4.6L vs LT1/LS1

X-L-R-8 · May 3, 2005

I was just wondering...........Are there any advantages to having a 4.6L over an LS1/LT1 or vise-versa? What are the good points and bad points of each? What are the major differences? I mean, I know that the LS1/LT1s are bigger and faster, but are they BETTER than the 4.6L as far as reliability? Let's just say a person was interested in buying a sports car like a Mustang or Camaro and looks didn't matter. Lets say they wanted to know which of the two would be the better overall vehicle. Thanks!!!!

csledd · May 3, 2005

My personal opinion is the mustang, of course. Camaros will dog out on you.. that's a fact, I've known plenty of owners who say this, and their interiors will fall apart. I know a guy with a z28 ls1 and he has full exhaust, gears, lip and can put down 380 in the engine but only 310 gets to the wheels.

Advantages of camaros... well if you have a ls1 you have more horsepower from the start, and if you start modding that thing it would be hard for a mustang to keep up with you without some serious modifications. if you get a lt1 stock for stock its a drivers race and a slightly modified mustang could take a lt1 easy if they can drive worth a damn.

My opinion is that the mustang looks better and i like the heritage. whenever i see camaros I think redneck for some reason

starchman · May 3, 2005

I've owned a 95 Z28 vert and a 2000 Mustang GT, and I must say that I liked the GT much better. I broke 3 transmissions in the Z28 (engine was pretty solid, though), and all that went wrong with my GT was the IAC valve. I'm not sure which was quicker in the 1/4, but I would have to say that the Z28 had more balls off the line than my GT, but the GT had more up top. Most importantly, the build quality of my Z28 was crap; it might have been because it was a vert, but it shook itself to pieces. The GT is probably still holding together just fine. And, of course, the Mustang just looks better. BTW, what's wrong with rednecks?

xspwr stang · May 3, 2005

My cousin has a '97 lt1 TA and has had many problems w/it. He bought it new and also had extended warrenty. When he hit about 30k miles on it he started having the problems, I don't remember what they were but he had to take it in for service 5 different times. The only thing you have to remember about the GT's 3650 is the grind, other than that I really think the 4.6 is the more RELIABLE of the two.

mto gt2000 · May 3, 2005

Some bias people. I just sold my 1994 z28 and bought a 2000 mustang gt. I will agree with the interior, they are crap. But I would take an lt1/ls1 over a 4.6 any day. The lt1 is a tank. I miss the toqrue from my lt1, but all around the mustang is a nicer car.

02BlkStang · May 3, 2005

starchman said:
I'm not sure which was quicker in the 1/4, but I would have to say that the Z28 had more balls off the line than my GT, but the GT had more up top.

You're joking right?

splogan · May 3, 2005

I have had a 2000 TA and a 2001 WS6 and a couple stangs. Lets say that nowhere in the powerband is the stang even close to the LS1(stock of course). If all you care about is power the TA(camaro) is the clear winner. Now the rest of the car is another story. I felt that the stangs were built better than the TA's. In 15k miles the rotors were replaced twice the t-top was resealed and other minor fit and finish issues. Who ever thought a 7.5 rearend was a good idea behind a 320+hp engine was a retard. The headlight motors and window motors are crap at best. Plus side the TA looks better and had WAY more comfortable seats.

Cliff Notes

TA(camaro) Better seating position and Raw power.

Stang : over all better car IMO

I'd want one of each, stang daily driver and TA to tinker with and terrorize the stupid ricers.

BlackenedSVT · May 3, 2005

02BlkStang said:
You're joking right?

Well pushrod engines don't perform well at faster speeds. Thats part of the reason why camshafts were invented. They allow for faster speeds to be obtained. Now of course a camaro will do 150 no problem like the GT will. But im just saying that maybe thats why he is saying that.

lgndracer · May 3, 2005

UDTBadkarma said:
Well pushrod engines don't perform well at faster speeds. Thats part of the reason why camshafts were invented.

I am at a loss for words after reading that...........

Are you trying to tell us that pushrod engines don't have camshafts, and that camshafts are newly invented?

splogan · May 3, 2005

UDTBadkarma said:
Well pushrod engines don't perform well at faster speeds. Thats part of the reason why camshafts were invented. They allow for faster speeds to be obtained. Now of course a camaro will do 150 no problem like the GT will. But im just saying that maybe thats why he is saying that.

