RR40vette

What does everyone think would be better L98 or the LT1? I have been holding off for the Lt1, but been seen lot of the L98's for sell.

RollaMo-LT4

Skip em both, and get the LT4

Really, either one will do you just fine. It should all come down to the condition of the rest of the car.

I'd take a well maintained and clean L98, over a ratty LT1.
Always but the best condition car you can afford. In the long run, it will be cheaper to buy the better condition car.

jsls0130

The newer the better. I would go for a LT1, but just my opinion.

DarkBlue88

The L98 works in a Vette, The LT1/LT4 belongs in a Vette.

jrzvette

The LT1 has more power, the L98 is (supposedly) easier to mod. Since one engine replaced the other you'll have to decide what other features you want. For example, if you love the digi dash or the round tail lights you'll have to get an L98, if you want a passenger side airbag or ASR you'll have to get an LT1.

LT4 F45

LT-1

breathial

Like anything else, it depends on what you want. The LT-1 didn't come out until 1992, so you could buy a '91 with the newer still nose and rear, yet still have the L98 in it.

The L98 offers some distinct advantages over the LT-1, but ONLY for the hot-rodder type...

For example, you can build a 454 small-block Chevy, and drop it in place of the L-98. The LT-1 is a different engine block, and has much less in the way of stuff for modifications.

In bone-stock form, the LT-1 is a superior engine, for certain. So if you're looking for a cruiser, and don't plan on putting a lot of money into an engine, the LT-1 will make you happier... But as another guy is currently demonstrating ($1500 project), if you're ok with the older style of C4, the L-98 cars can be had (and built) for a song...

Ultimately, it will depend on what you want, and how mechanically-inclined you are.

Good luck.

Demonic85

Since the LT1 has a unique block and doesnt share parts with earlier engines parts cost more. If you get the front of the engine wet you'll most likely have to replace the distributor, called an Opti-spark and its like $400 for a new one.

If I were to do it all over again i'd go for a L98 car that had a roller block. The money saved from not buying a newer LT1 car could build you a motor with more power than an LT1. The L98's weakness is the exhaust and intake manifold.

TGReaper

It will of course depend on what you feel that you require.In my case I am very happy with the L98 in my 87 roadster,and I have no desire or intention of hopping it up. In my opinion my car is a proper sports car,this is about balance. If your ideas run to muscle cars / street racers your wants will be different.
240 hp and good torque numbers in a 3200 lb. car suit my ideas just about perfectly.
Regards:

wayne lowry

The LT1 is alot better.

H P Bushrod

My previous Vette had the L98 in it. After driving the LT1, I got rid of it. I love my '93. The LT1 is a definently an improvement over the L98. Drive both and decide.

Spiller

I test drove allot of different vets 2 years ago during my long search. From my experience the difference between an l98 and LT-1 was Night and day. Go LT-1!!

ragged claws

1985 Corvette

Seeing as you can pick up LT1 cars just as cheap as L98 cars these days, go for the LT1.

CAJUN C4

Red Tornado

the L98 in stock form sucks fat dog bawls, and i oughta know.

i would save $$ and get a C5/Z06 down the pike. you'll have a much better engine with 405 smooth horses, a more modern car.....a better chip tune will give you another 20-25......turn the key, feel yourself go zoom and you'll end the wondering about.

Iroc57

so.....how do you really feel??
no..really...don't hold back

cv67

Depends what you want. Good snappy pedal feel at part throttle, distributor go for the L98. Flatter and wider powerband (easier to work on)grab the LT1. Working on the intake sucks.

Personally Id opt for the L98, cant stand the LTx ignition system and the powerband puts me to sleep even though it may be a tiny bit faster in the 1/4. After DD one for 1 mo Id turn down a free one

To each their own.

Relic

Naw, then you'll be looking at the tail pipes of all those guys in new ZR-1s. So, save your money for a ZR-1 when you can afford it!

PLRX

LT4 if you can find one. If you can not a 96 LT1, 95, 94, 93, 92,