K well i got an oppurtunity to pick up either an lt1w/65k(2500 w/trans) or an ls1 w/32k(2000 w/o trans). Both of the mcome compete so thats no problem and i even have a trans for the ls1 if needed. However, i was jsut wondering whatt one would be a better investment. I want to go ls1 with a cam, but if the install is to hard then ill forget it. If the lt1 install is easier then ill go with an lt4 hotcam and head porting to get it up to an ls1. I was jsut wondering if it would be mnuch easier to go lt1 or would an ls1 mod be ok. Thanks

 

You'll run 11's to low 12's with the LS1 and a cam. To get it in there, you'll need new motor mounts, transmission, and tranny crossmember. Unless you're using the 700r4 (which is the same thing as the 4l60E). The 700 will bolt up, but you'll need to do some tuning with the PCM because the 4L60 is electronically controlled. Only thing is though, you can't use headers on an LS1 b/c no one makes a set that will clear the framerails of the thirdgen.

The LT1 will be an easier swap, but you won't notice that much of a difference from the L98 b/c it's almost the same motor jus twith a different intake. I personally hate the LT1 b/c they're a pain in the butt to work on and I have no idea what GM was thinking when they designed the Opti-Spark. You're 700 will bolt up to this too and depending on what PCM/ECM you get, you may not have to change anything. The '93 fbody actually came with the 700 tranny which is not computer controlled.

The LS1 would be more fun and faster, but the LT1 would definitely be an easier swap.

 

Well besides the trans tuning (which i plan on getting the computer controlled trans anyway, what would make the lt1 swap easier?

 

There's not much to the LT1 swap since it's basically the same motor as an L98. Having a donor car would be good. That way if you come across some odds and ends you need, you can just go to the car and get them. You'll need the engine, trans, PCM, wiring harness, an optispark (which you should buy a new one b/c they're a real PITA to replace). To make the swap easier on yourself, it's best to ae a decent garage and the right tools. Be sure to take your time! Anything else just ask or email me.

 

Anyone know how to make an lt1 able to hang with a slight moddified ls1(exhaust, lid)? Besides nos or power adders

 

Some guys on cz28.com are running 400 rwhp with ported lt1 heads, cc306 cam, exhaust and intake.

 

A slightly modded LS1, exhaust, headers and a lid, will run somewhere around 12.7x's. With an LT1, I'd say headers, exhaust cutout, 3.73, clutch or convertor, free mods and some sticky tires will get you somewhere around 12.90's. Add a hot cam or cc305 (306 is too big unless you've got some badass heads) and you'll be in the low to mid 12's.

 

in GMHP magazine they did a cam swap on an LS6 Z06.. they did not even remove the intake!!!.. they said the lifters would stay in place and long and you rotate the came and you pull it. they did this with the motor still in the car as well. all they did was pull the timing cover,chain, and removed some serpentine acessories. looked pretty easy.

 

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50-60hp in my book is noticable.

the LT1 engine is one of gm's best engine. first, it is very different then the L98, intake, ignition, cam, cooling systems, heads.

The lt1 are very reliable engine in a way because the waterpump is driven by the camshaft which means that you will never overheat the engine because of the fact that you're serpentine belt snapped and it wont leave you on the side of the road.

The lt1 is a very simple engine, great mpg, great drivability, great torque, great hp and most of all very but very reliable.

As per the optispark, it is not the best design gm ever did but still
works very well if you make sure your watepump seal is not broken and dripping on it.

pain in the butt to work on ???!!!!! say what ??? hmmm....try an LS1 for the fun of it

 

I have a buddy that just put an LS-1 in his 87 IROC and said it was a huge PITA!!! He had to do alot of modifying to get the LS1 to fit. The LS1 is a smaller block so things have to be moved around. I think he had to mover everything back an inch or two. I am not sure though it has been a long time since I talked to him.

I am soon going to be putting an lt1 with ported heads and a bigger cam into my car. I have asked quite a few people about it and they have told me I will be pushing up on 400 hp if not going a little over.

