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Performance cars ended in 73-74 and started dying off years earlier.
They knew and know how to make HP they are the ones doing the real research and throwing huge money at racing not Joe blow. The EFI and emissions was a new concept, regulations were new, and the bar was VERY low for performance in the 80;s since the 70's killed it.
No production vehicle has ever left the factory as anything other than a daily driver. Recently it is getting crazier but still tame even give the HP numbers. Compared to most cars sure a sports car feels great. It is all about perspective.
A 350 can and always was able to make 450hp+ if it could breath and the block and internals stayed together.
The power numbers we see now were capable decades ago, but the idea of marketing is to keep you coming back for MORE. To come out and offer a 500hp corvette in 1985 hardly anyone would buy it and the price would have been silly. The Zr1 is proof of that...
Yes, I understand emissions hindered HP, but was not limited. Guys here are proof what old junk EFI can do.
I think until people drive or ride in a truly modified / sketchy (not hopped up) car they won't understand and YT vids don't give enough of the senses yet.
There's a story behind the "LT1" designation too. According to some knowledgeable accounts, the "LT1" was reserved until the new motor demonstrated performance equal or greater than the 'legendary '70s LT1s" could deliver. The new '92 LT`1 does meet/exceed the old '70s LT1 performance, for all practical purposes.
But, while we're on the subject, THIS GRAPH might be interesting - comparing the '70 LT1, '92 LT1, and the L98 - ALL on the same graph. (NOTE: IIRC it was in '72 when factory HP ratings went from GROSS to NET. Far as the graphic goes, I'm pretty sure they're all NET: "apples to apples", IOW.) But, here again, one can easily see the performance characteristics of the L98s compared to the old '70 LT1 and the newer '92+LT1s, and where the "truck engine" moniker comes from.
They put those heavy DM flywheels in so buyers wont complain....crowd can be pretty hard to please.
Want performance car but expect it to ride like a Lexus, no different with the C7...when the L98 was out guys would cry about the "rough idle". Pansys....
There's a story behind the "LT1" designation too. According to some knowledgeable accounts, the "LT1" was reserved until the new motor demonstrated performance equal or greater than the 'legendary '70s LT1s" could deliver. The new '92 LT`1 does meet/exceed the old '70s LT1 performance, for all practical purposes.
But, while we're on the subject, THIS GRAPH might be interesting - comparing the '70 LT1, '92 LT1, and the L98 - ALL on the same graph. (NOTE: IIRC it was in '72 when factory HP ratings went from GROSS to NET. Far as the graphic goes, I'm pretty sure they're all NET: "apples to apples", IOW.) But, here again, one can easily see the performance characteristics of the L98s compared to the old '70 LT1 and the newer '92+LT1s, and where the "truck engine" moniker comes from.
What a great pic..
The horse power of the L98 appears to be hidden completely by the new LT1 till we get to about the 325 range.
They put those heavy DM flywheels in so buyers wont complain....crowd can be pretty hard to please.
Want performance car but expect it to ride like a Lexus, no different with the C7...when the L98 was out guys would cry about the "rough idle". Pansys....
Bingo!! Wanna beees. Hey look at what I got... Ehhh it rides rough, it lopes, the clutch is hard to push....the radio sucks... WAAAAHHHH.
Mechanical lifters require periodic valve adjustments which would probably be a big turn off for many Corvette shoppers who just want a pretty & fun sports car that didn't require a lot of upkeep. The L98 provided that.
Mechanical lifters require periodic valve adjustments which would probably be a big turn off for many Corvette shoppers who just want a pretty & fun sports car that didn't require a lot of upkeep. The L98 provided that.
The LT1 has hydraulic lifers...
Last edited by Cool Runnings; 04-08-2019 at 06:02 PM.
I agree. The L98 should have gone into the GMT400 truck in 1988; it was perfect for a truck, it would have looked industry leading in a truck and it would have been at least comperable tech wise and performance wise to Fords truck engines of the era. Then, '88 should have been the first year for a mid or short runner engine in the 'Vette and F-bods.
I don’t really know why the 98 is the way it is. My car definitely runs out of steam at 4500. My ‘94 LT1 was more fun to rev. The L98 just feels bottled up, like it was tuned for low emissions and just needs to breathe better. I am resigned to keeping mine stock, though. It is fast enough and a mechanic can diagnose a stock motor.
I don’t really know why the 98 is the way it is. My car definitely runs out of steam at 4500. My ‘94 LT1 was more fun to rev. The L98 just feels bottled up, like it was tuned for low emissions and just needs to breathe better. I am resigned to keeping mine stock, though. It is fast enough and a mechanic can diagnose a stock motor.
It may be fast enough and stock but that doesn't mean the mechanic can diagnose it. Like every profession I have seen, there are a few good ones, lot of parts replacers and a few that should be shot on the spot. The few good ones are able to understand what is happening and the parts replacers are able to have an idea what the possibilities are and replace the part.
04-05-2019, 12:56 PM
