Here we go with the "factory freak" old wives tales again...........
1996 LT4 engine question
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: No Opti Here Tn
St. Jude Donor '06
Safety Car
Joined: May 2002
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From: Toronto ontario
WHy would they rate it at 345 when the c5 had a huge introduction and.. 345 hp 
I agree the opti is very reliable and an excellent piece. I think the poster is an idiot if he's comparing a 96 to a c6 anyways.
Race Director
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From: Rolla Missouri
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '25
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From: Sherwood, Arkansas
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From: Kempner Texas
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From: Antioch Calif.
I have had THREE 92's before my LT4.
I went with the LT4 over the C5's for a few reasons.
1) Cost difference! ( at least 5-7k for the 98-2000's)
2) Performace ( my LT4 seemed as quick as the ones I drove)
3) Opti spark improvements in later C4's
64,000 miles,orig.optispark & clutch!
According to records, very little was done except routine maintenance!
I went with the LT4 over the C5's for a few reasons.
1) Cost difference! ( at least 5-7k for the 98-2000's)
2) Performace ( my LT4 seemed as quick as the ones I drove)
3) Opti spark improvements in later C4's
64,000 miles,orig.optispark & clutch!
According to records, very little was done except routine maintenance!
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1
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The reason the LT-4 was under rated in hp is because of the new c5 and the LS-1 coming out the following year. The LS-1 is rated at 345hp and the LT-4 actually made around 345 to 360hp. GM put out the 330 number so it would make the new gen 2 engine look like it made more than any LT-x.
-----
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,165
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From: Virginia
But I did replace the waterpump last year, since it was seeping and I wanted to forestall any problems.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Friendswood TX
LOL at this post!!
Dude, the Opti isnt a big issue. No problems from my 96 CE LT4 after 86k miles but if that one tiny little issue will keep you from buying a C4, go get a C6. If you can afford a C6, id go that route anyway.
Dude, the Opti isnt a big issue. No problems from my 96 CE LT4 after 86k miles but if that one tiny little issue will keep you from buying a C4, go get a C6. If you can afford a C6, id go that route anyway.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 36
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From: Richardson Texas
I've had 5 Optisparks put into my LT4 and I've got less than 100K miles on the engine. I believe however that most of my problems were due to dealer installs that weren't complete enough to adequately seal it from moisture. The reason I say that is because I ran through 4 of those Optisparks in less than 18 months before it was reliable again. This last time I had a stalling problem, leaks were found and an after market Optispark was installed, but problem persisted until injectors were cleaned and battery replaced. Bottom line, I can't pin but one problem related to Optispark over the past 8 years - rest of problems were due to dealership/installation. Perhaps the bad reputation is due to others like myself, who don't/can't do their own repairs, and got bad advice from dealer. Just my 2 cents.... I love my C4, just wish the previous owner hadn't lowered the suspension.
