I just cannot stand it!! I sold a 96 LT4 coupe about 1.5 months ago and have seller's remorse! I don't get much time to enjoy these cars, but on the rare days (about once a month) that I get a chance, I really miss taking the top out and driving through the country!

Soooo, I am in the market again. I have some knowledge about C4's in general, but the 2 cars that I have narrowed my search down to have been modified. Both cars have +- 20k miles, D44 3.45's, ZF 6 speed, 8.5" front wheels, 11" rear, LT headers, free flowing exhaust, and very similar options inside. One is a 96 LT4 and the other is a 93 LT1. Both are almost the same price, so I need help making a decision. Listed below are the major differences. Also, the 93 has an F body LT1 block. Is there any difference between the F body LT1 block and the LT4 (not internal parts, only block differences, i.e. 4 bolt/2 bolt, ect...)? Sorry about this grid being so hard to read! I could not figure out how to insert columns. Also, I put this in the Tech section instead of General due to the technical nature. May need to be moved.

Info ----------------93 LT1-------------------96 LT4
Motor CI-------------383---------------------DRM 383
Motor/Clutch Miles----5k+---------------------<20k
Internals-------------Forged----------------- Forged
Intake---------------Lingenfelter Ported-------Ported
Heads------------LPE 2.02/1.60 Ported--------LT4 ported
Cam (Lift)------------.537/.544---------------.580
Roller Rocker----------1.6---------------------1.6
Fan On Relay------Man and Auto Switch-------Computer controlled
Compression Ratio-----11.6--------------------est 11.0 (unknown)
Nitrous----------------No---------------------Yes
Opti-----------------MSD New----------------MSD
Best ET w/o NOS------12.1--------------------12.2
Best ET NOS----------------------------------10.X
Clutch----------------Spec II------------------Centerforce Clutch
Suspension------------Vette Brakes Sport------Stock
----------------------Z07 stblzr bars (30/24mm)
----------------------RD Racing Camber
----------------------Poly bushings
----------------------Cryo'd spindles
Brakes----------------C5 retrofit---------------Stock
----------------------SS Brake Lines
Line Lock-------------No-----------------------Yes
Water Pump-----------Stock <5k miles----------Miezer electric
Tires Front------------6/32---------------------New
Tires Rear-------------New---------------------New
Targa tops------------Solid---------------------Both

I need some unbiased opinions here. Both are very clean and priced the same. The 93 looks completely stock until the hood is opened and the 96 looks stock except for the NOS bottle, pillar gages, NOS activators, bottle warmers, ect....

I will use the car for drives in the country and some shine-n-show events. What do ya'll think?? Thanks for all of your opinions.

 

What's the asking prices on these cars, out of curiosity?

 

The Lt1 looks to be more road course oriented and the LT4 is more of a drag car. Which style do you prefer? That is the only difference I see.

Larry

 

w/ Larry, do you have plans on racing either car? If not, why not just look for a clean, lo milage LT4? I would Never buy a car w/ nitrous, but thats just me.

If it had to be one of these two, I'd go w/ the '93.

Good luck w/ your choice.

Randy

 

the cost is everything with a car, hard to even venture an opinion without it. the LT4 car has streetable compression, whoever did 11:6-1 i wonder about, i mean either do 11:1 or less or do 14:1 it's either race gas or not ya know. i guess with 11:6 you could just add a gallon or two and with a good tune be okay. i also like the suspension work done on the LT1 car. the only issue i would have with the nitrous car is if it ever went lean. a leakdown would be manditory before i bought a nitrous car. i would lean on the 93 if the cost was reasonable only because i see less work in the future. that LT4 car is stock with a hot motor. That's a white knuckle street ride made for the drag strip. the other car appears to have more thought, money and time put into it. I paid 13.5k for a 1990 car really similar to that 93 you are looking at. it had a few issues i needed to fix, had it been totally done it would have pulled more. what's the guy looking for on that 93? 15k to 17k i'm guessing?

 

They are both in the 15 - 17 k range.

I am going to use the car for shine-n-show and weekend fun (country drives and enjoying the top off). I'm not going to autox or drag racing. The 11.6:1 made me nervous as well, but the owner says that it runs just fine on 91 (best on 93) octane fuel. My guess is that the CR is just about as high as you can get it without requiring some other type of fuel. Is this correct?

Thanks again for all of your thoughts, good or bad! I'm using this info to make a decision.

 

I believe the 'F' body LT1 blocks have 2-bolt mains while the LT1 Vette blocks are 4-bolt.

Jake

 

Is the 2 bolt main strong enough for this type of motor?

 

a lot of high rpm driving (racing for example) will kill the bottom end a lot quicker.

Just by looking at the specs you listed, I would say go with the LT4 car