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From: They say you learn from your mistakes, I must be a genius
2017 Corvette of the Year
2016 C4 of Year Finalist
Creator of the "Original" whining and crying thread
St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'16-'17
LT4 vs LT1
Is there really a big difference between the two? Both have the same amount of torque, but the LT4 has 30 more horse, is it even noticable? I have never driven, or ridden in an LT4, so i'm looking for opinions from others who have.
Never ridden or driven in an LT1, so I am not much help.
From everything I have ever read or heard, that 30 HP on paper is more than noticeable in the real world.
There was a BIG difference between Betty Boop, and when The Ghost was stock. The Ghost was beat up, and I could tell it was a stronger engine. Note that Betty Boop is a G92 automatic.
Bought new a ’93 & a ’94 LT1. Had over 80K miles of seat time between the two of them. Traded the ’94 for the ’96. I didn’t notice a difference during regular driving. Where I immediately noticed a difference is how the LT4 keeps on pulling due to the increased RPM range (I can only imagine the permagrin LT5 owners have). To me, the LT4 responds noticeably quicker than the LT1’s when dropping gears, e.g. fifth to third.
I am far from a dragstrip superstar; but for comparison
Best time with my ’94 was 13.6 @ 103.
Best for my LT4 is 13.2 @ 107. Car is bone stock, this was with 20 gallons of fuel in the tank; Goodyear GS-C’s with 30 psi at all four corners; track elevation 890 ft. above sea level; temp mid-80’s. Had some wheel spin off the line, if I was a better driver 13.1 is a realistic possibility.
Really liked my LT1’s, great motor in a nicely balanced chassi.
The LT4 has essentially the same torque curve until you reach the upper end. There the LT4 has about 500 rpm more usable torque, which means the "4" has the ability to pull while still in a lower gear (read: higher torque amplification to the rear wheels) just a tad longer. So, where top end is important, and you're rowing gears, the "4" has more at the top of every gear, AND that advantage is accumulative at every gear change!
I'd skip the "4" and go right to the head of the class and get the "5" (for some real permagrin...speaking of C4 LTx's )
IMO stock vs stock its about the same difference as going from a late L98 to an LT1. If you drive like a Nancy Boy you won't notice the difference; but if you have a pair the difference is clearly apparent.
Too bad that when stock, all three are now truly underpowered for a modern performance machine.
Mike
Last edited by aboatguy; Apr 28, 2013 at 10:28 AM.
From: They say you learn from your mistakes, I must be a genius
2017 Corvette of the Year
2016 C4 of Year Finalist
Creator of the "Original" whining and crying thread
St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'16-'17
Originally Posted by Paul Workman
The LT4 has essentially the same torque curve until you reach the upper end. There the LT4 has about 500 rpm more usable torque, which means the "4" has the ability to pull while still in a lower gear (read: higher torque amplification to the rear wheels) just a tad longer. So, where top end is important, and you're rowing gears, the "4" has more at the top of every gear, AND that advantage is accumulative at every gear change!
I'd skip the "4" and go right to the head of the class and get the "5" (for some real permagrin...speaking of C4 LTx's )
I've been thinking about this also. You may have seen me asking questions in the Z section of this forum as well. Just trying to do my homework, I do love my CE, and it will take a special kind of vette to make me pull the trigger. Thanks again!
Up to about 5500 rpms they feel the same, after that the LT4 keeps pulling. Put a set of 1.6 roller rockers on the LT1 and you will feel very little difference.
Up to about 5500 rpms they feel the same, after that the LT4 keeps pulling. Put a set of 1.6 roller rockers on the LT1 and you will feel very little difference.
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