Lt1 vs. 350 tpi - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

l2edLineZ28 · 07-21-2003, 03:53 PM

which is better , could i hear some pros and cons?

formularpm · 07-21-2003, 04:37 PM

If the LT1 design wasnt superior to the TPI, it wouldnt exist. LT1s do have drawbacks, however...

LT1 pros- Aluminum heads, more accurate sequential injection, 10.5:1 CR, 275-305hp stock, short runner intake good to ~10sec ETs, available w/ 6spd

LT1 cons- Opti-spark distributor sucks, engine halfway under dash, some parts more expensive

TPI 5.7 pros- Cheap, cheap/plentiful aftermarket parts, can use std. smallblock parts, engine easily accessible

TPI 5.7 cons- Max hp stock is 245hp, LTR intake restrictive, only available with auto

If you want my honest opinion, get an LT1.

92 zzz28 · 07-21-2003, 05:21 PM

When it comes down to which engine design is "better", then the answer is going to be the LT1 for many reasons. It has more technology in it and a better design for moving air and making power. It put the Camaro/Firebird back in the game, in my opinion, to potential performance car buyers...

If you are considering installing an LT1 engine into a 3rd gen then maybe it is a good decision. The LT1 would perform very well, it would work with your exsisting transmission, and it would install fairly easily. As for specifics you would need to search the Motor Swap forum. If you already have a TPI you would also have the option of keeping it and building it up. Cost wise would probably be more than a good condition, used LT1. However if your TPI is in good order, provided you even have one, than a cam/head/intake swap would really change the attitude of the car. Like I said, it may be more cost effective to do the other, but there is the other side of that coin. You would need a new computer, wiring harness, possible trans, and need to be prepared for the installation and tuning.

Its really a question of personal preference I think. Sure the LT1 is a better engine than a TPI. And it holds true that the LS1 is a better engine than the LT1. And the LS6 is better than the LS1. ANd so on and so forth...

Rob 97 Z28 · 07-21-2003, 06:30 PM

Yeah LT1s are Aweome! Hando down. I loved my L98 car alot but the LT1 powerwise was like a whole different animal. Especially when i got my habds on mine(in sig) But as far as the LS1 being "better" than the LT1, I'd have to say that maybe stock vs. stock the LS1 is quicker, BUT for long term racing and rebuilding the LS1 is the last motor u'd want. The L98 or LT1 will hold up many times better, mainly because it an Iron block engine. I don't mean to sound disrespectful to LS1 owners, some of my friends have LS1 cars, I love'em if i could afford it i have one right along my LT1 car (i'd also have another 3rd gen car, which i do plan onn getting another one in the future) anyways just my $.02

92 zzz28 · 07-21-2003, 08:46 PM

About the only thing I meant by "better" with respect to the LS1/LS6 engines is the fact that they are technologically more advanced. That's about it from my stand point in the "better" department. I have driven my share of LT1 cars, awesome, and have driven in many a LS1 Camaro/TA, awesome. Then I got to drive a Z06, wow!!! This is stock!!

For me, I prefer my stroker motor. Fun on the street, once I finish my rebuild

, and plants my *** in the seat with no trouble...

I agree with you about buying one if I could afford it though. I think my biggest problem would be affording the car, but being able to afford my addiction for speed. I don't think a 427 would fall into the budget catagory would it....

IROCZTWENTYGR8 · 07-21-2003, 09:24 PM

I'd take TPI. Modify it and you have 1 great street setup.

ULTM8Z · 07-22-2003, 08:08 AM

In stock trim, yes the LT1 is the better engine. But as soon as you say "modified", all bets are off. Then anything is possible. The only difference then would be in the reverse flow cooling of the LT1 which nets higher streetable compression. One could argue about the advantages of sequential fuel injection, but other than that, it's just two plain ol' small block Chevys going head to head.

