Chevrolet’s LS and LT engines are the most well-known V8 engines globally. With its launch in the 1990s, the LS series redefined power for GM vehicles. Later, the launch of LT engines revolutionized the classic charm with better fuel efficiency. But, things can get tough while deciding between the LT engines vs the LS engines. Read our detailed take on these two that might help!
LS Engine Overview
Before we begin to compare the LT engine vs the LS engine, it is essential to know about these two engines and their characteristics in detail. Let’s first look into the LS engine family.
The inception of the LS platform engine family took place in 1997 when it was introduced by GM. The lineup was part of their Gen III and IV small V8 engine block. This motor underwent several changes over time, and GM kept making it better than before.
With the introduction of the Gen IV LS engines, there was a noticeable improvement in performance as promised for this car engine. The LS motors have, since then, developed further with improved cylinder heads, better power, and much more.
General Motors has designed these engines with cast-iron blocks and all-aluminum blocks. The use of such materials makes these engines compact, lightweight, and gives them longevity, so they have all the advantages of durability and versatility.
The core design of almost all the LS engines remains the same. There is a pushrod design, or what can be referred to as the overhead valve design. Such a design keeps things simple and compact, making the LS engines a better option among other V8 motors.
Although it comes in a simple design, this engine is capable of exhibiting massive power and output. You can expect it to exude around 250 horsepower when used in trucks. In cars that promise high horsepower, like the Corvette models, this engine can deliver up to 500hp.
While power and performance are some of the most talked-about features of any LS motor, it truly shines in its versatility and adaptability. If you’re planning an engine swap, LS is the option for you.
This engine can easily fit in various vehicles. It has a strong aftermarket support, which means you can easily find its parts, kits, and more. To sum up, we can refer to an LS engine as a perfect blend of ease, power, and affordability.
LT Engine Overview
The LT engines are a part of GM’s Gen V small block V8 lineup, introduced in 2014. The Gen V LT engine family carried forward the legacy of its predecessor LS engines with a modern twist.
Compared to the previous engine family, the LT motors were designed with technologies that focused on better performance, fuel-saving, and abiding by strict emission standards.
Direct fuel injection is among the most noticeable upgrades of this engine family. This feature allows for better fuel delivery and cleaner fuel combustion, resulting in better output.
The Gen V LT engine also comes with variable valve timing (VVT) and active fuel management or dynamic fuel management (AFM/DFM). All these technologies combine to let the engine switch freely between the power and fuel-saving modes, without losing a bit of its efficient operation.
This Gen V LT engine family has proved itself in terms of strength, especially with its use in some powerful Chevrolet vehicles. Cars like the Corvette Stingray, Camaro SS, and Silverado rely on this engine for their smooth and powerful performance across generations.
To sum up, we can refer to the LT engine family as a perfect representation of GM’s evolving small block technology. It offers raw power to the enthusiasts while also making sure that the engine poses no risk to the environment.
Key Differences Between LS and LT Motors
Let us paint a visual of the comparison between the LS engines and the LT engines for you as follows:
| Feature | LS Engine | LT Engine |
|---|---|---|
| Launched In | 1997 | 2014 |
| Fuel Injection Method | Port fuel injection | Direct injection |
| Technology and Design | Simple, compact, and easy to adapt | Advanced, complex, and requires tuning for adaptation |
| Ease for Users | Vast aftermarket support, easy parts availability | Support is limited but will eventually grow |
| Versatility and Compatibility | Very versatile and hence perfect for engine swaps and tunings. | A bit complex to adapt to. Need sensors and ECM integrations. |
| Fuel Efficiency | Not very fuel-efficient | Great fuel economy and efficiency |
| Usage | Vehicles like the Corvette and Camaro, trucks, and engine swaps | C7 Corvette, Camaro SS, Silverado, modern, powerful vehicles |
| Environmental Impact | Limited compliance with emission standards | Highly compliant with strict emission laws |
Performance Comparison: LS And LT Engines By General Motors
Speaking of performance and power, both the Gen IV LS engines and the newer LT engine block deliver well, but very differently from each other. The LS engines can produce anywhere from 250 to 500 horsepower. TheLT engines offer higher horsepower, starting at 355 up to over 650 horsepower.
If we look at their tuning potential, nothing can beat the LS engines. Their naturally aspirated (NA) design makes it easy to see the benefits of small upgrades, like swapping camshafts or adding new intake and exhaust valves.
With LS engines, you can easily carry out forced induction setups with turbochargers. The entire process will beeasy and straightforward. This simplicity is aided by the simple and fuss-free design of all the LS engines.
The LT engine family is no less capable. These Gen V engines have superior and modern designs that make working around them a bit complex. These allow for complex tuning with their direct injection system and tricky ECU management, making it hard to modify them without specialized tools.
But, if you have the right tools and setup, you can easily tune LT motors to align with your engine tune-ups and forced inductions on muscle cars. This is often useful when you want the engine to produce immense power without compromising on its efficiency.
As far as the weight and build quality are concerned, both the LT vs LS engines are made from cast-iron and aluminum blocks. This makes them almost similar in the sense that they are light weight, have similar build quality, strength, and longevity.
