L98 vs. LT1
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento California
L98 vs. LT1
Which of these engines are the better more reliable engine? i know that the LT1 puts out more power but dosen't the L98 put out more torque? and because of not having a opti-spark dosen't that make the L98 a more reliable engine set up? also is the LT1 corvette a faster car than a vette powered by the L98 engine? dose the LT1 have any improvements over the L98 engine thats worth noting?
thanks boonie
thanks boonie
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,517
Likes: 19
The answer depends on who you talk to. Most guys will argue the case for whick ever one they have. You are right about the opti. It has been hated by most. Lt 1's have reverse cooling. I believe this make the motor less prone to compression. Some Lt1 owners install super ram manifolds and some L-98 owners install the mini ram. Both change the power curves. Usually this issue causes debates. Not for me though, I know which one I like better 
. If you like, you can run a search on the topic. Lots of good info.
. If you like, you can run a search on the topic. Lots of good info.
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 14,165
Likes: 9
This thread will probably get beat down real quickly, these threads always turn into a fight.
Ultimately it boils down to personal preference. The LT1 has some quirks but so too does the L98. The LT1 makes more horsepower and is faster if you're talking about stock trim. If you start modding the sky is the limit on either platform.
Ultimately it boils down to personal preference. The LT1 has some quirks but so too does the L98. The LT1 makes more horsepower and is faster if you're talking about stock trim. If you start modding the sky is the limit on either platform.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 456
Likes: 3
From: Sumner Texas
For me it's six of one and a half dozen of the other.
Yes the Opti Spark is harder to work on and deal with, but the injectors and other things on the LT1 are much easier to deal with because the runners and plenum are not in the way, so it's pretty much a wash on that front.
As far as the power curve goes, the LT1 will outrun the L98 all day long, but due to the torque peak of the L98 being at a lower RPM, the L98 FEELS faster which makes it fun to drive on the street as long as you don't plan on racing an LT1.
So, it's your choice. Would you rather have a bigger kick in your back when you jump on it, or have a faster car. I prefer the kick in the back, but I expect that I could be just as happy with an LT1.
Now, get ready for the LT1 owners to defend the LT1 and the L98 owners to defend the L98. I've found lots of closed mindedness here on this subject.
Have a great day,
Yes the Opti Spark is harder to work on and deal with, but the injectors and other things on the LT1 are much easier to deal with because the runners and plenum are not in the way, so it's pretty much a wash on that front.
As far as the power curve goes, the LT1 will outrun the L98 all day long, but due to the torque peak of the L98 being at a lower RPM, the L98 FEELS faster which makes it fun to drive on the street as long as you don't plan on racing an LT1.
So, it's your choice. Would you rather have a bigger kick in your back when you jump on it, or have a faster car. I prefer the kick in the back, but I expect that I could be just as happy with an LT1.
Now, get ready for the LT1 owners to defend the LT1 and the L98 owners to defend the L98. I've found lots of closed mindedness here on this subject.
Have a great day,
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 1,261
Likes: 6
From: Middletown New Jersey
Bottom line stock for stock, the LT-1 will outrun the L98 in anything but the stoplight drags. As far as opti cost and what not, my feeling is that it depends on the person. I don't do the work on my car (modded l98) so it's expensive no matter what goes wrong. The opti wouldn't stop me me from getting one.
Does that mean would I drop an LT-1 in my vette? Of course not. As mentioned earlier, once you start modding the sky is the limit on either motor, just depends on the $$$ you want to spend.
I've been a member of this board since it first started and this topic has gotten real old. It just causes people to get all fired up about nothing.
Does that mean would I drop an LT-1 in my vette? Of course not. As mentioned earlier, once you start modding the sky is the limit on either motor, just depends on the $$$ you want to spend.
I've been a member of this board since it first started and this topic has gotten real old. It just causes people to get all fired up about nothing.
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,749
Likes: 41
Originally Posted by GlennS87
Bottom line stock for stock, the LT-1 will outrun the L98 in anything but the stoplight drags. As far as opti cost and what not, my feeling is that it depends on the person. I don't do the work on my car (modded l98) so it's expensive no matter what goes wrong. The opti wouldn't stop me me from getting one.
Does that mean would I drop an LT-1 in my vette? Of course not. As mentioned earlier, once you start modding the sky is the limit on either motor, just depends on the $$$ you want to spend.
I've been a member of this board since it first started and this topic has gotten real old. It just causes people to get all fired up about nothing.
Does that mean would I drop an LT-1 in my vette? Of course not. As mentioned earlier, once you start modding the sky is the limit on either motor, just depends on the $$$ you want to spend.
I've been a member of this board since it first started and this topic has gotten real old. It just causes people to get all fired up about nothing.
Yeah, Lets not let it get that way. Take this sucker off!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,014
Likes: 18
From: Raleigh, NC
I've had both and I prefer the L98. I like to turn wrenches though, and I do my own work. For someone who doesn't wanna mod the car, they might want something different.
I've had an LS1 as well, and I still prefer the L98.
From a reliability standpoint, any of the three engine will go 200k with normal maintenance.
I've had an LS1 as well, and I still prefer the L98.
From a reliability standpoint, any of the three engine will go 200k with normal maintenance.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
Likes: 233
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Originally Posted by boonie
Which of these engines are the better more reliable engine?
Neither is better or more reliable.
i know that the LT1 puts out more power but dosen't the L98 put out more torque?
I think you'll find that max torque output is the same.
and because of not having a opti-spark dosen't that make the L98 a more reliable engine set up?
The opti-spark issue is a non-issue if you are aware of it.
also is the LT1 corvette a faster car than a vette powered by the L98 engine?
Yes.
dose the LT1 have any improvements over the L98 engine thats worth noting?
Just 50 hp.
thanks boonie
Neither is better or more reliable.
i know that the LT1 puts out more power but dosen't the L98 put out more torque?
I think you'll find that max torque output is the same.
and because of not having a opti-spark dosen't that make the L98 a more reliable engine set up?
The opti-spark issue is a non-issue if you are aware of it.
also is the LT1 corvette a faster car than a vette powered by the L98 engine?
Yes.
dose the LT1 have any improvements over the L98 engine thats worth noting?
Just 50 hp.
thanks boonie
Larry
code5coupe
Last edited by rocco16; Jan 19, 2006 at 03:35 PM.
Elite Torch Red Member
Joined: Sep 1999
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From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
Cental/South NJ Events Coordinator
CI 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12 Vet
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They are boh as reliable as any other engine out there, it comes down to the person taking care of the car.
Neglect any car and it will fall apart.
Now I'm not one to go by ratings, but the L98 i s only rated at 5 lb/ft more than the LT1 and the LT1 makes torque down low and it stays near that peak all the way to 5800 RPM or so, I believe the L98 chokes at about 4800.
Put a mini ram or super ram on the L98 and it's a different story.
We have more quick C4's at the track that are L98 based.
Most LT1's we race are relatively stock, they don't need hardly any mods to be in the 12's.
Neglect any car and it will fall apart.
Now I'm not one to go by ratings, but the L98 i s only rated at 5 lb/ft more than the LT1 and the LT1 makes torque down low and it stays near that peak all the way to 5800 RPM or so, I believe the L98 chokes at about 4800.
Put a mini ram or super ram on the L98 and it's a different story.
We have more quick C4's at the track that are L98 based.
Most LT1's we race are relatively stock, they don't need hardly any mods to be in the 12's.
