With all the new LSX based engines out or coming out does anybody think that the aftermarket will dry up for the LS1. The last GM v8(LT1) was in use for years and built up rep and a lot of aftermarket support. But now it seems like every year there's a different newer/better engine on the market.

 

Good point, but I really hope not. I gues alot would depend on how many similar parts the LSX engines share.

 

I dont think the LS1 will ever become "obsolete", maybe old technology. But these things do so well from 300hp to 700hp and even more. The aftermarket is very affordable for them, and becoming more so with the new LS2's and what not. The LTx never reached this level of aftermarket and/or performance on a consistant level. I beleive GM is making the best engines they ever have with the LSx series. Should be interesting to see whats out in another 10 years!

 

I don't think so. I am thinking the LS1 will become the 5.0 of the mustang world. ....at least I'm hoping so.

 

LT1 after market hasn't dried up yet.

 

well...95% of ls1,ls2,ls6,ls7 engines are interchangeable. even the 5.3, 4.8 and the ls3 or whatever (FWD 5.3 engine) have many interchangble parts. i don't think you'll ever see any decline since many many many heads and cams are made for these engines, as well as intake manifolds and such.

 

its really too bad gm has plans to go to ohc engines by 2010. if the lt1's didn't have optispark, i think it'd still be one of the most chosen budget builds. its just a better version of the gen 1 small block.

 

Still hoping they make an aftermarket intake manifold for the LT1 like they did for the LS1.

 

Boy the poor old opti gets a bad rap. It really works well for what it is. The old hei distributor didn't make it 120K+. (or till the water pump starts leeking)

I think the LS1 is here to stay. The hot rodders are trying to stick it in everything. On GM products where a 350 was a option I would pick a LT1 for easy install but everyone wants a LS1. Making a 400FWHP is easy(ish) with a 350/LT1 but more than that starts getting $$$$ from getting the heads to flow. For the same $$ you can have a LS1 at 500+, although the start cost is higher.

 

I don't know about "obsolete"... A stock 350HP engine is still pretty respectable in today performance circles. As mentioned, the LS1 will continue to get attention because it is small in exterior dimensions, lightweight and makes great power. That makes it the perfect "transplant" engine for hot-rods and customs.

 

Has the aftermarket dried up for Gen-I SBC parts?? No! LT1's? No! Considering the LS1 is based on the newest platform (Gen-III/IV) why would it become obsolete any time soon??? It's like the 265-400 Gen-I's ... it shares so many parts with all the Gen-III/IV engines, even if they design something specifically for an LS2, or LS3, or whatever, it'll still bolt-in / bolt-ON to an LS1 . Heck, they've just BEGUN building their reputation ... now's not the time to end it!! The LSx line of engines are here to stay!

 

Back when the LT1 was GM's top engine.....was it as highly bowed down too like the LS1 is today?

 

IMO (and this really is just my "opinion") the LT1 was a really good turn-around for GM, from their crappy attempt at fuel injection with the TBI's and TPI's ..... it was finally a viable option, if you wanted power and no carburetor.

BUT, I think that the "Vortec" name had almost as much, if not more impact than the LT1? (as a whole, obviously not specific to F-bodies/'Vettes)

I think the LS1's et al have had a much more significant impact .

 

Not as much, since it was basically a few steps forward with aluminum heads and the aluminum intake from the factory, but a few steps back with the Optispark and water pump location.

 

The 351W, 350 SBC, and 302 SBF are not obsolete and have been around longer than the LS1 has yet dreamed of.