Lt1 V.s. L98???? Help!!!!
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 50
Likes: 1
From: Pikeville KY
Lt1 V.s. L98???? Help!!!!
hey everyone i'm fairly new to the site and i really like it, it has a lot of good information. Well i will be buying a vette soon. (within the next few months). And from the looks of it i will be buying a c4. My question is which engine is better? I know that the Lt1 is newer but is it that much better than the l98 that i need to spend a few grand more to get one? Same issue for the quality of the car, is a newer c4 that much better than the older ones? The only one i haven driven was a 92 vert and i liked it really well, are the L98's any way comparable to the Lt1's.
Thanks, Drew
Thanks, Drew
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,387
Likes: 534
Can't really go wrong either way. L-98 Vettes are great starting Vettes. With the extra thousand(s) you didn't use to purchase the LT-1, you can use to as maintainence costs on the L-98 car. Just a suggestion. Unless you're spoiled by all the car mags that post 0-60 times in the 5's and below, the L-98 has enough low end grunt and power to get you up to speed nicely when you want to "get going".
Again, there is no wrong answer to your question.
Again, there is no wrong answer to your question.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 758
Likes: 6
From: Gainesville, FL
As the others have said -- you will need to drive both to see what you prefer. The LT1 cars are better cars than L98 cars. I hate C5s (ugly -- don't feel like driving a race car etc.), but technically I must admit that those too are better cars than my 95... As far as power goes... The LT1 is more powerful, but neither the LT1 or L98 feel all that much slower (while legally driving on the street) than even a C5... At any rate -- this kind of thread always causes a feud... not to mention 
-- good luck with your search.
-- good luck with your search.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 758
Likes: 6
From: Gainesville, FL
Originally Posted by vader86
always get the newest car you can afford
I agree and disagree. The bottom line is that you must expect problems to arise with an older sports car and plan on doing a lot of the work yourself (otherwise the repair costs can be too high to bother). If you know what to look for then almost any year C4 could be a nice car. Plenty of 96s are junk -- and plenty of brand new cars are riddled with problems. Don't get too excited about the first Vette you find -- if you don't know what to look for you should do some research or bring someone that does know... You don't have to get the newest car you can afford, but don't at all be cheap or you will end up broke.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,088
Likes: 0
From: Poop land
Since I like living simple, I'd say get an L98 car and put a MiniRam in it. JMO but I think this intake is the most problem free intake I've ever dealt with. You might lose a tiny bit of bottom end umph, but diagnosis should be relatively easy. I wouldn't have to worry about TPI runner gaskets. Also the access to the fuel rail and injectors would be so much easier. No Opti problems to deal with either. If I had to do it all over again, I'd pick a 91 over my 89. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 1
From: prescott AZ
Having owned both engines I would say go with the LT1. It is a more powerful engine and I did not like the way the L98 runs out of power so early on the rpm band. However, if I had to decide between a really nice looking, low mile, mint L98 over a high mile less cared for LT1 car I would consider the L98.
More important, to me, as to wether the car has the LT1 or L98 is getting a HD suspension car with the Z51 or Z07 option. Most Z51 or Z07 cars have other important equipment that you can only get with this option, like a very quick steering ratio which is absolutely great, freer flowing mufflers, HD cooling, PS cooler, performance axle, wider wheels, besides the real Corvette type of handling for which I bought a Corvette for in the first place.
You need to drive both.
More important, to me, as to wether the car has the LT1 or L98 is getting a HD suspension car with the Z51 or Z07 option. Most Z51 or Z07 cars have other important equipment that you can only get with this option, like a very quick steering ratio which is absolutely great, freer flowing mufflers, HD cooling, PS cooler, performance axle, wider wheels, besides the real Corvette type of handling for which I bought a Corvette for in the first place.
You need to drive both.
Last edited by skeet; Jul 26, 2006 at 03:01 AM. Reason: spelling
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Elite Torch Red Member
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 57,805
Likes: 23
From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
Cental/South NJ Events Coordinator
CI 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12 Vet
CI-II Burnout & Drag Champ
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by vader86
always get the newest car you can afford
100%, but do your homework.As mentioned a '96 could be total junk and an '85 model may be pristine, but your price will reflect the condition in most cases. Bring a vette expert with you when you shop around. You have to play it smart and check everything out. The condition of the interior(carpet and seats mainly), the paint, the tires, brakes etc.
These are all the big dollar items that people overlook. If you never owned a vette before and you buy one that needs new tires, prepare for a $1000-1200 bill for a decent set of tires, for seats and carpeting, about $700-1000 for seat covers(new) and around $500 for carpet.
