I didn’t expect to watch this video and see myself building my own engine! Very well done video and very informative. One HUGE thing to mention on LS/LT swaps is the availability and difficulty of tuning the LT engines. The learning curve is much higher and everything is “torque” based in HP tuners for the LT engines. My LT5 has been an absolute pain to tune and while tons of shops say they can tune them, really only Cordes Performance and Advanced Modern Performance seem to have the guys that have really mastered them.
What's so great about the Ls is you can pretty much grab any variety from the junk yard for 500 bucks, slap some cheap turbos on it, and go faster than anything in your general area. It's great.
@@jonathanramoslexusmaster298 If that's spicy than a turbo LS is fire. The 2jz single will basically be N/a up to about 3,500rpm. Meanwhile it just got trucked by a 5.3 with two ebay gt45s and a mild cam...bus lengths...a tractor trailor...a mobile home, lol.
I like how you said the internet says you need at least 1000hp. My 505 LS7 is plenty for getting into trouble. Even the C5 Z06 feels very fast. RU-vid makes everyone who hasn't driven a fast car yet think these are slow. Hell, a fiesta st is a ton of fun with 197hp.
I blame the YT channels like 1320video that showcases 600-1500HP cars like they were a common thing. People don't realize those cars are the top 1% of fast cars. Heck, if someone has a 400HP car, he's faster than 95% of the cars on the road.
Exactly. I've driven my buddy's bone stock Evo 8 and the thing is a blast. Don't know the power numbers off the top of my head but it's certainly less than 505.More than enough to have some fun
I remember in the late 90s when the traditional small blocks were the older cheaper tech and LS was exotic and expensive. You could still get a cheap pre smog small block with good for the time heads that would make power cheap. LS was only in Vettes and F body’s and they were expensive. Cool to see the progression.
For real before the ls...we had the 5.7 vortec...and they were great ....just not as fast as the Ls....or lt, remember racing a 5.3 when they first came out and walked my 5.7....after that I was pretty sure I better get my shit together ....so I procharged the 5.7....lol
I've had many LS 6.0 in all of my GM pickups for over 20 years with no problems. My current survivor truck is a 1999 Chevy Silverado 2500 LD 4 X 4 with the LS 6.0 3 door EXT Cab with 6.5' bed. This truck has pulled everything from a 13,000LB Toy Hauler Travel Trailer with 2 full dress Harleys in it to boats and car carriers. It now has 350,000 on the original engine, runs like new does not burn oil. Push rod engines are simple and simple is good.
The LS3's 55mm intake valve was actually sized for a 6.8L and higher RPM, and they used some tricks to make it work on the 6.2. That's why the LT went to a smaller 54mm valve...which is still too big. That "big" LT port is the secret to the low end torque; the VVT is just icing on the cake.
@@TurboV8boi This is a little long.......BUT When theres enough cubic inches or camshaft or both that have to go through it, a bigger valve is necessary, in some cases its NEEDED. My examples are of N/A engines, but air behaves the same way regardless of N/A or forced induction. Best examples are a 1.7/1.5 small block chevy head vs a 1.94/1.59 or 2.02/1.6, youll AWLAYS gain power EVERYWHERE in a 327 or 350. The difference is (depending on castings) only the valve size, some may have smaller or larger chambers. And likewise with the LS, GM saw it fit to separate the 5.7 and 6.0s from the 5.3s and 4.8s in regards to valve sizing; the cylinder head architecture is almost identical in all cathedral port castings. And in testing, a 5.3/4.8 head absolutely kills top end power after 4500rpm on top of a 6.0.
@@rustysausage69 thanks for the reply. I wonder about cathedral vs square port too since you mention it . I understand you can't put square port heads on 4.8/5.3 engines; but once i was told that on turbo cars the cathedral port heads are good because of velocity they provide vs a square port. Granted I haven't seen data comparing the two in that situation.
@@TurboV8boi The general rule is if something makes more horsepower N/A, then it will make more power under boost; that said, the peak numbers don't necessarily tell the etire story. The engine has to be moving enough air across the RPM band for the head to be worth it, whether that extra air be from a bigger camshaft, cubic inches, or both. In the case of my personal 416LS, it has ported LS3 heads, big cam, ported intake, much more cubes, etc. etc. and makes 680hp, revvs to 7000, it surely moves enough air for rectangle ports to be well worth it. If I bought a set of ported cathedral ports, it would lose power everywhere after 4000RPM, they might give it a little more torque before 4000 because of the smaller ports; thats still before the torque peak though. On a stock 6.0, a set of LS3 heads is entirely not worth it because it doesn't have enough camshaft or cubes to really take advantage of the extra flow. It'd make 10 more horsepower at the top because its a bigger head, but before the torque peak that size prevents the air from moving higher velocity to make a higher torque peak, so it would lose torque from idle to 5000.
