LT1 or LS1
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 369
Likes: 0
From: Chicago IL
LT1 or LS1
Ok I know this is an odd question. My uncle and I are in a debate. He says a LT1 is a better motor when fully modded. I say an LS1 is capable of producting more HP when fully done. What do you all think?
Pro
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 689
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From: West Jordan Utah
I just sold my 94 Z28 in favor of a 99 LS1 Vette. My Z was moderately modded, and I am just beginning on the Vette. There is NO comparison. The Z had a bit more "out of the hole" umph, but by 40mph it is all overwith.
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...etteandZ-1.jpg
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...etteandZ-1.jpg
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,866
Likes: 45
From: Tampa Bay, Go BUCS!!!Go Rays!!!Go Lightning!!!
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
2nd vote for LS1
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 373
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From: Belews Creek N.C.
My vote is the LS-1 and so is Engine Masters. I'm sure some of you know Engine Masters Magazine. They did a comparison of both with the same cubic inch, similar heads and compression ratio. Both engines were close in H.P with the LS being slightly ahead, but bit took alot wilder cam in the LT-1 motor than the LS to get there. If I remember right they both were in the 560hp range but the LT-1 was more of a strip motor and the LS was far more streetable. The LS is far more efficient and advanced than the regular small block. Dont get me wrong, they are both great engines.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,387
Likes: 30
LT1s are weaksauce. I had one for 4 years, it took a lot of mods to make it run stock what a C5 can.
I've seen some built LT1s but about the only thing they shared with a Gen-II was having reverse flow cooling and everything else was different. I guess the iron block is nice for strength...
One guy, Joe Overton, has a 1994 T/a that went something like 9.30s with a 370 something cube motor. No power adder. Had like 14:1 compression too. His results are not typical. LS1s running 11s with boltons and full weight are typical, I've never seen an LT1 get close to that.
I've seen some built LT1s but about the only thing they shared with a Gen-II was having reverse flow cooling and everything else was different. I guess the iron block is nice for strength...
One guy, Joe Overton, has a 1994 T/a that went something like 9.30s with a 370 something cube motor. No power adder. Had like 14:1 compression too. His results are not typical. LS1s running 11s with boltons and full weight are typical, I've never seen an LT1 get close to that.
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I'd say the LS1 is the better engine for mods. 
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,072
Likes: 197
From: Arizona
If I remember correctly, the LT-1 has 4-bolt mains, the deep skirt LS1 has six.
The LT-1's fussy Opti-Gag (Spark) was (and is) a minus. I personally prefer the L98 to the LT-1 and like the LS series best of all. Just my 2 cents worth.
The LT-1's fussy Opti-Gag (Spark) was (and is) a minus. I personally prefer the L98 to the LT-1 and like the LS series best of all. Just my 2 cents worth.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 7,021
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From: enterprise al
St. Jude Donor '08
i do love my z but no comparison with the vette
Team Owner
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 21,473
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From: Palmdale, Ca----- 2009 Cyber Gray 4LT A6 F55 452 RWHP 422 RWTQ- RIP 1998 C5 734 RWHP & 585 RWTQ-----
The LT1 will have a limit to streetability the LS1 will be able to put out more HP and TQ accordingly and still be streetable and stealthy!
There are various set-ups and write ups on the differences and the LS Series are far superior that is why GM went to the LS Series motors and did away with the Lt Series!
Otherwise we'd all still be modding LT Series Vette!
Thanks,Matt