what makes the LS1 go?

[sothpaw]

What are the features that GM did in the LS1 design that make it put out more than an LT4? I realize this is apples to oranges, but I wonder how it's done--heads, cam, lighter valvetrain? better headers/ exhaust?

 

[sscam69]

Completely redesigned All aluminum engine

Different firing order (smoother operation)

The big deal with the new engine is emissions. Basically is it was brought about to meet future emissions requirements.

One KILLER hot rod engine!!

 

[CKA_Racing]

The heads have a very tall narrow intake port design. That's just one thing.
Also, not all LS1 have more power than an LT4. The early C5 on average don't do so well against LT4's.

 

[johnl]

what makes the LS1 go?

First peddle on the right, mash down on it firmly and hang on. Big grin to follow immediately thereafter.

 

[sothpaw]

I guess I should have asked about why the LS1 is better than an LT1. I know with the LT4, they changed the heads, cam (almost no change). So I wonder, with the LS1, which I know is an entirely other engine, but still a small block 350 pushrod motor, how it makes more power than the LT1 and as much as the LT4.

 

[sscam69]

The heads on these engines alone are a work of art. The LS1's shine in naturally aspirated form.

I believe the heads flow on average about 240 CFM around the .5" lift range stock. The runners on the heads is approximately 200-215cc's. If that doesn't sound like a mild race head I dunno what does.

Aftermarket shops are pulling 300+CFM around the .6" lift range from the stock castings. I believe AFR is working on putting out some aftermarket LS1 castings of there own pretty soon and are looking to improve on this.

With exhaust work and some intake bolt ons a cam alone will net you around 400+rwhp (dynojet) on a street setup. Hell even the 02-03 LS6 cam with some head work will put you over the 400+rwhp range. And thats an excellent cam for daily driving. Thats enough power to put you into the high 11's with a daily driver. The only thing you have to worry about is the noise, but these things are pretty docile until you step on it.

The LS1 is IMHO an entirely different beast than the LT1 or SBC platforms. This engine seems to be reworking the rule books when it comes to engine performance.

This is just one aspect of the engine. I am sure there are others.

 

[sscam69]

FWIW I was looking to build a 9 sec. drag car. I wanted to go with an SBC but after doing some research on these engines and noticing the potential they had I chose to go with the LS1 platform.

 

[tedster]

The biggest difference between the old small block and the new with regards to power and rpm is the head and valve train set-up. The old small block requires the incoming air to turn once it enters the head in order to reach the backside of the intake valves. The new heads have almost a straight shot from the intake manifold to the back of the valve. Much more air can pass thru the straight shot....more air, more fuel, more power! For an in-depth rendering of all the key details, check out Hib Halverson's articles at <http://www.idavette.net/writers.htm>.

 

[MagRed2002]

Like you, I was mystified by the difference between the ol' Chevy small block (LT1, LT4, '57 BelAir 265, etc, etc) and the LS1 - as I was inherently familiar with those old Dinosaurs from my old gearhead days.

A short while back, I was able to walk into the service bay of my local Chevy dealer where they were performing warranty work on an LS1. My god, it is SO different from the old motors. As someone mentoned above, the head ports are the most glaring difference. Yes, it IS a pushrod V-8, but that's where the similarities end. Lower end support structure, complete aluminum composition, etc, etc -- Believe me , this is not the 307 in your daddy's '73 Nova.

Just my obsevation.