l98 setup
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 14,924
Likes: 9
From: Merritt Ils Fl
The L98 is what it is because of the intake. The L98 block is very very similar to the first 350 block dating back to the 60's ( I think). The LTx built on leassons learned from years experience with the base 350 block. Cooling being the thing that comes to mind first. Heads are and always be a work in progress as will cams and the remainder of what makes an engine. Constant improvement with perodic jumps in generations. How much horsepower from a pure L98? I guess if you hung on a big huffer and a serious shot of laughing gas you could force one to the 1000 hp range. If you do that I suggest you name it "BOMB". cause that's what it'll be. Practical limit to a pure L98 I'll SAWG 450 ponies and thats very likely high. Remember the L98 that is laughed at today was considered a wonderous development when introduced in 1985. It has stood the test of time and done so in fine fashion.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 477
Likes: 21
From: Knoxville TN
The reason I ask is that I would like to build my engine but would like to keep the same block...just a weird personal preference. I am open to changing anything else including bore, stroke, heads, intake, cam, etc. but was wondering why it seems that few people actually build the l98.
On a side note I had my car on a Mustang Dyno the other day and it put down 192....not bad considering the car only had what...240? from the factory. Not to mention 20 years and 75k....I was stoked!
On a side note I had my car on a Mustang Dyno the other day and it put down 192....not bad considering the car only had what...240? from the factory. Not to mention 20 years and 75k....I was stoked!
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,220
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
People who are stuck on tradition are just as likely to go the NCRS route -- which means restoring it to original condition.
FWIW, to go nuts like you're talking, $6000 is the minumum you'll spend to really do it "right". I think it's a rare niche who have enough to spend that much, don't upgrade the whole car, and are willing to change that much.
I'm not surprised.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 477
Likes: 21
From: Knoxville TN
o by no means am I trying to keep the car stock. I have several upgrades planned and a few already done. The mods already done include a Baer big brake kit, shift kit in the transmission, chip, and some other small stuff. Items slated for the future include engine build (not ruling out swap) full suspension, and conversion to zf6 transmission with a new rear end. My Vette is nothing special by collectors standards other than perhaps it is Quasarblue. As it is my first Corvette it holds more sentimental value than other kind. I am not against swapping the motor all together I would just prefer not to.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,014
Likes: 18
From: Raleigh, NC
Lots of people build the L98 block. I did. I can't actually think of anyone that has swapped the L98 for an LT1/4. There are a few LSX swaps out there, but not LTX swaps that I can think of.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,050
Likes: 147
From: Phoenix AZ
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
Remember, the horsepower number is really immaterial. The true value of an L98 is the torque factor.
Remember, torque pushes you back in the seat, and higher horsepower keeps you there for a longer period of time.
If I could build a 100 horse engine with 500 ft. lbs of torque that wouldn't run out of steam at 1200 RPM, I'd do it
Remember, torque pushes you back in the seat, and higher horsepower keeps you there for a longer period of time.
If I could build a 100 horse engine with 500 ft. lbs of torque that wouldn't run out of steam at 1200 RPM, I'd do it
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,150
Likes: 552
From: Glenbeulah Wi
Remember, the horsepower number is really immaterial. The true value of an L98 is the torque factor.
Remember, torque pushes you back in the seat, and higher horsepower keeps you there for a longer period of time.
If I could build a 100 horse engine with 500 ft. lbs of torque that wouldn't run out of steam at 1200 RPM, I'd do it
Remember, torque pushes you back in the seat, and higher horsepower keeps you there for a longer period of time.
If I could build a 100 horse engine with 500 ft. lbs of torque that wouldn't run out of steam at 1200 RPM, I'd do it
Back to the original question, many people can and do build the original L-98. If the block is prepared correctly you can make 600+ HP with the stock block that is in your car. There is no reason to swap a L-98 for a LT-1 if you are planning to modify the engine for maximium HP. The LT-1 block is no better or worse then the L-98 block when strength comes into play. You just need to pick the correct parts for your intended goals.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,426
Likes: 4
From: Heidelberg PA
Cruise-In V Veteran
Build your l98, you will not regret it and the smile factor is exceptional!!!!!
Do not forget to upgrade your intake and plenum or you will be wasting your time.
Of course when you are done the purists will no longer consider it a l98, rather a chevy small blocks with lots of power and torque.
Do not forget to upgrade your intake and plenum or you will be wasting your time.
Of course when you are done the purists will no longer consider it a l98, rather a chevy small blocks with lots of power and torque.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,379
Likes: 3,262
From: Hartford WI
From what I have been told, the difference is that with the LT1, you can squeeze 20HP more than the L98 at the maximum end because of the reverse cooling. Is it worth it? If I am racing for a prize purse, absolutely. Of course, since I am not, I can't see how it is worth it. All the wiring switches and what not is prohibitive.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,379
Likes: 3,262
From: Hartford WI
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 477
Likes: 21
From: Knoxville TN
so to those of you who have built an l98 what kind of setups do you have? 400 to the wheels is what I am looking for. I thought about a Pro Charger kit but I would like to be able to track the car and want something a little more reliable that doesn't heat soak and bake the engine.
Last edited by sgtskid; Oct 21, 2009 at 04:31 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,379
Likes: 3,262
From: Hartford WI
Diesels......but that is a whole other forum
so to those of you who have built an l98 what kind of setups do you have? 400 to the wheels is what I am looking for. I thought about a Pro Charger kit but I would like to be able to track the car and want something a little more reliable that doesn't heat soak and bake the engine.
so to those of you who have built an l98 what kind of setups do you have? 400 to the wheels is what I am looking for. I thought about a Pro Charger kit but I would like to be able to track the car and want something a little more reliable that doesn't heat soak and bake the engine.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 14,924
Likes: 9
From: Merritt Ils Fl
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,379
Likes: 3,262
From: Hartford WI
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 477
Likes: 21
From: Knoxville TN
Is that with stock internals? Or did you change the pistons, crank, rods. also I was reading about the Holley stealth ram and the ones I found were for stock vortec heads. Was there a specific part number you had to order for the afr heads?
simple and fun