lt1 vs lt1
01-25-2015, 01:52 AM
#1
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lt1 vs lt1
We all know the new corvettes are great cars, we also know our c4's are great cars. My car is a long way off from needing a rebuild so this is purely out of curiosity. How different/similar are the lt1 engines from 2 generations. Would it be outlandish to swap my stock lt1 for a new lt1(when the time comes), how would installation go in terms of mounting it and syncing it with the trans. Both are 350's so one would think they are mostly identical. Anyway what do you think?
01-25-2015, 04:51 AM
#2
Le Mans Master
These engines are not in the slightest similar. I don't know if you could even get a crate Gen V motor yet. And if you can, I'm sure it would cost a very big bag of money.
Several on here have done LSx swaps however.
Several on here have done LSx swaps however.
01-25-2015, 12:15 PM
#4
Le Mans Master
The new LT1 crate is available however the effort to drop one into your car versus just rebuilding your LT1 is more than you're probably wanting to put in. $12,000 roughly for a crate LT1 shipped to your door....that's before you start spending money on everything else to drive the car again. Unless the car is a test bed for you to have fun with, it isn't worth it.
01-25-2015, 02:42 PM
#5
Melting Slicks
I'm already considering this and looking into it. I already have done the LS2 swap.
From what I gather its doable. I'm still waiting back to hear from a wiring company in the swap to see how much change I have to do.
The motor mounts are different thou so unlike the LS2 (which is a drop in pretty much) This will require fab engine mounts. This isn't a big deal. But the trans is going to be challenge. They do make a bell housing kit but you have to swap to a 2 pieces later model 4l60e.
The motor is $9000 at this point. For a full plug and play (mind you not for a stock c4. its for a stand alone setup) its $12,000 like 1985 Corvette stated. So I wouldn't attempt the swap unless your prepared to spend $15000.
http://www.jegs.com/p/Chevrolet-Perf...32855/10002/-1
For that kind of money the LS3 is a better choice. But to be unique its gonna cost ya.
From what I gather its doable. I'm still waiting back to hear from a wiring company in the swap to see how much change I have to do.
The motor mounts are different thou so unlike the LS2 (which is a drop in pretty much) This will require fab engine mounts. This isn't a big deal. But the trans is going to be challenge. They do make a bell housing kit but you have to swap to a 2 pieces later model 4l60e.
The motor is $9000 at this point. For a full plug and play (mind you not for a stock c4. its for a stand alone setup) its $12,000 like 1985 Corvette stated. So I wouldn't attempt the swap unless your prepared to spend $15000.
http://www.jegs.com/p/Chevrolet-Perf...32855/10002/-1
For that kind of money the LS3 is a better choice. But to be unique its gonna cost ya.
Last edited by fc_soldier; 01-25-2015 at 02:48 PM.
01-25-2015, 05:31 PM
#6
Burning Brakes
What's the new LT1 put out... 450HP? You can get there for a lot less money with the LT1 you already have... either naturally aspirated or supercharged, with a fraction of the headaches.
But, if you must have a new gen motor, fc_soldier's recommendation makes the most sense. You can get an LS3 crate motor w/480HP for about $7K delivered to your door.
Interestingly, I was at the 2015 NCRS gathering in Lakeland, FL, last week and, after talking with the three or four companies there showing off their Resto-Mods, not one of them was willing to put an LS motor in my '96! They all complained the C4 required more headaches than they were willing to charge for. Now, I've seen enough threads here to know that some of our really ingenious gear-heads have accomplished this feat. But, after all the research I've done, I recommend you build up your existing LT1.
But, if you must have a new gen motor, fc_soldier's recommendation makes the most sense. You can get an LS3 crate motor w/480HP for about $7K delivered to your door.
Interestingly, I was at the 2015 NCRS gathering in Lakeland, FL, last week and, after talking with the three or four companies there showing off their Resto-Mods, not one of them was willing to put an LS motor in my '96! They all complained the C4 required more headaches than they were willing to charge for. Now, I've seen enough threads here to know that some of our really ingenious gear-heads have accomplished this feat. But, after all the research I've done, I recommend you build up your existing LT1.
01-26-2015, 08:09 AM
#7
Melting Slicks
What's the new LT1 put out... 450HP? You can get there for a lot less money with the LT1 you already have... either naturally aspirated or supercharged, with a fraction of the headaches.
But, if you must have a new gen motor, fc_soldier's recommendation makes the most sense. You can get an LS3 crate motor w/480HP for about $7K delivered to your door.
Interestingly, I was at the 2015 NCRS gathering in Lakeland, FL, last week and, after talking with the three or four companies there showing off their Resto-Mods, not one of them was willing to put an LS motor in my '96! They all complained the C4 required more headaches than they were willing to charge for. Now, I've seen enough threads here to know that some of our really ingenious gear-heads have accomplished this feat. But, after all the research I've done, I recommend you build up your existing LT1.
But, if you must have a new gen motor, fc_soldier's recommendation makes the most sense. You can get an LS3 crate motor w/480HP for about $7K delivered to your door.
Interestingly, I was at the 2015 NCRS gathering in Lakeland, FL, last week and, after talking with the three or four companies there showing off their Resto-Mods, not one of them was willing to put an LS motor in my '96! They all complained the C4 required more headaches than they were willing to charge for. Now, I've seen enough threads here to know that some of our really ingenious gear-heads have accomplished this feat. But, after all the research I've done, I recommend you build up your existing LT1.
