LS1 or LS2?

[MStennes]

I cant decided on either a LS1 or a LS2 whats the better of the 2? And why?
Thanks,
Mike

[Ralph LoGrasso]

They're extremely similar engines, in which most parts switch over. The LS2 has a 90mm TB and intake (some have found that the intake does not flow as well as a regular LS6 intake) as well the LS2 has better heads to start off with (LS6 heads) and more cubes. Go with whatever one fits your budget, they're both excellent motors.

[Steve1968LS2]

They're extremely similar engines, in which most parts switch over. The LS2 has a 90mm TB and intake (some have found that the intake does not flow as well as a regular LS6 intake) as well the LS2 has better heads to start off with (LS6 heads) and more cubes. Go with whatever one fits your budget, they're both excellent motors.

This is true.. The LS2 is clearly superior to the LS1, especially the earlier ones. The later LS1s had the LS6 intake and in some cases even the LS6 block.

As stated the LS2 has LS6 heads but with standard rather than sodium filled valves.

A better question would be should you go with the LS6 or the LS2. A new LS6 will cost you less $$ than a LS2 and in stock form yield about the same performance. The LS2 however has more potential due to the greater displacement.

If you are looking for used, or want to spend the least amount possible then it's hard to beat a low miles LS1.

[Ralph LoGrasso]

If you do go LS1, go with an '01-'02 if possible, especially if purchasing with a T56 connected. This will get you the LS6 intake as Steve stated, no EGR and an LS6 clutch as well as the updated hydraulics. Try to avoid the '98s since they have perimeter bolt heads and this might be an issue when modding.

Also, what are your plans for the motor? Stock or modified? Once you start modding heads/cams/intake/etc. the LS2's superiority is greatly reduced.

[MStennes]

I was leaning LS2 as it is a newer design and has more displacment. I would like to modify it up to 500 or so horsepower range. From what I have read that should be pretty easy. What mods would you advise? Where is the best place to look for a LS2?

[MStennes]

And on a side question am I better off buying a complete engine tranny combo out of a wrecked LS2 powered car or getting a LS2 engine and the electronics seperate? The reason I'm asking this is do I want a T56 or a TKO 500/600?
Thanks

[Steve1968LS2]

And on a side question am I better off buying a complete engine tranny combo out of a wrecked LS2 powered car or getting a LS2 engine and the electronics seperate? The reason I'm asking this is do I want a T56 or a TKO 500/600?
Thanks

Nothing wrong with at T56 if you can get it as a pull out you will save a bunch of $$$ since you won't have to buy a ECU, wiring or accesories.

The problem is that there isn't many at salvage yards yet.

[Steve1968LS2]

I was leaning LS2 as it is a newer design and has more displacment. I would like to modify it up to 500 or so horsepower range. From what I have read that should be pretty easy. What mods would you advise? Where is the best place to look for a LS2?

500 hp is VERY easy..

If you ran a cam like my 230/232 114+2 LSA unit, An LS6 intake and a set of ported stage II LS6 heads you could easily be over 500hp (oh, and some long tube headers like the hookers)

Best price I've found for an LS2 is $5495.. do a websearch.

[LSxChevelle]

I say buy a LS2 w/ T56 and ECU together off like Ebay. Then just do a cam and headers and you will be doing great!

[Ackattack]

Does the LS2 use a throttle by wire? The F-body LS1s use a cable....simpler install. Something to think about too.