LT4 vs LT1
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
From: Mobile Alabama
LT4 vs LT1
I'm looking into purchasing a 95 or 96 C4. I have done some research and I believe these years would be my best bet. I'm not so mechanicly inclined and these seem to be my best choice. I'm not sure which transmission - I've always liked manuel but will be mostly driving in town. Not sure on the engine either - seen both ways - is the LT4 more of a high rpm performer or across the board a better performer?
Thanks for any help.
Thanks for any help.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,770
Likes: 175
From: Rolla Missouri
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '25
I am sure both cars will have plenty of power for you.
If you want a 1996 and a manual trans, you will have to get LT4. That's the only way it came.
If you want a 1996 and a manual trans, you will have to get LT4. That's the only way it came.
Last edited by RollaMo-LT4; Jan 26, 2008 at 09:26 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,753
Likes: 9
From: Louisiana
Either will be fine. You have to make the decision on the tranny. I have never driven a LT4, but the extra power should be a little noticable. Either way you go, both are probably the best "overall" made C4's.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver B.C.
Ernie,
Go for the LT4 if you can.
It'll be worth it. And about the ZF6? You WANT it!
Find one that has a healthy service record, cause that's really important.
Any LT4 is worth at least 15% more than an LT1 (car for car).
C4's are at their bottom dollar right now........good time to buy!
Go for the LT4 if you can.
It'll be worth it. And about the ZF6? You WANT it!
Find one that has a healthy service record, cause that's really important.
Any LT4 is worth at least 15% more than an LT1 (car for car).
C4's are at their bottom dollar right now........good time to buy!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,999
Likes: 1,684
From: Southeast TX
LT1 vs LT4 would be just about the last item that would swing me one way or another on a '96 vette. It's too easy to get an extra few hp on an LT1. I agree with the other guys on this one. Especially if the LT4 comes with a premium price tag.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,946
Likes: 63
From: Marianna FL
I've owned my LT4 GS since 99 and owned a 95 LT1 automatic with the performance ratio rear. The LT1 was OK, but after driving the LT4 the LT1 really feels like it runs out of breathe up top. There is not much premium to pay for an LT4 around here, so I would definitely go for the LT4 car with all other things being equal.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,978
Likes: 280
From: Tulsa OK
If you've always liked the manual, then I recommend getting a '96 LT4 car. Most people I have known that weren't sure which to get and went with the automatic (usually because of availability or cost) ended up wanting a manual later.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
with Pro*******zac
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,139
Likes: 482
From: H-Town Texas
You will have a hard time leaving the LT4 alone. It is an absolute blast to drive! I have found mine to be pretty quick from 0-60, but it is really amazing from 60-140+. It is just a smooth running beast that doesn't behaving itself in front of the "black & whites"