Thanks for all the responses. I've spoken with TracerX in Tx's and have done some additional research. I think now the question is...which year engine? I realize GM was having some problems with oil consumption, but thought they had a fix for that.

This is gonna be a long slow project...but I'm in no particular hurry. I'll be looking into tech articles, etc.

Looks like there may be some production swap kits out now so I'll be checking on that as well.

I'll keep you up to date on the results.

Thanks again to everyone, especially TracerX! :cheers: Big big help :D

:seeya :flag


[Modified by STREETKNIGHT, 2:14 PM 11/3/2002]

 

If you want LS1 power curve that fits your car perfectly , put in an LT4. The early LS1's and LT4's dyno nearly identically. The LT4 has almost the total potential as well.......LS6 is a step up though. But there are heads for the LT4 (like some good AFR's) that would easily allow it to match or pass the LS6.

Other than the novelty and small size/weight of the LS motor , the LT4 is essentially just about as good. :seeya

 

And then there are heads/cam for the LS6 that would allow it to completely stomp the LT4. The LS engines are amazing...period, they are NOT unreliable, they are NOT huge oil consumers. They are what should have been built a long time ago, a correct small block engine. I like my LT4, but I would trade it for an LS1/6 anyday because I know what can be done to those engines.

 

I vote for the LS1. Just do it and post it. More will follow. It's our human nature......... :cool:

 

Actually, that is not necessarily true. There are not that many aftermarket heads available for Gen III engines currently. There are several for the Gen II's (LT1/4). Realize it only takes cash...... there are heads available for the Gen II's that can outflow (when fully worked) the best worked LS6 heads out there.

DONT get me wrong , the Gen III engines are excellent designs, especially in LS6 guise, but they are not the end all. The most impressive thing is how good they are for a STOCK engine, lots of potential as well. The most powerful stroker solid roller LS6 tuner motors currently make 500-550 rwhp in street trim. Lingenfelter made that with a Gen II 427 stroker 7 years ago for Car and Drivers anniversary 200 mph Vette. "Hoover" on this board makes 500 rwhp through an AUTO with his Gen II engine (would most likely show at least another 20-30 rwhp through a manual like the above mentioned Gen III tuner engines).

Also , the early LS engines (97+) did have some reliability problems. Oiling problems were unfortunately a reality for many of them, resulting in spun bearings. Many had bent pushrods and valvespring problems as well. This is not to say they were "unreliable" but quite honestly, I think the early 97-99 LS1's and 96 LT4's were quite evenly matched with regard to power production, and the Gen II motor is slightly more reliable on average. It is however , larger, heavier and no longer in production cars. The Gen II fits our C4's as well , which was my original post's point......

So , again, IMO the Gen III engines are definitely better designs but dont be so quick to assume they render the Gen II engines obsolete by any stretch. Gen IIs can make just about as much power when built correctly to compete against the newer design........ :seeya