C4 General Discussion General C4 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech

1996 corvette engine options?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 14, 2013 | 01:32 PM
  #1  
Broncs's Avatar
Broncs
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
 
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Default 1996 corvette engine options?

Ok I am asking this because a friend of mine sent me a picture of a 96 vette that is being advertised as a 96 GS and that the car had an LT4, BUT!!! The car is white has no GS badgeing, wrong wheels, no rear fender flare! Obviously this is not a GS. Is it possible the car has an LT 4 and that's good enough to this guy to call the car a GS?
Reply
Old May 14, 2013 | 01:40 PM
  #2  
VtVette's Avatar
VtVette
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 2,830
Likes: 20
From: Las Vegas Nevada
Default

Hi Broncos, LT4 was standard on all Grand Sports in 1996 (and I *believe* all Collector Edition's that year but not 100% positive).

It was also available as an optional engine on any Corvette that year for about $1500. The LT4 could only be had with a 6 speed manual transmission. No auto LT4.

The Grand Sport is a very unique C4. They are much, much more than just the LT4 engine. There is a registry for Grand Sports and they command a premium thousands above other 1996 C4's.

The LT4 adds some value to the 1996 (as does the 6 speed as they are quite popular) but, in no way should the car be compared to a Grand Sport.

Hope this helps,
Reply
Old May 14, 2013 | 01:49 PM
  #3  
Broncs's Avatar
Broncs
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
 
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Default

Thanks I know about the GS but wasn't sure if the 96 had an LT4 option. I have no idea what they're asking for this car but the guy either has no idea what he has or he's trying to con people..
Reply
Old May 14, 2013 | 01:57 PM
  #4  
ch@0s's Avatar
ch@0s
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 9,758
Likes: 49
From: Houston Texas
Default

There were auto CEs that did not have the LT4. Unless its been repainted that car is not a Grand Sport.

GS coupe:

Reply
Old May 14, 2013 | 02:06 PM
  #5  
RollaMo-LT4's Avatar
RollaMo-LT4
Race Director
20 Year Member
St. Jude 15 Year Donor
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,770
Likes: 175
From: Rolla Missouri
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '25
Default

Originally Posted by VtVette
Hi Broncos, LT4 was standard on all Grand Sports in 1996 (and I *believe* all Collector Edition's that year but not 100% positive).
Only the manual transmission cars got the LT4 engine.
You could get a Collector Edition with the LT1 and automatic transmission also.


Originally Posted by VtVette
It was also available as an optional engine on any Corvette that year for about $1500. The LT4 could only be had with a 6 speed manual transmission. No auto LT4.


Originally Posted by Broncs
Thanks I know about the GS but wasn't sure if the 96 had an LT4 option. I have no idea what they're asking for this car but the guy either has no idea what he has or he's trying to con people..
As stated, all '96 manual transmission Corvettes also came with the LT4 engine.
And all LT4 engines, have the "Grand Sport" plate on top of the throttle body.
That might be what is confusing to some.

Loot at the 8th character in the VIN
P = LT1
5 = LT4

Now look at the 12th character in the VIN
All Grand Sports = 6
All other Corvettes = 1
Reply
Old May 14, 2013 | 02:07 PM
  #6  
DonF's Avatar
DonF
Drifting
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 1
From: Woodway TX
Default

Originally Posted by ch@0s
There were auto CEs that did not have the LT4. Unless its been repainted that car is not a Grand Sport.

GS coupe:

Correct & nice picture!
Reply
Old May 14, 2013 | 04:20 PM
  #7  
mtwoolford's Avatar
mtwoolford
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,482
Likes: 196
From: folsom california
Default

Some confusion is inevitable. While not to be confused with the 96 Grand Sport cars, even the most basic LT4 equipped cars, besides getting the more powerful engine, came with the heavy duty Dana 44 rear, heavy duty 13 inch J55 brake package, and ZF 6 speed transmission; BUT they ALSO have a plaque on top of the throttle body that says "GRAND SPORT"...that doesn't make 'em a Grand Sport per se, but it does let you know that something special is going on.
Reply
Old May 14, 2013 | 05:14 PM
  #8  
LT4 F45's Avatar
LT4 F45
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,178
Likes: 15
From: Montreal Quebec
Default

Originally Posted by mtwoolford
Some confusion is inevitable. While not to be confused with the 96 Grand Sport cars, even the most basic LT4 equipped cars, besides getting the more powerful engine, came with the heavy duty Dana 44 rear, heavy duty 13 inch J55 brake package, and ZF 6 speed transmission; BUT they ALSO have a plaque on top of the throttle body that says "GRAND SPORT"...that doesn't make 'em a Grand Sport per se, but it does let you know that something special is going on.
LT4 was a stand alone 1450.$ option that can be ordered on any 96 but ONLY with 6 speed manual transmission...
Grand Sport was available Only with LT4 and 6 speed...
LT4 is a wonderful engine!
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
Old May 14, 2013 | 07:42 PM
  #9  
RollaMo-LT4's Avatar
RollaMo-LT4
Race Director
20 Year Member
St. Jude 15 Year Donor
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,770
Likes: 175
From: Rolla Missouri
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '25
Default

