lt1 vs. ls1 swap into 3rd gen(1990)

[matt11583]

ok i kno the differences between the ls1 n lt1 so we odnt need to go into that again...wat i want to kno is which one would be better for a swap into a third gen. the ls1 costs more so if it isnt gonna make much of a difference than i could stay with a lt1. which one is gonna be easier to work on and to mod...and which one is cheaper to work on... r there more parts available for one of them.... im jus lookin for other ppls opions so thx for ur imput...

[matt11583]

and for anyone who has done a swap...how much was it and how do u like it???

[SMOKEY818]

well i did a lt1/t56 swapp and the main reason i dropped a lt1 was because the price, but then i learned that the lt1 was a stronger engine to mod

[cuda_dude]

lt1 would be a cheaper and easier engine to mod + they are very durable and can withstand a lot but the ls1 would be a great motor as well, it would just cost more. as far as easy to work on... i wouldnt say either would be very easy to work on.

[matt11583]

how much did it cost u to do the lt1 t56 swap???jus a ballpark number

[matt11583]

one more question...are there any sites dedicated or about a lt1 swap all of the ones i find r for ls1's

[matt11583]

jus bring it to the top so i can try to get some answers srry if it makes u mad

[Genopsyde]

take a trip over to thirdgen.org, they got loads of info on stuff like that.

[ladytex70]

http://www.hawksthirdgenparts.com/home
try that site. There in N. C. I hope that this helps.

[Mr. Luos]

I might have an LS1 shortblock with some parts for sale. Might even have the heads. 27,300 miles.

[cnassiri]

Having swapped an LT1, and an LS1 into several different cars (my 2300 lb 240Z currently has a supercharged LS1/T-56 in it), I can say that the LT1 is much cheaper and easier to do. But it really depends on what you're trying to achieve. Performance parts are cheaper for the LT1 but Horsepower is cheaper on the LS1 - Confused? Read on ......

Performance: The LS1 is the winner, it offers 50 to 75 more hp right out of the box, regardless if it came out of a Corvette or a Camero, they were all around 350 hp at the crank - even though Chevy published the Camero LS1 at 320 and the Vette at 345, they are the same motor. I've seen countless vettes and cameros roll over the chassis dyno, and both cars consistently put down about 305 hp to the wheels in stock form. Chevy just couldn't tell Corvette buyers they were getting a Camero engine.

The LT1 came in 4 different hp flavors: 245, 275, 285, and 300 hp. Make sure you don't get the iron headed 245 hp version. So to equal an LS1, you'll have to add 65 hp to the standard 285 hp camero LT1.

$$$$ - If you don't mind the hp difference, the LT1 is the clear winner. However, if you were going to make them equal, you'd have mod the LT1 with a cam change (possible smog problems), and after-market heads (again, possible smog problems) to make up the 65 + hp difference. About $1500 if you do the work yourself.

Durability: The LS1 is a better motor, especially the heads. LT1 heads tend to crack, and in general the LT1 is of lower quality than the LS1.

Project Cost: You can usually find a complete (wiring harness and all) LT1 'pull-out' motor for around $900 to $1200. This has almost everything you need, depending on the transmission you're using. LS1's run about $1900 to $2300. Although I just saw an LS1 for $1500 with 92K miles on it.

So in general the LS1 will cost you about $1000 more. This is a good deal if you figure the cost of an LT1 plus the $1500 in mods that are required to get you up to the LS1's hp levels. Here's something else to consider: For $245 you can do a simple cam swap in the LS1 and get an easy 385 hp.

Bottom line: LS1 with 385 hp for about $1250 more than a 285 hp LT1. If you want to add 100 hp to the LT1, you'll spend at least $2000 if you do all the work yourself.

The main down side to the LS1 is that it gets VERY expensive to mod it above 400 hp. Also, very few people understand the LS1 enough to do anything more than the standard bolt-on mods.

One more thing to think about: If you're just looking for hp, forget the engine swap. Just slap a supercharger and cam on your stocker. You can get to 400+ hp fairly easily for about $3500, again if you do the work yourself.

Cyrus - Owner - Torque Vendors Racing

[89IROC&RS]

get the kit for an LS1 install from www.fbodymotorsports.com, then sell your kidneys, and get the MTI 427cid LS1 to drop in between your fender rails then enjoy laughing gleefully as you stop the loud peddle and hear the car tearing in half around the front doors