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Hi,
In my ongoing quest for the "perfect" Corvette for me, I've decided that the last of the L98's may be my best choice. Other than the tail-ends being of the "old style" concave versus the "new style" convex, and the nose-pice being "smoother" for 1991 are there any other differences that might make one more desireable than the other?
I don't really want one of the early LT1's cause I don't want the early opti-spark system. And I can't afford the later LT1's so I figured the last of the L98's was a good choice for me.
If you have solid information, or just an opinion I would be happy to hear it. Better to learn as much as I can now before I lay my money on the table.
Glen
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Re: differences between 1990 vs 1991 C4? (olefam)
I have a book in my office that has all of the differences that were made that model year. If you e-mail or im me a fax number, I will copy it and fax it to you tomorrow.
I have a 91 vert and love it. I have driven several LT-1
s and they are a little faster but the late L98 feels much faster which adds to the fun factor for me. If i were looking at a 90 or 91 i would take the 91 cause i think it looks a lot more comtemporary. There really arent any other differences. A few options here and there. If you want an "early" C4 look i'd get an 89 and you will have the retro dash as well. I could never see buying a 90 over a 91 they are so close in price why not get the newer looking model (unless of course you prefer the older style). Either car will make you :D
Re: differences between 1990 vs 1991 C4? (JSA 007)
Correct me if I'm wrong but isnt the L98 a little torquier than the LT1 and therefore a little faster out of the hole?
That is 100% correct, and I've seen the 60' times to prove it :yesnod:
Well, I don't know about that, the L98 has 5 lbs/ft more and does pull hard, but the LT1 is no slouch either.
Jim(65Z01) will kill me for posting this again, but here is my stock LT1 sixspeed(only mod was the removal of mufflers) vs Jim's '88 slightly tweaked L98 automatic.
LT1 in the left lane, L98 in the right.
Re: differences between 1990 vs 1991 C4? (JSA 007)
Actually I've seen quite a few L98's pull 1.8's stock. Jim's car is now quicker than my six speed, but I have put heavier wheels on and I think I lost a few tenths because of it.
My automatic car pulled 1.9 60' with the stock 2.59 gears, it's now 1.70 with the new gears and new torque converter.
From: "Drive like Hell, you'll get there faster." Tucson AZ
Re: differences between 1990 vs 1991 C4? (olefam)
Actually I couldn't disagree with you. Your choice is logical for what you're looking for. Either way, a 90 or a 91 are awesome last years for the L98. To be honest, stock I kinda like the look of 91s a little better, but I like the front of the 90's. If you plan on keeping your car's exterior stock looking, go with the 91. If you plan to modify the body exterior..ie: wing, ground effects etc, I'd go with the 90. Most people up here will agree that the 90 and below C4 body looks generally better with body kits(The later C4's are too curvy to fit the lines in my opinion, but still look o.k.) Other than the exterior body styling, I believe the only other difference is the accent on the console and horn. On the 90 they're grey on black while the 91 has black on black accents. Either way though, you're going with the latest years of the L98, and there are no better vette years to modify. Cuz without the opti's those are about the cheapest engine's to work on without sacrificing such high amounts of power(while still retaining alot in a vette stock)..and especially torque. The difference is really negligible. :seeya
Re: differences between 1990 vs 1991 C4? (90 Corvette ZR-1)
Just one correction. The 91 has the grey interior also just like the 90. The did not change to black until 92. I wish they did change in 91 cause i like the black look better. Oh well.
Get a 91. I owned both the early C4 and Late C4. The price difference will be only a few bucks. Otherwise you will probably find youself wanting to update to the newer body style at some point and that will cost much more than just getting it right the first time. I think the 91 vert is the 2nd best C4 behind the 96 LT4 vert ( id dont count ZR-1's cause i need a vert).
91 - New Body, old simple to mod engine, gobs of torque.
I have a 90 and the only difference is the exterior look. Pretty much you will only need to decide if you like the first C4 look or the second C4 look. :D
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Re: differences between 1990 vs 1991 C4? (Mr Mojo)
Correct me if I'm wrong but isnt the L98 a little torquier than the LT1 and therefore a little faster out of the hole?
That is 100% correct, and I've seen the 60' times to prove it :yesnod:
Well, I don't know about that, the L98 has 5 lbs/ft more and does pull hard, but the LT1 is no slouch either.
Jim(65Z01) will kill me for posting this again, but here is my stock LT1 sixspeed(only mod was the removal of mufflers) vs Jim's '88 slightly tweaked L98 automatic.
LT1 in the left lane, L98 in the right.
Didnt mean to put down the LT1. I have one and love it.
According to my Corvette black book, other than the obvious appearance changes:
Finned power steering coolers were added to all models.
A power wire for 12V devices was added.
A power delay feature was added to allow operation of the stereo and windows after the key was turned off.
A sensor using an oil pan float was added to all models.
Mufflers were revised.
The AM band was expanded to receive more frequencies.
From: Minnesota in the summer, Las Vegas in the winter
Re: differences between 1990 vs 1991 C4? (olefam)
Hi,
In my ongoing quest for the "perfect" Corvette for me, I've decided that the last of the L98's may be my best choice. Other than the tail-ends being of the "old style" concave versus the "new style" convex, and the nose-pice being "smoother" for 1991 are there any other differences that might make one more desireable than the other?
I don't really want one of the early LT1's cause I don't want the early opti-spark system. And I can't afford the later LT1's so I figured the last of the L98's was a good choice for me.
If you have solid information, or just an opinion I would be happy to hear it. Better to learn as much as I can now before I lay my money on the table.
Glen
For exactly the criteria you have listed and several more, I decided on a 1991 model. For me, it was absolutely the right strategy. I would do it again, same year, same color, same options. :yesnod:
Either way you will be happy! I have a '90 and really like it...it is a fun car and looks great! The '91 will be a little more refined. Good luck with your decision and finding the right vette! :)