2002 LS1 vs LT1

[jeffs97z28]

Hey guys, I need to know if the LS1 is any easier to work on than the LT1,
Plugs, wires etc. does it have the reverse cooling system and optispark, etc.
I'm looking at one and I'm wondering if its the same mechanics nightmare?

Also what is the HP rating on the 2002 WS6 with auto tranny.

[Christopherrr]

I've never worked on LT1's, but from the impression over the years, LS1's are easier, well, you'll get less cuts and scrapes. A lot of the LT1's weaknesses, well wouldn't call them weaknessess, are not adopted by the LS1. No opti, no reverse cooling...etc. LS1 seem to respond better to mods and make more power if you modify equalivantly a LT1. LS1 have individual coils for each plug and both are hell to change plugs and wires. There are LT1 diehards, and then there are LS1 diehards...they both will proclaim one engine over the other, but personally I don't care. If it makes tons of power and goes like hell, I'm all for it.

HP ratings printed for LS1s are 310 and 325...but we all know thats underrated.

[Steel2686]

The LS1 does not have the optispark ignition. Instead, it uses a distributorless coil-on-plug ignition system. Much more reliable setup. Also, the LS1 is an aluminum block.

For more on this subject, Fred (Injuneer) has a great little write-up about the differences between the LT4, LT1, and LS1 in This Thread.

[fastTa]

The link from Fred's post that Greg provided should explain the differences and the facts that make the LS1 a much improved motor over it's predecessors.

The 2002 LS1 in bone stock form was roughly 355-360 HP at the crank. That's based upon dozens of cars dyno'ed on a Dyno Jet.

[Performin Norman]

I've worked on both. I'd say the LS1 is easier to work on overall.

[Joe 1320]

I've worked on both and I don't think either one is difficult. They are just different. For the dough, the LT-1's lower prices mean more dough left over for mods. It all depends on what you really want.

[jeffs97z28]

My '97 Z [ Stock with the 3.23's and the A4 ] has 91K on it. I've had my eye on a 2002 WS6 Auto w/4k on it. They want 24000 for it. I know the '02 Ws6 will be a great car but the Z is paid for, still looks great and and I would have to go a little further into the well than I'd like to buy it. I've also seen a lot of comments about the LT1 pulling a little better than the LS1 up to about 70mph. I'm not a drag racer so for the street a fast 0-60 time is all I really care about, and of course the V8 rumble. So I'm trying to decide if I should put some money in to my Z or swim in debt for awhile to get the WS6. It's out of town so I would have to buy it sight unseen except for pictures, send them the money and have it shipped. That also makes me a little nervous.
My Chevy dealer will do new platinum plugs and wires, new opti complete, new water pump, new upper and lower hoses for 2200.00. I know that sounds like a lot to you guys that work on these yourselves but new GM parts will cost me around 700.00. 1500.00 labor doesn't seem all that bad for that much work, [ considering the LT1 and all the headaches I could have doing this myself]. Anybody here put 150k/miles on their f-body without going into the engine or tranny for something major?

[bumpn96z]

When I wrecked my 96 Z28, it had just rolled over 163,000 miles. I only had it for a little over a year, I think I put about 35,000 on the car while I had it. As far as I'm aware of, I don't think the engine ever had anything major repaired on it. I know the 6 speed was rebuilt a few years before I aquired it though.

[raroZ28]

When I wrecked my 96 Z28, it had just rolled over 163,000 miles. I only had it for a little over a year, I think I put about 35,000 on the car while I had it. As far as I'm aware of, I don't think the engine ever had anything major repaired on it. I know the 6 speed was rebuilt a few years before I aquired it though.

lol, this thread is over a year old.

[97LT1Z28]

Holy Carp (dyslexia made useful) . . . . I responded to an oldie . . . .

[Jeff_in_Atl]

Holy thread resurection batman....wow.

[Christopherrr]

Holy thread resurection batman....wow.

My thoughts exactly!!!! It's been a year! LOL!!!