LS1 vs 396

[LM13]

which one is better 396 or the LS1?
the LS1 is it 350 cui like the LT1 or is it bigger?
and is at all possible to convert from an LT1 to an LS1?
thanx

[DR2000]

LS1 I think is a bit smaller then 350. It is a new engine - different from LT1 - so I guess no converting one to another.

[MrSag]

do u mean modifying the engine so that it works like the newer one, or just swapping it?

[EliGC]

Originally posted by MrSag
do u mean modifying the engine so that it works like the newer one, or just swapping it?

he meant swapping

[CrowSS]

LS1 is like 346 ci, I think, so for all practical puposes it's a 350.

The LS1's are dyno'ing like 325 HP, so a 396 should take down an LS1.

You could also convert to one, there are guys that have done it.
Look here:
1st Impala SS LS1 (http://www.impalassforum.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=001816)
382 LS6 Impala SS!!! (http://www.impalassforum.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=002370)

I hear that the conversion is $$$$$ though. (By conversion I mean taking out the LT1 and replacing it with the LS1, they are not "compatible" with one another. Nor are the electronics!!. :( )

[LM13]

whats the size of he LS6?
same as the LS1?
thanx

[CrowSS]

whats the size of he LS6? same as the LS1?


http://www.corvetteforum.cc/zeroimg/smilies/yesnod.gif

[LM13]

hmm
so the 396 is the best and the easiest to install?
maybe the cost will come out to about the same
but who gives a turkey :D
i don't save money on my car
thanx

[CrowSS]

It's best in the sense of you are using the orginal block, or another LT1 anyways, so everything stays pretty much stock around the engine. You don't have to reroute all the accessories, wiring, exhaust and I don't even know if the trannys are compatable.
So the LS1 is a LOT of work, maybe not nessacarily more $$$, but definately more effort. Not to mention that with the 396 you should easliy be over 400 HP at the tires.
Don't forget that the 396 will need big air and exhaust also. Meaning bigger TB, full length headers, and at least 2.5" exhaust if you want it to really perform. Then there is the fuel pump, injectors, PCM reprogram, and possibly a hotter coil package.
Quite a lot of $$$ either way.
Dream on though!!!

[LM13]

i ain't dreamin i am planning :D

[CrowSS]

Cool!! Good luck.
Do a lot of research and talk to the guys on the Impala SS forum that already have the 396's. They can tell you all you need to know. This is one mod that you would want to do right the first time.
If my engine goes I'm going the 383 route.
Strokers are the way to go!!!