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Slow LS1?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,370
Likes: 1
From: Raleigh NC
Slow LS1?
I test drove a 2000 Vette today, 6 speed and of course the LS1. I expected it to really impress me. I walked away disappointed. This car has 66,000 miles on it and I believe it is 100% stock. It seemed to run good, not out of tune. I got a chance to wind to the redline a few times and I swear it felt like my '90 would have it for lunch. I alot weaker. Felt like no torque and the only time it felt like it had an edge on my L98 was from 5,000 to 6,500. I think I'd whip it.
Is there such a thing as a slow LS1 Vette?
Is there such a thing as a slow LS1 Vette?
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,923
Likes: 0
From: GA
Originally Posted by jonecap
Is there such a thing as a slow LS1 Vette?
What speed did you hit when you hit redline? I'd bet your L98 couldn't get anywhere near that speed that quickly.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
The L98 will feel quicker due to the torque band, it comes on quick and dies off, the LS1 is the opposite. They have a flat powerband, nbut dont let that fool you, they do good up top.
I echo your sentiments though, I drove a 6 speed '02 vert and wasnt thrilled with the acceleration at all. I did hit 90 pretty quick though, it sneaks up on you.
I echo your sentiments though, I drove a 6 speed '02 vert and wasnt thrilled with the acceleration at all. I did hit 90 pretty quick though, it sneaks up on you.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,370
Likes: 1
From: Raleigh NC
Originally Posted by Morley
Yeah, one that is running on four cylinders.
What speed did you hit when you hit redline? I'd bet your L98 couldn't get anywhere near that speed that quickly.
What speed did you hit when you hit redline? I'd bet your L98 couldn't get anywhere near that speed that quickly.
I'm sure in the long run, the extra rpm and upper end power of the LS1 would make for good ets. I just didn't have the same fun to drive factor as my ol' C4.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,940
Likes: 5
From: Chesapeake VA
Your sig says you ran a 13.1 in your L98. That is quicker than a lot of stock LS1's so I can see where you would be dissapointed in your test drive.
The LS1 does seem lacking in low end torque compared to an L98. My 86' hits way harder off the line than my 99' does. But in a 60mph-100mph jump the LS1 clearly shows its extra HP.
I agree that the C5/LS1 platform kind of sneaks up on you in terms of how fast the car really is. My 86' definitely has more of a SOTP "yee-haw" flavor to it.
You may find that an LS6 gets you more to where you expect the C5 to be. I have ridden in one and was surprised how much quicker and sticker the C5-Z06 is than my 99' 6 speed Z51.
The LS1 does seem lacking in low end torque compared to an L98. My 86' hits way harder off the line than my 99' does. But in a 60mph-100mph jump the LS1 clearly shows its extra HP.
I agree that the C5/LS1 platform kind of sneaks up on you in terms of how fast the car really is. My 86' definitely has more of a SOTP "yee-haw" flavor to it.
You may find that an LS6 gets you more to where you expect the C5 to be. I have ridden in one and was surprised how much quicker and sticker the C5-Z06 is than my 99' 6 speed Z51.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,945
Likes: 41
From: Corinth TX
One thing to remember also is that alot of the C5s came stock with the 2.73 gears. If it was an auto it could have had the 2.73s or 3.15s if it was the performance gears. If it was MN6 it would have the 3.42s. I have a 2000 and I know it is faster than my 1994. My 94 does feel faster but it is simply just a feeling. The hooks up nice and is deceivingly quick. Also, that year has an incredibly restrictive air intake box. And the previous owner may have never changed the plugs which would account for being sluggish as well. Find someone who has one that has been taken care of and has made the few changes mentioned and you may change your mind.
P.S. I just read that it was a manual. SO it should have been faster since it has the 3.42s.
P.S. I just read that it was a manual. SO it should have been faster since it has the 3.42s.
Last edited by NocarbutaVetteforme; Mar 10, 2006 at 11:29 PM.
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,370
Likes: 1
From: Raleigh NC
OK. Today I drove a 1999 model Vette A4. This car has only 26,000 miles and has a K& N in it. It seemed stronger than the 6 speed and probably faster than my '90...but not by much. But it still does not have the rippin' torque feel of a L98. Much less fun to drive IMO.
I'm actually test driving these cars because my mother....yes, mother wants a C5. Pretty cool, huh
She says she's going to run it at the dragstrip.
I'm actually test driving these cars because my mother....yes, mother wants a C5. Pretty cool, huh
She says she's going to run it at the dragstrip.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,490
Likes: 68
From: Hewitt NJ
Well if you're used to the torque of the L-98 you're not going to find it with a stock displacement LS1. I've driven both and auto and a 6-speed LS1 Corvette and they didn't "feel" fast because the torque curve is so flat, but let me tell you that speedometer needle climbed quickly.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 283
Likes: 27
From: Oxford PA
The LS1 is a more refined engine. It doesn't need all the torque to get going. It is a far superior engine. I agree though that a stock LS1 does not feel fast. As soon as you put a new MAF and aftermarket air box the car really wakes up. It is starving for air and once you give it some, watch out. If you have a good driver behind the wheel, a stock vette will do better than 13.1. At least in my neck of the woods. South east PA.
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,749
Likes: 41
Originally Posted by jonecap
I test drove a 2000 Vette today, 6 speed and of course the LS1. I expected it to really impress me. I walked away disappointed. This car has 66,000 miles on it and I believe it is 100% stock. It seemed to run good, not out of tune. I got a chance to wind to the redline a few times and I swear it felt like my '90 would have it for lunch. I alot weaker. Felt like no torque and the only time it felt like it had an edge on my L98 was from 5,000 to 6,500. I think I'd whip it.
Is there such a thing as a slow LS1 Vette?
Is there such a thing as a slow LS1 Vette?
To answer your question, no. A stock LS1 will eat a slightly modded L-98 anytime, and place, and twice on sundays.
You should be able to keep up to a LS1. But then again you do have some mods if I am not mistaken. Race past the 1/4, and your L-98 will fall on its face.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,370
Likes: 1
From: Raleigh NC
I agree. The power delivery of the LS1 is pretty dang smooth. You don't realize how quickly it's moving you along. On an L98, you feel it hit...and you also feel it die off. On a LS1, it's just a seamless stream of power that hides just how much power it is.
Big difference in the torque feeling between a L98 and a LS1. L98 feels like a big block...almost. LS1 is more of a revver.
Big difference in the torque feeling between a L98 and a LS1. L98 feels like a big block...almost. LS1 is more of a revver.
Last edited by jonecap; Mar 13, 2006 at 08:23 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 209
Likes: 1
From: Renton WA
It's just the way these cars feel... even the LT1 feels "torquer" than an LS1. Hell, to me it seems my stock LT1 puts me in my seat a little harder when blipping the throttle off the start than my Camaro. But then again, it's an illusion because my Camaro pulls a 1.7 60' consistently, when my C4 pulled a 2.2. Initial response feels snappier, but my LS1 Camaro destroys my C4 in every gear.
To use a football term, the LS1 has sneaky speed.
To use a football term, the LS1 has sneaky speed.
