Is a LT1 better than a LS1

[Jeff 97SS]

Besides all the points previously mentioned, the aluminum intensive construction of the LS1 makes it a lot lighter than the LT1 with it's iron block. I believe 100 pounds lighter, maybe someone can confirm that.

Less weight is always good, especially 100 pounds off the front of the car. As an LT1 owner, I'm envious of that.

[Craig 94 TA GT]

The LS1 supposedly has a more "efficient" design than the standard Chevy small block from the 1950s. Chevrolet has now started the switch of the old SB2 to R07 package in NASCAR due to the following: "The R07's key technical advances over the SB2 include 4.500-inch cylinder bore centers (vs. 4.400 inches in the SB2), a raised camshaft that improves valvetrain dynamics, a new six-bolt head bolt pattern that reduces cylinder bore distortion, and a targeted cooling system that minimizes temperatures at critical locations." The R07 is basically a carburated Gen III Chevy V8. However, from what I've heard, it's only a matter of a few hp difference.

As far as fully modded LT1 vs fully modded LS1: Jeff said it correctly - max CFM is around 280 @ 0.500 lift. This is only with the earlier LT1 heads - around '95 or '96, the castings changed a bit and cannot be ported nearly as much as the older castings. Of course, you can always buy a set of aftermarket heads to get more flow.
I've seen "full port" LS1s flow just a little more at .5. The main difference is that they continue to flow more at .550, .600, etc. because of the larger intake port size. Still, the LT1 is no slouch, as Advanced Induction's LT1 200cc castings top end propelled an LT1 383 to 9.9@138 n/a.

[MunsonGTA]

basically it all comes down to where you're racing and traction with the cars. But if all cars are stock with rather similar drivers, it would turn out like this pretty much all the time.

track: LS1>LT1>L98

stop light to stop light: L98>LT1>LS1

and yes i'm sure some of you will disagree with this. i own an L98 car, my buddy chris has a 94 z28 lt1 car, and my buddy jamie had an ls1 98 TA. i've seen what all 3 stock cars will do. my old setup only got a 15.10 with bad tires. i put some new street tires on the car and crushed many many ls1 cars out of the hole. after half track they'd run me down like i was standing still.

[ConElite]

Yeah thats the only thing I dont like about the LS1. It does not start really pulling until higher RPM. You have to whine them up to get them going. Out the hole they are not that Amazing. Rolling Starts its all over!!! Second gear rolling at 3500rpms and slam it and you better hold on b/c that rear kicks out pretty easy.