A thought on the LS1
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,689
Likes: 1,007
From: Brookfield IL
A thought on the LS1
searching around online I have found numerous sites, blogs and forums on the LS1/LS6 engines. It seems to me they are considered some of the best GM has ever made. In terms of potential as well, most guys agree they take aftermarket mods quite well and the overall opinion seems to be that they were underrated from the factory. Also that if taken care of , will last very long. This makes me love my C5 that much more. Any thoughts from you guys?
CF "Young" Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,034
Likes: 26
From: Cupertino CA
St. Jude Donor '12
I'm amazed I haven't come across a "LS in everything" blog listing all the cars that have had LS motors stuffed in them. Heck, the variety I've seen at the local coffee hangout in the past few years would surely irritate hardline fans of pretty much every other manufacturer. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 4
From: Freeport, FL
I wonder what the GenV has in store for us?????
For what I hear the Vette is gonna get a 5.5L GenV that will produce more power with better mileage. Hmmm, can't wait to see.
I do like old school style push rod engines, but would love to see a wicked DOHC engine in a Vette again. I think GM could do it even better this time around.
For what I hear the Vette is gonna get a 5.5L GenV that will produce more power with better mileage. Hmmm, can't wait to see.
I do like old school style push rod engines, but would love to see a wicked DOHC engine in a Vette again. I think GM could do it even better this time around.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,405
Likes: 24,797
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
The LSx series of engines seem to be very reliable based on comments here on the forum. Haven't had any engine problems in the three cars I've had with the LS1 in them.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 8
From: Belleville Il
There is more and more LS type motor info in the "Hot Rod" type magazines!! To the performance crowd,,the LS is becoming the new"SMALL BLOCK CHEVY"!! Starting to show up in all kinds of projects!!
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Any engine that can reach 330,000 miles (one of our CF members former C5) with what I would say is reasonable maintenance, has my vote
The LS1 is a triumph of engineering.
The LS1 is a triumph of engineering.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,163
Likes: 4
From: Concord California
I just love that LS1 motor, one thing I do wish was GM create a stock "Oil catch can". I installed an aftermarket one and you won't believe how much oil you get that would be going into your intake manifold and I don't drive like "Speed Racer" around town. I measured at least a half a cup in 4 weeks. I drain that, and add a 1/2 of new Mobile 1 every time I check. I looked into my intake (after cleaning it prior to the install of the Catch Can), no oil at all. I really don't think it would cost GM to much to have created a good stock version of a catch can. Enjoy the ride.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,738
Likes: 15
From: OC Calif
St. Jude Donor '10
I just love that LS1 motor, one thing I do wish was GM create a stock "Oil catch can". I installed an aftermarket one and you won't believe how much oil you get that would be going into your intake manifold and I don't drive like "Speed Racer" around town. I measured at least a half a cup in 4 weeks. I drain that, and add a 1/2 of new Mobile 1 every time I check. I looked into my intake (after cleaning it prior to the install of the Catch Can), no oil at all. I really don't think it would cost GM to much to have created a good stock version of a catch can. Enjoy the ride.
It's an emissions thing. GM would've rather saved the $$ on the hose running back to the intake if they could have.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,628
Likes: 397
From: Madison Wi
Here is something to ponder.
LSX technology has been around sinse 1997. It's 13 years old.
The new "Coyote" Mustang engine just came out.
Lets compare the two using a current LS3.
The LS3 is smaller and lighter and has a lower center of gravity.
The LS3 is simpler with it's single cam in block design.
The LS3 makes more power and torque.
The LS3 is more efficient getting higher MPGs.
SO, in 13 years FORD has still been unable to come up with something to match GM technology that has been around for 13 years.
Great job FORD!!
LSX technology has been around sinse 1997. It's 13 years old.
The new "Coyote" Mustang engine just came out.
Lets compare the two using a current LS3.
The LS3 is smaller and lighter and has a lower center of gravity.
The LS3 is simpler with it's single cam in block design.
The LS3 makes more power and torque.
The LS3 is more efficient getting higher MPGs.
SO, in 13 years FORD has still been unable to come up with something to match GM technology that has been around for 13 years.
Great job FORD!!
Last edited by TraceZ; Oct 16, 2010 at 08:34 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,163
Likes: 4
From: Concord California
TraceZ, good point and on the money.. Park a Ford next to a vette, notice how high the hood is compared to the vette. Even Fords GT500 is tall, but I'm not comparing a Mustang to a vette, just noting Ford motors are taller by design. Mustang should be compared to the Camaro, muscle cars to muscle car. The vette is a true sports car and should be compared to the Viper and/or Ford GT40.
7th Gear
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Here is something to ponder.
LSX technology has been around sinse 1997. It's 13 years old.
The new "Coyote" Mustang engine just came out.
Lets compare the two using a current LS3.
The LS3 is smaller and lighter and has a lower center of gravity.
The LS3 is simpler with it's single cam in block design.
The LS3 makes more power and torque.
The LS3 is more efficient getting higher MPGs.
SO, in 13 years FORD has still been unable to come up with something to match GM technology that has been around for 13 years.
Great job FORD!!
LSX technology has been around sinse 1997. It's 13 years old.
The new "Coyote" Mustang engine just came out.
Lets compare the two using a current LS3.
The LS3 is smaller and lighter and has a lower center of gravity.
The LS3 is simpler with it's single cam in block design.
The LS3 makes more power and torque.
The LS3 is more efficient getting higher MPGs.
SO, in 13 years FORD has still been unable to come up with something to match GM technology that has been around for 13 years.
Great job FORD!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,197
Likes: 190
From: ALL governments are legalized mobsters, so doesn't matter where I live :(
Here is something to ponder.
LSX technology has been around sinse 1997. It's 13 years old.
The new "Coyote" Mustang engine just came out.
Lets compare the two using a current LS3.
The LS3 is smaller and lighter and has a lower center of gravity.
The LS3 is simpler with it's single cam in block design.
The LS3 makes more power and torque.
The LS3 is more efficient getting higher MPGs.
SO, in 13 years FORD has still been unable to come up with something to match GM technology that has been around for 13 years.
Great job FORD!!
LSX technology has been around sinse 1997. It's 13 years old.
The new "Coyote" Mustang engine just came out.
Lets compare the two using a current LS3.
The LS3 is smaller and lighter and has a lower center of gravity.
The LS3 is simpler with it's single cam in block design.
The LS3 makes more power and torque.
The LS3 is more efficient getting higher MPGs.
SO, in 13 years FORD has still been unable to come up with something to match GM technology that has been around for 13 years.
Great job FORD!!
TraceZ, good point and on the money.. Park a Ford next to a vette, notice how high the hood is compared to the vette. Even Fords GT500 is tall, but I'm not comparing a Mustang to a vette, just noting Ford motors are taller by design. Mustang should be compared to the Camaro, muscle cars to muscle car. The vette is a true sports car and should be compared to the Viper and/or Ford GT40.
Give me a choice for a new 2011 5.0 or a C5 as if it were new from 2001 and I will take the vette any day.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 21,473
Likes: 356
From: Palmdale, Ca----- 2009 Cyber Gray 4LT A6 F55 452 RWHP 422 RWTQ- RIP 1998 C5 734 RWHP & 585 RWTQ-----
Totally agree, it is the best model motor GM has ever made and they do love parts thrown at them
Thanks,Matt
Thanks,Matt
