LS1 and LT1 are small-block engines created by General Motors. They are deemed popular among automotive enthusiasts for their reliability and power.
LT-1 Chevrolet First Generation small-block was the progeny of TURBO-FIRE small block V8. It had a Holley four-barrel carburetor and a power output of 255-370hp @ 5,600 RPM.
Thereafter, the LT1 GM Second Generation small-block was introduced in 1992. This was an engine with 350hp @ 5,700 RPM, a batch-fire fuel injection configuration, and features like reverse-flow cooling.
Key Takeaways
- LS1 and LT1 are both General Motors (GM) V8 engines, with the LS1 introduced in 1997 and the LT1 in 1992.
- The LS1 engine features an aluminium block and heads, providing lighter weight and improved heat dissipation compared to the LT1’s cast iron design.
- The LS1 utilizes a more advanced coil-on-plug ignition system, contributing to better performance and fuel efficiency than the LT1’s Opti-Spark ignition.
LS1 vs LT1
The difference between LS1 and LT1 is that LS1 is made out of aluminum while LT-1 is made out of cast iron. However, LS1 engines for trucks are also made with cast iron to ensure maximum strength and durability.
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Due to its build, the LS1 engine is lightweight and thus has a better performance compared to LT-1. LS1 initially had a power output of 257-345hp and a torque output of 335-365 ft. /lb. after which it was upgraded to 390-400hp and 400 ft./lb.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | LS1 | LT1 |
|---|---|---|
| Introduced | LS1 was introduced in 1997 by General Motors. | LT-1 first-generation small-block was introduced in 1970. |
| Horsepower rating | The first-generation engine had 257-345 horsepower. | LT-1 engine had a power output of 255-370 horsepower. |
| Torque rating | 335-365 ft. /lb. | 330 ft. /lb. |
| Material | Aluminum cylinder block (except the truck engines which were built with cast iron). | Cast iron cylinder block with aluminum cylinder heads. |
| Engine capacity | 5.7 liters | 5.665 liters |
| Performance | Lighter weight and better performance. | Heavier build and lower performance when compared to LS1. |
| Fuel Efficiency | More fuel-efficient than LT-1 as when there is not enough air to burn, the amount of fuel fed to the engine will reduce. | Lower fuel-efficiency than LS1 as the fuel being fed always remains the same; the fuel that does not burn gets wasted. |
| Power | More power than LT-1. | Less power than LS1. |
| Price | More expensive than LT-1 but cost-efficient. | Cheaper than LS1. |
What is LS1?
LS1 is a small block that was introduced by General Motors in 1997. The engine was an advanced version of its predecessor – LT1. The machine was made out of aluminum and had 6 bolt mains.
LS1 had a power output of 257-345hp and a crank fire distrubutorless ignition system with one coil per cylinder. Due to its build, the machine was light in weight and thus performed well.
Over the years, General Motors introduced newer versions of the LS1 small-block named LS2, LS3, LS4, LS5, LS6, LS7, LS8, and LS9. The newest version of the engine is LSA.
It has a horsepower rated at 556. Other features include a compact 1.9-liter supercharger, hypereutectic pistons, and a different charge cooler design than its predecessor LS9.
Talking about the price, LS1 is more expensive than LT-1, but the performance is worth the cost. The small block is lighter, stronger, has more power as well as better heat dissipation than the latter.
What is LT1?
LT1 was the first-generation small block that had a power output of 225-370hp and torque output of 330 ft./lb. The machine was made out of cast iron and had aluminum heads. This ensured strength, durability, and reliability.
The engine featured a reverse-flow cooling system that its predecessor lacked. This system cooled the heads of the machine first which in turn allowed a higher compression ratio and thus increased the power output of the engine.
Other features included four-bolt main caps, a forged aluminum piston, a baffled oil pan for reduced windage, a high-rise aluminum intake manifold, high-volume oil, and fuel pumps as well as transistorized ignition system.
The latest of these engines is the General Motors Fifth Generation LT1 with an engine capacity of 6.2 liters. It features a cast-aluminum block, oil-spray piston cooling, and redesigned main caps.
Main Differences Between LS1 and LT1
- LS1 engines produce more power than LT1 engines.
- LS1 engines are more expensive than LT1 engines.
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
