts out for those cars.. where as the ls1's performance parts cost alot more..
thus if budget is an issue i would go LT1..

Another thing is alot of states have problems with you spapping in a older models engine into a new chassis.. so.. any LS1 will work for you.. but! if you go LT1 you may NEED a 97 engine.. but that depends on the state, so you need to do some legality research..

~Billy

[speedy-v6-camaro]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by navyblue2000:

the LT1 has an iron block, so it's a little more durable with the juice.
<hr></blockquote>

You can find a LS1 iron block too...its made for trucks mostly...but will easily fit into our cars. Its denoted a LQ4 block I believe.

[Magnus]

LS1 Most definately!

[Equis]

so an LS1 and LT1 parts would not interchangable? like putting the heads from an LS1 on an LT1 to reduce weight isn't possible?...also...I think I like the sound of LT1's a little more [img]tongue.gif[/img]

[toast]

I would say LT1 for sound and modding ablity.