LS1 or LT1

[brucel]

What about the Tuned Port. I still think they look the best.

[montanass]

personally i would go with an LS based engine. you can even find a 4.8L for cheap $$ put a good cam in it, throw an LS1 intake and water pump on it(car style intake will not clear the truck style water pump) and with some good tuning you'll have a nasty, dependable "modern" hot rod

[nuzzo]

i'm getting ready to pull my tuned port to change my street rod underhood looks and i think i'm going lsx.....probably the 5.3 route w magnacharger to make it look pretty

[JayR]

Originally Posted by brucel

What about the Tuned Port. I still think they look the best.

Best looking dog! If people think LT1s are down on power, they're freight trains compared to TPI motors.

On topic, I have to go with the crowd, even if you can only afford an iron block LSX motor, you'll be better off with aftermarket support and parts availability and likely HP per dollar. The aforementioned 325 RWHP is a long ways from the stock output of an LT1 so starting with more HP will get you there easier.

[Scorpner]

I'm not sure about a First Gen Camaro, but as an example a Thirdgen F-Body can become an expensive prospect due to the cost of the oil pan, headers and accessories/brackets for an LSX based engines.

The LT1 can be a cheaper alternative but I would never do it because of the limited market for parts. Also, in the same situation, both alternatives would require notching the frame to provide room for the AC compressor. I would simply go with a SBC instead of an LT1.

[MarkM66]

The LT1 swap went out of style before ever came into style, .

[WSSix]

Originally Posted by MarkM66

The LT1 swap went out of style before ever came into style, .

That's a good way to put it. Scott Parkhurst also had a great comment about them being the modern 409. Basically an excellent engine that was completely overshadowed by what followed it. GM started talking LSx engines before the aftermarket ever had the chance to build parts for the LT1/4 engines.

They are fantastic engines and I love them. They make excellent swap candidates as they are plentiful and the 94-97 EFI is sequential and excellent compared to previous GM EFI. They also easily fit into GM frames as they are nothing but a tradition SBC on the bottom end. However, and this is a big however, unless you just want to be different you should go for the LSx engines. They really are that fantastic of a motor. It literally is almost to the point of arguing over flathead V8 of OHV V8 and which way you should go. You'll always have the guys who love flatheads and want to build them but do not kid yourself into thinking a flathead or in this case the LT1/4 is a better engine no matter how much power you make or how many LSx powered cars you beat in a race.

Good luck with whatever you do. I'm staying with my LT1 for now

[Vegas69]

Everybody and their grandma is using an LS now and it's clear why. Cheap, reliable power.

[GregWeld]

I'm a dyed in the wool old skool SBC fan... but I just installed a LS2 with factory computer and Speartech harness into a 55 chevy... hit the key - it fired off in nanoseconds... and purred. This build even used stock exhaust manifolds... I've now driven it... and it just runs flawlessly and has plenty of power with the Tremec 6 sp and 3:70 gears.

If you're on a budget - just stick with an old skool small block - skip the LT1/4 - and spend better money on suspension or tranny or rearend stuff.... and if and when you want fuel injection - do the new FAST EZ EFI bolt on throttle body or equivalent.

Later you can sell the SBC and go with an LSx... there will still be a market for your SBC... but there is literally NO market for LT motors.

[rocketman]

I have had many Lt1 cars, tansplanted lots of Lt1's but there old school now, Ls is the hot bed and there is so many there cheap