Anyone out there have any idea how an original LT-1 intake compares to a modern intake like an Edelbrock??  Just to keep it fair, it all has to fit under a stock big block '68- '72 hood with a Holley 650 or comparable carb.

This is my opinion, I don't have all the engineering specs for this answer, but I am sure they are out there.

The original GM LT-1 intake manifold is one of the better intakes GM ever came up with.

I have always understood the LT-1 intake is excellent.  That being said, the LT-1 engine as a whole was a high rpm engine.  It lived for the upper rpm range where it makes its best power.  A modern intake might move the torque range down to a lower range where you actually drive on the street but give up some upper range performance.

It all depends on what you want out of the engine.

As 6880Mike stated, the LT-1 intake is still considered one the THE best small block intakes ever made. There are other, newer designs that work better in different ranges, as Gunslinger points out. It really does depend on what you want to do, and how you want to drive.

Those who mentioned 35 year old technology are right on.  It was on eof the better manifolds of it's time, but the new manifolds will make at least as much power over a broader RPM band.

On the other hand, it is pretty sexy to say you have a correct LT1 manifold.  I am still looking for a correct 70 LT1 manifold.

"On the other hand, it is pretty sexy to say you have a correct LT1 manifold.  I am still looking for a correct 70 LT1 manifold."

If you're building the car for power with other modern parts, there are certainly newer manifolds that match the more modern cam grinds and heads.