Does the LS1 use reverse-flow cooling like the LT1 did?
No. GM Went back to the standard cooling configuration for the LS1. The LT1 cools the heads first while the LS1 cools the heads last. Each system has their advantages and disadvantages. With reverse cooling there is the risk of hot-spots on the cylinder walls. Because of this care should be taken whenever any type of cooling system maintenance is done on an LT1 engine.