Gen IV Camaro - LT1 or LS1?

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Is the LT1 a problem child compared to the LS1, or is it just internet hype?

Benjamin can actually drive in Jr Street class next year, so if I could pick up something cheap for him like this.....

96 LT1 Camaro with 11k miles

[Dave Rifkin]

I am no engine guy but, the only problems I recall reading about were related to an intake manifold gasket leak and the Opti-Spark set up. I used to own a 1996 Collector Edition Corvette and never had a problem with it.

[novadude]

Opti-spark was really the only issue with those engines. IMO, it was a great engine, and the height of traditional SBC development. Crank, rods, pistons, valvetrain, etc, etc all interchangeable with the traditional small block, and every bit as reliable. It's only the opti-spark and water pump that cause people fits.

[cook_dw]

LT-1's were & are great torque engines. Biggest issue is the intake design being the limiting factor. LS has a larger and greater potential for power from the aftermarket. Like others have said Opti is the biggest issue. If you do decide to go with a LT based engine car go with the later models (95- 97).

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Thanks all, I'll keep my eyes open - I think he'll be the only 14 year old kid with 3 cars: '69 Nova SS, 7.90 Jr Dragster, and a '96'ish Camaro Z28. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/eek.gif[/img]

[PxTx]

I'd like to hear more about needs and goals for the car. I don't like a few things in the Camaro like the wimpy rear ends, they can be hard to judge for a young person. Aftermarket is weak for the lt1 and with the engine back there, half under the dash...well not my favorite car to do simple thing like changing the plugs.

Fox body Mustang? Strong aftermarket, 8 8 rear, lighter/smaller, more traditional layout, pre-obdii gives some emissions test flexibility and most of all...they are historically relevant.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

That's a good option Paul, and I'm not opposed to a decent Found On Russian Dump Fox body - it would likely be a street class car with minimal mod's, essentially a bridge vehicle so he can continue racing between Jr Dragsters and going off to College.

[markjohnson]

I've got a late model LT1/LT4 fetish but don't tell anybody. I like the reverse cooling in them and by '96, they had most of the bugs worked out of that Opti-Spark ignition with a vent system for moisture problems. That being said, it's been about 20 years now since the LS asteroid wiped them out and the smart thing to probably do is just jump on newer LS bandwagon with the rest of the world. LS aftermarket support has become mind-boggling big.

[PxTx]

Mark makes a really good point. You could probably get a GT0 for similar money and have the LS and all its goodness. I say the GTO because they are under valued vs a Camaro.

That said, my belief is that any LS equipped car under $10k today is not as strong of a value as any of the sub $10k Fox Mustangs. Speaking in relatively stock form for each, the Mustang is a more capable, reliable and diy friendly drag car. Yes, the LS motors are better but with modern efi and forced induction or NO2 control, you can easily make excessive hp with nearly anything.

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[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

I agree with of you - wish I could find an LS powered GTO for $10K! Otherwise, the goal is a cheap set of wheels to go racing for a few years. I'm thinking a decent LS1 powered Camaro or late model 'Stang will be a good deal in a couple of years when he's able to run both Jr's and a street car.