what to do

[19camaro81]

Ok so do I get a 2001 camaro z28 for $5400 or 1997 cameo with a Corvette motor and tranz for 3700 both in good condition both have Corvette wheels. What makes more power cheaper?

[Parker]

Depends, what corvette motor does it have?

[redz2000]

Both have Vette motors if they haven't been replaced. The 01 has the LS1 and the 97 the LT1. This is a long standing dicussion on which is the cheaper way to go, the LS1 has more hp from the factory but is generally more expensive to mod but also has more hp potential IMO.

[Parker]

I agree that the LS1 has more power potential, but the other could have had any corvette motor swapped into it.

[19camaro81]

I'll do sone research and let ya know but I think I may go with the ls1

[Parker]

In my opinion your best bet would be to go with the 01'. The Ls1 is an amazing engine.

[The Sad]

In my opinion your best bet would be to go with the 01'. The Ls1 is an amazing engine.

 

LS1 is a "corvette" motor too like Jim said.  LSx platforms are amazing engines and if you can get a good deal on one DO IT!   They are not that expensive to mod, make power easy, and don't have optispark to deal with. 

[kagato]

Ditto with what sad posted!
Years back when the LS1 was the newest on the market there was a substantial price difference to mod.  Where as now they are a good 13 years old (crazy to think) and their horse per dollar mod ratio has severely tapered off.  The evidence is everywhere you look, long block prices from junkyards, all the budget builds of non LS1 factory motored cars as well as all the speed and machine shops that have the tools to work on their architecture.

Some LT guys might disagree with this but unless you already have a LT1 and are starting from scratch the build cost for most any given setup would probably be about six's.  I dare say you might actually spend less and/or have better driveability on an LS1 than an LT1 if both were putting down the same dyno numbers.      

[Rockin C Racing]

I'm an LT1 guy and agree with Sad and Kagato.  LSx's are a great base to start from and the cost for mod's have tapered off over the years, to the point that it isn't that bad.  If I had to start over right now, I would go LSx, but I'm already neck deep in multiple LT1's.

[NVMYZ28]

LT1 vs LS1 isnt = to a Ford vs Chevy debate.  Both are good motors, but the LS1 is a better motor, period.  Not to mention, it has a better PCM, ignition, injection etc etc.