$$$$$ is a factor for me, however performance & reliability can some times out weigh all that. I have my eye on a 97 LT1 auto Z28. Would it be wise to over look this car & set my dreams on a LS1?

 

LS1 ALL THE WAY BABY!!! YOU'LL GET YOUR BANG FOR YOUR BUCK!!!

 

seems to me that the ls1 has plenty of natural aspiration potential which is pretty easily unleashed, where the lt1 will take a bit more to do that

reliability? the piston slap problem is kind of scary to me (i'm also shopping for ls1) but i'm gonna go with it anyway
other than that dont think i've heard more strikes against ls1 than lt1 really

 

get a 98... they didntt have these problems everyone is talking about

 

wow, 3 - LS1 votes out of 3. Are the 97 LT1's robbed of power & easy doable upgrades compared to the LS1?


By the way Phantom, that is one bad to the bone ride you have there. I could only wish for something as such. Thanks for the reply's people.

Peace Out

 

keep in mind you are asking in the ls1 forum....

and dont think there arent plenty of bolt-ons for the lt1

i still say the ls1 is a n/a monster though, beats lt1 stock, responsd as well maybe a tad better with most boltons, and look out when you get to the heads/cam

some may argue the lt1 is a better blower motor, they're probably right i dont know that much about it in blower applications

 

I think the LT1's sound better with an exaust system than the LS1's and in my opinion are more fun to drive around town, but the LS1 im more of a beast on the highway and rules at the track. Its just my opinion haveing had both, take it for what its worth...

 

What is the goal of the car? Will this be a daily driver, see a lot of street use, and be taken on long trips? If so, go for the newer vehicle.

If however you plan on ultimately turning it into a strip car or a car that is used just for racing and showingoff, then it doesn't make much difference. There are aftermarket components available for both motors. The rears are weak in both types of cars, and emissions are generally up to your local laws. Make an intelligent choice based on how you plan to use the vehicle. Both can be great platforms if you have a decent car to start with.

 

i have a 98 Z28 and i raced a 96 LT1 we both have 6 speeds and pretty much the same stuff done to our cars.... we raced out here and to be blunt... i stomped him so if your lookin for a car with serious potential ... i'd say LS1 all the way!! plus the LS1's have like what? 20-30 more horse stock over the LT1..... but if money is an issue go with the LT1 its V8 350 accept no substitutes.. heh... hope i helped??

 

I always wanted the LT1....until the LS1 came out. I recenlty drove a 1996 Z M6. Nice low end torque. Good sound. Cheep speed with potential. I'm am definitely a fan of the LT1. The only thing that could have torn me away from the LT1 was the LS1.

It is and incredible motor (problems aside). These things have been known to make manufacturer rated flywheel hp (305/310) at the wheels when dynoed. What got me was when I took my Z to the track, and after my first in my bone stock car, was told to get a helmet or go home. I borrowed a helmet, and kept on going. Mid 13's out of the box. If it's worth it to you, go for the LS1.

 

Stock for stock the LS1 will win hands down, lightly modded vs lightly modded again the LS1 gets the nod, after this its how deep is your pocket book. I can say 1 benefit the LT1 has over the LS1 is that the internal engine parts (crank rods, pistons, bearings etc.) are dirt cheap by comparrison.
Perry

 

wow, this is way to cool. You people have been great responding with your chevy savy. I am gaining on this decision.

 

ALot of guys in the North West have LT1's. not bad cars, great of the line but top end is lacking a bit....the thing is wherever GM screwed up on the LT1, they fixed with the LS1...I had friend work on my car for a while after building many LT1's and he says what a difference...mod wise LS1 all the way...4 hrs. for a cam swap...in an LT1, way to long...you have to remove the oil pan etc...I think the biggest thing is the opti spark in the LT1's, the coil packs on the LS1 rock...changing plugs and wires is a breeze on an LS1...the list goes on and on...so IMO, to the LT1 and to the LS1...good luck

 

..hey just noticed your from Oregon, lots of f-body guys there, check out Stealth Performance in Hillsboro and talk to Mike, see what he has to say...he's a LT1 master....

 

That's the reason I'd tell ya to look for an LT1 but probably not a '97. Most '97s are still in the $10k+ range so the price difference between that and a high mileage '98-'99 isn't that much...maybe $2-3k. **I don't know how much the '97 you're looking at is though.

Look for a nice '95-'96 (preferably a '95), quite a few are going for $6-8k, sometimes less. Throw a few grand into it and you should be in the 12s pretty easily.


I do agree with tnthub though...so my opinion might change depending on what you want from the car and what you're going to be using the car for: track, street, daily driver...