Would you build a LT1 or swap LS1?

[HoLLo]

This is something I debate everyday. As soon as pay my last car payment I want to build the motor. I just have no idea whether I should spend the money to build an LT1 or swap an LS1 in the car. I want to hear some input from the guys who have owned/built both an LT1 and LS1. I've seen some H/C 355 LT1s put down some good numbers, but the same to an LS1 even better.

Should I ride out my current motor until it blows and swap an LS1/T56 in it, or go ahead and rebuild it 355/383 h/c and never have to worry swapping motor/tranny etc.? It's not gonna happen for awhile, but I don't know what I would rather do at this point.

[david068513]

This is something I debate everyday. As soon as pay my last car payment I want to build the motor. I just have no idea whether I should spend the money to build an LT1 or swap an LS1 in the car. I want to hear some input from the guys who have owned/built both an LT1 and LS1. I've seen some H/C 355 LT1s put down some good numbers, but the same to an LS1 even better.

Should I ride out my current motor until it blows and swap an LS1/T56 in it, or go ahead and rebuild it 355/383 h/c and never have to worry swapping motor/tranny etc.? It's not gonna happen for awhile, but I don't know what I would rather do at this point.
Ok first off it isn't what we want its what you want and or prefer. Both the LTx and the LSX platforms are Great for making power in there own ways. If I was in your position I would build the hell out of that motor in it till it blows and then either forge it and or bore it out or stroke it out. I have friends with Ls1's,ls2's,ls3's,ls7's etc and they are all great and they respond to mods very well and are a little more street friendly because they aren't as much low end torque motors but you have to remember. Horsepower is fun, torque wins races. My uncle has a 97 Z with a 383 LT1 running 10.46 all day long. 6 spd. street car. Drives it all the time.

Do what you want. If your happy then good its your car. You can make the same power with either combo. Plus the LT1 is the Last real small block 350. The classic go fast motor :secret:

[Camaro_94]

Unless you are doing a big build with the LS1, go with the LT1. Its going to cost you $4000 (if not more) just to get a stock LS1 motor in there. You could do a lot to your LT1 with $4000... lol

But if you want to do a big build.. The LS1 is definately the route to take.

- Mike

[IronOutlaw]

Id definitly build the lt1.

[KissMyWhtSS]

Lt1... ill go into it more when I'm sober tomorrow.

[joelster]

You will be able to do the LT1 motor a hell of a lot cheaper unless you stumble accross an LS1 swap for dirt cheap. Don't forget about all of the "little" things you'll need to do an LS1 swap, like...oh....headers ($500+easy) and such. You could build your LT1 and keep the bolt-ons you already have like your long tubes, and your 52mm TB.

[grn95t/a]

LT1'S RULE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[1hottcamaro]

LT1'S RULE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


X2!

[Milk Man]

ya just buying a ls1 with the comp. and all the wiring is going to be a big chunk of change. i debated the same thing. instead i spent 5k on a forged 383 that should be pushing 500+ at the fly wheel, and doing all the supporting mods to run e85 and have a big shot on it. ls1's are nice and when it come times next winter to do a motor swap in the s10 i would choose the ls1 over the lt1 any day but since you already have a lt1 it'll be cheaper and easier to make it go fast.

[Fixxer99TA]

LT1, simply because it would be much cheaper for you and you will still be able to do what you want with it. I love LS1s too though, and plan to build one right after the Hawk is done (although it will be my second one).

[YZF]

Its too easy to make an LS1 car fast. That's why everybody and their mom has a cammed car in the high 11s. I happen to love the torque curve(well, not much of a curve.. it just there) all the way through the RPM. But all that could change depending on the heads and/or cam.But do what you want. its YOUR car.

[KissMyWhtSS]

Both cars have plenty of potential. What are your goals? You can build a fast LT1 car just as cheap as a fast LS1 car. If your trying to beat records (IE run a heads up no power adders class) you might switch to a LS1 because you can net a few more horsepower, but if your just shooting for a fun strip car, you can always throw a power adders on it and built a rock solid bottom end and be able to run 8, 9, 10 second passes all day, just depends on your budget.

Go with the LT1. I could say more but that's all I need to say.

Post up your goals/budget/etc for a better prospective.

