C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

L98 HP output

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 23, 2001 | 03:03 AM
  #1  
No Ordinary 91's Avatar
No Ordinary 91
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,398
Likes: 1
From: Loveland Co
Cruise-In III Veteran
Default L98 HP output

Okay i keep reading that there is a 245 HP version and a 250 HP version in the 91's how can you tell the difference, its only 5 HP i know but i am **** and it has been bugging me. Was 250 in say Automatics, or manuals
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2001 | 03:28 AM
  #2  
NoWorries's Avatar
NoWorries
Race Director
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 16,477
Likes: 1
From: Enter Post Count Here
Default Re: L98 HP output (91_Corvette)

It depends, if you've worked it over, you could make 329 hp and 455 lbs. of torque for a relatively small amount of money... :D

Sorry, just had to answer that way. :D

What you are asking about is between a Z51 option and just a regular Vette. The Z51 adds a couple of power adders, but is mostly a handling setup.
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2001 | 03:57 AM
  #3  
No Ordinary 91's Avatar
No Ordinary 91
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,398
Likes: 1
From: Loveland Co
Cruise-In III Veteran
Default Re: L98 HP output (NoWorries)

okay then since i hae the FX-3 i have 245 then right?
i am hopefully creaping up on 300, trap speeds corrected to sea level indicate approx. 280 some HP, would that estimate be at the flywheel or to the wheels
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2001 | 06:14 AM
  #4  
JoBy's Avatar
JoBy
Melting Slicks
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,149
Likes: 303
From: Timra, Sweden
Default Re: L98 HP output (91_Corvette)

http://www.geocities.com/motorcity/4310/vetfacts.htm


The 85 and 86 Corvette is rated 230 hp with iron heads.

86 Corvette is rated 235 hp with aluminum heads.

87 Friction reduction from roller valve lifters (new for 1987) resulted in a power increase to 240hp, up 5hp from 1986's aluminum-head engines.

88 240hp except for coupes with 3.07:1 axle ratios which had 245hp. The 5hp increase came from less restrictive muffler which were deemed too loud for convertibles and 2.59:1 axle coupes.

89 Same as 88.

90 An air intake speed density control system, camshaft revision, and compression ratio increase added 5hp to base-engines, up from 240hp to 245hp (except coupes with 3.07:1 or 3.33:1 axle ratios which increased from 245hp to 250hp because of their less restrictive exhaust systems).

91 same as 90.



[Modified by JoBy, 11:18 AM 8/23/2001]
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2001 | 09:56 AM
  #5  
dgoodhue's Avatar
dgoodhue
Safety Car
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 4,691
Likes: 1
From: Framingham MA
Default Re: L98 HP output (91_Corvette)

Basically if you have a 6 speed or a auto with 3.07:1 gear your car was rated at 250hp, becuase of the low restriction mufflers. This assume you have the factory exhaust though.
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2001 | 11:52 AM
  #6  
scorp508's Avatar
scorp508
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime Gold
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,383
Likes: 87
From: Boston, MA
Default Re: L98 HP output (JoBy)

87 Friction reduction from roller valve lifters (new for 1987) resulted in a power increase to 240hp, up 5hp from 1986's aluminum-head engines.
And.... It is undocumented in 1987 that Z51 got 245hp as it got the Z51 free flowing mufflers also. But it did.
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2001 | 12:09 PM
  #7  
Sal Collaziano's Avatar
Sal Collaziano
Burning Brakes
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,118
Likes: 0
From: West Palm Beach Florida
Default Re: L98 HP output (NoWorries)

No Worries. Could you be more detailed about the low-cost modifications that could get your horsepower so high? I may be buying a 91 and I'm really interested in what you know...

Thanks...
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2001 | 01:46 PM
  #8  
1991Z07's Avatar
1991Z07
Safety Car
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 4,564
Likes: 109
From: Austin Texas
Default Re: L98 HP output (Sal Collaziano)

Sal,
Here is what I did on mine before the engine change. It netted 253.3 HP and 366.4 lb/ft at the rear wheels (or 301.5 HP & 436.19 lb/ft @ flywheel w/16% driveline loss...if I did the math right).

All I had was a high-output coil with the high-performance HEI module for the ignition and a FlowMaster CAT-back exhaust system. It would have been interesting to see what would have happened with the headers & Corsa system I have now with the old motor.

Add a set of headers, some mild porting work to the plenum, baseplate & heads with some bigger tubes with the adjustable fuel regulator (with new chip) and it would wake it up another 30+ horsepower pretty easy I would think. Beyond that isn't going to get you much without some SERIOUS head work and base-plate porting (or a new ACCEL or TPIS intake) as the heads/base-plate are seriously restrictive. Some CNC work on the heads will yield you around 220 CFM, but the cost to do that will pay for a new set of AFR heads (or comparable).

If you want stealth, the CNC'd stock heads are the way to go. :D
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Aug 23, 2001 | 01:47 PM
  #9  
scorp508's Avatar
scorp508
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime Gold
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,383
Likes: 87
From: Boston, MA
Default Re: L98 HP output (Joe90)

All I had was a high-output coil with the high-performance HEI module for the ignition and a FlowMaster CAT-back exhaust system.
Thats IT? Hmm.... wonder what I'm putting out now with the cat removed.
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2001 | 02:24 PM
  #10  
1991Z07's Avatar
1991Z07
Safety Car
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 4,564
Likes: 109
From: Austin Texas
Default Re: L98 HP output (scorp508)

Forgot one thing...I also had the SMFW on the car.