Ummm ok. At no point could a GT hang with my TA, roll stop nothing. Could have something to do with the 100 hp difference. BTW you realize even pushrod engines have cams, only one and it is at the bottom but still there.

BTW big difference between LT1 and LS1

FireFinder20 · May 3, 2005

well...i hafta say that I'm divided on this subject.

i liked my 4.6 01 GT vert, i never had a problem at the track against stock LT1's

now I have my 3rd LT1 and i never have any problems beating stock 4.6 2Vs...

i think the GM is more comfortable, but the Fords is nicer

they both look great IMHO, but I get a lot more attention in the TA

upstairs it's no contest, i walk away from stock 2V Stangs all day

The LT1 has that pesky OptiSpark distributor, which is a bitch to change

the 4.6 in my Stang went south at 30K on the odo, thank goodness for warranties...

I guess it's all in personal taste..I suppose I'd take either one...

as far as the LS1 goes....well, doesn't take a lot to make them fly, but they are $$$ to mod...
but stock to stock, you'd need a Cobra to whoop on one...

just my .02

mto gt2000 · May 3, 2005

Power for power 260 to 320 is no contest. Even though the mustang is a little lighter its still not enough to keep up.

300bhp/ton · May 3, 2005

UDTBadkarma said:
Well pushrod engines don't perform well at faster speeds. Thats part of the reason why camshafts were invented.

eh?????

A push rod V8 has a camshaft too

it seems to be pretty well excepted that the LT1's (and variants L98, Lt4 and so on) where very grunty low down motors and not much top end. The LS1 on the other hand is an entirly new and different engine, it may still be a push rod V8, but that doesn't mean its an old design. They are know to have less low down grunt and be very rev happy with loads of mid and high end power.

The 2v SOHC Mustang engine may well use a different design ethos but it doesn't mean its a superior design.

And not being an American I don't go in for all this Ford v GM bollox, if you look on an Fbody site they say that Mustangs have poor build quality and fall apart, were as if you look on a Mustang site they say the exact opporsite.

And as much as many of you will hate it, I should imagine the build quality is pretty similar between them ALL.

As for which one to go for, well that should be a personal choice. They all look good and are all fast. If you get an LS1 with all the boltons and a cam and a heavy duty rear end you will see 400+rwhp. Or for about the same money you could get a 99+ Mustang with a KB blower and also see 400+rwhp.

Its pretty even odds, and I should think its the same story with handling too, they both use basically the same setup (live rear) and weigh almost the same.

mr. jones1 · May 3, 2005

I have both LS1 and 4.6l Gt. I am at 450hp in the ls1 with heads, cam and headers (6 speed 2003 vette~3400lb). The 4.6l needs a supercharger and exhaust to come close to 350-400hp and it still weighs more. Both mods cost about the same. The 4.6l and the LS1 are good designs. You have to go for a cobra to up the potential. Now the price is approaching new levels.
a camaro will weigh more and engine access is tighter that the vette and mustang.
right now you could get a 1998-2000 vette for about $21,000 this would be the start point for a better handling, stopping and perf. car.
LT1 can be a pain to work on.

Ernad · May 3, 2005

X-L-R-8 said:
I was just wondering...........Are there any advantages to having a 4.6L over an LS1/LT1 or vise-versa? What are the good points and bad points of each? What are the major differences? I mean, I know that the LS1/LT1s are bigger and faster, but are they BETTER than the 4.6L as far as reliability? Let's just say a person was interested in buying a sports car like a Mustang or Camaro and looks didn't matter. Lets say they wanted to know which of the two would be the better overall vehicle. Thanks!!!!

Reliability would also depend on how the car is/was driven. If you are in the market for a sports car, and are considering a Mustang or TA/Camaro, I suggest shopping around. Drive both and see what suits you better. It's a very personal choice imho.

