LT1 vs LS5

[Seanzie]

My dream car is the 1970 'vette. I'm still in college...but one day you'll see me waving at you. Right now, I'm trying to decided if I should favor the LT1 or the LS5. I like things about both of them, but I'd like to be more discriminating about it all. Which one do ya'll prefer, and why?

This will help me quite a bit...

Sean

 

[SwaveDave]

The LS5 engine (which i have) is the highest torque rated Vette engine , at 500 ft lbs . (in 1970) . Big blocks are synonomous with torque. The LT1 small block is now slouch however and is a desirable engine also. Both motors in a 1970 vette are good investments . A couple years back, the LS5 motor in a 1970 vette jumped in value by 30% according to Corvette Fever magazine ! Thats a healthy increase. The LT1 motor can be revved a bit higher than an LS5 before reaching redline, which might be important if y ou are wanting to race it. For me, there is something magical about owning a BB Corvette though---especially at car shows and on back country roads where its just you and the accelerator pedal

Im on my second 1970. My first one was the base motor 350/300 h.p. convertible. That was a nice vette to start out with. But im driving my dream right now.

Let us know what you end up with. You cant really go wrong with either motor in a 1970 vette.

Dave

 

[tonyk72]

The 1970 LT-1 was a beast, but you'll need gas additives to get it running right...which might be somewhat of an inconvienence.
The 71/72 LT-1's can run on pump gas...The LT-1's I would say are also more of a high maint. engine...in that you have to adjust the lifters...
Both LS5 & LT-1's are great & you can't go wrong w/ either one...
I'd keep my options open if I were you...othewise you could be looking for a long time...

 

[jsimpson]

both; have your cake and eat it too!

 

[woobie1966]

personally, I like the ls-5 , but i'm biased. like others have said, there is nothing in the small block world to compare with the torque output of the BB, and the sound is awesome!!. however, the lt-1 makes almost the same hp as the ls-5 and weighs much less (read= better handling). i believe there were less lt-1 produced, so they may be more valuable in the future (?). if you plan to drive often, the ls5 can survive on premium pump gas without detonation. I believe the lt-1 had a higher compression and may require octane boost.
either way i believe youll be happy
mike