Check the weatherstripping, genuine GM replacement will run close to $1000 for the entire set.
True you can buy cheaper inferior products, but why?
I'd rather buy a high quality well maintained 96 with 200,000 miles than a neglected earlier year that may only have 30,000 miles. And the price for either may not be that far apart.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 6,314
Likes: 508
From: South-central Missouri
I vote for the lowest mileage, newest, best cared for car you can afford first.
Second, the L98/LT1 is a matter of preference, with the edge to the LT1 in the quarter mile. The L98 is "old SBC" and is easier to modify and work on.
I like the LT1. The LT1 with it's flat torque profile, especially with the manual ZF6, is a joy to drive on a twisty road. The torque curve is so flat that that virtually anywhere in the rpm band you have the same torque. This makes for easily powering out of the curves as there is no sudden surge of torque just at the critical moments! From just off idle you have 90% of max torque, and it is ramps up smoothly to the rev limiter!
If you decide on the LT1 car, I recommend the '95 or 96 which has the positive ventilation in the Optispark which removes the buggaboo issues of the earlier Optis (but I still wouldn't hose it down at the car wash either!!).
You'll have to drive 'em both to see what you like.
P.
Second, the L98/LT1 is a matter of preference, with the edge to the LT1 in the quarter mile. The L98 is "old SBC" and is easier to modify and work on.
I like the LT1. The LT1 with it's flat torque profile, especially with the manual ZF6, is a joy to drive on a twisty road. The torque curve is so flat that that virtually anywhere in the rpm band you have the same torque. This makes for easily powering out of the curves as there is no sudden surge of torque just at the critical moments! From just off idle you have 90% of max torque, and it is ramps up smoothly to the rev limiter!
If you decide on the LT1 car, I recommend the '95 or 96 which has the positive ventilation in the Optispark which removes the buggaboo issues of the earlier Optis (but I still wouldn't hose it down at the car wash either!!).
You'll have to drive 'em both to see what you like.
P.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,146
Likes: 3
From: The Motor City
Originally Posted by Paul Workman
I vote for the lowest mileage, newest, best cared for car you can afford first.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,088
Likes: 0
From: Poop land
91 is the best L98 and the 95 is the best LT1. I wouldn't wanna deal with the OBD2 mess on the 96 cars. 
I'm not really an LT1 guy, but definately know much is interchangeable between the 2 except for a few things like the heads. The block just circulates coolant in the opposite direction. I'm pretty damn sure that you can modify an LT1 to outperform an LT4.
Same goes with the L98. It could also be made to rev up high with a good cam, nice flowing heads, a MiniRam intake, and a nice flowing exhaust system.
I'm not really an LT1 guy, but definately know much is interchangeable between the 2 except for a few things like the heads. The block just circulates coolant in the opposite direction. I'm pretty damn sure that you can modify an LT1 to outperform an LT4.
Same goes with the L98. It could also be made to rev up high with a good cam, nice flowing heads, a MiniRam intake, and a nice flowing exhaust system.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 199
Likes: 0
From: old bridge nj
body style comes into play here too..
The only year the L98 came with the new(er) bodystyle was in 91, with the rounded front bumpers and squared tails lights.
So if you like the l98 and the newer bodystyle, then you only have 1 year to pick from..
It may be a determining factor for you in your engine choice.
I would choose the car that was maintained the best though, you'll have more fun with the car, and more money to play with for mods.
The only year the L98 came with the new(er) bodystyle was in 91, with the rounded front bumpers and squared tails lights.
So if you like the l98 and the newer bodystyle, then you only have 1 year to pick from..
It may be a determining factor for you in your engine choice.
I would choose the car that was maintained the best though, you'll have more fun with the car, and more money to play with for mods.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,374
Likes: 2,288
From: Central Maryland
Originally Posted by Paul Workman
I vote for the lowest mileage, newest, best cared for car you can afford first.
Second, the L98/LT1 is a matter of preference, with the edge to the LT1 in the quarter mile. The L98 is "old SBC" and is easier to modify and work on.
I like the LT1. The LT1 with it's flat torque profile, especially with the manual ZF6, is a joy to drive on a twisty road. The torque curve is so flat that that virtually anywhere in the rpm band you have the same torque. This makes for easily powering out of the curves as there is no sudden surge of torque just at the critical moments! From just off idle you have 90% of max torque, and it is ramps up smoothly to the rev limiter!
