LT vs LS engine: What are the differences and which is better?

Let’s find out which GM-made V8 engine is worth its salt in this LT vs LS engine comparing article.

The differences between the LT vs LS engine

We’ve talked about the LS engine before. If you read that article, then you’ll know that we practically gushed about it. It is, after all, one of the best GM products ever made, and is also probably one of the best V8 engines that money can buy today.

A picture of the LS3 on a Corvette C5

The 6.2-liter LS3 V8

But what about the LT engine?

Now the LT small-block V8 is currently in its fifth-generation, and like the LS, it is also made by General Motors. The LT as a product designation, however, came out much earlier in 1970, and the name was later reused for a newer V8 called the LT1 350 in 1991. The latest one, however, came out in 2014 and it is known fully as the LT1 Generation V.

Why the LT engine is even better than LS, and may be better for you.

For the purposes of this article, we’ll mainly be talking about the Gen V LT1 vs LS3.

If we compared LS vs LT engine in terms of construction, then the LS3 motor uses aluminum in its entirety. The same is the case for the newer LT1 Gen. V. While retaining the same 6.2-liter displacement and the same 4.40-inch bore.

The LT1 Gen V’s camshaft features a new cylinder head, a new tri-lobe camshaft, as well as a new piston design. Combined with the new high-pressure oil pump, the said engine can also introduce more fuel into its cylinders, thus having the potential for higher horsepower outputs.

A picture of the LT1 Gen. V V8

The 6.2-liter LT1 V8 Generation V engine

Also, of note on the LT1, is that it now comes standard with variable valve timing. Compare that to the LS3, which only had VVT on specific car models. One example of which was the 2010-2015 Camaro SS with an automatic tranny.

Specs	LS3	LT1
Displacement	6.2-liters	6.2-liters
Max. Horsepower	426-430	455-460
Max. Torque	576 Nm	623 Nm
Peak HP and Nm RPM	4,500 rpm	4,500 rpm
Bore Size	4.065-inches	4.065-inches
Price (Crate Engine)	Php 377,701*	Php 407,029*
Head Material	Aluminum	Aluminum
Block Material	Aluminum	Aluminum
Compression Ratio	10.7:1	11.5:1

Note: Before taxes/Price for LT1 is for the Wet Sump version

LS vs LT: So which is better?

If we’re talking about raw power per liter, then the newer LT1 offers more. At the same rpm range, the newer V8 can offer around 30 more horsepower. If what you’re after is more power without relying too much on forced induction, then this will matter a lot.

Apart from that, the LT1 comes standard with VVT. For those who don’t know what VVT is, it is a system that controls the intake of fuel and air. With this system, the engine can offer better fuel mileage and a slightly lesser carbon footprint depending on the use of the car. For a thirsty and relatively high displacement V8, this can be a godsend.

A picture of a graph comparing the LS3 and the LT1's peak horsepower and torque

The LS3 and the LT1 both produce their max outputs at around the same rev-range

One huge disadvantage of the LT1 Gen. V is that it’s a newer engine. In terms of LT vs LS, it has lesser available aftermarket parts. That however is slowly changing, and manufacturers are catching up. Of note, crate versions of the LT1 Gen. V are already for sale.

Do note though that the LT1 has a higher compression ratio than the LS3. This means that the latter’s components are subject to more stress, and if things go wrong, engine knock is more likely to happen.

A picture of the Chevrolet Camaro SS ZL1 on a racetrack

One of the production models that use the LT1 is the Chevy Camaro SS ZL1

While that may be the case, higher compression ratios also have their own advantages. In the case of the LT1 Gen. V, this allows it to make more torque and horsepower. Also, it provides greater efficiency of combustion. Combined with the VVT, this might mean that the newer LT1 might be more fuel-efficient than the LS3.

If we’re talking about local availability for LS vs LT engine. Then it might be easier to find an LS1 engine. It's been around longer than the LS3, which in turn has only been available on the 2016-2021 Chevrolet Camaro SS, and on the 2014-2019 Chevrolet Corvette C7.

A picture of a Corvette 427 Convertible

The Corvette C5 uses an LS3 engine. Later on, the Corvette C7 switched to the LT1

The bottom line, however, both of these engines can be expensive to import into the Philippines even in crate-engine form.

If you have deep pockets though, you can buy a used PH-spec Corvette C7 (equally hard to find) and then scavenge it for its LT1 engine. Just don’t let the local Corvette fans know of what you’re planning to do.

That is all you need to know regarding LT vs LS engine. For more informative articles like this, keep reading here on Philkotse.com.

Know more about Chevrolet Corvette 2024

Chevrolet Corvette 2024

The 2024 Chevrolet Corvette is a 2-seater sports car that is now in its eighth generation. It is available in the Philippines in one variant with a price of Php 12,572,000. Under the hood is a 6.2-liter LT2 V8 mid-engine capable of delivering 474 horsepower and 613 Nm of torque. As standard, the engine sends power exclusively to the rear wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters.

