LS1 or LT1

[chevyss415]

hey guys,
i have a question, i was going to do an engine swap to my regal with either an LT1 or LS1. i need some opinions from you guys which one whould be the best, easiest to install, easiest on budjet to swap in and maintain?? and both can go with the 4l60E right?? Any other info will be
appreciated 🙂

 

[Doober]

Both will work with any of the SBC bolt patterned transmissions, LT1 will be the easiest bolt-in because it can use stock SBC mounts/exhaust/etc., but you'll have to deal with fuel injection on either, unless you run a carbed setup.

 

[rebelgtp]

also you mentioned easier on budget the LT1 can be had for far less than an LS1 though it is an iron block versus aluminum. So basically how much do you want to pay for performance?

 

[custom442]

If you want it simplistic, if a fuel injection engine can be called that, then go with the LT1 over the LS1. If you want an engine that can be built to bigger numbers get the LS1. Whichever way you go, it's going to get pricey unless the engine is currently in good running condition. An ECM (or maybe two), a few sensors, and a harness could run into a steep price real quick.

I looked into this myself once, and my vote goes to the LT1. 1993+ LT1's came with sequential fuel injection, don't bother with a '92 version.

If you're building either of these yourself it's a good idea to buy a the car's manual on ebay or somewhere. Downside to the LT1 is you don't have as many aftermarket parts to choose from as an LS1.

On the flipside, it's usually the same price to have either ECM tuned if you're wanting to bolt on new heads or somethin. I've used waitformeperformance in the past and they're a stand up business. The tune wasn't what I wanted the first time and they did the work over (and added in a crank relearn procedure for no cost)

 

[custom442]

also you mentioned easier on budget the LT1 can be had for far less than an LS1 though it is an iron block versus aluminum. So basically how much do you want to pay for performance?

I agree, but you could always get the LT1 and upgrade the heads & tune, or go looking for an LT4... but LT4's are about the same price as a cheap LS1.

 

[kingcolbert83]

my vote goes for ls1. We really need to know what his budget is. He can also do the 5.3l engines. They make decent power with just a cam swap. Heads can be upgraded later to the lq9 heads. I've seen the 5.3 for a little more than an old sbc on ebay. LKQ was the seller for you guys that know about them

 

[custom442]

my vote goes for ls1. We really need to know what his budget is. He can also do the 5.3l engines. They make decent power with just a cam swap. Heads can be upgraded later to the lq9 heads. I've seen the 5.3 for a little more than an old sbc on ebay. LKQ was the seller for you guys that know about them

Well his question was either an LT1 or LS1, not a 327 or LS4.

Just some fyi, LT1's can be had for the same price as decent gen 1 small blocks. And a stock LT1 is still making more torque than a stock 5.3L. With just a simple ECM tune an LT1 can be well ahead of a 5.3L in power

 

[kingcolbert83]

my vote goes for ls1. We really need to know what his budget is. He can also do the 5.3l engines. They make decent power with just a cam swap. Heads can be upgraded later to the lq9 heads. I've seen the 5.3 for a little more than an old sbc on ebay. LKQ was the seller for you guys that know about them

Well his question was either an LT1 or LS1, not a 327 or LS4.

Just some fyi, LT1's can be had for the same price as decent gen 1 small blocks. And a stock LT1 is still making more torque than a stock 5.3L. With just a simple ECM tune an LT1 can be well ahead of a 5.3L in power

i said ls1. i just gave my input on what I thought just like everybody else. I didnt know I wasnt allow to express myself.

 

[custom442]

i said ls1. i just gave my input on what I thought just like everybody else. I didnt know I wasnt allow to express myself.

Okay, express yourself. But the question was LT1 or LS1 and I don't see how a post about a 5.3 helps answer that question.

 

[kingcolbert83]

i said ls1. i just gave my input on what I thought just like everybody else. I didnt know I wasnt allow to express myself.

Okay, express yourself. But the question was LT1 or LS1 and I don't see how a post about a 5.3 helps answer that question.

A 5.3 is in the same family as the ls1. They are the same generation block which is why I mentioned the 5.3 and asked about budget. As for the price of each it depends on the area. I was speaking from personal experience and my area. Each area will have different prices.