Don’t stop making these kind of videos . You’re going to get huge doing these type of videos . You have a lot of good info and it’s very well put together.
@@timothypadilla4192 you and some others missed my point. at 1:16 when he lists the variants of LS engines produced, the 5.7 displacement is not listed
In conclusion, the one that has been around longer is easier to get and is cheaper to work with...obviously lol. If the new gen LT was out first it'd be flipped. It's all about having time to adapt and availability of kits/parts which grows with time. Both are great! Solid comparison video too.
You left out the LS 5.7 the original The great beauty of the LS is the crank mounted oil pump. This give many options oil pan wise along with the small top end giving plenty of room for accessories along with heads that flow well. OHC or Hemi adds to the size of the top end significantly making them less swap friendly.
I’d love to see a video just dedicated to all the popular LS variants and their differences and what vehicles they came from etc. that’s always very interesting info.
Being a tech you’ll find out GDI engines are designed to fail after awhile cuz they let a lot of carbon build up on the intake valves and require frequent cleaning but with port injection gas is able to hit the intake valve and clean off the carbon build up so yes GDIs are more fuel efficient and can make better power but the longevity of the engine isn’t so great port injection engine will last longer
You can solve that problem with a oil catch can. I've put almost 200k trouble free miles on my l83 and had 150k on one with zero issues before I wrecked it. Still makes plenty of power in my 2015 rcsb silverado, and I regularly hard launch and do over 130mph in. Like weekly. I've beat the hell out of both those motors with no visible loss of power or problems besides a broken valve spring which was an easy fix.
LT swapping my c10 currently. The LT was my choice purely because I got the engine for "free". Buddy got it through his job at a service center because it was pulled for a stuck lifter under warranty and was just going to be scrapped, I traded him a shotgun for it. Although he did give me the option of the LT or one of the hundred of SBC shorts he had sitting around, but took the LT because I was sold on the direct injection, high flow of the heads, and the 6 bolt mains. The main downsides to the LT you presented well, and it's as you say the aftermarket isn't there because the engine is still too new.
My favorite engine of all time is the LS3. Came in my favorite Corvette generation (C6) and my favorite 4 door sedan (SS). The 5th gen Camaro didn't really speak to me that much (mostly due to that hideous interior) but I still would take it's LS3 over the Mustang's 5.0 coyote.
As a 5th gen owner I never understood the hate towards the interior. Its simple, has cool lights, & easy to clean. I do have a 2ss if that makes a difference.
@@julian_sp I think everyone got tired of the green LEDs on the dash and door panels. It's the very reason why I didn't get an 5th gen😂🤣plus if you had the automatic it was slower than and 4th gen Camaro.
Hmmmmnnn… nah.. nothing like a stroked LS7… it will make the power naturally aspirated that of an LS3 supercharged… There is nothing that runs so strong as a built LS7 stroker on nitrous or even turbo. Like the old saying says. There no replacement for displacement. When it comes to Chevy motors they rely very much in displacement. The bigger they are the more power you get specially in latest engines..even though a lot of old school big blocks still make considerable power when done right.
@@Javservice wow didn’t know a stroked NA LS7 could make as much as my Supercharged LS3 Making 900whp. LOL…. That was a dumb statement and mine is still stock bottom end
I have a stock C5 Z06 and a stock C4 LT1 Vette. Both great engines and cool cars. The C4 is actually a cooler car IMO. The C5Z is pretty basic/boring unless you are running it hard where it's a very capable and fast car. The C4 is a cool car just to drive down the road.
Yep had an 88 35th with an L98. Sure top end not really there.. great stop light to stop light and around town though.. plus c4s just have a bad ass look. Interior is like a cock pit. They look they’re going 170 sitting still. Sports cars don’t have that stance anymore.
I was just reading a thread on Corvetteforum where guys were saying the C4 is a lot more fun to drive, and the C5 is boring in comparison. I wish my 89 had more than 240 hp.