In terms of dimensions, the Corvette spans 4,634 mm long, 1,934 mm wide, and 1,235 mm wide, with a wheelbase and ground clearance rated at 2,744 mm and 135 mm, respectively. Locally, this American coupe is comparable to the likes of the Jaguar F-Type, Ford Mustang (GT500), and Nissan GT-R.

>>> New and used Chevrolet Corvette 2025 for sale in the Philippines

Chevrolet Corvette Launch

Chevrolet Philippines launched the Corvette to the Philippine market in November 2018 as a single variant model, 65 years after its initial release in the brand’s home country.

In 2021, the company debuted the eight-generation Corvette, also known as C8. One of the biggest changes in the model is the shift from a front engine to a mid-engine configuration. It is available in one variant only which carries a price tag of Php 12,421,888.

Chevrolet Corvette Exterior

The overall sleek aesthetic of the Corvette C8 Stingray builds on the aggressive design language of the previous generation. It comes with LED headlamps with an auto-leveling system, LED daytime running lights (DRLs), power and heated side mirrors, and aluminized quad-tip exhaust pipes with stainless steel tips.

For the PH-spec model, it gets the Z51 Appearance & Performance Package. Among the items in the package are Z51 performance brakes, front and rear slotted ventilated discs, red brake calipers with the Z51 logo, an electronically limited-slip differential (eLSD), Z51 rear spoiler, a front splitter, 19-inch high-performance front tires, and 20-inch high-performance rear tires.

Chevrolet Corvette exterior

The overall sleek aesthetic of the Corvette C8 Stingray builds on the aggressive design

Chevrolet Corvette Interior

Matching the exterior’s aesthetic, the Corvette’s driver-oriented cockpit is polished with premium materials complemented by red accents and stitching for a sporty appeal. Both the occupants benefit from GT2 bucket seats with 8-way power adjustments.

Other interior amenities include position memory for driver and passenger seats with heating and ventilated functions, auto dual-zone climate controls, pollen filter, passive entry, push start/stop ignition, remote engine start, and electric parking brake.

Chevy Corvette interior

The Corvette’s driver-oriented cockpit is polished with premium materials

Technology & Safety Features

The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray has a whole range of technological and safety features being a 3LT variant. It is equipped with an 8-inch infotainment system that is linked to the brand’s MyLink system which enables seamless connectivity with smartphones. Audio comes out of a 14-speaker Bose sound system.

A customizable 12-inch color display driver information center with a heads-up display provides essential driving information. Keeping track of real-time performance data has also been made easier through the Corvette Stingray’s data and video recorder.

Apart from this unique equipment, the vehicle is also equipped with HD front and rear vision cameras, with the latter coming with dynamic guidelines, ultrasonic park assist, and exposed sensors.

Platform & Chassis

Chevrolet’s Corvette C8 Stingray was produced to be a cut above competing sports cars as its body is decked with lightweight composite materials plus a powerful engineered chassis. It rides on a Y-body platform matched with a short/long arm double wishbone, monotube shock absorbers suspension system. Stopping power comes from the E-Boost System, a Two-Circuit Front to Rear Split System that uses front and rear-slotted ventilated discs.

Engine & Drivetrain

Powering the Corvette Stingray is a 6.2L naturally-aspirated mid-engine V8 gasoline engine that produces 474 horsepower and 613 Nm of torque. The engine is attached to an 8-speed paddle-shift transmission with automatic modes that ensure the vehicle’s peak performance and smooth drive. Power is directed towards the rear wheels.

The Chevrolet Corvette's available colors are Torch Red, Arctic White, Ceramic Matrix Gray Metallic, Silver Flare Metallic, and Hypersonic Gray Metallic.

The Chevrolet Corvette is one of the best value-for-money high-performance sports cars as compared to close rivals such as the Ford Mustang 2025 (GT500) and Nissan GT-R.

Chevrolet Corvette 2025 Price List

Let's check out the Chevrolet Corvette 2025 price in the Philippines.

Variants	Price
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 6.2 3LT	₱12,571,888
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Metallic	₱12,637,888
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Tint Coat	₱12,714,888

Chevrolet Corvette Pros & Cons

Pros

Evolved sporty design
Now uses a mid-engine configuration
Refined suspension

Cons

Limited cargo space

Chevrolet Corvette FAQs

1. What is the most popular color for a Corvette?

It’s difficult to tell which color is best since this depends on each one’s preference. However, Chevrolet Corvette Torch Red seems to be a popular choice.

2. How much does a Chevrolet Corvette 2025 cost in the Philippines?

In the Philippines, the Chevrolet Corvette 2025 is available in one variant priced at 12,571,888 PHP.

3. What is the ground clearance of the Chevrolet Corvette?

The ground clearance of the new Chevrolet Corvette is 82mm.

4. How many seater is the Chevrolet Corvette 2025?

The Chevrolet Corvette has 2 seaters.

5. Does the Chevrolet Corvette have a reverse camera?

Yes, it does. With the reverse camera, you can see what is behind the car on the screen.

₱ 12,421,888

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General Motors V8 Engines

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

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