L98 & LT1
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
L98 & Lt1
Hi,
This time I am looking for advice between L98's and LT1's.
1. Is one or the other more reliable?
2. I know that the L98 is between 230-250hp and 330 in torque. The LT1 is 300hp and 340tq. For non-track use is one more responsive for cruising? Most street driving is low rpm.
3. It seems that it is easier to get more hp out of the LT1.
4. Either one have HeadGasket problems? Coming from a ford that which seems to make every car with a headgasket problem.
5. Please add anything else you can think of.
I am sure this has all been covered before but it is hard to get a good overall view from reading individual posts.
Thanks again,
Rob
This time I am looking for advice between L98's and LT1's.
1. Is one or the other more reliable?
2. I know that the L98 is between 230-250hp and 330 in torque. The LT1 is 300hp and 340tq. For non-track use is one more responsive for cruising? Most street driving is low rpm.
3. It seems that it is easier to get more hp out of the LT1.
4. Either one have HeadGasket problems? Coming from a ford that which seems to make every car with a headgasket problem.
5. Please add anything else you can think of.
I am sure this has all been covered before but it is hard to get a good overall view from reading individual posts.
Thanks again,
Rob
Last edited by ziggyzz; May 12, 2005 at 06:38 PM. Reason: Corrected torque specs
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,171
Likes: 1,735
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
1. always get the newest you can afford
2. either is good
3. yes, youre starting from a better baseline
4. not really
5. always get the newest you can afford
2. either is good
3. yes, youre starting from a better baseline
4. not really
5. always get the newest you can afford
Advanced
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: IN
Word has it that the L98 is a bit more drivable for sane, everyday driving because of it's low end torque. If you intend on routinely driving around at 100+ then the LT1 might be the engine of preference, stock for stock. Both are pretty reliable. Some people will knock the LT1 because of the optispark, which can fail if it gets wet. Both engines are good performers and shouldn't give you many problems.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 7,163
Likes: 61
From: NH
St. Jude Donor '14
With the same mods, both motors will make good power. Depends on how stock you plan on staying. I've had good results with my L98.
Additionally, the L98 had such low horsepower because of intake and exhaust flow.
Neither has headgasket problems more than the other as far as I know, BUT, I do know most C4s commonly leak from rear of the intake manifold.
The general saying is, the newest you can buy, the better. I will say though, I've heard mods for L98s are cheaper. ; )
-Joe
Additionally, the L98 had such low horsepower because of intake and exhaust flow.
Neither has headgasket problems more than the other as far as I know, BUT, I do know most C4s commonly leak from rear of the intake manifold.
The general saying is, the newest you can buy, the better. I will say though, I've heard mods for L98s are cheaper. ; )
-Joe
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,818
Likes: 156
From: White Oak PA
For normal driving I do not think you will realize any significant differences between either the L98 or LT1. Both are excellent motors. Only one small point you may want to consider is that the LT1's can develop some issues with their OptiSpark systems. Don't let the OptiSpark get wet or it can cost you some nice change to fix.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,042
Likes: 0
Ive had 4 L98's(87 auto,85 auto,85 4+3,90 auto conv)and now my 94 auto.I can tell you,when stock,the 2 L98 coupes I had felt a tiny more responsive driving around town,but my LT1 feels ALOT faster at speed,or on the highway.The L98 takes mods a little better like exhaust and intake,because its more airflow restricted than an LT1.only real drawback of an LT1 is the optispark,which is a pain and a $$ if(WHEN)go bad.of course you get most of the other improvements a LT1 has over the L98.L98 cars are usually several thousand $$ cheaper,and with the price difference,can be made to outperform a LT1.what years are you considering?
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,923
Likes: 0
From: GA
No head gasket problems on the SBC...ford heads use 10 head bolts, chevy...17. That is why fords have such problems...one of the reasons anyway.
L98 = lower RPM HP/TQ, LT1 is higher and will support higher RPMS, TPI won't.
If you get an L98 you can get a modified LT1 intake for it to get the benifits of its easier breathing.
L98 = lower RPM HP/TQ, LT1 is higher and will support higher RPMS, TPI won't.
If you get an L98 you can get a modified LT1 intake for it to get the benifits of its easier breathing.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 13,793
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From: St. Peters MO Sometimes you have to prove yourself by doing alot of killing or alot of dying...
The LT1 is by far a better motor in stock form. The L98 is cheaper to build and maintain and you can get some monster power out of a TPI. It is a trade of good and evil no matter which way you go.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 617
Likes: 14
From: Loudon, TN
If you have the money for a 95 then do it. Age affects everything in this world. Just look at your granparents vs a pair of 20ish newlyweds. Under hood temperatures get quite high on a vehicle, especially a Corvette and heat ages rubber and plastic and electronic sensors quickly. Doesn't matter if it is a pristine 85 with 10K on the clock it is still 10 years older than the 95. 10 years is a long time in car years.
I have a 90 and a 93, both auto. The 90 feels more responsive around town because of the 3:07 gears vs the 292 in the 93. If the 93 had 3:07 I doubt there would be any difference between the two. Most of my driving is highway and I prefer the higher gears from a fuel usage viewpoint and the engine RPM's are lower which makes for less engine noise. Even with the difference in gear ratio the 93 is quicker once it is rolling and especially when I'm passing at speed. 50 hp makes a lot of difference. You are going to have to spend a good bit of money to increase the L98 50 horses.
I have a 90 and a 93, both auto. The 90 feels more responsive around town because of the 3:07 gears vs the 292 in the 93. If the 93 had 3:07 I doubt there would be any difference between the two. Most of my driving is highway and I prefer the higher gears from a fuel usage viewpoint and the engine RPM's are lower which makes for less engine noise. Even with the difference in gear ratio the 93 is quicker once it is rolling and especially when I'm passing at speed. 50 hp makes a lot of difference. You are going to have to spend a good bit of money to increase the L98 50 horses.
The L98 is a great driver, but for serious HP, the LT1 is a better choice-BTW, I have owned the L98 for years, looking for a LS1.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,532
Likes: 7
From: Lahaina Hi
I have both L98 86 and a 94 LT1.
The Lt1 is smother at idle and more responsive than the L98.
The L98 will blow the doors off the LT1 for the first 20 feet and then the LT1 will eat it alive.
I have found the L98 gets the same milage as the Lt1.
L98 you will have problems up grading the intake and making power.
Lt1 has more ability to be moded.
The Lt1 is smother at idle and more responsive than the L98.
The L98 will blow the doors off the LT1 for the first 20 feet and then the LT1 will eat it alive.
I have found the L98 gets the same milage as the Lt1.
L98 you will have problems up grading the intake and making power.
Lt1 has more ability to be moded.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,287
Likes: 7
From: n/a SC
Both are great motors, the l98 makes a great cruiser with low end torque while the lt1 is way more responsive and keeps PULLING AND PULLING!
I have a 95 vert auto with the optional 3.07 gears and it has ran a best of 13.2 bone stock now if that isn't enough to make up your mind I dunno what else to tell ya!
I have a 95 vert auto with the optional 3.07 gears and it has ran a best of 13.2 bone stock now if that isn't enough to make up your mind I dunno what else to tell ya!