If you plan on going fast your going to need a rear end/etc. Why not figure that out and get that done then when you figure out your powertrain you'll have a rock solid drivetrain suspension. Just keep in mind to wait on the k-member/etc until you know what engine is going in it.

[YZF]

That's the most knowledgable post I've seen you make on this site. Was actually a good point.

[scott5]

i am currently going throught the same thing, I blew a plug out of my lt1 and my gfs pap owns a race shop that does nothing but lsx motors and giving me a great deal on an ls2 that i will be putting in so thats the whole reason i am going lsx, but i was looking at the prices so far its much cheaper to build the lt1 but the lsx needs less parts just to get the same numbers. So its all in what you want. And i also agree with kissmywhtss about the building of the drivetrain.

[Fixxer99TA]

That's the most knowledgable post I've seen you make on this site. Was actually a good point.

:rolleyes:

[Speed Density]

How about both? My 93' should run hard, but its to radical to enjoy on the street. Thats why I picked up a 99' C5 last week :)

[AChotrod]

I say stay with the LT1. It feels good to be the underdog and then kick ass!!! Plus LT1s should stay LT1s!!!! I have owned both and went back to an LT1 because it was more fun to drive.

Both engines can be built crazy out of control fast.:):):):):):)

[HoLLo]

Why is it more fun to drive?

I just want a fast fun car that is completely streetable. I don't want a car where its too hard to drive on the street.

[roadrocket]

I have a 93 Z28 and an 01 SS so I know the power differance between the 2.
Both cars have close to the same power (330~340) but my 93 is light and the SS is fully optioned. They both run about the same ET but I've done a H/C with all bolt ons on the 93, and bolt on's only on the SS. The motor hasn't been opened.
I like them both but prefer the sound and lower end torque the LT has so I've stayed with it.

Dollar wise I think you'd be better off buying an LS1 car and selling the LT1 if that's want you want.
How about a 502? It fits and really hauls too.

[HoLLo]

I have a 93 Z28 and an 01 SS so I know the power differance between the 2.
Both cars have close to the same power (330~340) but my 93 is light and the SS is fully optioned. They both run about the same ET but I've done a H/C with all bolt ons on the 93, and bolt on's only on the SS. The motor hasn't been opened.
I like them both but prefer the sound and lower end torque the LT has so I've stayed with it.

Dollar wise I think you'd be better off buying an LS1 car and selling the LT1 if that's want you want.
How about a 502? It fits and really hauls too.

You should be much higher with h/c on an LT1 than 330-340 shouldnt you? I really do not want to sell my car. I love the looks of it. and there's NO other car like this around, and it's my first Trans Am. I got it so cheap there's no real huge debt on it, and I eventually plan to buy a SOM hawk or WS6 when I get a little older and probably just keep it stock, but just for looks so THAT's when I will get a true LS1 car.

[roadrocket]

You should be much higher with h/c on an LT1 than 330-340 shouldnt you? .

Depends on the Cam used and the portwork/valve size of the Heads, and a gazillion other things. I have a ZZ9 cam that is close to the "Hot cam" from GM and have done mild port work to the 1.94 Heads as well as a good 3 angle. So those HP numbers look good to me. The 12.30@112 looks good too.

343 rwhp = 400 SAE Net at the Crank on our cars....roughly.
It had 240 at the wheel when it was new but Chev adv 275

Built for fun and reliabilty. The LT1 has been very dependable.

[KissMyWhtSS]

That's the most knowledgable post I've seen you make on this site. Was actually a good point.
Hence why I said wait till I sober up before. :jest:

[KissMyWhtSS]

Why is it more fun to drive?

I just want a fast fun car that is completely streetable. I don't want a car where its too hard to drive on the street.
I'd say the torque curve is better but that is going to depend on the cam you end up with as well.

[JoeliusZ28]

I have no factual evidence of this but I have also noticed that LS1s seem to be the dyno queen of the two... in the sense that I see LT1's getting more business done at the track with smaller dyno numbers.

I would switch to an LS1 for two reasons:

1) to get away from the LT1s shitty ignition system (which can be fixed for $)
2) build serious horsepower in the 500rwhp and better range. The platform is stronger, can be stroked further, and has much better tunability. HPTuners makes tunercat look like a joke.

if you dont see a need for either of those, id say stick with what ya got. Bolt ons and a small cam get an LT1 in the mid 12s.

