LT vs LS: Which Engine Reigns Supreme?

The age-old debate among car enthusiasts has been raging for years: is the LT engine better than the LS engine? Both powerplants have their loyal followings, and for good reason. They’re both high-performance engines that have powered some of the most iconic American muscle cars of the past few decades. But which one comes out on top?

Table of Contents

A Brief History Of The LT And LS Engines

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of the LT vs LS debate, let’s take a step back and look at the history of these two engines.

The LS engine family was introduced in the late 1990s, with the first generation debuting in the 1997 Corvette. The LS1 was a 5.7-liter V8 that produced 345 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Over the years, the LS engine family has undergone several updates, with the most recent version being the LS9, a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 that cranks out 638 horsepower and 604 lb-ft of torque.

The LT engine family, on the other hand, is a more recent development. The first LT engine, the LT1, was introduced in the 2014 Corvette Stingray. This 6.2-liter V8 produced 455 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Since then, the LT engine family has expanded to include the LT4, a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 that produces 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, and the LT5, a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 that puts out a staggering 755 horsepower and 715 lb-ft of torque.

Design And Architecture

One of the main differences between the LT and LS engines is their design and architecture. The LS engine family features a more traditional pushrod design, with a separate camshaft for each cylinder bank. This design allows for a more compact engine package and easier maintenance.

The LT engine family, on the other hand, features a more modern overhead camshaft design. This design allows for more precise control over the engine’s valvetrain, which results in better performance and efficiency. The LT engine’s camshaft is also integrated into the cylinder head, which reduces the overall engine height and allows for a more compact design.

Cylinder Head Design

Another key difference between the LT and LS engines is their cylinder head design. The LS engine features a more traditional, cathedral-style cylinder head design. This design allows for better airflow and more efficient combustion.

The LT engine, on the other hand, features a more modern, triangle-style cylinder head design. This design allows for better airflow and more efficient combustion, as well as improved heat transfer and reduced knocking.

Block And Crankshaft Design

The block and crankshaft design of the LT and LS engines also differ. The LS engine features a more traditional, sand-cast block design. This design allows for stronger, more durable engine components.

The LT engine, on the other hand, features a more modern, die-cast block design. This design allows for lighter, more compact engine components, as well as improved strength and durability.

The crankshaft design of the LT and LS engines also differs. The LS engine features a more traditional, forged crankshaft design. This design allows for stronger, more durable engine components.

The LT engine, on the other hand, features a more modern, billet crankshaft design. This design allows for lighter, more compact engine components, as well as improved strength and durability.

Performance And Power

Now that we’ve covered the design and architecture of the LT and LS engines, let’s talk about what really matters: performance and power.

The LS engine family has a long history of producing impressive power numbers. The LS9, for example, puts out 638 horsepower and 604 lb-ft of torque. That’s a lot of power, especially considering the engine’s relatively small displacement.

The LT engine family, on the other hand, takes things to the next level. The LT5, for example, puts out a staggering 755 horsepower and 715 lb-ft of torque. That’s not only more power than the LS9, but it’s also more power than most supercars on the market today.

Torque And Low-End Performance

One area where the LT engine excels is in low-end performance. Thanks to its modern overhead camshaft design and advanced valvetrain, the LT engine is able to produce more torque and more power at lower engine speeds.

This is especially important for everyday driving, where most drivers spend the majority of their time cruising around town or driving on the highway. The LT engine’s improved low-end performance means that it’s able to deliver more power and more torque in these situations, making for a more responsive and engaging driving experience.

High-End Performance

At the other end of the spectrum, the LS engine family has a reputation for being more reliable at high engine speeds. This is due in part to its more traditional pushrod design, which is better suited to high-RPM operation.

The LT engine family, on the other hand, is more focused on delivering high-end performance. Thanks to its advanced valvetrain and overhead camshaft design, the LT engine is able to rev higher and deliver more power at the top end of the RPM range.

Reliability And Durability

One area where the LS engine family has a clear advantage is in reliability and durability. The LS engine has been in production for over two decades, and has a reputation for being one of the most reliable and durable engines on the market.

The LT engine family, on the other hand, is still relatively new. While it has shown promising results in terms of performance, it’s still unproven in terms of long-term reliability and durability.

Engine Oil And Cooling Systems

One area where the LT engine family has made significant improvements is in its engine oil and cooling systems. The LT engine features a more advanced oil cooling system, which helps to keep the engine running at a cooler temperature.

The LT engine also features a more advanced engine oil system, which helps to reduce friction and wear on the engine’s moving parts. This results in better fuel efficiency, improved performance, and longer engine life.

Conclusion

So, is the LT engine better than the LS engine? It’s a tough call, as both powerplants have their strengths and weaknesses. The LS engine has a long history of producing impressive power numbers, and is known for its reliability and durability.

The LT engine, on the other hand, takes things to the next level in terms of performance and power. Its modern design and advanced technology make it a more efficient and effective engine, especially in everyday driving situations.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference. If you’re looking for a tried-and-true powerplant with a reputation for reliability and durability, the LS engine may be the better choice. But if you’re looking for a more modern, cutting-edge engine with impressive power and performance, the LT engine is the way to go.

Engine	Displacement	Horsepower	Torque
LS9	6.2L	638	604
LT5	6.2L	755	715

As you can see from the table above, the LT5 engine produces significantly more power and torque than the LS9 engine. While the LS9 engine is still an impressive powerplant, the LT5 engine takes things to the next level in terms of performance and power.