LT4 vs. LT1
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,238
Likes: 10
From: College Station TX
Yes I personally believe the lt-4 is more powerful than the first one or two years of manufacture of ls-1s.The lt-4 was underrated.If you look up magazine articles-the 1996 & 1997 corvettes quarter-mile times are almost identical.I would prefer a lt-4 over an ls-1.I had a ls-1 z28 & was impressed with the power but having a (i think) 6700 rpm limit on a chevrolet engine(lt-4) is pretty neat.Plus having a lt-4 is rare compared to an ls-1.Both engines are great & the ls-1 does respond better to upgrades but my opinion is if you want a ls-1 powered vette you get a 1997 or newer vette.Check youtube for some lt-4 vs ls-1 videos.
I have an LT4 and I'll take an LS1 over it every day of the week and twice on Sundays. LS1's are better in every single way.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,946
Likes: 63
From: Marianna FL
Its pretty widely accepted that 300 RWHP translates to approximately 350 crank HP. The C4 drivetrain is certainly no more efficient than the C5's, so when they both make the same rear wheel numbers its pretty safe to assume the crank numbers are similar.
I have an LT4 and an LT1. If you're going to leave them stock, get the LT4. I have seen no one paying a premium for the LT4 cars. If you're going to modify them extensively, get whatever is in the best shape that comes along first.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,238
Likes: 10
From: College Station TX
I think Mojave is the only person that has an LT4 that hates it.
Its pretty widely accepted that 300 RWHP translates to approximately 350 crank HP. The C4 drivetrain is certainly no more efficient than the C5's, so when they both make the same rear wheel numbers its pretty safe to assume the crank numbers are similar.
I have an LT4 and an LT1. If you're going to leave them stock, get the LT4. I have seen no one paying a premium for the LT4 cars. If you're going to modify them extensively, get whatever is in the best shape that comes along first.
Its pretty widely accepted that 300 RWHP translates to approximately 350 crank HP. The C4 drivetrain is certainly no more efficient than the C5's, so when they both make the same rear wheel numbers its pretty safe to assume the crank numbers are similar.
I have an LT4 and an LT1. If you're going to leave them stock, get the LT4. I have seen no one paying a premium for the LT4 cars. If you're going to modify them extensively, get whatever is in the best shape that comes along first.
My '99 Formula LS1/T56 did 310 RWHP, with 140K miles, so if the LT4 is actually under-rated, the LS1 is just as under-rated.
But you are absolutely right: stock for stock the LT4 is probably worth the cash over an LT1, but if you're going to modify it, the differences are actually pretty small.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 34,988
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From: Riverside County Southern California
Co-winner 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
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People need to stop believing or arguing about the LT1 or LT4 being superior to the LS1-2-3-6-7 or 9. The LT4 engine is a great engine but not superior to the LSx engines.
Underrated or not, the LT4 is not a LS1 period. If you want to gain 150~200+ HP with bolt ons, you need a LS3.
Underrated or not, the LT4 is not a LS1 period. If you want to gain 150~200+ HP with bolt ons, you need a LS3.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 20,974
Likes: 261
LT4 is basically a sooped up lt1, you make the decision.
if you don't buy the car because it is has 2k miles and is lt4, then get what ever you want, because once you start modding it won't matter in the end.
you will end up doing the same mods to both.
headers,heads, cam,gears, then you have a far superior car to both lt's and stock LS.
if you don't buy the car because it is has 2k miles and is lt4, then get what ever you want, because once you start modding it won't matter in the end.
you will end up doing the same mods to both.
headers,heads, cam,gears, then you have a far superior car to both lt's and stock LS.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,867
Likes: 17
From: Phoenix Arizona
I think Mojave is the only person that has an LT4 that hates it.
Its pretty widely accepted that 300 RWHP translates to approximately 350 crank HP. The C4 drivetrain is certainly no more efficient than the C5's, so when they both make the same rear wheel numbers its pretty safe to assume the crank numbers are similar.
I have an LT4 and an LT1. If you're going to leave them stock, get the LT4. I have seen no one paying a premium for the LT4 cars. If you're going to modify them extensively, get whatever is in the best shape that comes along first.
Its pretty widely accepted that 300 RWHP translates to approximately 350 crank HP. The C4 drivetrain is certainly no more efficient than the C5's, so when they both make the same rear wheel numbers its pretty safe to assume the crank numbers are similar.
I have an LT4 and an LT1. If you're going to leave them stock, get the LT4. I have seen no one paying a premium for the LT4 cars. If you're going to modify them extensively, get whatever is in the best shape that comes along first.
If you're modding it doesn't make much difference.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 4,659
Likes: 82
From: Toronto ontario
The premium for a 96 six speed with an LT4 over a 93-5 is more than worth it. you are getting 40 rwhp more to START WITH. if you are digging into the engine as your first mod, then hell it doesnt matter. Both can be built with AFR eliminator heads and can make the same power. BUT, if you want a better baseline, get an LT4 ANY DAY OF THE WEEK. DO the basic bolt ons and you will only gain more starting with the 4.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,022
Likes: 3
From: Chandler Arizona
I think Mojave is the only person that has an LT4 that hates it.
Its pretty widely accepted that 300 RWHP translates to approximately 350 crank HP. The C4 drivetrain is certainly no more efficient than the C5's, so when they both make the same rear wheel numbers its pretty safe to assume the crank numbers are similar.
