Was wondering how good is the LT4 compared to the LT1? Is it worth more in the long run as an only year motor.

 

Anybody with an LT4 will tell you that yes, it is very much worth it.
Anybody with an LT1 will tell you that their LT1 just as good.

It really comes down to, do you want an automatic or manual transmission.

Yes, the LT4 is worth it.

 

LT-1 Normal C4
LT-4 as close as you can get to an LT5

 

Devil’s in the details. If you look under BASIC LT1 and LT4 SPECIFICATIONS on http://www.grandsportregistry.com/lt1vslt4.htm you will have an overview of the details. Some good info on the Grand Sport Registry.

For Example:

Timing Chain
LT1 = Link chain, powdered-metal sprockets
LT4 = Roller chain, steel sprockets

Crankshaft
LT1 = Cast iron
LT4 = Cast iron with undercut and rolled fillets

I always took things like this to mean that some of the engine components are more durable.

Have owned two 6-speed LT1s, traded a ’94 LT1 for my LT4, put 67,000 miles on the ’94 LT1. My LT1s were both great cars. The difference that made it a worthwhile move for me is the LT4 winds higher and extends your shifts. To me, it’s just a more satisfying driving experience in the LT4 when compared to my LT1s. Right out of the box, my LT4 was 4 tenths faster in the quarter mile and had higher trap speeds. Could only tell the difference when looking at the time slips, but those extra RPMs and 30 more HP do make a difference.

Lastly, my ’96 has been the most reliable and well assembled Corvette I’ve ever owned. I think overall C4 quality was tweaked right up until the final run of the C4 in ’96. The only thing that would make me move out of this car would be a ’94 or ’95 LT5.

B17Crew

 

Of course you could always install the LT4 hot cam kit in your LT1 along with the HD timing chain and sprocket set and some new lifters and rev your LT1 up almost as high as the LT4. Add in some long tube headers and ummmm a nice high stall TC and you could have a very fun LT1. But the LT4 is indeed a higher performance engine than an LT1 and thus more desirable.

Remember unless you have a very low mileage LT5 there really aren't any investment grade C4s

 

Conservatively rated the LT4 was 330hp compared to the LT1's 300hp.

 

My understanding is GM underrated the horsepower on the LT4 because it couldn't be too close the the C5 that debuted the following year. The LT4 is a hell of a power plant in the 96. I used to have a 94 LT1 6 speed, and even though 300 horses doesn't sound like much by today's standards, 340 lb feet of torque pulls you out of the corners just fine. But the 96 LT4 is even that much better. If I ever buy another C4 it will definitely be with the LT4 engine.

 

Well I have to say....I love my LT4. It doesn't hurt that it is a Collector Edition and a Convertible either. I was looking for either a ZR1 or some other corvette. I soon found that the C4 was what was in my budget. I didn't really like the look of a C5. Couldn't afford a C6 (not the one I want anyway!)

PLUS.....I live in Canada, so much more limiting for choices unless I want to import something from down South. SO....when I decided that the LT5 would be too risky for me just because it is a more complicated motor and there likely isn't anyone close to me that can work on this type of motor. A friend turned me on to the LT4 because of it being somewhat unique and still a basic 350 engine. From what I hear and have read the LT4 dynos at about 310 to 325hp depending on the car. So I think that turns out to be about up to 350ish HP on the high end. So I do believe they are under rated.

I finally did find a local car in my province British Columbia....I only had to drive about 6 hours to get it. Being an actual Canadian car makes it even a bit more unique.....just because the gauges are in metric! Plus the LT4 looks so much COOLER it has the 'Grand Sport' emblem on the throttle body cover and the red paint etc. etc. So, if you can find a LT4 get it....they are out there for sure. Plenty more available in the USA than in Canada. But I am quite sure a well maintained LT1 is also very good too.

Happy Hunting....I had a great time looking for my vette. I looked for about 4 years before I finally pulled the trigger.

Just my 2 cents.

Russell.

 

Think of the LT4 as an LT1 with a head-and-cam package.

I've driven both, with ZF6, and on the street there isn't much difference.
Bragging rights, mostly.

 

And torque curves (stock 300 vs. 330 hp LT1/4s) back your street experiences to a "T".

The (stock to stock*) horsepower advantage of the LT4 only comes into play in the last 500-700 or so RPM. The thing is, when the LT1s fades and has to shift, the "4" still pulling! Trust me. It is exhilarating to feel it, and hear it too. (Take it from an LT5 driver!)

Speed cost money, but so do bragging rights: they go hand in hand; ask any GS owner!

Worth it? That depends where the perspective "value" is to the owner.

 

One of my favorite cars was my 95 LT1 6-spd because I used to daily drive it. Having a bunch of torque off idle makes for a more pleasant experience in traffic and a car that gets going pretty well. After having done the LT5 thing for the last 4 years, I'm pretty sure I'm not going back.

As for the LT4?...I've ridden in one once and drove a geared 383 stroker LT4. They still feel like smallblocks and I think I would only do the LT4 with a stock cam since the off idle characteristics are the main advantage to the 350 chevy.

 

Every LT1 wants to grow up and be an LT4.

 

My 1992 coupe has an LT1 with LT4 heads and cam. Probably has much more, but I am not sure as I bought it that way. What I do know is that it dynos 386hp to the wheels and redlines at 6800 rpm and pulls like a freight train all the way to it. Makes the other 1992 coupe I had feel quite feeble by comparison. Best engine I have ever had. I don't think I could go back to an LT1.

 

the lt4 advantages, engineering wise are two fold:

upgrades for reliability, stronger crank (undercut and rolled fillets), better timing chain set, and of course (shared with some LT, a vented Opti)

upgrades for performance; more aggressive cam, with option of LT4 Hot Cam "drop in" and complimenting the cams, heads with much improved ports, needing of course, that nifty red LT4 intake manifold

Google and do a little research. There are sites reviewing these LT1 / LT4 differences, including pictures of the heads cut apart so you can observe the LT4 improvements. Also lighter sodium cooled valves

The bottom line, more horsepower, more torque and a higher revving engine.

 

Never owned a manual LT1. The Ghost is a stroked LT4, and it is the #1 fun car in my garage. It has more HP than the C5 Z06, but what makes The Ghost super cool is the torque it has.

If you are considering to mod a car, 383 stroke, heads, cam, intake, and tune will make you very happy.

Betty Boop is a automatic LT1, and it satisfy me everytime. Needless to say both Vettes are totally different cars.

 

Have a very nice LT1, the LT4 is worth it.

 

Lt4 w/ 6 speed will not rev up past 3200 either in neutral or on the road under load. Starts and runs fine up to that point. Did change out frame mt fuel filter last week !!!

Looking for any suggestions from the forum. Thanks !!

 

Of course you can also drop an LT4 Hot Cam in an LT4 sans the rest of the kit, since the LT4 comes set up for the cam

 

Start a new thread in C4 tech. How old are your cats and ck your fuel pressure

 

I've owned both - head, big cam, headers, etc. LT-1 and 383 LT-4. The modded LT-1 was a giant killer and not much slower than my relatively small cammed stroker LT-4. Stock for stock, there's no comparison - the LT-4 is better across the board.