And yes...that was it.
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2001 | 02:25 PM
  #11  
scorp508's Avatar
scorp508
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime Gold
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,383
Likes: 87
From: Boston, MA
Default Re: L98 HP output (Joe90)

SMFW
:confused:
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2001 | 02:52 PM
  #12  
rcolling's Avatar
rcolling
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,227
Likes: 0
From: Corona CA
Default Re: L98 HP output (scorp508)

SMFW?
Maybe Single Mass FlyWheel?

If the above is true, and I don't doubt it, I can see a run on HEI coils... :D
I know I am ordering mine tonight.
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2001 | 02:59 PM
  #13  
scorp508's Avatar
scorp508
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime Gold
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,383
Likes: 87
From: Boston, MA
Default Re: L98 HP output (rcolling)

Maybe Single Mass FlyWheel?
Possibly, but that wouldn't "make" more HP, only help transfer more to the drivetrain.
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2001 | 04:34 PM
  #14  
RussBt's Avatar
RussBt
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
 
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,331
Likes: 518
From: Admit Nothing, Deny Everything, Make Counter Accusations.
Default Re: L98 HP output (91_Corvette)

My opinion is that the 85-88 L98s are all about the same power. I have yet to see a stock 86-88 Vette take my stock 85 at Englishtown Raceway park. As far as magazine tests go the 85 L98 was rated at 14.1 @ 98 MPH by Motor Trend back in 1985. I've never seen a faster 86-88 stock L98 in Motor Trend, Car & Driver, or Road & Track. The changes that Chevy made from 86-88 are just marketing hype.

--rb--
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2001 | 04:57 PM
  #15  
scorp508's Avatar
scorp508
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime Gold
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,383
Likes: 87
From: Boston, MA
Default Re: L98 HP output (rbartick)

Wasn't it 1985 Autos that got a slightly higher stall convertor? That could account for it. The change over to aluminum heads and then hydraulic lifters in 87 weren't marketing hype at all.
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2001 | 05:05 PM
  #16  
65Z01's Avatar
65Z01
Team Owner
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Default Re: L98 HP output (91_Corvette)

Well the "Corvette Black Book" says:
"...350ci, 245/250hp, at, oc"
where at=auto tranny and oc=oil cooler

But back in the "90s description they say:
...except for coupes with 3.07 or 3.33 axle ratios which increased from 245 to 250 due to less restrictive exhaust.
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2001 | 05:08 PM
  #17  
1991Z07's Avatar
1991Z07
Safety Car
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 4,564
Likes: 109
From: Austin Texas
Default Re: L98 HP output (scorp508)

Yes, it is a "Single-Mass Flywheel".

I don't know if I believe it doesn't release any additional HP. Removing 18+ pounds of the rotational mass has to do something. It sure makes it rev faster, though.

A new cam with the head/intake mods I mentioned before would be advisable as well.

Remember that with the HEI coil and module you won't get any great improvement without a good set of wires and plugs. Those numbers were generated with a set of "Live-Wires" and Bosche Platinum +4's.

It raised my eyebrows as well when we got the dyno numbers. Stock chip, a little race fuel in the tank, and some impressive numbers for a "relatively stock" L98 with 69k miles on the odometer (all by me!).
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To L98 HP output

Old Aug 23, 2001 | 05:18 PM
  #18  
RussBt's Avatar
RussBt
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
 
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,331
Likes: 518
From: Admit Nothing, Deny Everything, Make Counter Accusations.
Default Re: L98 HP output (scorp508)

>Wasn't it 1985 Autos that got a slightly higher stall convertor? That could account for it.

My car is a 4+3 stick shift and it ran 14.0s with just a K&N and air filter lid mod. Original 15 year old spark plugs, dist cap & rotor, exhaust, etc..
http://www.rbartick.com/race_85.htm

>The change over to aluminum heads and then hydraulic lifters in 87 weren't marketing hype at all.


IMO these changes were worth about zero HP. The "gains" were probably around the same as the *huge* gains I got with my K&N filter
;)

I've since installed an off the shelf Hypertech Stage II chip, 160 thermo, and cut the screens, and installed a TB bypass. My track times are the same 14.0s after these mods, but I did run a few high 99 MPH passes. The additional MPH could be a result of track experience.




[Modified by rbartick, 3:21 PM 8/23/2001]
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2001 | 05:58 PM
  #19  
Sal Collaziano's Avatar
Sal Collaziano
Burning Brakes
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,118
Likes: 0
From: West Palm Beach Florida
Default Thanks!

Thanks for all the replies, people. This answers just what I was asking...
Reply
Old Aug 27, 2001 | 12:44 AM
  #20  
SurfnSun's Avatar
SurfnSun
Team Owner
All Eyes On Me
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 3
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,017
Likes: 634
St. Jude Donor '10
Default Re: Thanks! (Sal Collaziano)

Rating and Reality are totally different. In a street race, Ive never lost to another stock L98. I think Ive raced every year, have pulled on all or ran even with.

Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:16 PM.

story-0
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-2
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE