Hey all. I have a friend who keeps asking me to find this out but I never have the time to really delve into it. Could somebody give me a "101" on the differences between these models? I know they look a bit different. But the horsepower and torque is very similar even though the engine is different (LT1/LS1). Is there a whole lot of difference between the two in regards to performance and handling?

Thanks in advance...

P.S. If there are any discussions already in place, could you past a link for me?

 

hmm.. The horsepower isn't actually all that similar. Especially since LS1's are usually under-rated.
Engine wise, yah, you got the LT1 vs the LS1. There's lots of flames on that... if you just look up LS1 VS LT1 you'll probably find everything you need. The LT1 has similar lower end torque and power, but the LS1 breathes better in the higher RPM's.. that's where it pulls away.

 

The 1998 (LS1) car will also have better brakes than the 1996 (LT1) car.

 

Thanks, guys.. The reason I thought the performance might be similar was because I'm seeing on Edmunds that the 1996 SS has 305hp and 325ftlbs while the 1998 SS has 320hp and 335ftlbs.. On paper it just looks very close...

 

its more like LT1 @ 260whp and ls1 @ 300 whp

 

"its more like LT1 @ 260whp and ls1 @ 300 whp"

those numbers being at the wheels of course.

the LS1 blows the doors off the LT1 stock for stock. it breaths VERY well on the top end.

a good running lt1 will put down about a 13.8 with traction at the track, while a good LS1 can do 13.2s....some even in the 12.9x's....

 

Hp may be similar on paper but the LS1 is highly underated...after 60 or 70 the LS1 will pull hard from a dig...from a roll probably even worse

 

LS1 destroys LT1

 

96-97 SS's were rated at 315hp with the two on the left exhaust...on paper they seem close but really it isnt...i'd still rather have an LT1 SS...

 

have to agree there
i was about ready to get a black 97 ss 6spd
sucks i passed up on it
still kicking myself for that one

 

I too was looking specifically for a black LT1 SS when I was in the market for a car. I think it's the best-looking 4th gen. SS.

At least I have a scale model of one to look at.

 

i had a real one and an almost finished model...i destroyed my car and dont feel like putting the finishing touches on the model now

 

Agreed. My friend test drove a 97 SS black on black convertible with leather and a 6spd a couple of years ago... and he couldn't afford it.

 

Try searching for "LT1 vs LS1" .

LOTS and LOTS of threads about it.

 

I prefer the hoods on the lt-1 SS's to the ls-1's, just more angular and muscular looking in my opinoin. But after driving an ls-1 I have no regrets not getting an lt-1. And the best thing is....no opti spark!!!