[AChotrod]

Yeah LT1 have more low end torque and feel like a race car plus they sound way better and look better IMO.
The LS1 was like a gorcery getter untill you get on it.
True My bolt on ls1 was almost as fast as my cammed LT1.
But I Love the LT1s, I could have bought anything this time around and went with my 96 Formula Ws6

Its true if you put in a ls1 with bolt ons, it will beslighty faster than a bolt on LT1+. , but thats 4-5 grand+ just to get started then it costs more to mod an LS1. Put that money into your car and it will smash most LS1s.
In the end its all about the parts & $$$$ you spend to make it fast. Since you already have a LT1 it would cost you double to make an ls1 as fast.

[KissMyWhtSS]

if you dont see a need for either of those, id say stick with what ya got. Bolt ons and a small cam get an LT1 in the mid 12s.
with traction you can get a hotcam into the mid 12's no problem. Travis is shooting from low-mid 12's with bolt-ons

[YZF]

I think he'll be pretty deep in the 12's with the help of the 9" and weight loss.

[1FASTSS]

If your budget isn't an issue then TT LSX with full overhaul would be one way to go, but as others have said IMO it's much cooler to have a fast LTx .

[SnyperBob]

LT1 FTW

[knight367]

you have an LT1 just use it... or give it to me ether way dont let it go to waste

[sdmws6]

If I was to build a motor I'd do it right and go with an LSx motor. It's a more efficient motor for better power results.

[boosted95z]

If I was to build a motor I'd do it right and go with an LSx motor. It's a more efficient motor for better power results.

+1

Really the only thing that would sway me to the ls1 is the ignition system. Ditch the friggin optisucks setup for coil packs.

But do what you want, if money is no problem, then go with an ls1...

[HoLLo]

My opinion is, the money i would spend on an LS1 block, PCM, all accessories, and tranny. If that money is put towards an LT1, it would definitely be fast as shit. Let's consider in money vs money here on building the motor.

Also, i don't see why people hate the optispark so much. Sure it is know to fail, but what's wrong with it when it is working?

[bidicamaro]

I'm thinking if money wasn't an issue an LS7 would be what he was looking for. I would honestly say for simplicity of a build and shear cost stick with the LT engine. Bore it, stroke it, 0 deck it, shave the heads, port the intake and run long tubs with cut outs on either side and call it a day. Or, rock solid bottom with 15# or so of forced induction? Also, while you're looking into making all this "hp" the rear end needs to be addressed. I belive the tranny is good for around 550 hp or so? (someone help me out with that one)

The LS1 IS a power house monster but by the time you get a good engine w/harness and the t56 behind it and computer you could've done built the ever living piss out of the LT engine. Unless you find a good LS1 based parts car for a damn good price? BTW, what is a stock LS1 engine turnkey going for at the moment?

[sdmws6]

People hate the Optispark so much because of the location it's in. Otherwise, it does the job! If money was an issue, than go with an LT1 (but only if you already have one). Otherwise, go with an LSx motor and keep up with the times.

[Fixxer99TA]

People hate the Optispark so much because of the location it's in. Otherwise, it does the job! If money was an issue, than go with an LT1 (but only if you already have one). Otherwise, go with an LSx motor and keep up with the times.

This is what I try to tell everyone, the opti is a pretty rugged unit when you take into account its location.

Its completely relyable in my experiences until you start taking the revs past 6k or it starts getting leaked on. But then again, its made for stock not performance cams :D

Add that to people who cant install them correctly, and you have accounted for more than 90% of optispark problems!

[bidicamaro]

Its completely relyable in my experiences until you start taking the revs past 6k or it starts getting leaked on. But then again, its made for stock not performance cams :D



huh? Not good with an aftermarket cam?

[AChotrod]

^^^ High RPMS^^^ But it still does a great job. Just A pain in the ass when it does go. Also you can put an ls1 style ignition/coil packs for about 7-800. But its not needed most the time

[Fixxer99TA]

Yeah I was taking my stock opti to 6300, it died shortly thereafter but it already could have been weak.

I am sure if it was in tip top shape, it would take 6300-6500 for awhile before it gives up the ghost. But it for sure wont enjoy it. If your planning on winding that sucker out, I would reccomend spending the little extra and getting the MSD or Dynaspark unit and not have to worry about it. Rev the piss out of it, at least then you know it wont be the optispark coming apart :D

So....
Stock Opti = Lets keep it under 6300 or so with the mild cams.
MSD Opti/Dynaspark = 6500+

[Ponyhntr]

I hate to say it, but if I knew what I know now, I would have gone LSx right off the bat. Granted it takes more money to do the conversion, but once that is all done you can make some serious power.

[HoLLo]

Im weighing LS1, T56 swap vs a forged 355 build

[AChotrod]

I dont know ported stock lt1 heads and a custom cam can make 450rwhp on a stock short block. Ls1s arent much better. Stock form yes. Modded out unless its to the extreme both are competitive. Im hoping for 400+ out of my set up. Thats no joke for stock ported heads and stock shortblock and it will be streetable.

[lt1noob]

Lt1... ill go into it more when I'm sober tomorrow.

yeah something like that...lol

[Grr]

I would go LSx. In fact, im have been contemplating selling off the LTx since the day i bought it. But then again, i have a fully built bottom end, also been thinking about a full on SB2.2 setup with a 91mm. Who knows? Need to find someone to buy the shit first. I have been watching the classifieds though and have seen complete forged LTx 355s going for nothing lately, something to think about. But my bud just picked up a fully forged L92 370ci LSx with the single plane and fully assembled ready to run for $5500 shipped, so who knows
Gary

[HoLLo]

A guy locally has a warehouse full of f-body parts and stuff. He has longblocks come in all the time. He could sell me a stock LS1 longblock for $1000. And he said if I wanted to trade in my LT1/T56 he might be give me like $1800 for it all. And he said completely LS1/T56 is like $3800. So I might spend ~$2000. MY question is: is that $2000 REALLY worth it, when that build a kick ass forged 355/383 and/or heads/cam?

[Grr]

Yes it is. Your going to buy heads/cam for either of them anyway so you can rule that out. The stock LSx shortblock will make rediculous power with no changes. I was in the 650whp area for quite awhile on mine, no problems at all after 2 years of daily abuse. So you can take all that $$ for a bottom end and put it into full bolt ons/ H/C for a year or 2 until you can buy a rotating assembly.

[96lt1m6]

I have been running Lt1 stuff for a longtime. She definately deserves her respect! The key factor here is not only $ 4 $ it is getting your $ worth!
I think "The Merv" on Ls1tech has had the best approach to this "sensative" topic,he spent roughly 6500.00 on his conversion and that was with a 402 an Lt series will cost more than that in the longrun. There is waaaaay more tunability in the Ls pcm that should definately be another aspect of your final build! Personally i do respect my Lt but when it comes down to all out power,tunability,drivability,actual ground pounding power the LS is the Boss Player here.......
One good example jfm & jfmjr have a stock shortblock Ls,G5x3 cam,bad ass stock ported heads,original 4l60e,4400 yank,4.10s,27" tire,weight reduction and runs 10.60s wheels up and gone!
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m173/rudy_028/IMG_1074.jpg

what does it take for an Lt to run this hard? i believe the Lt would be roughly 5 tenths or more away with more money spent.. As stated before build what you want and what will make you happy! But please if you own a camaro dont change the front clip to Ls:shame:!!!:doh:

[Pauly Walnuts]

Here is my 2C. I went thru the same agony about 3 years ago. When I crunched the numbers it seemed that I'd get more out my LT1 than a LS1. The conversion cost it what kills it for me. I'd also like to add that you'll see to many cars with the LS1 running 10's. When you go to the track and bust off a low 10 people are more impressed and you will not be 1 of 50. My car is plenty street friendly and can be seen in my sig.

[Blubird]

by the time you spend the money swapping a ls1 in, you could of had a built lt1, but im sure thats been said already

[94Dailyz28]

Get some bolt ons and cam/heads and an sts turbo and it will rock anyones socks! LT1 FOREVER!

[RumbleZ]

go LSx and don't look back. You can build a lot more power with way, way better street manners with the LS stuff. And everything is getting cheaper all the time, just live in the LSX parts classifieds at ls1tech, there is all kinds of new and lightly used parts to be had from there. People change their minds, get in over their heads, get frustrated and throw in the towel etc and you can run across some crazy deals on great parts. There is a lot more LSx parts floating around than LT1 stuff too, with all the platforms that have Gen3/4 engines in them that are out there modding... and a bigger and better parts offering to begin with. The LT1 is still seeing a few new parts here and there, but there is a ton of LS stuff coming out all the time, and the platform just keeps getting better and better. And of course GM, and GM Performance keeps stepping it up too.