@@fryloc359 safety lol.. c5 and above a lot safer, don’t make all there power low. C4 with an L98 can kill you lol. I’ve had a couple experiences where I should’ve wound up in someone’s garage or a ditch but thankfully didn’t quite happen lol
Yeah and also as the above commenter said. A c5 or above especially anything that’s a z06 you have to run hard to experience the fun. Try running any of those cars hard hard on a public road lol. Potential death or accident. I fell like from everything I read, unless you track or race a lot .anything past 250-325 HP is wasted on normal roads. Good friend of mine had a 2020 5.0 mustang. Claims the thing just felt bottled up driving around town, nowhere to open up remotely other then highway occasionally. So for around town driving L98 sweet spot and I’m sure LT1 lol. LT1 will have a bit of a highway edge due to extra 55 HP.
While I do agree with everything you’re saying I just think the LT is cooler. And even just cam swapping an L83 and doing dod delete ( identical parts as LS) can get you some pretty wicked power, I’d argue better than a gen 3/4 5.3. Big downsides are accessories/power steering although the l8t does have a hydraulic pump, if you can fit it. And other major downside for euro and jdm is extremely limited selection of front sump pans because of the integrated oil pickup.
The way I make sense of it is that the LT Seems to be more of a high-revving "sportscar engine" that probably makes its best power way up top. LS is the torque monster with endless aftermarket.
I LOVE this Channel. Keep doing these bro and take it back all the way back to some of the most legendary engines from the 1940s on up. Your on to something here with this format and theme, it’s refreshing, soon you’ll have the world only full video Wikipedia of engines.
Great content! You hit on the proliferation of LS engines correlating with the aftermarket and research put into them. Conversely, it would be awesome to see you cover Rotary engines! I feel like Rob Dahm is the only person still working on them
This is a well reasoned, well thought out argument. I fully agree with all points made. I've owned 2 LS1 F-Bodies. Both had over 100k miles on them by the time I sold them with ZERO engine problems.
exactly. the jackscrews/crossbolts on teh block it the key to more strength. Those lt engine will be junk when they hit the yard due to the direct injection system. The ls base engine will win out in the long run...
Worth mentioning 97-02 LS was gen 3. 03-07 was gen 3.5 and gen 4 is 2007+. Gen 3 no afm/dod but weaker. 3.5/4 had stronger rods and pistons with full floating wrist pins.
LT motors are great. Hopefully down the line they end up in yards for $500. Price is just a massive factor for everyone really. I love my LS1, it runs okay for being 25 years old and having 140k miles. Sure it's not as fast as a Coyote mustang, but it puts a smile on my face. Can't wait to build a 408, just to lose to a FBO E85 10 Speed Camaro/Mustang.
My G8 GT has a 403 stroker in it and man is it fun. I need to get a more aggressive cam but right now I'm making 410whp at 6,000ft above sea level (I live in Colorado) and even then it's still a blast and torque monster
Good video and I've driven enough LT and LS vehicles to realize this. Either engine produces a smile and that's why we drive. Is to have fun and smile. See you in the next one.
DAMN bro, you are freaking knowledgeable. You even have "Ultimate Ultima RS over here writing. (very glad I found your channel ... thanks for the great work)
I took a tour of a jasper engines plant years ago, the engines they were rebuilding were probably 90% small block chevy. There were quite a few 4.3s as well, and they're damn good engines too.
A few years ago, Petronix had an engine build competition. On team built a 350 cid engine while the other team built a LS 6.0 engine. Both teams had the same budget of 5,000 dollars, the 350 engine outperformed the LS except for fuel mileage. The price of parts for the older engines were so much cheaper it allowed far more options to build the engine.
I watch your videos on tik tok. And I just found your RU-vid. I’m lovin em all. Your so informative and have little bias. You go off facts and statistics. Thank you for thay
With me also being a little biased, not taking into account the price for modifications.... the 93-97 lt1 can be made into a monster and match modern supped up engines. The 93-97 lt1 engines are CRIMINALY Underrated. Also reverseflow cooling is bad ass !!!!!
Agreed. I had a ride in a G-Body with a 90s LT1 in it. 350 HP to the wheels and that thing could move. He made it to be a summer touring car to drive cross country.
I put a L86 in my jk and it is a awesome swap. But I added a supercharger and now lay modify it. And kinda wish I had gotten a LS for the reason u had stated. But if I wasn’t going to modify I like the LT all day the torque for a stock motor is amazing
This video has me amped and I never say that word. I got a 02 single cab with a LS7 and I’m getting a ZR2 with a L87. I’m looking forward to rebuilding my old truck as soon as I get my new one. Plus the parts are cheaper. I’m goin to learn a lot of stuff
Great comparison video. You really can do a LS swap in your toaster! I can remember LS swapped mustangs at the track back in the day cause the Ford boys got tired of gettin' beat all the time! Poor Ford didn't have an answer to the LS until 2011.😂
And roller lifters and rockers. I believe the water pump was reverse flowed to cool the heads first instead of the block. There were a lot of little things that added horse power or the lack of horse power robbing. I might be thinking of a generation before the LTx., but I know that those changes added a lot to GM power from the old 350ci as we knew it.
