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LT1 vs. LS1 Opinions?

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mygsx2120

15+ Year Contributor
354
2
Jan 4, 2006
Newark, Ohio
Alright guys, I can't seem to make my mind up. I recently bought a '93 rx7 without knowing anything about rotaries. The more I have learned I have decided to do what was originally unthinkable, swap the wankel for a v8. I spend lots of time hating on v8s, so I am a bit conflicted in the first place.

Anyways, everone knows an LS1 is a better motor. But it costs around $3,000 for a pullout swap. I have access for a full LT1 swap for a $1,000. For a extra $600 he can throw in 'vette aluminum heads and a big cam.

I believe in doing things right once, so part of me saying wait for the LS1. Then the dsmer side of me just wants the best bang for my buck, which is the LT1. Like I said everyone knows the LS1 is better, but is it that much better. As far as I know two biggest drawbacks are optispark system and steel block. If that's about it, LT1 here I come. Please, give me some opinions.
 
i would def say wait on the ls1 its a bit more more prciy but you wil be happier, plus throw a set of ls6 heads and bigger cam and exhaust and youll know why you picked an ls1 over an lt1:thumb:

joe:dsm:
 
durr........

go with the motor with the greatest potential off the bat. thatd be like buying a dsm shell and throwing a 420a in there.
 
the only drawback to the lt1 i can think of besides a little extra weight, is that with it having aluminum head and iron block it may be more prone to head gasket failure, but i've haven't really heard too many complaints in that area from the f-body crowd.
 
Why not swap in a 406 or something along those lines? Bolts in just like any other sbc and has more potential, not to mention there's a lot more options as far as swapping a 383, 427, 355, 350 etc. down the road since it would literally bolt right in.
 
I say be different. Throw in a nice 2jz in it and never look back.
 
They are both great motors


But LS1s do have the edge but really a LT1 can be a power house also


Makes a 302 go home and cry!
 
I say look into making the Lt1 into an Lt4 with the money you save and if it seems like something you like then go for it if not wait for the ls1 and go from there
 
you gotta weight your options, yeah you can pick up an lt1 cheap put some money into get some what more power. But for what you can get out of an ls1 its no comparison. all you really need is a set of heads ls6 for example and even ls6 intake mani, plus cam and exhaust and dude your puttin down some numbers that the lt1 could not even touch. yeah the lt1 is ok but im tellin you got a f-body fourm and ask im tellin you ls1 you will be sorry if go with an lt1.

joe:dsm:

oh and the aftermarket would favors the ls1 way more than the lt1. for example the sts turbo kit made for ls1. on stock internal with nothin done but the turbo kit at 7psi a camaro put over 400 to the wheels:rocks:
 
go with the motor with the greatest potential off the bat. thatd be like buying a dsm shell and throwing a 420a in there.

Oh come on, this is a little harsh. I had a lightly modded LT1 for almost 7 years in my z28(before I got tired of being beat by dsms and sold it) It is still a powerful motor. In my opinion they are both very respectable. But the 4G63 is one of the best 4 cyl. engines ever made!!!!! As for the 420a........... Anyways, I don't think it's fair to compare the two.

Alright guys, so I have made my decision. LS1 it is!!!!!! I just bought the T-56 6 speed and I am saving for the motor swap. I guess I'll have to put the dsm on hold. I decided I'm lazy and don't feel like swapping twice and I know a LS something would end up in there someday. Plus those motors look like pure sex in the engine bay. Thanks for all the opinions. I'll post pics just in case anyone wants to see once I get started. Won't be for a few months though, since I'm a broke college student who spontaneously bought a $8000 chassis. It's makes me sad until I realize I will be able to run with a C6 ZO6 for under $12,000. Plus I get to drive a 2g gsx everyday as a beater. Ok, I'll admit it, life is good.
 
Did you even look at my link?

Not totally sure if this question was directed at me as the OP, but yes I did. Thank you, it was a good site. You would be amazed at how much I swayed back in forth b/c I knew LT1s could make crazy power. But I figured since I bought a FD RX7 instead of a much cheaper FC RX7, I might as well stick with the theme go big or go home.

As for guys who mentioned other swaps, they really aren't feasible. No carb v8 will fit, I despise fords so not an option, 2jz would cost 10 grand plus.

For anyone is uneducated about the LS1 FD swap(like I was), it seems almost like it is meant to be. It actually makes the car lighter buy a couple hundred pounds, retains perfect 50/50 weight distribution with stock steering rack and suspension components, it's way more reliabe than a rotory, 6 speed transmission, and gets almost twice as good gas milelage. And after I part out the single turbo set up and roto junk, it will have only costed my around $12,000 total for the car and everything. Stock LS1 should get me into the high 11's. I never thought I would own a v8 again, but when you look at the facts, it seemed like the only way to go.
 
I'd wait for the LS1 for the light aluminum block and the fact that they are not externally balanced like the LT1s/LT4s are. They are balanced on the flywheel or probably the flexplate in your case because I'm sure that LT1 you can get was hooked up to an automatic because of the iron heads. So without an original flywheel your motor won't even be close to being balanced. Also, the iron head LT1's are only 2 bolt mains.
The only time I would use the LT1 is if it is a Corvette LT1 and you are rebuilding and balancing the motor. Maybe even stroking it. Then you can get a zero balanced flywheel and you'd be good to go. Put LT4 heads on and a hot cam and they make around 440hp.
I vote LSx though.
 
The LT1's are neutral balanced, as are all small block Chevy's other than the 400. The LT1 is a direct descendant of the original 1955 265 cube motor, where as the LS1 is a clean sheet design. With that being said, there really is no choice between a LT1 and a LS1. The LS1 is stronger, lighter and has far more power potential. The LT1 is very limited on power production by the airflow on its 23 degree heads. The LS1 uses a 15 degree head, and the Corvette head is 12 degrees, which allows them to use larger valves without shrouding. They are also a modern design head with large quench areas. As far as upgrading heads on the LS1, skip the LS6 heads and go to the factory L92 truck heads. They flow 322cfm right out of the box, and can be purchased new and complete from the dealership for $800.
 
NO!

The LT1 shares things in comon with SBC but it has reverse cooling heads, and there are quit a few people who have gone very very fast with a set of OEM PORTED HEADS!


LT4 has a slighty bigger cam, and different intake manifold, with better flowing heads..thats pretty much it, AND YOU CANT BUY THOSE PARTS ANYMORE

BUT IS DOESNT MATTER

Get a set of nice AFR Heads, or very nicly worked over LT1 heads


LS1tech.com go to the LT1 section

To much miss info on here
 
NO!

The LT1 shares things in comon with SBC but it has reverse cooling heads, and there are quit a few people who have gone very very fast with a set of OEM PORTED HEADS!


LT4 has a slighty bigger cam, and different intake manifold, with better flowing heads..thats pretty much it, AND YOU CANT BUY THOSE PARTS ANYMORE

BUT IS DOESNT MATTER

Get a set of nice AFR Heads, or very nicly worked over LT1 heads


LS1tech.com go to the LT1 section

To much miss info on here

I never said that everything interchanges with the Gen 1 SBC, but it is a direct descendant. The entire rotating assembly is the same between Gen 1 and Gen2. The biggest difference is as you said, the reverse cooling system. I also never said that no one has gone fast with the 23 degree heads, just that the Gen 3 has FAR more power potential. Show me a LT1 head that can flow 320cfm or more. There are none.
 
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