L98 users always whant more...
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,010
Likes: 1
From: Sweden/Stockholm
L98 users always whant more...
I have noticed that there are mainly L98 users that post topics about "how to get more HP?", "whant more speed" and so on.
Are the LT1 users that much happier with there machine??
Or am I just wrong about the hole thing??
:crazy:
Whats your toughts? :confused:
Regards
Are the LT1 users that much happier with there machine??
Or am I just wrong about the hole thing??
:crazy:
Whats your toughts? :confused:
Regards
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,515
Likes: 1,302
From: Windermere FL
Re: L98 users always whant more... (devilfish)
Devilfish,
As one of these L98 people, I will make two statements:
1. I believe it was an embarrasment that GM put out these L98 engines with the lack of performance that they did. But since it was all I could afford, I got a lot of enjoyment in waking it up :D
2. There is never enough HP :lol: So I would need to tweek any engine they would put in it.
Frankly, I am glad I do not have the Opti-Crap to deal with. However, I would have sure appreciated the better intake and cam in a LT-1.
As one of these L98 people, I will make two statements:
1. I believe it was an embarrasment that GM put out these L98 engines with the lack of performance that they did. But since it was all I could afford, I got a lot of enjoyment in waking it up :D
2. There is never enough HP :lol: So I would need to tweek any engine they would put in it.
Frankly, I am glad I do not have the Opti-Crap to deal with. However, I would have sure appreciated the better intake and cam in a LT-1.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
Re: L98 users always whant more... (Flame Red)
Flame-
Maybe you have a couple spark plug wires loose; my L98 has always run fine, and I prefer the power characteristics of the L98 over the LT1's that I have driven- if I drag raced every day, I'd give a flip about power over 5000rpm, but GM designed the Tuned Port for what people needed, not what they wanted- hey, it was the 80's, and judging technology and performance in retrospect is rose-colored glasses stuff. It's about relative performance, and for their time period, the L98 was a top performer. GM, tho perfectly capable of building a 500 hp Vette today, will shelve the technology until it makes sense on a relative basis- i.e.- when they need to boost sales and/or brand image. 2002 Camaros are running in the 12's, but they could have done that years ago.
Maybe you have a couple spark plug wires loose; my L98 has always run fine, and I prefer the power characteristics of the L98 over the LT1's that I have driven- if I drag raced every day, I'd give a flip about power over 5000rpm, but GM designed the Tuned Port for what people needed, not what they wanted- hey, it was the 80's, and judging technology and performance in retrospect is rose-colored glasses stuff. It's about relative performance, and for their time period, the L98 was a top performer. GM, tho perfectly capable of building a 500 hp Vette today, will shelve the technology until it makes sense on a relative basis- i.e.- when they need to boost sales and/or brand image. 2002 Camaros are running in the 12's, but they could have done that years ago.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,010
Likes: 1
From: Sweden/Stockholm
Re: L98 users always whant more... (jcazin)
I dont whant his to be another L98 vs LT1 fight again, we hade enough of those..
Im just curios if the LT1 users are more happy with there cars, since they dont post as many topics about preformance upgrades as the L98 guys..
Regards
Im just curios if the LT1 users are more happy with there cars, since they dont post as many topics about preformance upgrades as the L98 guys..
Regards
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 1
From: Pinellas Florida Misfit
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: L98 users always whant more... (devilfish)
I've owned both... an 86 and a 95. The 95 is WAY more fun for me to drive be it on the highway or around town... the 86 did have the 2.59 rear and the 95 has the 3.07, so that has a lot to do with it, but the 95 goes whenever I push the gas, no matter what speed... the 86 had power off the line, but after 60 or so started to drop off.
L98 was top in performance?!? Thats not saying much when the Buick GN 231 had more horsepower in 86/87 then the L98!
L98 was top in performance?!? Thats not saying much when the Buick GN 231 had more horsepower in 86/87 then the L98!
