Wanting some info on the Ls1 engine

[Rocking_along]

Hey guys, I dont know much about the Ls1 utes (VU, VY ect), was just wondering a few things,

Is it better to go Manual or Auto? I know manual is fun for the street but if you start opening up the Ls1 and getting some decent HP and have a really lumpy cam would manual just be annoying trying to take off and change gears ect (Would you go through clutches often), or would an auto box suit better? What sort of strong auto transmissions can you bolt up to the Ls1 or what sort of work can be done to the standard transmission.

If you had a worked Ls1 ute that puts out some decent power and you drove it daily, would you want it manual or auto, and why?


Cheers

 

[Ian Johnston]

Do a search. Should be thousands of opinions on this in here somewhere.
I am an auto person, thats probably because I am old.
I have been told that "real" men only drive manuals. Fact or fiction?(or wank)

 

[304runner]

My flatmate has a 402hp N/A sleeper, just cam, head and exhaust work. About 13 grand just on the engine.

It would have cost him about the same for an LSX 454 crate engine that makes an extra 200+HP

Its a 6 speed VU Ute and is very unforgiving in the wet and he has thrown a few clutches in his time.

I'd be more concerned about the amount of HP you get for your dollar.

But I must say, its fun to drive and it sounds awesome.

 

[Nut Kracker]

Manuals in a worked (cammed) engine can be a bit tricky to drive if you are not used to them. It took a while for me to get used to mine.
It can be a bit embarrassing though if you miss a gear, especially if you have a loud exhaust for all to hear.
If you look after it, the normal clutch will last you. You could get a heavy duty set up for piece of mind if you want.
Maybe I'm a bit biased, but I love manuals. I would rather hear someone miss a gear in a manual than hear an auto change gears.lol.

 

[Big-Al]

Prefer a manual myself as I'm not a fan of car's making decisions for me. If I wanted that, I'd have bought a horse

 

[Burnout124]

the auto box is verry week my mate spent $$$$ rebuliding his three times befor he converted to a manual

 

[Munz]

sounds like your mate got ripped off 3 times

 

[mpower]

I have 2 Auto LS1's both easy to drive and tbh a bit lazy as the engine delivers most of it's power what at 3-5000RPM I think?

I used to drive manual but these days I live in the city and the auto really has it covered even when going on a spirited mountain drive (I tend to just put it in 2nd most of the time).

One of my cars is a daily and the other is a cruising w/ender, guess it comes down to how you like to drive but yeah an auto has made me pretty lazy.

 

[Mr Gop]

I think its really a personal thing as to how you like to drive, where you drive etc. I drive a manual ute all day for work so I enjoy the smooth auto when I run my SS on the weekend. You can still have a bit of fun with the power button on and traction control off

 

[Nut Kracker]

Does anyone remember when the auto was an optional extra? (Showing my age).
Now it seems the manuals are. lol.

Seems society has gotten more lazy. I can't talk. I crack the poo's when I can't find the remote for the TV.
Still the auto industry can only give what the public want.