LS1 or LS2?

[350ZNV]

So I have been debating between swapping an LS1 or an LS2 into my '70 Chevelle. Either one I choose will get a Magnacharger roots type blower on it for an extra kick. By looking at the prices, the LS2 is not that much more expensive than the LS1 out of the box, so why does everybody go LS1? Is there a lot more hastle when installing the LS2? Can the T-56 hook up to either one? So far I am leaning towards the LS2, but then again, I have just started my research.

[nitrorocket]

Well, you know my choice would be to buy a used ls1, tear it down and put forged pistons and good rods in it. Custom fab a twin turbo setup. Then have a 1000 hp pumpgas street car! But that is just me!

If you want new, go ls2, if you want used, an Ls1 can be had for $2500.

[350ZNV]

I would rather go new instead of used. Also I want streetable power and 1000hp isn't streetable lol. I also wanted to kind of stay along the lines of classic muscle car and to me, turbos aren't classic muscle car, whereas roots type blowers are more along the lines of that. I do love TTs though, I twin turboed my 350Z and can't get enough of it!

[rocketman]

1000 horse street cars aren't for everybody,we all have our own idea of streetable,by streetable you mean daily driveable.my new combo is 1100 hp and i've drive it everyday this week.anyway

most guys don't just by a used engine and throw it right in,most freshen it up first,change cam's etc.which is a lot cheaper than buying a new engine,such as a ls2.and really there's not that much differnce in the 2.change cams in a ls1 and you are maying ls2 power,change cam's and port in a ls2 and you really close ls7 power.

[nitrorocket]

Keep in mind with a 1000+ hp motor with turbos, it is 100% reliable as far as driveability. I can go cross country all day long! When I am not in boost(normal driving) it is basically a stock GM LS1 engine just like every truck camaro and vette that is a daily driver. Obviosly when boosting to 1000 hp, anything can happen and traction is a concern. It sure is easy to pass minivans though!

You will be real happy with a LS2, Or ls1 for that matter.

[Cheatin'Chad]

The LS2 is barely different than the LS1 overall. It is (as far as I know) superior as far as power production goes. The extra cubes DO make a difference.Another benefit is the fact that the 4" bore used to increase displacement helps unshroud valves increasing flow into the engine.

Now with the adaptors readily available for the reluctor wheel,the Knock sensors on the LS2 there is no reason to use an LS1 except for cost and availability.It doesn't seem like those two problems are problems for you at all.

I just got rid of my 1998 Trans Am that ran a best of 10.92@124 and was daily driven.All factory conveniences retained and the engine was STOCK shortblock. I had some Patriot heads,STOCK 98 LS1 cam,LS6 intake,NX nitrous,walbro pump,TCI converter in a stock 4l60e All tuning of the factory ECM done by me with HPtuners and a stock rear with a stock suspension all riding on 255/16 BFG DRs. Yes,I used a good deal of nitrous and the converter was fairly loose

IF I had kept it I would be sticking an LS2 based motor in place of the LS1 into it.The benefits of the 4" bore are hard to argue with.

[WS6]

If you are going to buy a new engine and do nothing else but the Magnacharger, get the LS2. However, you may want to look into getting a used LS1/LS6 and possibly freshen it up before putting the Magnacharger on there. Might meet your needs and help save some money. Either way they will all be great with the Magnacharger on there.

[350ZNV]

Well I have been lurking around the LS1/LS2 forums a bit debating on these plus the LS6/LS7, and everybody including myself keeps coming back to the LS2. I have a few more months of research to do before it comes time to make a decision, but so far it looks like the crate version of the LS2 is the way to go.

[Steve1968LS2]

If you wanna go new then your two choices are:

1. LS6 - 400hp and easier to do a swap with since it uses the 24x reluctor and common programming

2. LS2 - 400hp but more displacement and potential for big power. Uses the same harder to do, LS7 style 58x reluctor. Many companies are making this an easier choice.

The LS6 will cost you less but the LS2 is a better engine. I just did heads/cam/intake and got 573hp and 505ftlbs torque on an engine dyno with an LS2..

The best bang-for-the-buck is a used LS1 engine

[DJW32]

350znv,
I like your 350 z and your web-site, very cool twin turbo. When are you coming to california speedway?

Did you ask tito? I trust his .02

[Steve1968LS2]

looks like the crate version of the LS2 is the way to go.

:yes:

[ss dave]

Question for Steve, can you be more specific about the heads/cam/intake that you used for the 573/505. I'm thinking of an LS2or LS6 in a 69 that would be streetable. Thanks

[SLED28]

So I have been debating between swapping an LS1 or an LS2 into my '70 Chevelle. Either one I choose will get a Magnacharger roots type blower on it for an extra kick. By looking at the prices, the LS2 is not that much more expensive than the LS1 out of the box, so why does everybody go LS1? Is there a lot more hastle when installing the LS2? Can the T-56 hook up to either one? So far I am leaning towards the LS2, but then again, I have just started my research.

How much power are you looking for? You can make 500rwhp with a 402 and AFR heads and it will still be quite muscular like the car itself! You might not need a blower making it more reliable imo.

[datsbad]

Yeah 500rwhp is very easy without a blower !!

[Steve1968LS2]

Question for Steve, can you be more specific about the heads/cam/intake that you used for the 573/505. I'm thinking of an LS2or LS6 in a 69 that would be streetable. Thanks

Lets see..

Stock LS2 crate engine
AFR 205 heads (or just get stage II LS2/6 heads)
1 7/8 stepped long tube headers
FAST 90mm intake
COMP 230/232 114+2 camshaft

Voila!

Of course that was on an engine dyno with no accesories and open headers.. and corrected to SAP standards

It wasn't even a very big cam..

[Madspeed]

The ls2 block is also different in that it allready has good cylinder liners in it and does not need the 1800 dollar darton sleeves for that UBER power.

[nitrorocket]

I don't have sleeves in my block.

Something to keep in mind is that a LS2 will get a couple less mile per gallon for fuel economy.
The good thing about an ls2 with the 4" bore is that hellfire rings from different manufacturers are available for 1200+ hp applications.

You would gain about 20-30 hp from the larger bore size. Look for the best deal on either one.

If you do not find a "take out" motor, you will spend huge money buying accessories for the motor if you don't have them already.

An ls6 is basically a ls2 with a little less cubes.