[Z06] LS6 v LT5 question
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 6,374
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From: Traverse City MI
Re: LS6 v LT5 question (jimmy2004)
It's all about $$$ I think either engine can make lots of power, I would expect the LS6, being a more traditional motor, could do it for cheaper. Keep in mind tho a 500hp LT5 does not equal 500hp LS6, the two engines make power in very different ways.
I think the most I've seen on a LT5 is 800hp with a twin turbo system. R. Callaway said it would be good for about 300mph if the car was fitted with the sledgehammer body. Beyond that would be the racing, and heavily modified ZR-1, Fastlane, which has something around 900hp.
LT5 stock heads flow are good for about 600hp. There were some 475hp LT5's that were OBD2 ready before GM canned the program. 500hp would have been easily doable in a factory equipped LT5 if had GM wanted to.
IN a stock configuration, I know LT5s will put about 400hp to the rear wheels with headers, an aftermarket exhaust, some port/polish work on the intake, and some tuning, all for say... $4000ish.
I think the most I've seen on a LT5 is 800hp with a twin turbo system. R. Callaway said it would be good for about 300mph if the car was fitted with the sledgehammer body. Beyond that would be the racing, and heavily modified ZR-1, Fastlane, which has something around 900hp.
LT5 stock heads flow are good for about 600hp. There were some 475hp LT5's that were OBD2 ready before GM canned the program. 500hp would have been easily doable in a factory equipped LT5 if had GM wanted to.
IN a stock configuration, I know LT5s will put about 400hp to the rear wheels with headers, an aftermarket exhaust, some port/polish work on the intake, and some tuning, all for say... $4000ish.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,567
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From: Aurora IL
Re: LS6 v LT5 question (jimmy2004)
LT5 is very heavy, hard to obtain, very expensive and uses many parts that are for it only. The LS6 is light, easy to find, cost is much lower, and uses standard parts. It is like apples and oranges, both are superior engines and fine examples of the engine builders craft and as different as night and day.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 733
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From: Rapid City SD
Re: LS6 v LT5 question (jimmy2004)
You should in theory be able to get more power out of an lt5 - more airflow through the heads. The cost would be incredible though.
I moved from a 90 zr1 to an 04 z06. The z06 is a much better car, although I still love the zr1.
Parts are becoming an issue for the zr1, and qualified mechanics are few and far between. To replace an alternator and leaky water pump gasket, the dealer had to order parts from 4 states.
I moved from a 90 zr1 to an 04 z06. The z06 is a much better car, although I still love the zr1.
Parts are becoming an issue for the zr1, and qualified mechanics are few and far between. To replace an alternator and leaky water pump gasket, the dealer had to order parts from 4 states.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 838
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From: Redding CA
Re: LS6 v LT5 question (Yibbutkeen)
To replace an alternator and leaky water pump gasket, the dealer had to order parts from 4 states.
But as said above to get the LT-5 to 400rwhp it dont take that much and it can run hard and I mean hard and beg for more. Both engines are in a league of their own and you cant go wrong with either.IMHO I would say the LT-5 is better but I have not had a great amount of seat time behind an LS6,but they are very close. Please no flames intended.
[Modified by kabnvtt, 11:55 AM 6/9/2004]
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,751
Likes: 81
From: Houston TX
Re: LS6 v LT5 question (jimmy2004)
i know a lot about engines but i still classify myself somewhat as a novice. i'm just curious: which engine has/had more power potential? spanx 
But with the new AFR heads, FAST intake, and such, we will be seeing the same or better out of the big inch LSx motors. Much more bang for the buck, but the lacking the effortless RPM capability of an LT5. Certainly a solid roller setup could rev to 7500 rpm, but it won't be as streetable.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 319
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From: N.Y
Re: LS6 v LT5 question (Yibbutkeen)
[QUOTE]
I moved from a 90 zr1 to an 04 z06. The z06 is a much better car, although I still love the zr1.
Speaking of ZR 1 `s What does a stock ZR 1 run a 1/4. Anyone know top end ? Always had respect for them !
I moved from a 90 zr1 to an 04 z06. The z06 is a much better car, although I still love the zr1.
Speaking of ZR 1 `s What does a stock ZR 1 run a 1/4. Anyone know top end ? Always had respect for them !
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Team Owner
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Cruise-In 1-2-3-4-5 Veteran
Re: LS6 v LT5 question (DoctorV8)
It always depends on the money...
LT5s, well, for example, instead of one cam to change out, there are four - which have to be matched to the individual head and cam cover that they'll be installed in.
LT5 has greater ultimate potential, but the cost and development to reach past a maxed-out LS6, is something only a wealthy LT5 fanatic would lay out.