 

They are both great swaps in my opinon. Each have advantages and disadvantages over the other. However, both will make some great hp with little effort and offer better mileage than the l98.

 

I'd rather work on an LS1 anyday over an LT1. I work at a performance shop where we work on nothing but f-bodys and I can say that LT1's (while they do run well) are a pain to work on. Think about headers. Let's see, they take at least twice as long to do on an LT1 than on an LS1. Let's not even get into the idea of changing the plugs on one! Hell, just pull the motor. And how are you going to make sure that your water pump seal is good? They're eventually gonna go bad one day and your opti is going to get pissed on! The intake is the same basic design, it's just one piece and has a shorter runner length. The ignition is almost no different, except for the fact that it's got the opti which is just a new fangled distributor, and the cooling system is the same too except that it just cools the heads before the block. The heads? Go put a set of aluminum L98 heads and LT1's side by side and tell me how different they are. The intake runners are a little different and there are some other subtle differences, but they're very closely related. LT1 is GM's best motor? Please, it was just a temporary thing until GM could finish development of the LS1.

So yes, I will go work on an LS1 just for fun.

 

I am not saying by any means that you don't know what you are talking about, but we are talking about thirdgens here. I helped a friend change the plugs on his 95 Z and the biggest reason that changing the plugs was so hard was how cramped the engine bay was. Maybe the design is different so the plugs are easier to change on an LS1 but in a thirdgen I think that an LT1 or an LS1 for that matter would be easier to work on. For me the LT1 swap is just more feasable. This will be my first engine swap so the LT1 will be much easier. Also, the LT1 responds very well to modifications. Yes the LS1 has its advantanges, but what do you expect from a newer engine.

 

Let's not start a war here but here's my reply, don't take it personal...

the LS1 is a great engine indeed, just not affordable for most of us. like amish_z28 said, what do you expect from newer technology.

Last 2 times I changed my plugs , it was done in less then 20 minutes.

Apparently their isn't any headers for ls1 conversion to 3rdgen.
Regular sbc headers works like a charm on LT1s, very little flange porting has to be done since of the D-shaped exhaust port.

waterpump is driven by the cam, GM did that to remove the excessive side loads on the bearings and seal on regular type waterpump. lt1 waterpumps have been design to last 100 000k

When I did my engine swap, the head gaskets where shot since the engine had sat for 2 years. My waterpump seal blew and leaked at least 15 gallons of coolant on my optispark before it the opti failed the first time. I think that pretty good for a (10 y.o.) 93 opti that's not even vented.

The coolant system is very different from all other sbc, it has steam vents, 2 way thermostat, reverse flow, 4 core rad, dry intake manifold , no gasket on termostat housing, low pressure cooling system, 2 fans.

LT1 aluminum head have a 15% increase in airflow as a result of revised port angles and higher port ceilings when compared to the L98 head. (1991 L98 heads)

LT1 iron head have 20% increase in airflow over the lt1 aluminum heads.

what performance shop are you working for ???

 

I work at FBodyCentral here in Maryland. Home to the fastes N/A LT1 in the country and soon to be the fastest LS1 too.

I think I did say in an earlier post that the LT1 would be an easier swap, but that I didn't like the LT1 b/c it was a bear to work on.

 

What kind of services does FBodyCentral offer? I need to have an exhaust system fabricated soon. I am also considering wideband o2 tuning. Please contact me at your convenience.

 

We do everything. What kind of car is it? We can get your exhaust done and we do have access to a dyno with a wideband but unless it's an LS1 or LT1, our tuning capablilites are limited.

 

It is a 1991 Formula with a LS1 conversion. The exhaust will be a big pain in the a$$. I have to run dual cats because of the emissions requirements here in NVA.

There are clearence issues with the drivers side because there is no relief in the floor pan. I need a shop that can build it high and tight while maintaining optimum flow.

While I was at I was going to get wideband tuning.

 

I'm sure we could get it done. Give me a call at the shop tomorrow or anyday between 10a.m. and 5 p.m. at 410-551-9172. TTYL.

 

Who should I ask for?

 

I'm Tony.