LT1 and boost
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 2,138
Likes: 204
LT1 and boost
Hi folks, I’m looking into getting a C7 GS that will eventually be boosted. I currently have a C6 GS making 650 rwhp on pump gas. It is fast and reliable and doesn’t skip a beat. LS3 is a stout engine. I’m wondering how well does the LT1 hold up to boost? From my research it seems like they’re limited to about 600 rwhp before needing pistons? Is that the consensus? Any input is appreciated, thanks folks!
Racer
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 399
Likes: 31
From: Columbus Ohio
Yeah less boost than an LS due to super tight ring gap. They go grenade.... I have a 17 GS, drove it 3 months, pulled the engine to forge it. Im waiting on my tune but she's about done.
All I can say is plan out what your end goals are. We do have a few options for drop in pistons, look into fuel, DOD delete.
Fuel is the biggest limiter with DI vs Port.
All I can say is plan out what your end goals are. We do have a few options for drop in pistons, look into fuel, DOD delete.
Fuel is the biggest limiter with DI vs Port.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 2,138
Likes: 204
Thanks for the reply. I notice many opt for the LT4 drop in pistons. I’m thinking if I’m going through the trouble/expense might as well spend a little more on good aftermarket pistons and rods, cam and dod delete.
Last edited by JetstreamGS; Aug 22, 2020 at 03:49 PM.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 399
Likes: 31
From: Columbus Ohio
You can keep stock compression for low but if you will want to run more in the future go 10.5. I think most opt for that compression not necessarily LT4 pistons. Quiet a few options tho....
I would say if you're going high power, look at the cost for post injection vs upgrading to LT4 injectors, HPFP., and meth.
I would say if you're going high power, look at the cost for post injection vs upgrading to LT4 injectors, HPFP., and meth.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,560
Likes: 485
From: Moberly, Mo
If you stay in the 600 to 625 rwhp you should be pretty safe. High boost, heat and a bad crank case ventilation will play hell with the ring lands on a stock Lt1 .Broke mine after 180 drag passes and when it finally broke we were at 16 lbs of boost.
Last edited by 99vetteran; Aug 23, 2020 at 12:34 PM.
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 26,512
Likes: 351
From: ST. CHARLES IL
We have several LT1 cars holding up in the 650+rwhp range. The hard part is getting them in that power range because when you add more boost they knock. So we found meth to be a great option to get cars into the 600+ range safely. Obviously, if you have the money a set of drop in pistons is a safer bet. Being forged is a huge plus and dropping the compression will allow you to run more boost. We've done a few LT1s now with drop ins and they have held up in the 700-800 range. Just waiting for a customer to push a set harder.
Last edited by JUICED1; Aug 25, 2020 at 11:11 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 7,052
Likes: 945
From: DFW TX
Yea just buy a Z06. Price wise if you compare the difference in the Z06 and what you'd have to do to the GS to get it at a safe power level you'd want, the Z06 is a better buy.
Last edited by C7&7; Aug 25, 2020 at 04:49 PM.
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