Really, unless you already just have a ton wrapped up in LT1 parts.... get out while you can and move on to a better platform. For a street/strip car mod for mod, until you get into serious money no issue full out racecar builds, The LS will be faster, and have better driveability (with good tuning..)... and while typically getting better fuel mileage... if your foot is ever out of it. Even for a drag car, you're going to spend a lot and have to try damn hard trying to keep up with LS stuff with an LT1. Obviously it can be done and has, but still.

If I were doing a swap I would not mess with an LS1 out of an f-body though. There are much better shortblock choices out there with the newer stuff. I would look for a newer LS2 or LS3/L92 shortblock, stock or built... and pick up any f-body accessories you need from people parting out or stripping down for a drag car. Or you could pass on the weight savings from the aluminum blocks and go iron block something.

[96lt1m6]

hell there are even some die hard FORD have converted to Ls drivetrains

[SSSC]

I was thinking hard about this for sometime myself. Weighing ever thing out cost and such. Figured id be $$$$$ ahead keeping the lt1.If i was going the ls1 route id just find a whole car and go from there.The MERV did the change over on ls1tech. Sure he would give you all the info you need. Cheaper to keep them in my book.

[Tarheel'Z']

think id rather get a bigger garage to hold the ls1 car beside my lt1 car

[Masoch]

If you want my opinion.... you want an LS1/T56? Buy an LS1 powered vehicle.

The amount of work, the expertise its going to take to make it all happen appropriately and the dollar expenditure of an LS1 swap into a cramped ass LT1 style engine bay equal into a helluva lot more trouble than its worth imo. It is certainly true how you can push some big numbers out of those LS1s but as I'm sure you know once you're deep enough in the aftermarket the LTx vs LSx argument becomes a very close one.

My advice? Coil packs/Dynaspark on your LT1, with a forged 383/396 set up for that 150 shot you have. Then start putting your car on a major diet.(chromoly/tubular everything) I've considered a 355 motor in the past, but a few of my buddies who've gone the route have regretted not being able to make more power. 383 is what I went with, totally mild boost cam, geared for every day driving and I love it. Sure it could make more power, but this thing is a blast to drive and thats enough for me at this point 'till I strike it rich, haha.

It depends on what -you- personally think is streetable and agreeable/fun in a car that is going to see road action every day. If you've got buddies locally with powerful cars, ask for rides if you haven't already to get a feel for what big power is like.

[TCGiRL220]

I was thinking hard about this for sometime myself. Weighing ever thing out cost and such. Figured id be $$$$$ ahead keeping the lt1.If i was going the ls1 route id just find a whole car and go from there.The MERV did the change over on ls1tech. Sure he would give you all the info you need. Cheaper to keep them in my book.

x2 seeing as to how I let you handle the expenses :)

[95z28ss]

I have been running Lt1 stuff for a longtime. She definately deserves her respect! The key factor here is not only $ 4 $ it is getting your $ worth!
I think "The Merv" on Ls1tech has had the best approach to this "sensative" topic,he spent roughly 6500.00 on his conversion and that was with a 402 an Lt series will cost more than that in the longrun. There is waaaaay more tunability in the Ls pcm that should definately be another aspect of your final build! Personally i do respect my Lt but when it comes down to all out power,tunability,drivability,actual ground pounding power the LS is the Boss Player here.......
One good example jfm & jfmjr have a stock shortblock Ls,G5x3 cam,bad ass stock ported heads,original 4l60e,4400 yank,4.10s,27" tire,weight reduction and runs 10.60s wheels up and gone!
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m173/rudy_028/IMG_1074.jpg

what does it take for an Lt to run this hard? i believe the Lt would be roughly 5 tenths or more away with more money spent.. As stated before build what you want and what will make you happy! But please if you own a camaro dont change the front clip to Ls:shame:!!!:doh:

Why shouldn't you put ls front clip on lt1 body style. I personally like the 98 to 02 body style a lot better then 93-97 but I love the lt1 so that's why I got a 95 with the 98-02 ss conversion on it and plus people think I have the ls1 and when I beat them and its really an lt1