Any recommendations on which LS? 1974 Square Body K10. Long highway drives before hitting dirt or mud. Need a matching transmission, either manual or automatic. Fuel economy and durability are more important than HP. I am fine going a bit slow but hate to breakdown in the middle of nowhere. Could do a new crate or junkyard.
Great vid. The fueling is crazy expensive. And as soon as you boost the LT1 you will need to upgrade it to full lt4 fueling and new piston and rods. Yes the ls is a better platform overall.
Bought a previosly raced LT1 for $1k. Going to build it more with a better intake, possibly even go nuts with it, and swap it into sonething that definitely should not have that kind of horsepower
Mannnnnnn that 5.3 LS is literally today’s 350. Everyone and their neighbor was dropping in 350’s. Ayyyyyyyy speaking of 5.3’s. I’ve got one someone near middle Tennessee can have l. Runs good and doesn’t smoke but it’s long in the tooth at about 220k miles on it. Only thing I’m charging is dropping in my newer engine in.
Hey man just wanna say this was an incredible video, love these kinds of deep dives and it’s hard to find people who do them well, especially on relatively niche topics like this.
I really want an LS3 and to supercharge it. After sll I've come to learn. Its pretty well known they can reliabily hold 750 hp without having to do anything else but a cam.
Oh..... i had an LT1 in a 1996 Camaro B4C that was non-decommissioned. Aside from all the lights, stickers and computer being removed. This car was intact with its full package. With just air/fuel and timing mods. It was putting out 400HP and 420FpT. Ran the quarter in under 12s. These engines were solid. Apart from the pancake distributor.
The AFM/DoD can be tuned out on the LTs, and in fact is factory tuned out on all the manual transmission ones. The manuals instead have a skip-shift feature to avoid the gas-guzzler tax, altho that can also be removed by installing a $10 bypass cable.
@@upcastdrake8460 yep - eco, normal, sport, & race. In ECO mode it will default to 4cyl DOD if the power isn't required. With ECO on it pretty much defaults to 4cyl: 70mph, top down, 7th gear, it pulls 1300rpm, and averages 35mpg. If I stay in 6th at 60mph it will be closer to 40mpg. Power is just a stab of the throttle away (usually requires a downshift as the cruising rpm is so low) Outstanding power and fuel economy combined.
I own a 2006 gto with the ls2 in it and love it 108.800 miles change my oil and filter and it runs great I don't burn rubber but I don't baby it either and I'm 68 years old
I'm going to look at my first LS long block this weekend. The kid said it was his grandfather's before he passed and he was the original owner. He doesn't know anything else about it, so im going to identify what LS it is specifically. He's asking 400, depending on which lsx it is I'd say it's a no brainer for me to pick up this engine to rebuild?
So I got more pictures and decided against it for the fact it was just a long block, and it was incomplete in terms of accessory parts and manifold, wiring harness, etc.
You will not be disappointed, I have a 2019 Camaro ss 1le, and it's the best car I've ever owned. Previously owned: 2011 Wrx FBO tuned by jrtuned, and a 1993 supra tt auto standard bpu all on 93octane. Camaro stock kills my previously owned cars in every performance metric. But the supra was actually more compliant on the street lol.
I do have a comparison that I would like to see if you could. Gen 1 small blocks vs LS. I am looking for a cost per hp comparison. Reason for the request, the Gen 1's have been around forever and have more aftermarket parts (currently) available to them vs LS. Granted I know the stock head is the biggest re-stricter of power but for under $5K, you can build over 500HP on a stock 400 or 383. So the parameters I would use are - displacement (nothing over 400CI plus .030 overbore for cleanup), cost - I would keep it to $5000 and naturally aspirated, 2 bolt main on the Gen 1 would be fine, both junkyard motors. What are your thoughts? Would this be a worthwhile video? BTW: nice work on this video!
Reminds me of the late 90s when if you were serious about going fast with your new 98 F body you yanked that LS1 out and dropped in a big inch SBC with carb and probably a 2 speed auto.
I’m not a fan of the direct injection because of the problems with the intake valves coking up. I have a 2015 ZL1 manual transmission and I plan on keeping it for the long term.