The debate between a LT1 or LSx is a dead horse.
But just as fact stating I have 430 ish hp. In stock trim. Get about 28-30mpg and pass inspection. You'd be hard-pressed to say that for a modified 5.7 LT1 to the same standard.
01-26-2015, 12:16 PM
#8
Burning Brakes
Wow, let those shops know that I did it in a single car garage with walmart tools in winter. Those "shops" specialize in easy standalone swaps. For mine, it kinda just fell into place. By far the easiest motor swap Ive done. 1996 is the year that you need no motor mount adapter brackets or anything.
The debate between a LT1 or LSx is a dead horse.
But just as fact stating I have 430 ish hp. In stock trim. Get about 28-30mpg and pass inspection. You'd be hard-pressed to say that for a modified 5.7 LT1 to the same standard.
The debate between a LT1 or LSx is a dead horse.
But just as fact stating I have 430 ish hp. In stock trim. Get about 28-30mpg and pass inspection. You'd be hard-pressed to say that for a modified 5.7 LT1 to the same standard.
I completely agree with you. The purpose of my post was not to compare the C4 LT1 with the C7 LT1. It was to make the point that from a strictly performance point of view, building his current LT1 would cost a lot less in terms of both dollars and headaches. Now... since you've already done it and... since I have a '96... how much do you want to swap an LS3 into my car??
01-26-2015, 12:58 PM
#10
Melting Slicks
Hi fc...
I completely agree with you. The purpose of my post was not to compare the C4 LT1 with the C7 LT1. It was to make the point that from a strictly performance point of view, building his current LT1 would cost a lot less in terms of both dollars and headaches. Now... since you've already done it and... since I have a '96... how much do you want to swap an LS3 into my car??
I completely agree with you. The purpose of my post was not to compare the C4 LT1 with the C7 LT1. It was to make the point that from a strictly performance point of view, building his current LT1 would cost a lot less in terms of both dollars and headaches. Now... since you've already done it and... since I have a '96... how much do you want to swap an LS3 into my car??
I wouldn't mind doing another swap. If given another 1996 c4 and all parts preorder, id say I could have it done in less than a week. Cost Id do it for a ridiculously low price. I like working on these cars. ( challenge purpose and not cutting corners I think I can get it done in a day or two)
01-26-2015, 07:38 PM
#13
Burning Brakes
01-26-2015, 09:59 PM
#14
Race Director
01-26-2015, 10:17 PM
#15
Le Mans Master
The smallblock has come a long way and the new LT1 is amazing in the C7 platform. Not going to be surprised at a power injection that bumps the C7 Stingray in the 500+ hp area in a model year or two with a few minor tweaks. When they did the steroid shot with the C4 LT1 to LT4, you had tech articles multiple pages explaining everything they changed, from roller rockers, to egg shaped valve springs. This new LT1 will probably need a sentence or two to explain it, everything is already there to make it happen. That's technology for you.
01-27-2015, 01:02 AM
#16
Instructor
The smallblock has come a long way and the new LT1 is amazing in the C7 platform. Not going to be surprised at a power injection that bumps the C7 Stingray in the 500+ hp area in a model year or two with a few minor tweaks. When they did the steroid shot with the C4 LT1 to LT4, you had tech articles multiple pages explaining everything they changed, from roller rockers, to egg shaped valve springs. This new LT1 will probably need a sentence or two to explain it, everything is already there to make it happen. That's technology for you.
01-27-2015, 10:11 AM
#17
Burning Brakes
Allow me to suggest that the ECM and fuel system changes required for an LT1 swap vs. an LS swap will add an exponential degree of difficulty.
01-27-2015, 10:42 AM
#18
Melting Slicks
One of the biggest hurdles for swapping to a new LT1 instead of an LS engine is the fuel system. Not only is engine management much more complicated from a digital point of view but the fuel pressure required to run the new LT1 is listed at 2,200psi (compared to your current 44 psi)!
Allow me to suggest that the ECM and fuel system changes required for an LT1 swap vs. an LS swap will add an exponential degree of difficulty.
Allow me to suggest that the ECM and fuel system changes required for an LT1 swap vs. an LS swap will add an exponential degree of difficulty.
https://theblock.com/news/1971-jimmi...ingray-concept
Last edited by fc_soldier; 01-27-2015 at 10:46 AM.
01-27-2015, 11:34 AM
#19
Burning Brakes
I would think you could use a system similar to what diesels use for fuel. Use the in-tank pump to feed the high pressure pump for the injectors.
01-27-2015, 12:04 PM
#20
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St. Jude Donor '05
id go crate LS3 for a number of reasons....too many issues with the new LT1s throwing rods.
Could be related to a torque tube issue but who knows.
At least get one new under warranty if anything.
Heck if I could afford it a big CI LS3 stroker with an 850 DP...yup! Where to find 15- 20k though lol
The torque curve on them is amazing though check out the combustion chambers on the new LT1 head. pretty awesome stuff
Could be related to a torque tube issue but who knows.
At least get one new under warranty if anything.
Heck if I could afford it a big CI LS3 stroker with an 850 DP...yup! Where to find 15- 20k though lol
The torque curve on them is amazing though check out the combustion chambers on the new LT1 head. pretty awesome stuff