Mike97gt · May 3, 2005

christiesledd said:
I know a guy with a z28 ls1 and he has full exhaust, gears, lip and can put down 380 in the engine but only 310 gets to the wheels.

what did you expect him too get at the wheels. and how do you know what he is making at the crank. please don't tell me some BS like "well they have 305 stock and his mods add up too 75 hp according too ad's"

LS-1's dyno anywhere from 280 or so with the converter unlocked in a auto to 305-310 in a 01-02 6 speed. the 01-02 is the meanest ls-1 from the factory.

the LT-1 is a drivers race with our cars if well driven. but it's easier too get a good time out of the LT-1 car.

the LS-1 is just a bit too much for us. let the 03-04 cobra guys take that one.

Mike97gt · May 3, 2005

mr. jones1 said:
I have both LS1 and 4.6l Gt. I am at 450hp in the ls1 with heads, cam and headers (6 speed 2003 vette~3400lb). The 4.6l needs a supercharger and exhaust to come close to 350-400hp

typical vette owner. owns a vette but has a avatar of a guy bashing a chevy symbol. "my cars not a chevy it's a vette"

mity2 · May 3, 2005

Well, i think Camaro IS faster off line then 4.6. Both LT-1 and LS1 does have assload of torque down low.
Now, i don't know about LS1, but as far as LT-1 goes, they can take u off the line. BUT if 4.6 is modded somewhat(exhaust and intake), once car is moving, u should be able to pass them. Its all about traction dude. I once beat SN95 Cobra with Camaro A/T by like 4 car length, because Cobra got excited, and span the wheel good few sec befor he got moving.
LS1 is whole another game tho

I'll tak4.6 over LT-1 and LS1 anyday. U just can beat reliabilities of 4.6

lgndracer · May 3, 2005

300bhp/ton said:
Its pretty even odds, and I should think its the same story with handling too, they both use basically the same setup (live rear) and weigh almost the same.

Acutally, they are both live axle, but the F-body rear set up is far superior to the Mustang's poor design.

FireFinder20 said:
but I get a lot more attention in the TA

That would probably depend on the Mustang. If I'm parked in a lot with camaro's and T/A's, my S281 seems to get a lot more attention.

Mike97gt · May 3, 2005

300bhp/ton said:
eh?????

A push rod V8 has a camshaft too

it seems to be pretty well excepted that the LT1's (and variants L98, Lt4 and so on) where very grunty low down motors and not much top end. The LS1 on the other hand is an entirly new and different engine, it may still be a push rod V8, but that doesn't mean its an old design. They are know to have less low down grunt and be very rev happy with loads of mid and high end power.

The 2v SOHC Mustang engine may well use a different design ethos but it doesn't mean its a superior design.

And not being an American I don't go in for all this Ford v GM bollox, if you look on an Fbody site they say that Mustangs have poor build quality and fall apart, were as if you look on a Mustang site they say the exact opporsite.

And as much as many of you will hate it, I should imagine the build quality is pretty similar between them ALL.

As for which one to go for, well that should be a personal choice. They all look good and are all fast. If you get an LS1 with all the boltons and a cam and a heavy duty rear end you will see 400+rwhp. Or for about the same money you could get a 99+ Mustang with a KB blower and also see 400+rwhp.

Its pretty even odds, and I should think its the same story with handling too, they both use basically the same setup (live rear) and weigh almost the same.

almost right.

but the LT-1 family (lt-1, lt-4 vortec head v-8's) have a much improved head design compared too the L-98

the L-98's made almost no top end power. a LT-1 makes more power above 4500 than a 4.6 2v PI motor.

the LT-1 got a bad rep due too the LS-1 just being better. but please stick too facts the LT-1 is a good 50 HP better than a L-98

4.6L vs LT1/LS1

X-L-R-8

New Member

csledd

Official Ovary Punching Member

starchman

New Member

xspwr stang

New Member

mto gt2000

New Member

02BlkStang

New Member

splogan

BlackenedSVT

Active Member

lgndracer

New Member

splogan

FireFinder20

mto gt2000

New Member

300bhp/ton

New Member

mr. jones1

New Member

Ernad

celibate sans pants

Mike97gt

it doe snot

Mike97gt

it doe snot

mity2

I like Pro3 and all I got was this crappy CT.

lgndracer

New Member

Mike97gt

it doe snot

Similar threads

4.6L vs LT1/LS1

New Member

Official Ovary Punching Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

Active Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

celibate sans pants

it doe snot

it doe snot

I like Pro3 and all I got was this crappy CT.

New Member

it doe snot

Similar threads

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency