What would you do (engine selection)?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 16
From: absecon nj
IF you own a salvage yard then hands down LS1,i built mine on a budget of $1800 including alot of new parts including a new block.As far as the conversion i think it was easier then my tpi swap i did afew years back.Anything i swap for now on will be a ls1/ls6/or ls2.I know alot of the guys on here run the 6 speed but i opted for the 700r4 since i already converted to it,i think it runs great with it and bolts right up with a crank adapter and c5 flexplate.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville FL
Wow. Now I have to think about the big block. 
I really appreciate all the advice everyone.
LS1 people - is there any major installation differences with a LS2,LS6,LS7 (dreaming)? In case I come across a wrecked 05 GTO or something...
I really appreciate all the advice everyone.
LS1 people - is there any major installation differences with a LS2,LS6,LS7 (dreaming)? In case I come across a wrecked 05 GTO or something...
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Originally Posted by BarryK
i'd consider going with the LT1, stroke it out to a 383 stroker, and forget the carb - keep it as a fuel injection unit.
The LT1 was a real nice motor and if you turn it into a 383 stroker it only gets better
The LT1 was a real nice motor and if you turn it into a 383 stroker it only gets better
Why go backwards? The LT1 is great as a fuelie - especially if you use the far superior cast-iron heads. Of course, if you have one around, an LS1 sounds good...
Last edited by I'm Batman; Aug 1, 2006 at 11:45 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,403
Likes: 95
Originally Posted by BigBlockk
Congratulations, you just found your new engine! Welcome to the Big Block club!
BigBlockk
Later.....
BigBlockk
Later.....
Very easy an inexpensive way to have plenty of torque and HP. If you are realy into corner carving and extra MPG spend more money on an aluminum LS1.
Last edited by Little Mouse; Aug 2, 2006 at 03:25 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,993
Likes: 1,136
From: League City Tx
Stock 92-97 LT1 w/auto, around 230-240rwhp stock. Stock 98-02 LS1 w/ auto, 280-290rwhp stock. Plus 80lbs lighter, MUCH stronger bottom end and much more room for additional HP with cam upgrade and worked heads.
If it was me, I would go auto with a 3600rpm stall, your car would run 11s with a cam/exhaust on an 01-02 LS1. If you do go T56, make sure you get a T56 from an LS1, LT1 and LS1 bellhousings, clutch slaves etc are all different. Your best bet is to just pull the whole lump out of a wreck and stick it in your car. Even if you put the LS1 in completely stock and change nothing on it you will run mid 13s out of the box. Also hood clearance is not an issue as with SBC and BBC.
Only reason I am not going LS1 is because I want my car to appear mostly stock and traditional, thats why I am doing a 383 or 408 sbc. I have an LS1 in my other car and NOTHING matches their power and reliability. Mine makes 550rwhp, thats 650+ at the crank on a STOCK motor.
If it was me, I would go auto with a 3600rpm stall, your car would run 11s with a cam/exhaust on an 01-02 LS1. If you do go T56, make sure you get a T56 from an LS1, LT1 and LS1 bellhousings, clutch slaves etc are all different. Your best bet is to just pull the whole lump out of a wreck and stick it in your car. Even if you put the LS1 in completely stock and change nothing on it you will run mid 13s out of the box. Also hood clearance is not an issue as with SBC and BBC.
Only reason I am not going LS1 is because I want my car to appear mostly stock and traditional, thats why I am doing a 383 or 408 sbc. I have an LS1 in my other car and NOTHING matches their power and reliability. Mine makes 550rwhp, thats 650+ at the crank on a STOCK motor.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
Originally Posted by ajrothm
I have an LS1 in my other car and NOTHING matches their power and reliability. Mine makes 550rwhp, thats 650+ at the crank on a STOCK motor.
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