Reliability and Maintenance
GM has invested a lot of its time and resources in ensuring that both its engine lineups fulfill the needs of the time they were meant to be used in. However, speaking in terms of reliability, the LS engine takes the lead.
LS engines are known for their durability, combined with power and a straightforward design that is highly adaptable. These engines have simple electronic systems and an even simpler port fuel injection. Both these combine to make the diagnosis and repairs of these engines very easy.
The LS engines are, hence, a popular choice for long-term builds and the best engine swaps that last. These engines can easily take you thousands of miles without the need for any special maintenance.
On the other hand, the ultra-advanced LT engines have unique challenges. Their direct injection system can easily cause the cylinder heads, intake, and exhaust valves to be victims of carbon buildup. This increases the need for periodic maintenance and cleaning compared to the LS systems.
Since the LT engine family has more sensors and electronic components, this brings in more risk of potential failures compared to the LS engine block. But the LT family is equipped with stronger internal components, better oil systems, and quick timing chains, all of which collectively ensure its durability.
Regardless of the engine type you have, it is important to ensure regular and timely maintenance if you want to avoid complex issues later on.
Cost & Availability
While enthusiasts love investing in bigger, better, and powerful engines, budget isn’t something one can ignore. In terms of pricing, the LS swaps are affordable and considerably easier to avail, compared to the LT engines.
LS engines are easy to find at very good prices and are also very easy to maintain and repair. There are several junkyards where you can easily find LS motors of all kinds for cars, trucks, and performance cars.
The easy aftermarket availability of LS engine parts also makes things very easy and convenient while keeping the prices relatively cheap and market competitive.
Compared to this, the LT engines are quite expensive and hard to find. Since this technology is relatively new, it comes with a high price tag. There are hardly any junkyard options for LT engines because these engines are found only in recent vehicles like the Corvettes and Camaros so far.
As far as the parts support for LT engines is concerned, it is hard to find aftermarket parts for an LT engine. The availability of aftermarket parts is increasing, but the parts are hard to find and very pricey. Even if one finds the parts, installing them is tricky and often requires expensive sensor upgrades.
LS Swaps Vs. LT Family: Costs Compared
Speaking in terms of costs, those looking for an engine swap with an LS engine can expect to pay anywhere between $4,000 and $6,000 if they have base models. In case you’re looking for an LS swap for trucks or other high-performance models, the price can go much higher.
Upon a little search amongst the junkyards, you can find old LS motors available for $1,500–$3,000. The installation will also cost you no more than $3,000–$7,000, varying based on vehicles and modifications.
Since it is a newer invention, the LT platform engine comes with premium costs. You can expect the LT family members to cost anywhere between $7,000 and $12,000. Be ready to pay even if you’re looking for high-performance variants like the LT4 or LT5.
There are hardly any junkyard LT options available, and they are also very expensive. Chances are, the junkyard LT engines are discarded after irreparable damage and hence, not worth the investment.
LT engine swapping is also complex.You need items like wiring harnesses, modern sensors, and often need to reprogram the ECU. Under such circumstances, the LT installation costs can go from $8,000 to $15,000, making it an expensive option compared to the LS.
LS or LT: Which One Is Right for You?
Let’s see whether you need an LS swap or an LT block upgrade. Here is a breakdown on which motors suit whom:
When Is LS the Better Choice?
You should go for LS engines when:
- You want good horsepower in your builds on a budget
- You’re planning DIY swaps into classic vehicles
- You prefer durable and simple vehicle upgrades
- You want easy aftermarket support for a wide range of parts
When Is LT the Better Choice?
Go for an expensive LT block engine if:
- You’re modifying a new vehicle with advanced systems
- You want modern technologies like direct injection, VVT, and cylinder deactivation
- You need an engine with high emissions compliance
- You want a blend of fuel efficiency and performance
- You want more horsepower and more power overall
Real-World Applications and Builds
If you look around, you’d see both the LS and the LT engines being used in their respective places. The LS engine is famous for its versatility and easy swapping. Hence, you will mostly come across this engine family in LS3 swaps for muscle cars, drift builds, and street rods.
LS engine blocks are mostly the first choice of those who want reliability, efficiency, and easy aftermarket support for their car.
Compared to the LS, the LT engine family is still making a place for itself in the market. However, it is common to see these engines being used for the C7 Corvette in its LT1 performance upgrades.
One might come across the complex LT setups being a part of the classic and modern style of the ProTouring setups.
There are several YouTube tutorials on rebuilding LT engines, carrying out LS swaps, and LT dyno runs. You can check them out to see how both engines have their own way of dominating in terms of power and performance.
Conclusion
Whether one should go for an LS swap or an LT engine upgrade is an open-ended question. When it comes to engines, there’s no one-size-fits-all policy. Whether you need an LT series engine or an LS one really depends on what you need from your vehicle.
While the LS swap promises affordability with easier maintenance and support, there’s nothing better than the modern design and higher performance abilities of the LT engines. At the end, it all comes down to whether you prefer performance or affordability.
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