Originally Posted by mtwoolford
Some confusion is inevitable. While not to be confused with the 96 Grand Sport cars,
even the most basic LT4 equipped cars, besides getting the more powerful engine,
came with the heavy duty Dana 44 rear, heavy duty 13 inch J55 brake package, and ZF 6 speed transmission
To be fair:
All manual transmission Corvettes since 1985 got the D44 rear end.
All manual transmission Corvettes since 1989 got the ZF6 6-speed.
And all 1996 Corvettes have J55 brake as standard equipment.
Reply
Old May 14, 2013 | 09:16 PM
  #10  
FASTAZU's Avatar
FASTAZU
Race Director
20 Year Member
Veteran: Navy
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 3
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 11,610
Likes: 1,053
From: Compound in the Grove, Ga.
2026 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C4 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2024 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods)
2018 C4 of Year Finalist
2015 C4 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '16
Default

The only GS that did not have the rear wheel flare was the Convertible as it came with 9.5 wheels on all 4 corners.
Reply
Old May 14, 2013 | 10:00 PM
  #11  
PLRX's Avatar
PLRX
Team Owner
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 34,988
Likes: 515
From: Riverside County Southern California
Co-winner 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C4 of Year
2016 C7 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
Default



The forum is becoming a "talk show".
Reply
Old May 16, 2013 | 12:14 AM
  #12  
mtwoolford's Avatar
mtwoolford
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,482
Likes: 196
From: folsom california
Default

Originally Posted by RollaMo-LT4
To be fair:
All manual transmission Corvettes since 1985 got the D44 rear end.
All manual transmission Corvettes since 1989 got the ZF6 6-speed.
And all 1996 Corvettes have J55 brake as standard equipment.
you probably enjoy telling little kids that there's no Easter Bunny too.
Reply
Old May 16, 2013 | 08:52 AM
  #13  
RollaMo-LT4's Avatar
RollaMo-LT4
Race Director
20 Year Member
St. Jude 15 Year Donor
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,770
Likes: 175
From: Rolla Missouri
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '25
Default

Originally Posted by mtwoolford
you probably enjoy telling little kids that there's no Easter Bunny too.
Just making sure when someone searches this topic in the future, they see the "Facts".
You know that saying "I found it on the internet, so it must be true" crap.

With out having the real facts in some of these threads, people begin to actually believe some of the sh*t they read here.

Sorry if that does not sit well with you.
Reply
Old May 16, 2013 | 09:15 AM
  #14  
bac22's Avatar
bac22
Le Mans Master
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,060
Likes: 214
From: Epping NH
Default

The badge on a LT4 engine says Grand Sport and so a lot of yahoo's who know little about vettes will open the hood and automatically assume the whole car is a Grand Sport model!

As others have said, if it's a 96 manual it's a LT4, no ands, ifs, or buts.

Personally I wouldn't buy a vette from a private buyer advertising it as a Grand Sport just because the badge says so on the engine...if they are that clueless then it probably means there were clueless with maintaining the car too!!!

If it's a dealer you might use it as an advantage by questioning the dealers knowledge and pricing ability so that you get some money dropped off of the car!

Also I'm concerned that there may be no Easter bunny as well!
Reply
Old May 16, 2013 | 09:40 AM
  #15  
jimmymack's Avatar
jimmymack
Melting Slicks
Supporting Gold
15 Year Member
Veteran: Army
Conversation Starter
Liked
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,384
Likes: 56
From: West Chester PA
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '25
Default

WTF,there is no Easter Bunny? What's next, you gonna say that the throttle body air foil doesn't give my car a 30 HP increase?
Reply
Old May 16, 2013 | 12:47 PM
  #16  
Sweet 90's Avatar
Sweet 90
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,030
Likes: 10
From: Edmonton, Alberta
Default

Originally Posted by mtwoolford
you probably enjoy telling little kids that there's no Easter Bunny too.
Reply
Old May 16, 2013 | 03:44 PM
  #17  
BigT2's Avatar
BigT2
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 202
Likes: 18
From: South Jersey
Default

100% right about the 96 CE with an auto and LT1. I know I have one.

T
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To 1996 corvette engine options?

Old May 16, 2013 | 08:06 PM
  #18  
ch@0s's Avatar
ch@0s
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 9,758
Likes: 49
From: Houston Texas
Default

Originally Posted by BigT2
100% right about the 96 CE with an auto and LT1. I know I have one.

T
What about the Easter bunny? You got one of those too?JK
Reply
Old May 16, 2013 | 09:01 PM
  #19  
FASTAZU's Avatar
FASTAZU
Race Director
20 Year Member
Veteran: Navy
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 3
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 11,610
Likes: 1,053
From: Compound in the Grove, Ga.
2026 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C4 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2024 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods)
2018 C4 of Year Finalist
2015 C4 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '16
Default

Originally Posted by ch@0s
What about the Easter bunny? You got one of those too?JK
Rabbits taste just like chicken
Reply
Old May 17, 2013 | 12:30 PM
  #20  
ch@0s's Avatar
ch@0s
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 9,758
Likes: 49
From: Houston Texas
Default

Originally Posted by We Gone
Rabbits taste just like chicken
So do cats and dogs from what I hear.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:33 AM.

story-0
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-2
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE