ZEROVETTE7

Hi all, need to get your feedback on this: which way to go if you are offered a C4 with LT4 6sp manual (1996 since it's the only year) and a C4 with LT1 6sp manual? Both are in good condition with good mileage. What would be the comparison points beside the year (considering years 91' to 96') I know that LT4 was offered for one year only, Does that make the LT1 (since it's been there for years before) more reliable and easier for troubleshooting, spare parts replacements/availability, compatible for mods...etc. would there be a general focal point to consider? Or one engine is better than the other?
Appreciate the opinions and feedback.
Thx

bac22

LT4 is just a modified version of the LT1, both are rock solid engines and the majority of parts are the same on both engines.

No doubt that you'll get a ton of reply's recommending the LT4 unless you don't want a manual, otherwise no brainer, go for the LT4.

QCVette

Try taking a look at the following link. A lot of good information. There are a lot of differences on them.

http://www.grandsportregistry.com/lt1vslt4.htm

I have had both and currently have a '96 LT4 and a '95 LT1.

They are both good motors. The LT4 definitely has more power and you can feel the difference. It also gets a couple less mpg's. Both have very broad torque curves and are easy to drive. Some of the changes for the LT4 were made to improve reliability but both are very reliable engines.

The '96 is OBD2 which may be a positive or negative depending on what you like. The OBD1 is relatively inexpensive to do you own tuning with interfaces from companies like Moates. The '96 has more sensors and trouble codes that can help you debug problems.

If you are planning mods, then the differences might be minimal since things like AFR, LE2, etc heads are better than the LT4 heads for making power. So if the difference in price of the car compares to the price of the mods, you could make a case for either way. Aftermarket cams, 1.6 rockers, heads, headers, etc can make either motor a 400 hp (or more) at the wheels while still having very good manners for a street car.

I generally prefer the LT4.

Paul Workman

that all things being equal (mileage, maintenance, etc), more is better. The stock LT4 has MORE of the right stuff.

With some (Lloyd Elliot) porting or after-market heads, intake, headers, rockers, and cam, it would be a wash.

Both are fine engines - with an Achilles (opti-spark) heel. The stock LT4 and the LT1 torque curves are twinned until the LT1 drops off. At that point, the LT4's curve soldiers on for another 500 rpm. That's where the increase in HP comes from: Same torque, just higher rpm. (HP=Torque ft# x rpm/5252).

In IL, OBD-I cars were exempt from emissions tests. (Maybe 96s are too, by now - ) Point being "smog tests" might be a consideration in your state. So, unless you're gonna live at WOT - where the LT4 has an advantage - the LT1 is a great motor too.

RUU

FWIW, the LT-1 wasn't installed in the Corvette until 1992. I believe the first year or two had some one-off parts like the serpentine belt and opti connector. The later LT-1s (and LT-4s) had a better designed opti.

Natrlone93

Are you going to keep either stock? If you are going to mod then I would go for the one that offers the better deal financially if they are both in same condition. If keeping stock then go with the LT4 for the extra HP.

Natrlone93

Also the years 91-96 when considering the 6 speed 93 and below had the black tag which is supposed to be a little more heavy duty, higher torque rating. 94 and above has the blue tag.

Cool Runnings

QUARTER MILE LT1 14.0 Seconds


QUARTER MILE LT4 13.7 Seconds


http://www.corvsport.com/1996-c4-corvette/

ZEROVETTE7

Thanks all for your feedback, very helpful and informative. actually I'm more leaning towards the LT4 as I had before a 94' LT1 automatic but now I want to turn to manual. As for mods I would love to keep it stock but I can't trust myself with a C4 ... hehee
im in the market for a C4 latest years preferably a 96' LT4 if can fit the budget.
So as for the repairs and maintenance; both are the same? Spare parts available. I'm not in the states actually so if parts needed, shipping from the states is required if I can't find them locally. Any suggestion or recommendations for a supplies? I know ecklers's, Corvette America, mid America...etc.
thoughts?
thx

cormorant71

LT4 = actively ventilated OptiSpark

LT1 (92-94) = passively ventilated OptiSpark

It's an easy decision...

Cool Runnings

Moola......... looking at a 92 auto (loaded) 46,000 miles, asking $9.5k.


How much is that 6M LT4 gonna cost?

JD Shredds

IMO the only way you would opt for the LT1 is if you preferred having an auto (which in this case is neither car). But really, all things being equal LT4 is easily the pick for a long list of reasons.

FAUEE

The LT4 is preferred, if the pricing works out. The LT4 is essentially a really.mild hewd/cam LT1, with a power rating that doesn't really add up to what they did. I suspect the 330hp claimed is really more like 350hp actual, and it made more power than the LS1, which marketing did not like as the LS1 was due out next year. Dyno results tend to support that as well.

That said, if money is tight (there's a definite premium for the LT4 cars), or you plan to mod, the LT1 may be the better choice. I'd buy a nice LT1 over a beat to hell LT4.

Cool Runnings

I heard stop light to stoplight, there's no real difference between the LT1 and LT4?

FAUEE

The dofference is in the top end, so depending on how far away they arare, you may see it. The LT4 makes more power the last ~1000 rpm or so.

In the real world it's probably a drivers race.

91 black convert

The OP says he is trying to decide between a 91 and a 96. The 91 would not be an LT1 it's an L98. There's quite a bit of difference between an LT4 and an L98.

So which is it that you are deliberating between?

Cool Runnings

Yeah, OP, first year of the LT1 (1992)


Only year of LT4 (1996 6M) Auto was an LT1

nutsy

not being sarcastic, is .3 tenths of a second really noticeable? to me it does not seem like it would. reminds me of when I was looking for a c4. a guy selling a LT4 told me to stay away from the LT1s because they were dogs compared to the lt4s. I bought the LT1 anyway

bac22

Someone here once posted thier time slip on a stock LT4 doing 12.9 in 1/4 mile @109MPH (if memory serves), 13.7 is slow from what I've seen over the years, the LT4 is routinely a low 13 and occasionally high 12 second 1/4 mile.

B17Crew

Traded my ’94 LT-1 6-speed for my ’96 LT-4. Immediately went back to the same track in the same weather conditions and ran 13.2 at 108 mph in my bone-stock LT-4, these were my first few runs and still not 100% familiar with the car. I could never get my LT-1 to run those numbers. Ran both cars at the same track, 30 PSI in the tires, same launch technique. Only difference is I had a full 20 gallons in the LT-4's fuel tank, where as I had half a tank in the LT-1. The LT-4 is undeniable quicker than a LT-1. With more practice, I may be able to run 13.1 or 13.00, possibly at 109 MPH.

As for light to light, I have to agree with what another poster said, the LT-1 and LT-4 feel similar in short distance bursts, it's when you wind up the LT-4 you feel the added muscle. If a LT-4 is running 13.7 in the quarter, something is either wrong with the car or it needs a driver modification.

B17Crew