97faceoff

Hey everybody Im thinking thinking of upgrading my 97 z28 with an ls1. Is this worth the money around three grand, will it still be ca, smog legal? And most of all is the Ls1 a hell of a lot faster than my Lt1? Or, can I build my Lt1 to walk away from a 03 Z06 (cousin just bought one left my Lt1 in the dust). So I guess the next question is, with just under 200k miles on my Lt1 is it worth building? also does anyone have a list of things maybe w/specs and price. that I could do ie; heads, cam, tb, tune. I dont want a track car so It will still have to pass ca, emissions. I would like to stay within a buget. Thank you guys for all your help.

lt1stroker

Sell your lt1, hell i have 217k on my body and 16k on my engine but I believe its not worth it. Get an LS1

BlackBird97

SEARCH

David94TA

Is it worth it? I don't know--depends on what you want. I would suspect that it would cost a lot more than 3 grand. Anyway, here are some threads to look at:

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=796022

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=737310

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=656292

Zaknafein

I think you should define your goals.

If you're looking to build something that puts 400-450 HP to the rear wheels then the lt1 is plenty capable. I'd only start looking to LSx builds if I were trying to get more NA RWHP or wanted the same level of power in a much more docile (large CI LSx) build.

At that point, you could swap an LSx or any small-block in for that matter. I imagine there's just as much work either way.

Then again, for 5-600 RWHP, I'd take the money you're planning to put towards a swap and put the "screw" to it.

bombebomb

Ls1.

LaredoZ28

If you want torque keep ur LT if you want horse power get an LS. My LT stock motor with 166k on it with just bolt ons walked away from an 03 Z06 M6. My car is a 96 Z28 M6. I guess my races were which driver was the better driver sine the guy i raced like 6 times that night has an 07 Mustang GT with the Roush Charger and he only runs a 12.70.

McLovin

383, stock heads, hotcam... Is the car tuned? Do you have lt's? A well running cam only lt1 would walk your car. A h/c, bolt-on and tuned lt1 will slap a stock 03 z06. AI>LS1 swap

97faceoff

Thank everyone for your responses, the treads helped me out alot. I was under the impression that the Ls1 would bolt right up and I would just have to change the the computer, Local salvage yard told me this. I guess the sale was more important than the truth, anyway it looks like i'll be keeping an lt1 As for my goals), in the words of Ricky Bobby "I Wanna Drive Fast". Im not really sure were I want to be in H.P. If I could squeez 400-450 I think I'd be happy. Its more of a weekend car than a daily driver, I might make my way to the track to see what it will do, but most important I still need to pass Ca, smog test. So Im thinking freshen up the block, head and cam kit, bigger tb, headers and computer tune. Will this put me in the ball park? Does anyone have specs. that would help me know what parts to order. Again thank everyone in advance.

Javier97Z28

Keep dreaming.

An 03 Z06 traps 115+ stock...

km9v

LS1 was created by God himself & manufactured by angels.

Z28SORR

But, but, it's got a !!!!

SnakeSkinner28

The computer wont be the only thing you have to change, an LS1 will not bolt up directly to an LT1 trans, there are places that make kits to do it, but its not worth it IMO. What some people dont understand is that eventually if you build the motor enough it wont matter LS1 vs LT1. The LS1 right out of the box is a better motor, and you will make a lot of power much easier then in an LT1, LS1s can put down bout 415 RWP on stock heads with boltons and a crazy cam, the LT1s heads wont allow for the same type of numbers. If you want strength, then an iron block is still the way to go. You will have to spend the money for the LS1 motor, a kit to make it work, new ecu, new exhaust...the list goes on...and then you have to outfit it with the bolton parts what wont swap over...more $$$. Look at companies that build motors, shortblocks or longblocks and get an LT1/LT4 built motor...you wont have to swap half as much and you can specify the amount of power you want to your builder...or as someone else said put the screws to it and build a boost block

Laredo... next time let the ZO6 know that your racing him because no chance in hell does an LT1 walk a ZO6...a full bolton LT1 and geared LT1 would be lucky to run side byside till about 100 with a STOCK 03 Z06, but nothing more. Also, thats all those Roush Stangs run is mid 12s

95firehawk

I would stick with the LT1. To change over to an LS1 you will need the computer, wiring harness (complete), exhaust leading up to the catback, belhousing w/ clutch and master cylinder, plus many other little things that are gonna add up. This is only to get an LS1 into the car, not mod it. So for $3k you can have a 290ish rwhp car that will have more potential for future modding (additional cost), or you could more easily finish the bolt-ons for your LT1 (if you haven't done so already) and then do a fresh rebuild of your engine with a hot cam kit. Should probably net you somewhere around 330 or so to the wheels. After that if you so desired, a well thought out Nitrous kit will get you close if not passed the Vette. Just food for thought.

yournamehere

I decided to take a look at autotrader last night after thinking about this post. Within 100 miles of Phoenix there was an '99 Z28 with about 70,000 miles, looked ok in the pictures, auto trans, $ 8,500. I spent alot of money
on my '96 Z28 and like it, but if I had sold my broken but clean car for a couple of grand I could have bought an LS 1. I just don't like that catfish front end. I spent too much money and I have fun with my LT1, your results may vary, good luck.