LT1 vs. LS1

[89Firebird2.8]

What exactly are the big differences between these too motors? Is the LS1 really much better? My friend keeps telling me the LT1 is light years better, but I think it's because he owns one and always thinks his shit is the best, plus he would be pissed if i bought an LS1 and it turned out to be faster.

[MrPbody]

Perhaps an easier question to ask is: "What is the SAME about LT-1 and LS-1?" Okay, no easier to ask... But a whole lot easier to answer! The rod bearing and the lifter, that's what's the "same".

LSx is the "next generation" small block V8 from GM. Recently GM has labeled the aftermarket products related to it as "Gen 3 Small Block". It is NOT a small block Chevy in the traditional sense. LT-1 IS.

IMO, LSx is one of the very best automotive V8s ever built with pushrods. It takes some of the better features of the small block, the big block, the Pontiac and the Caddy, and "rolls" them together, along with modern developements regarding heads and valve train. AWESOME engine! I've seen one (1) that made nearly 1,600 HP (turboed, alcohol) at 5.7 lr.

LSx REPLACED the old small block. LT-1 and LT-4 were modernized versions of the old 350.

So which is better? It depends on what you want to do with it. For an "all out" racer, the traditional small block is as good as any engine out there in it's CID range. Better than most. A fuel-efficient streeter? LSx, hands down...

Jim

[stepho]

Jim you left out the biggest difference. LT-1 is made out of steel, LS-1 is made out of aluminum.

LS-1s are better. This is coming from someone who owns an LT-1 btw.

[kevinthenerd]

I love Wikipedia.

(If you do too, keep in mind that they rely on donations.)

Generation 1:
(which includes the LT5 from the ZR-1 and all of the "classic" engines)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrol...l-Block_engine

Generation 2 (LT1, LT4, L99)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_LT_engine

Generation 3 (LS1, LS6)
Generation 4 (L76, L98, LS2, LS3, LS4, LS7, LS7.R, LSX, LS9)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_LS_engine


I found that the LS1 is about twice as expensive from a junkyard right now as an LT1. (I looked into this recently for my brother-in-law's restoration project.) Keep in mind, however, that cast iron can cure over time, relieving its own internal stresses, but all aluminum alloys are prone to fatigue, and as such cast aluminum does not cure itself. If I was buying used, I'd get an LT1, but if I had the money to buy new, I'd get an LS1, assuming we're only looking at those two engines.

[philly rs]

yeah...i own a lt1 as well, and use to own a ls1...and bottom line..ls1 was touched by god himself!! the ls1 will make a hell of alot more power than a lt1 will be able to by all means. no argue there it is what it is....

[kevinthenerd]

I think an LSX would be cool to own, but that's an entirely different story.

[philly rs]

you know what i really miss about owning a ls1..... the parts to mod it out are much cheaper....omg...do u know how much a kick ass pair of head run u for a lt1??? damn u could get a beater car for the price! and headers were a bitch not only to get in, but they cost a butt load as well....when i was building that ls1 i payed half of wht it cost me to do this lt1 and i only have 65% of the power....you damn sure get moe bang for the buck with a ls1.....but it is what it is

[89Firebird2.8]

Ah, i think my friend is trying to stop me from buying a faster car than his 95 Formula then. That or he's really convinced that Aluminum makes a crappy engine. He's never been too bright anyways.

[philly rs]

and a p.s. those heads we are stuck with on lt1's are ass compaired to the potential that the ls1's have

[kevinthenerd]

http://www.ucfcarclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1852

[89IROC&RS]

i think you answered your question yourself when you said "my friend always thinks whatever he has is best"

i was a gm tech for two years, and have a pretty handy grasp on engineering and gm small blocks particularly. the LSx small blocks are leaps and bounds ahead of any previous small block design. as for which one makes more power, its a moot discussion, either design can be made to produce copious levels of eyeball flattening power. just depends on how much you want to spend