LT5s, well, for example, instead of one cam to change out, there are four - which have to be matched to the individual head and cam cover that they'll be installed in.
LT5 has greater ultimate potential, but the cost and development to reach past a maxed-out LS6, is something only a wealthy LT5 fanatic would lay out.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,765
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From: Dana Point Ca
Re: LS6 v LT5 question (DoctorV8)
Doc,
I LOVE YOUR Z. The only reason why out of eight vettes I've never owned one was the big bucks to make them go real fast. The Zr1 was WELL ahead of its time and was spanking ferraris, lamoborhginis and just about everything else out their. I would love to own a ZR1 and eventually will. By the way doc, your car is my new screen saver.
I LOVE YOUR Z. The only reason why out of eight vettes I've never owned one was the big bucks to make them go real fast. The Zr1 was WELL ahead of its time and was spanking ferraris, lamoborhginis and just about everything else out their. I would love to own a ZR1 and eventually will. By the way doc, your car is my new screen saver.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 6,374
Likes: 21
From: Traverse City MI
Re: LS6 v LT5 question (OatBoy)
zr1's run low twelves i think
Of course the strength of the ZR-1 is not in the 1/4 mile - where the Z06 rules the roost. It's a top speed monster where things don't really get happening until after that 1/4 mile mark. Third gear seems extra long, getting the car all the way up to 120+mph before you need to shift to 4th, which is only good for 140mph. Of course it's only at speed where the extra weight is less of an issue, and even contributes to the car's overall very stable feel at high speed.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,751
Likes: 81
From: Houston TX
Re: LS6 v LT5 question (vettethret)
Doc,
I LOVE YOUR Z......By the way doc, your car is my new screen saver.
I LOVE YOUR Z......By the way doc, your car is my new screen saver.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,751
Likes: 81
From: Houston TX
Re: LS6 v LT5 question (JoeyNigs)
Speaking of ZR 1 `s What does a stock ZR 1 run a 1/4. Anyone know top end ? Always had respect for them !
As Aaron said, though, they really come alive above that. The worst part about running a Z in the quarter is that you have to shut it down right when they really start to pull. Tall gearing and lots of weight....
Though the Z06 is no doubt faster in the quarter, there's something about running a ZR-1 from idle to redline in second gear, and not having to shift to third until 88 mph (7000 rpm)!
Mine is still sporting stock 3.45 gears, so at 7500 rpm, it will do 63 mph in first and 95 in second (where wheelspin with 335/30-18 Pilots is still an issue.)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 1999
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From: carmel Indiana usa
Re: LS6 v LT5 question (Devil Dog)
If money were no object, I'd dump my Z06 for an excellent condition 94-95 Zr-1 in a heartbeat....I'm still saving for the day when I can own both
It is just my opinion, but I think the Lt5 motor is the one to modify, if money were no object.
Just to give you some insight...the LS6 has one cam...the Lt5 has four!
I've been a Corvette nut since I was 11 years old and this is the only engine that I would be interested in learning how to completely tear down and put back together...I think it's the best motor GM has ever made, or should I say Lotus ?
It is just my opinion, but I think the Lt5 motor is the one to modify, if money were no object.
Just to give you some insight...the LS6 has one cam...the Lt5 has four!
I've been a Corvette nut since I was 11 years old and this is the only engine that I would be interested in learning how to completely tear down and put back together...I think it's the best motor GM has ever made, or should I say Lotus ?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 6,374
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From: Traverse City MI
Re: LS6 v LT5 question (ledfoot)
I was knid of hoping some peeps would post more LS6 info by now. What are the major mods, what kind of HP are the big guys putting down, cost information...
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 14,480
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From: PA
Re: LS6 v LT5 question (Aaron71771)
For around $8000 you can add 150 to 200 full time horsepower to the LS6 with a supercharger. Doesn't it cost roughly half that just to change cams in an LT5? The LS6 is much cheaper to go fast. The LT5 is one of the most exotic looking engines ever produced anywhere. I don't think I'd want to screw one up by changing it too much anyway.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,331
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From: Admit Nothing, Deny Everything, Make Counter Accusations.
Re: LS6 v LT5 question (Aaron71771)
Heads/cams cars put down about 475 RWHP and run mid 10s in the high 120s on ET Streets. These mods would probably cost about $12 grand or so with all the goodies.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,751
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From: Houston TX
Re: LS6 v LT5 question (rbartick)
Heads/cams cars put down about 475 RWHP and run mid 10s in the high 120s on ET Streets. These mods would probably cost about $12 grand or so with all the goodies.
BTW, my stock Z06 and a 91 ZR-1 with just a catback had virtually identical HP/Torque curves on Corey's dynojet. Impressive for a bone stock 2 valve motor to make power equal to an LT5.