1997 5.7 LT1 or 2000 6.0 LS motor - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

65standard · 10-04-2015, 08:39 AM

I have two engines available for my 85 C/10. One is from a '97 trans-am 5.7 LT1. The other is from a 2000 Chevy 2500 6.0 LS. Both are complete with everything needed for a swap. I am leaning toward the 6.0 because it has a 300Hp rating while the LT1 is at 275Hp. I also believe the 6.0 can easily be upgraded to 400Hp like the newer LS3. What do you guys think?

durty harry · 10-04-2015, 08:57 AM

The LT1 was fine in its day , aside from the optispark was junk and the reverse cooling system being not so liked and depending on what year motor it is , being prior to 96 you have to deal with the OBD 1 system .
I would say go with the 6.0 hands down the best of the 2 .

**MikeB** · 10-04-2015, 10:18 AM

Heck, I'd use an L98 before an LT1, due to the LT1's reverse cooling and Opti-spark. Both will bolt-in with fewer mods to the truck than an LS requires. However, neither one has the power potential of a 6.0 liter LS engine. And that potential is virtually unlimited, even using stock Chevy parts.

TrybalRage · 10-04-2015, 10:32 AM

I'm an LT1 fan myself (1997 Camaro SS owner) but for an upgrade/swap the LS based engine has such a huge aftermarket available it really doesn't make sense to go with the LT. If you decide to upgrade (cam/heads/etc) everyone and their mother can tune for an LS computer, very very few specialize in the LT1 PCM anymore.

Only benefits would be that externally it is the same as a traditional small block so it would drop right in without special motor mounts, etc.

Zane M · 10-04-2015, 11:02 AM

LS, no question.

65standard · 10-04-2015, 03:47 PM

Thanks guys. 6.0 LS2 it is. I'll bring the whole truck home to make sure I get everything I need for the swap.

TrybalRage · 10-04-2015, 10:08 PM

Hold on to that LT, still nothing wrong with it

Swap to a carb and traditional dizzy and you've got a solid engine for an older vehicle. All of the benefits of newer engineering with the reliability of traditional SBC.

**mongocanfly** · 10-05-2015, 12:05 AM

You done figured it out.no dout..LS...I'm sure you've read up on the ls swap..there's more to it than just drop it in and go

MalibuSSwagon · 10-05-2015, 07:39 PM

Whats wrong with the reverse cooling system? Opti I can understand, but if you put a quality one in it's fine. Lt1 was a stepping stone in the design life of the LS engines, which also use reverse cooling. My DD is a 1995 Caprice police car, I know the quirks of the Lt1. That being said, if you have access to the newer LS engine, do it. Just keep in mind you'll be spending 800 or so to install a LS in a older vehicle.

**MikeB** · 10-06-2015, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MalibuSSwagon

Whats wrong with the reverse cooling system?

Well, it certainly lets the cylinder heads run cooler and tolerates higher compression. But wouldn't it require a custom radiator for installation into an 85 pickup? Either that or a kludgey hose setup.

MalibuSSwagon · 10-06-2015, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeB

Well, it certainly lets the cylinder heads run cooler and tolerates higher compression. But wouldn't it require a custom radiator for installation into an 85 pickup? Either that or a kludgey hose setup.

LS is also reverse cooling. And plenty of people, me included, have used the stock radiator in swaps. I'm willing to bet the stock LT1 hoses would line up decent.

Ski-me · 10-06-2015, 11:25 AM

Interesting spec on the LT1. I have a 94' LT1 Corvette engine in my boat and it's rated at 310HP. Maybe just something with the boat tuning but I wouldn't think it's that much different. Boats in 97-98 with LT1's were around 328HP.

With that said, I'd go with the 6.0L though.

lilpoindexter · 10-06-2015, 08:14 PM

LS...LT1 was good only until the LS became available.

Signed;
former LT1 owner

10-04-2015, 08:39 AM	#1
65standard Registered User Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Coal City, IL Posts: 695	1997 5.7 LT1 or 2000 6.0 LS motor I have two engines available for my 85 C/10. One is from a '97 trans-am 5.7 LT1. The other is from a 2000 Chevy 2500 6.0 LS. Both are complete with everything needed for a swap. I am leaning toward the 6.0 because it has a 300Hp rating while the LT1 is at 275Hp. I also believe the 6.0 can easily be upgraded to 400Hp like the newer LS3. What do you guys think? __________________ Tony Nicholas @ Midwest Metal Masters 1953 Chevy 3100 392 Hemi w/727 & 9” Ford 1985 Chevy C/10 6.0L 4L80 373 locker