If you decide on the LT1 car, I recommend the '95 or 96 which has the positive ventilation in the Optispark which removes the buggaboo issues of the earlier Optis (but I still wouldn't hose it down at the car wash either!!).
You'll have to drive 'em both to see what you like.
P.
Second, the L98/LT1 is a matter of preference, with the edge to the LT1 in the quarter mile. The L98 is "old SBC" and is easier to modify and work on.
I like the LT1. The LT1 with it's flat torque profile, especially with the manual ZF6, is a joy to drive on a twisty road. The torque curve is so flat that that virtually anywhere in the rpm band you have the same torque. This makes for easily powering out of the curves as there is no sudden surge of torque just at the critical moments! From just off idle you have 90% of max torque, and it is ramps up smoothly to the rev limiter!
If you decide on the LT1 car, I recommend the '95 or 96 which has the positive ventilation in the Optispark which removes the buggaboo issues of the earlier Optis (but I still wouldn't hose it down at the car wash either!!).
You'll have to drive 'em both to see what you like.
P.
The L98 is a great engine. It's a workhorse, and it makes great torque below ~4500 RPM. Above that, it starts to run out of breath as a result of the long runners on the TPI setup.
The LT1 will pull hard all the way to redline.
You really can't go terribly wrong with either engine, so long as it is in good condition. I've driven both and either of them will put a grin on your face. Both are strong enough to deliver enthusiastic acceleration.
Be well,
SJW
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
Originally Posted by Joe C
i disagree - always go on well maintained and condition first, and newest second.Common sense comes into play dummies.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
Likes: 7
From: sw Ohio
Personally I like my L98 over the LT1 for several reasons. Like others have said the L98 has a lot of low end power, you'll beat most cars off the line in a drag race. They're easy to work on, no major electronics. The LT1 on the other hand is the other way around, they keep pulling at higher rpms. One of the major problems with these engines though is the Optispark distributor. Its sensitive to moisture and unfortunately sits right below the water pump
You should test drive corvettes with both engines and see which one you like best though. Good luck
You should test drive corvettes with both engines and see which one you like best though. Good luck
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach VA
I didn't want to get in on this post because the previously stated reason "starting a feud." BUT, as the coment was made "I'm pretty damn sure that you can modify an LT1 to outperform an LT4.", I feel the NEED to chime in.
Taking it from a engineering view and a personal experience (I own a 96w/LT-4 and six speed) let me say that this comment is ludicrous, and I'll tell you why.
1) The LT-4 was designed with more precision parts, lighter parts and better machining in an effort to reduce weight and increase rev potential, thus increasing torque and horsepower, (ie; 330 hp/340lbft/ 10.8:1 compression for the LT-4 vice 300 hp/ 300 lbft/ 10.4:1 compression for the LT-1)
All that said, if identical methods and parts were used to increase HO/TQ/ compression in both the LT-4 and LT-1 engines, it is absolutely common sense that the LT-4 would fair better. After all, it is starting with more. It doesn't take a math professor to figure that out and it is not rocket surgery.
My personal experience is that I have smoked several slightly modified (better breathing) LT-1s with my stock LT-4.
Enough said, or rather written. Hope I didn't bark someones head off.
Taking it from a engineering view and a personal experience (I own a 96w/LT-4 and six speed) let me say that this comment is ludicrous, and I'll tell you why.
1) The LT-4 was designed with more precision parts, lighter parts and better machining in an effort to reduce weight and increase rev potential, thus increasing torque and horsepower, (ie; 330 hp/340lbft/ 10.8:1 compression for the LT-4 vice 300 hp/ 300 lbft/ 10.4:1 compression for the LT-1)
All that said, if identical methods and parts were used to increase HO/TQ/ compression in both the LT-4 and LT-1 engines, it is absolutely common sense that the LT-4 would fair better. After all, it is starting with more. It doesn't take a math professor to figure that out and it is not rocket surgery.
My personal experience is that I have smoked several slightly modified (better breathing) LT-1s with my stock LT-4.
Enough said, or rather written. Hope I didn't bark someones head off.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 50
Likes: 1
From: Pikeville KY
thanks for the info guys, i guess that i need to test drive both b4 i make a decision, not to mention getting my current ride sold so i can have the cash in had to buy one! HAHA
But i have one more question, I love a stick shift, is it that big of a deal if i find a good deal on a vette and its not??
Thanks, Drew
But i have one more question, I love a stick shift, is it that big of a deal if i find a good deal on a vette and its not??
Thanks, Drew