86FyrBrd · 07-22-2003, 08:53 AM

the L98 isnt completely out of the game, with complete exhaust headers back, and tuned good, good driver/traction, they are in LT1 Territory.

Hell they even hang with LS1s up till about 80-85 before they get walked.

I love the fact that its got so much torque to have fun with all day.

mystikkal_69 · 07-22-2003, 11:47 AM

it's is cheaper mainly to maintain a tpi setup than the LT1's. ask me how i know. to rebuild the L98 it would have cost alot less than it did when i rebuilt the LT1.

it fairly easy to get L98 to perform well. mainly get rid of the TPI intake and go with one of the aftermarket ones. LT1's are harder to work on just doing simple, routine maintanace. believe me no more fourthgens for me. besides the damn car is built like a hotwheels car. almost the entire car is made plastic body panels or fiberglass.

i should have rebuilt the L98 instead.

norcalz28 · 07-22-2003, 01:32 PM

Does anyone know whats involved to possibly swap a LT1 intake onto a TPI car??? I have heard some talk of this being done and some people very pleased with this. Would that also incorporate the reverse cooling and higher CR? Thanks fellas

Will

Knyghtmare · 07-24-2003, 05:02 PM

How different is the LT1 to the LS1? I mean are there parts such as the intake from the LS1 that would bolt up to the LT1?

Free Bird · 07-24-2003, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Knyghtmare
How different is the LT1 to the LS1? I mean are there parts such as the intake from the LS1 that would bolt up to the LT1?

You'd have better luck trying to put a SBC head on a B16 honda block.

The LS1 is extremely different.

92 zzz28 · 07-24-2003, 05:28 PM

The LS1 is a III Generation small block. When the engineers at GM sat down to design it, they started with a clean slate. It is new work from the block up.

ULTM8Z · 07-25-2003, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mystikkal_69
it's is cheaper mainly to maintain a tpi setup than the LT1's. ask me how i know. to rebuild the L98 it would have cost alot less than it did when i rebuilt the LT1. it fairly easy to get L98 to perform well. mainly get rid of the TPI intake and go with one of the aftermarket ones. LT1's are harder to work on just doing simple, routine maintanace. believe me no more fourthgens for me. besides the damn car is built like a hotwheels car. almost the entire car is made plastic body panels or fiberglass.

i should have rebuilt the L98 instead.

That's not really the engine's fault, but rather the cars. Considering that half the engine is under the front of the windshield area, it's a tight squeeze to do anything. But put an LT-1 into an older Camaro, and it's just as easy to work on as any other small block Chevy.

Zepher · 07-25-2003, 10:45 AM

Modded LT1's still get great gas milage vs a TPI 350.

formularpm · 07-25-2003, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Does anyone know whats involved to possibly swap a LT1 intake onto a TPI car??? I have heard some talk of this being done and some people very pleased with this. Would that also incorporate the reverse cooling and higher CR? Thanks fellas

The LT1 intake swap has been discussed a million times, it is not that hard of a swap and it is pretty cheap. lt1intake.com sells pre-modified LT1 intakes that bolt right on. Do a search, youll find everything you want to know. Compression ratio is determined by heads, pistons, and cam: For the most part the intake has nothing to do with compression ratio. The entire LT1 engine is designed around reverse cooling, simply swapping the intake wont make the coolant circulate backwards, anyway, it really isnt worth the effort to swap to reverse cooling; there are plenty of 10.5:1 standard smallblocks on the street. Hope this helps.

Black363IROCZ · 10-31-2003, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 86FyrBrd
the L98 isnt completely out of the game, with complete exhaust headers back, and tuned good, good driver/traction, they are in LT1 Territory.

Hell they even hang with LS1s up till about 80-85 before they get walked.

I love the fact that its got so much torque to have fun with all day.

I was well beyond stock LT1 territory with just full exhaust and a stall. I enjoyed picking on them cause they thought they were fast when they really weren't. the LS1 is based on the SB2 engine design, particularly the heads and intake.