LS1 engines
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: baltimore ohio
LS1 engines
In the C4 forums, Someone made a comment as to the aluminum engines being "throw away engines". Either meaning no good for re-build or durability. How is the durability and longevity of the LS1?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Mayfield kentucky
The LS1 is twice the engine that the LT1 and the L98 was. Them guys are pissed becuase there still driving the C4 so they have to try to make the C5 look bad. The LS1 is a great motor for high milage. 
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From: Bel Air (by way of Fort Worth, TX) Maryland
St. Jude Donor '12 thru '21
The Gen III V-8 put GM back on the map in 1997. The Gen IIs are a good motor, but durability and reliability were first priority for GM in the development of the Gen III.
FWIW, the Gen III block was designed to be strong yet light. The iron block version is the strongest block ever developed because of the design engineering of the aluminum block.
FWIW, the Gen III block was designed to be strong yet light. The iron block version is the strongest block ever developed because of the design engineering of the aluminum block.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Stark County Ohio
The Gen III V-8 put GM back on the map in 1997. The Gen IIs are a good motor, but durability and reliability were first priority for GM in the development of the Gen III.
FWIW, the Gen III block was designed to be strong yet light. The iron block version is the strongest block ever developed because of the design engineering of the aluminum block.
FWIW, the Gen III block was designed to be strong yet light. The iron block version is the strongest block ever developed because of the design engineering of the aluminum block.
The C5 (and C6) LS engines have 6 bolt mains. (The block extends below the crankshaft center line)
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 138
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From: N.E. Atlanta Ga.
Does it make any sense for GM to switch to a "less" durable engine? I saw a special on TV about the development of the LS series engines. They really put everything into the design and development of that engine. When they were doing a model analysis of the engine they found that the firing order which was originally the same as the SBC caused a harmonic in the engine causing a vibration. So they changed the firing order to eliminate the vibration. The eliminate the Siamese ports which cause hot spots in the head causing preignition. Straightened the intake runners bla bla bla.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: charlotte nc
I think they were referring to the fact that the Aluminum block LS1 cannot be bored for rebuild. It can be honed ~.002 or so. Some have developed replacement sleeves. As to the engine's durability, I have had c4 and c5 and I'll take the LS1 anyday: power, smoothness, no leaks, and no stupid optispark!!
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Youngsville,LA,USA La
I think they were referring to the fact that the Aluminum block LS1 cannot be bored for rebuild. It can be honed ~.002 or so. Some have developed replacement sleeves. As to the engine's durability, I have had c4 and c5 and I'll take the LS1 anyday: power, smoothness, no leaks, and no stupid optispark!!
Have both C4 LT1 1993 and the C5 LS1 no comparison. Both are great engine, but the power the LS1 create and the potential to create more power....
Race Director
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From: Menifee CA
Melting Slicks
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From: Loudon/Lake Mary Tennessee/Florida
Intermediate
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From: Mason Ohio
My DD Driver is a 98 Z-28, It was the first year that GM put the LS1 engine in a Z-28. It now has 134K on the engine and it performs flawlessly. It has never caused me any problems I love the engine and I hope to get 200K or more out of it. Dave
Melting Slicks
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From: Folsom Ca
Actually most of the C4 guys over there arnt like that.I have both {LT1} {LS6}and I do agree with you that its a great engine and also durable.