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Instructor
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Worth TX
Re: L98 users always whant more... (devilfish)
Just remember that technology suck...actually its awesome, but you know what I mean. You cant expect a stock LT1 to run with a stock L98...or even an LS1. Just think back in 1991 my vette was one of the baddest on the street, but 10 years later... its seriously out of date. Thats just the way it goes. In 10 years the Ls6 will be a terd. On the subject. I have had both Lt-1 cars and Now the L98. I do like the L98 better. Its much more fun to drive around town. Its got plenty of power at half pedal...so it makes it easy to drive. Another thing I like better about it is maintenance costs. LT-1 Waterpump $184.....Optispark....$490... L98 waterpump...$50....MSD distributor...$200. I would say the LT-1 is a little better...but they all are getting out of date..
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,525
Likes: 1
From: Sarasota, FL
Re: L98 users always whant more... (NX1991)
I thing BBA has it essentially right. The L98's are older, and therefore in need of more maintenance, and if you are going to replace a part, it may as well be a better part. Also L98's are cheaper (beng older) and I think people are more likely to mod/alter a car was less expensive. That said, the L98 has much older technology, so people who want a faster car will use the newer technology. LT-1's have more hp than L98's so of course more people want to add more HP to L98's. I am happy as a pig in poop to own my L98 and don't think I'd be any happier with an LT-1, having driven them. Opti-spark is scary.
Bob
Bob
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 4,623
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
Re: L98 users always whant more... (Flame Red)
Flame, "embarrasment"? I would think hard about using that harsh of a term. The only possible embarrassing element of the TPI was the fact that they didn't design the intake for the 350. Beyond that the L98's are rock solid torque monsters, and make adequate power with minimal cost. If one looks beyond straight line 1/4 mile stuff, I'll run all over a stock LT1 on a twisty roadcourse, and even an LT4 in the hands of an adequate driver. I have "embarrassed" many high dollar German cars with my "tired old" L98. :cheers:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,209
Likes: 0
From: Toronto Ontario
St. Jude Donor '13
Re: L98 users always whant more... (devilfish)
I have had both L98 & LT1.
They both serve their purpose. Personally, I'd trade my 96 back
for my 89 anyday. Ya Ya, it lacked HP, but it was more fun and
350tq at the real wheels with only a ZZ4 setup.
For just cruising, i think the 89 had more character to it. Maybe it
just the car me.......
They both serve their purpose. Personally, I'd trade my 96 back
for my 89 anyday. Ya Ya, it lacked HP, but it was more fun and
350tq at the real wheels with only a ZZ4 setup.
For just cruising, i think the 89 had more character to it. Maybe it
just the car me.......
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: L98 users always whant more... (devilfish)
The L98 is about 60 hp light compared to the early LT1 though it has more low end torque. As it's been said we can never have too much HP. Personally I like being able to run with the stock newer C4s even if my L98 isn't stock now.:cool:
Also it may be that the LT1 genre is happier with the stock setup. Though you can't tell that at Raceway Park.:D
Also it may be that the LT1 genre is happier with the stock setup. Though you can't tell that at Raceway Park.:D
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
Re: L98 users always whant more... (devilfish)
I think part of the problem is that their is a lot of L98's that don't run properly. I've seen so many L98's that stumble, and run rough, mine included. It gets frustrating and it leads to modifications in the hope that it will improve the car. Keep in mind that during the 80's the only thing that could run with a vette was a Turbo Buick, but lets not talk about that :D
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 17,101
Likes: 4
From: No more yankee my wankee, the Donger is tired!
Re: L98 users always whant more... (NX1991)
Just remember that technology suck...actually its awesome, but you know what I mean. You cant expect a stock LT1 to run with a stock L98...or even an LS1. Just think back in 1991 my vette was one of the baddest on the street, but 10 years later... its seriously out of date. Thats just the way it goes. In 10 years the Ls6 will be a terd.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,142
Likes: 1,729
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Re: L98 users always whant more... (Jeffvette)
yeah i dont think he was thinking about ZR-1's, theyll never be that way
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
Re: L98 users always whant more... (Jeffvette)
I dont think that the ZR-1 is a terd today... and i really dont think the ls6 will be in 10 years, they take a little longer than a stock vette to reach "terd" status.... :chevy