[96lt1m6]

Now that is one part i disagree with especially on camaros the Lt1 nose is much more aggressive looking.....
I would even buy an Ls car just to put the Lt1 clip on it:secret::D

[95z28ss]

lol that would be funny, your right they do look more aggressive looking just not as good looking or newer looking, depends on the set up bc mine looks more aggressive then my buddys 94 bc i have the halos and billet grille and ss hood

[HoLLo]

Ok so I am getting a deal on a ls1/t56 swapped into my car. It's going in around May :D. I decided against camming my LT1. Plus my transmission needs a rebuild SOON, and i'll get a freshly rebuilt T56 with the LS1.

[96lt1m6]

i agree with you the only bad part is the clutch master and slave set up for the Ls1 piss poor design even with the TICK PERFORMANCE set up but some have better results........A4 w/3600-4400 stall:secret:

[jakesz28]

Well I put a lot of money in this car last year and I want more power out of it. At the time I thought I would be bettter off building what I had. But I may start building another car with a 6.0L. You can pick up a 6.0 for about $5oo-600 and a LS1 is still about $1500. The heads are where the power is at. So if you decide you want to run some heads up classes you are going to need to go with a 12* to 18* head on the LT1 if you want a cam with a little drivability in it. I'm running converted sbc heads on my LT1 and they don't flow all that much. Some of the ported LSx heads are flowing way more at low lift numbers.

It depends on if your happy with 450rwhp or if you want to go 600+ But then how much do you want to drive it? My car would kill valve springs real quick on the street. But to get the power out of it I just don't get to drive it much.

[gregrob]

You run 9.4's.

How the hell fast do you wanna go?

[96lt1m6]

You run 9.4's.

How the hell fast do you wanna go?


LOL!!!!!!!!

[gregrob]

:D

[jakesz28]

You run 9.4's.

How the hell fast do you wanna go?



Still thinking about that.





But a 25.5 cage woiuld have been the way to go.






I could drive this thing on the street but the cam is a little big and a 9 second streetable ride would be fun. Almost stopped in at a used car dealer, to get a 94 v6 camaro for the big swap. Still thinking.


But back to the question 8.90's were the goal on this build and it will do it.

[Nostang 96z]

If I had to do a build all over I would get out of the small block combos all together and build a nice 540-632 ci 8.5-1 compression big block with some ported heads and an F2R procharger through a blow through carb. Could make around 1400hp on pump gas and ~2000 on race gas and be much more streetable than any LSx or SBC combo would be at half the horsepower level but the cost would be within 20% if the small block combos. Hell I just spent $12k total on my solid roller 383 combo. My next combo will def be a big block setup.

[curacaoz28]

Ibecause you already has an lt1 i would build the lt1, i you had a v6 and would swap it out I will go with the ls1. ls1 is better that lt1. but lt1's must not be underestimated. I got myself a brave lt1 too, i dunt no why they are underrated like that.

[StorminMatt]

Nobody is going to deny that the LSx is a better motor. However, the REAL issue here is MONEY. Demand for LSx motors is red hot. So if you want one, you are going to pay. In my case, for instance, the choice between swapping an LT1 vs an LSx in my 240SX was really a matter of swapping an LT1 vs doing nothing. And not only is the motor MUCH more expensive. But so is the transmission. Not to mention that, if you already have an LT1 T56, it won't work without expensive changes, or a different transmission altogether (not sure about automatics, as I despise them). As far as modding an LT1 vs an LSx, it is hard to say how the gains would be vs money spent. However, modding an LT1 is going to easier on the wallet. Although the total cost may be the same as the LSx, you can do it bit by bit (a cam this month, heads in a couple of months, etc). But with an LSx swap, you are faced with a large up-front cost for the engine and transmission (among other things). So it really boils down to what you can afford at the time. If you have the money, go ahead and do the LSx swap. But if not, you can always get pretty impressive performance from your LT1.

[KissMyWhtSS]

But back to the question 8.90's were the goal on this build and it will do it.Yeah it will. :hail: :laugh:

[The Engineer]

Asking this question here on the LTXTech forum, is a lot like walking into a Catholic church and asking the priest what religion he would recommend! :laugh:

Warren

[KissMyWhtSS]

Asking this question here on the LTXTech forum, is a lot like walking into a Catholic church and asking the priest what religion he would recommend! :laugh:

True true. It's personal preference anyway.

