Gen IV Camaro - LT1 or LS1?

[old5.0]

Most of the relevant info has already been covered, but I'm throwing in my two cents anyway. The LT1 is a solid platform, but it's time on the performance scene was brief and it was completely overshadowed by the LS. Ultimately, it was simply a mild update of the basic Gen 1 SBC, while the LS was a clean sheet design engineered from the ground up to be a horsepower churn. The result is that, outside of a few dedicated loyalists, relatively few mess with the LT. Most stick the Gen 1 SBC or skip ahead to the LS engines.

In terms of platform, the 4th gens have some issues when used as a dedicated drag car, as has been pointed out already. If you'd prefer to stick with GM, an alternative might be an 80's G-Body with either a worked SBC or an LS swap. Either can be done without breaking the bank. And if you're changing engines anyway, don't forget about the 3rd Gen, either.

If you are willing to make the jump to the Fox, some positives have already been pointed out, as well. Some people hate 'em because you can't walk five feet at the track without tripping over one, but to that it must be pointed out that A. People used to have the same complaint about 1st gen Camaro's when they were the cheap drag car of choice, and B. They're common because they just flat out work. The Fox/LS swap (Boo!) is relatively common and well scienced-out.

If you'd prefer to keep everything one brand, keep in mind that the SBF in stock form simply isn't in the same league as the LS since it was designed before the Beach Boys moved out of their parent's house. However, this isn't the 60's anymore, or even the 80's for that matter, and the aftermarket has closed alot of gaps. The first aftermarket SBF head, the ARI Pro-1, released around '84 or '85 and the first aftermarket EFI intake hit the scene about four years later, which means that there's a 30-year supply of aftermarket hard parts floating around, not to mention the easy access to information on building a brutally quick and safe 5.0 Fox without taking out a second mortgage.

Pick your poison; you'll do okay with any of these options. If you decide to go with a Fox, feel free to hit me up any time. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img]