10-04-2015, 08:57 AM	#2
durty harry Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Gainesville, Fl Posts: 178	Re: 1997 5.7 LT1 or 2000 6.0 LS motor The LT1 was fine in its day , aside from the optispark was junk and the reverse cooling system being not so liked and depending on what year motor it is , being prior to 96 you have to deal with the OBD 1 system . I would say go with the 6.0 hands down the best of the 2 . __________________ Scott 82 step side aka " Bouncy " 73 GMC Long bed Vortec 5.7

10-04-2015, 10:18 AM	#3
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,597	Re: 1997 5.7 LT1 or 2000 6.0 LS motor Heck, I'd use an L98 before an LT1, due to the LT1's reverse cooling and Opti-spark. Both will bolt-in with fewer mods to the truck than an LS requires. However, neither one has the power potential of a 6.0 liter LS engine. And that potential is virtually unlimited, even using stock Chevy parts. __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

10-04-2015, 10:32 AM	#4
TrybalRage Registered User Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Reading, PA Posts: 203	Re: 1997 5.7 LT1 or 2000 6.0 LS motor I'm an LT1 fan myself (1997 Camaro SS owner) but for an upgrade/swap the LS based engine has such a huge aftermarket available it really doesn't make sense to go with the LT. If you decide to upgrade (cam/heads/etc) everyone and their mother can tune for an LS computer, very very few specialize in the LT1 PCM anymore. Only benefits would be that externally it is the same as a traditional small block so it would drop right in without special motor mounts, etc. __________________ 1985 C10 Silverado LWB LS Swapped! Other Stuff 2010 Suburban 2500 LT 4WD

10-04-2015, 11:02 AM	#5
Zane M Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: SLC, UT Posts: 706	Re: 1997 5.7 LT1 or 2000 6.0 LS motor LS, no question.

10-04-2015, 03:47 PM	#6
65standard Registered User Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Coal City, IL Posts: 695	Re: 1997 5.7 LT1 or 2000 6.0 LS motor Thanks guys. 6.0 LS2 it is. I'll bring the whole truck home to make sure I get everything I need for the swap. __________________ Tony Nicholas @ Midwest Metal Masters 1953 Chevy 3100 392 Hemi w/727 & 9” Ford 1985 Chevy C/10 6.0L 4L80 373 locker

10-04-2015, 10:08 PM	#7
TrybalRage Registered User Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Reading, PA Posts: 203	Re: 1997 5.7 LT1 or 2000 6.0 LS motor Hold on to that LT, still nothing wrong with it Swap to a carb and traditional dizzy and you've got a solid engine for an older vehicle. All of the benefits of newer engineering with the reliability of traditional SBC. __________________ 1985 C10 Silverado LWB LS Swapped! Other Stuff 2010 Suburban 2500 LT 4WD

10-05-2015, 12:05 AM	#8
mongocanfly Post Whore Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alabama Posts: 14,670	Re: 1997 5.7 LT1 or 2000 6.0 LS motor You done figured it out.no dout..LS...I'm sure you've read up on the ls swap..there's more to it than just drop it in and go

10-05-2015, 07:39 PM	#9
MalibuSSwagon Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Weare,NH Posts: 1,592	Re: 1997 5.7 LT1 or 2000 6.0 LS motor Whats wrong with the reverse cooling system? Opti I can understand, but if you put a quality one in it's fine. Lt1 was a stepping stone in the design life of the LS engines, which also use reverse cooling. My DD is a 1995 Caprice police car, I know the quirks of the Lt1. That being said, if you have access to the newer LS engine, do it. Just keep in mind you'll be spending 800 or so to install a LS in a older vehicle. __________________ Eric 1992 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser 1986 Chevrolet C10\|5.3L\|TKO600\|Shortbed\|Custom Deluxe 1983 Malibu Wagon\|TPI 305\|T5 5 speed\|3.73 non-posi

10-06-2015, 11:25 AM	#12
Ski-me Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: Colo Springs, CO Posts: 870	Re: 1997 5.7 LT1 or 2000 6.0 LS motor Interesting spec on the LT1. I have a 94' LT1 Corvette engine in my boat and it's rated at 310HP. Maybe just something with the boat tuning but I wouldn't think it's that much different. Boats in 97-98 with LT1's were around 328HP. With that said, I'd go with the 6.0L though. __________________ - Jeff 89' K5 Blazer, 2.5" lift, 35" tires 04' GMC Yukon XL, 3/4 ton, 8.1L

10-06-2015, 08:14 PM	#13
lilpoindexter Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: los angeles Posts: 1,134	Re: 1997 5.7 LT1 or 2000 6.0 LS motor LS...LT1 was good only until the LS became available. Signed; former LT1 owner

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