I have an LT4 and an LT1. If you're going to leave them stock, get the LT4. I have seen no one paying a premium for the LT4 cars. If you're going to modify them extensively, get whatever is in the best shape that comes along first.
Its pretty widely accepted that 300 RWHP translates to approximately 350 crank HP. The C4 drivetrain is certainly no more efficient than the C5's, so when they both make the same rear wheel numbers its pretty safe to assume the crank numbers are similar.
I have an LT4 and an LT1. If you're going to leave them stock, get the LT4. I have seen no one paying a premium for the LT4 cars. If you're going to modify them extensively, get whatever is in the best shape that comes along first.
we get it "the LS-x is superior"...
Hey Mojave, Why the heck didn't you just swap an Ls-x into your c4 instead of spending the tons of cash on the rebuild? OR better, why didn't you just source a tired c5? they go for like (i've seen) 9K-11K?
not trying to argue, but curious. Clearly, the C5 and LS-x is superior to the c4 (LT-x)... so why have you continously taken kicks to the nuts with the LT-x issues and c4 issues?
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,871
Likes: 15
From: Detroit's West Side MI
LT1's were extremely underrated. My LT1 passes LS6 cars on the track and makes 407 RWHP. Try that with an LT4!
we get it "the LS-x is superior"...
Hey Mojave, Why the heck didn't you just swap an Ls-x into your c4 instead of spending the tons of cash on the rebuild? OR better, why didn't you just source a tired c5? they go for like (i've seen) 9K-11K?
not trying to argue, but curious. Clearly, the C5 and LS-x is superior to the c4 (LT-x)... so why have you continously taken kicks to the nuts with the LT-x issues and c4 issues?
Sunk cost syndrome, my man. It's that simple. I think lots of us LTx guys that put big dollars into our cars would have done it differently if we had today's knowledge a year ago (or two years ago, or five, or whatever).
The LS swap is NOT trivial. I takes as much (or more) time and money as a stout LTx rebuild. The payoff is ultimately in it's longevity.
But you're right, starting wtih the C5 platform a long time ago would have been the right move. Absolutely. It's simply better performing in every way (can't wait for the flamers to come out on that comment).
That said, however, staring at a $15,000 to $25,000 bill for a new car vs a $5,000 bill for a new motor is different. If I (we) had known that the $5,000 bill would very quickly turn into three to five times that, perhaps the decisions would have been different. Mojave and I have probably both spent that in spades over the last three years, but not all at once.
Hindsight is always 20/20.
Anyone want to buy a C4?
we get it "the LS-x is superior"...
Hey Mojave, Why the heck didn't you just swap an Ls-x into your c4 instead of spending the tons of cash on the rebuild? OR better, why didn't you just source a tired c5? they go for like (i've seen) 9K-11K?
not trying to argue, but curious. Clearly, the C5 and LS-x is superior to the c4 (LT-x)... so why have you continously taken kicks to the nuts with the LT-x issues and c4 issues?
The LS swap is NOT trivial. I takes as much (or more) time and money as a stout LTx rebuild. The payoff is ultimately in it's longevity.
But you're right, starting wtih the C5 platform a long time ago would have been the right move. Absolutely. It's simply better performing in every way (can't wait for the flamers to come out on that comment).
That said, however, staring at a $15,000 to $25,000 bill for a new car vs a $5,000 bill for a new motor is different. If I (we) had known that the $5,000 bill would very quickly turn into three to five times that, perhaps the decisions would have been different. Mojave and I have probably both spent that in spades over the last three years, but not all at once.
Hindsight is always 20/20.
Anyone want to buy a C4?
Last edited by ScaryFast; Oct 28, 2009 at 09:47 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,713
Likes: 105
From: Manassas VA
OK, Ill be first to take the bait. But where do you get 40RWHP? Most 6sp. LT1's will dyno between 270-280 stock on a dynojet. A LT4 will go 300-310 at best. Then go a step further. Look at track times. I know Mr. Mojo went 12.99 on a LT1 6sp. What are the best LT4 numbers out there? Keep in mind we are talking bone stock including tires.
Bottom line, I think most motors are slightly under rated. They dont want to get caught like Mazda did with the RX8.
Heck, when it comes to the best motor, LT wise, a 2 bolt camaro motor is best. It can be splayed to a 4 bolt and be the strongest.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Riverside County Southern California
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ok, I'd love to know how come the Camaro LT1/4 are better than the Corvette LT1/4.
This thread started to get better 2/10 now
This thread started to get better 2/10 now
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,713
Likes: 105
From: Manassas VA
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 34,988
Likes: 515
From: Riverside County Southern California
Co-winner 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C4 of Year
2016 C7 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,713
Likes: 105
From: Manassas VA
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,713
Likes: 105
From: Manassas VA
Just in case you dont understand what splayed is, let me explain.
The corvette motor has caps holding the main bearings, that are bolted in with 4 bolts. These are drilled straight in. The camaro has only 2 bolts holding the cap. You can add 2 additional bolts, but splay them at a angle. This makes the caps and block stronger, able to take more power.
Therefore, the camaro block has the ability to be stronger then the corvette block if modified.
The corvette motor has caps holding the main bearings, that are bolted in with 4 bolts. These are drilled straight in. The camaro has only 2 bolts holding the cap. You can add 2 additional bolts, but splay them at a angle. This makes the caps and block stronger, able to take more power.
Therefore, the camaro block has the ability to be stronger then the corvette block if modified.