Since they were first introduced in 1997 with the C5 Corvette, LS1 engines have been known for the amazing power that they can produce, while staying very dependable. This technology found in the LS1 engine has since been pushed to all of the GM V8 platforms, replacing the Gen I engine platform that was first introduced in 1955 and the Gen II that was debuted in 1992. The underlying technology found in the Gen III engine started as a blueprint in 1990 and came to fruition in 1997 as a production engine. The cost to performance and performance to durability on these engines scale so well, it is easy to see why this technology is still in production vehicles.
What do we call what?
The term “LS1″ is used loosely amongst several groups to mean all “LS” type engines. Here at ls1powered.com, LS1 is only the engine used in Corvette and F-Body cars. For the LS type engines, we will either call them LS engines, Gen III engines, or Gen IV engines.
GM Cars
F-Body cars also came equipped with the LS1 starting in 1998, thus replacing the GenII or LT1 engine that had been in production from 1992-1997. The Gen III / Gen IV engines have been the basis for all GM RWD performance oriented production cars since this time frame.
GM Pickup Trucks
In the start of the 1999 model year, with the switch to the GMT800 production line, GM trucks switched over to the Gen III engine tech with the introduction of the Vortec 4800, Vortec 5300, and the Vortec 6000. The classic body style (GMT400) and some Van platforms kept the GenI engine platform viable until 2001-2002.
OEM Offerings
From the first LS1 offering all the way up to the GM Performance Parts monster LSX 454 crate engine, there are many choices for any level of build you are looking to do. Just take a quick look at the different engine offerings GM has made in the LS engine lineup and pick something close to what you want or what you can afford. If you already have what you want, but need a resource for that missing bolt or replacement water pump gaskets, we have that covered too.
Aftermarket Offerings
Gen III and Gen IV engines have also been heavily supported by the aftermarket community, including stand alone wiring harness, retrofit oil pans, engine mounts, and more. These aftermarket parts even include aftermarket timing controllers for you can turn your EFI engine over to the carburetor side (come on over, we have cookies!). Check here for your performance parts needs, including GM Performance Parts and aftermarket parts
Where do I find one?
Since their introduction, many of these engines have been available to you via your local scrap yard. These prices have been in a state of flux as of late for the more popular engines (like the LQ4/LY6/LS1) as the demand for these engines have grown. There are many places to check for complete engines, short blocks, long blocks, whatever you need now online. Several people have found great success in finding parts through Craigslist, just be sure of what you are buying. If you need help searching for a used engine, check out this link.
Ls1powered.com is here to help!
If you are in the market for performance parts, OEM parts, retrofit parts, crate engines, or just looking for information on your engine we hope you find it on ls1powered.com! We are going to do everything to help you become or stay LS1 Powered (or even LSX Powered!).