[The Engineer]

True true. It's personal preference anyway.

For me, building LTX and SBC race engines (same basic design engine) is not simply a preference, but a true passion!!! My 1st Gen SBC engine in my tube-chassis car is making around 734 HP (N/A) at the crank and I haven't been out-run by an LSX engine yet. Now that I think about it, I haven't been out-run by a BBC either this year. :cool:

Warren

[OVA1]

For me, building LTX and SBC race engines (same basic design engine) is not simply a preference, but a true passion!!! My 1st Gen SBC engine in my tube-chassis car is making around 734 HP (N/A) at the crank and I haven't been out-run by an LSX engine yet. Now that I think about it, I haven't been out-run by a BBC either this year. :cool:

Warren


ROFLMNAO...

NAILED IT! :hail:


I bought my 96 Z by accident, drove the crap out of it for a few months, decided to toss on a set of used Hookers and the busted bolts in the driverside heads lead to the rebuild.

I run the local 1/8th mile track and with that refesh of the short-block, valve job, modest cam, those headers, cutouts, stall and upgrading the 3.42s to 4.10s/locker and a set of mickeys... we went from the traditional stock mid-low 9s to Mid 7s N/A... low 7.2x... with a 75 shot with a PB 60' of 1.5x... .

I'm not saying that we haven't been beat by ANY LS car since... but if we have, I don't remember it. Granted our track is a bit off the beaten path and there's clearly no end to the LS units that will feed us our lunch out there, but dollar for dollar and at the end of the day my Cam only LT1 was runnin' what amounts to high 11s; and in my experience... (easily 1000 passes) I just don't see a big advantage in the LS1. I mean I'm sure that the lighter block is nice... but given the smaller displacement, it's probably necessary... ;)

Now as it stands right now, she's down for a new build. The 396 (3.875 stroke) forged crank is in, the ported AFR LT-4 heads/intake have been in forever... and we're just putting together the rest of the gear while we wait for some rack time to pull the engine and get busy making it happen. We're looking at something north of 500hp N/A when she's tuned off... And that's more than enough for the bulk of the LS gear running around down here...

Can't see why you'd want to settle for an LS, when you've got the culmination of 40 years of SBC experience sitting under the hood right now. Stay with what works...

This LS thing probably won't last... :face_shocked:

[StorminMatt]

I just don't see a big advantage in the LS1.

When it comes to a modded motor, you are probably right. The fact of the matter is that the LSx heads flow quite a bit better than the stock LT1/LT4 heads. BUT, there are certainly plenty of options out there when it comes to better heads for the LT. And once you start upgrading heads, the advantages of the LSx become less and less (except for the weight, of course). After all, both engines are basically the same technology. It's not like the LSx is DOHC, or anything like that. So in the end, there is not going to be a TREMENDOUS advantage to going LSx. In fact, if you want DOHC, you can ONLY get it from an LTx (and I would take an LT5 over ANY LSx motor, LS7 included)!

[B'klyn9C1]

I know that with the LSx's that you get performance increases with Cam Only(w/programming of course) where you would need great heads, cam, programming and a magic incantation from Merlin himself.

Believe me I have thought of that. My speed mechanic is pushing the LSx conversion concept and it is much easier now than is was two years ago. Granted that outfits like Street & Performance makes a nice kit for the B-Body.
But it is alot more involved than people think.

Like which accessory drive do I to use? The 4th Gen F-body, the Vette or the truck? Problems in hooking up a workable AC and power sterring unit. Remember this is for a DD. I am not getting into the wiring harness issues. Iam not crarzy about cutting metal out of the frame rails that some kits require.

This one issue when it comes to LSx conversion that no seems to talk about much is the transplant LSx engine itself. What is its history ??How many miles does it really has. How was it maintained??

You see you can't in could conscience just pluck in an unknown engine in a car that you and your family are going to ride in without a good engine rebuild. Even in that last episode of Horsepower TV they went about how to do a total rebuild of a late model Mopar 5.7 liter Hemi coming out of a wrecked Chrysler product into a muscle car. That where the cost really goes up.

I have come to the conclusion that is is easier to build a radical LTx than to change all those ancillary components."