C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Is there a performance diff. between 90 and 91

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Old Mar 3, 2010 | 10:56 PM
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Default Is there a performance diff. between 90 and 91

I was wondering if there was any performance differences between a 1990 and 1991 c4 or even from 88 to 91. Differences such as HP, weight, handling, brakes and, what year TPI equipped C4 is the best performer?
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Old Mar 6, 2010 | 08:23 PM
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Originally Posted by ls1transam84
I was wondering if there was any performance differences between a 1990 and 1991 c4 or even from 88 to 91. Differences such as HP, weight, handling, brakes and, what year TPI equipped C4 is the best performer?
It all depends if you're referring to the base C-4's In 1990 they also had the ZR-1 with 375 horsepower.
Other then that, the horsepower ratings for 88 thru 91 are the same, within 5 horsepower differences due to higher compression in 1990 giving the base hp of 245. In some f the coupes, depending on rear end ratio, horsepower was increased to 250, due to less restricted mufflers. The weight difference is within 40 pounds. 1988 3245, 1989 3238 pounds,
1990 and 1991, curb weight 3288 pounds. All told, they are all comparable in power. The extra 5 horses in the later years, is offset by the 40 pounds weight difference figuring approx. 1 horsepower for every 10 pounds saved.
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Old Mar 6, 2010 | 08:27 PM
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If you got the Z51 suspension it is better than the base suspension.
but power wise, even though through the years they picked up 5-10 HP a better driver would win in a frag race.
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Old Mar 6, 2010 | 08:43 PM
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Nothing youd really feel. Far as I know just a difference in the mufflers, 91 may have used a different cam not sure.
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Old Mar 6, 2010 | 09:13 PM
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Originally Posted by pologreen1
If you got the Z51 suspension it is better than the base suspension.
but power wise, even though through the years they picked up 5-10 HP a better driver would win in a frag race.
I thought the better throw would win.

Steve
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Old Mar 6, 2010 | 09:28 PM
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I am talking about base C4s, I sold my TA this weekend and am not SHOPPING.
Let my ask this how does a C3 compare to a C4?
I know that is a big year and tech. differance but I am looking at both gens.
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Old Mar 6, 2010 | 09:39 PM
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Originally Posted by ls1transam84
I am talking about base C4s, I sold my TA this weekend and am not SHOPPING.
Let my ask this how does a C3 compare to a C4?
I know that is a big year and tech. differance but I am looking at both gens.
I have both a 77 C-3 and a 86 C-4. I love them both but there is no comparison. The C-4's are generally 50 to 100 pounds lighter and have a lot more net horsepower. The C-3's Net horsepower tops out at 220. (Forget the earlier ones, they use gross horsepower although the early C-3's and the Big Blocks do put out some power but fron 1973 on. The C-4 is a lot faster and better handling car. Pick up a 'Corvette Black Book' and you can compare each model and year.
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Old Mar 6, 2010 | 09:55 PM
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In having had four C-3's and five C-4's, the latest being a 96 LT-1, I'd recommend the late LT-1/C-4 (for pleasure versus racing). My 94 and 96 both had sport seats and they were more comfortable then my C-5 or C-6 seats, and the 96 was very solid and quiet. I've always had the base suspension, with the exception of both my 84's, and I think they are sufficent for the most part.
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Old Mar 6, 2010 | 10:02 PM
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I will do that.
I have been looking and learning about both for the past few months. I like the styling of the C3 more then the C4. And from what I have seen I can get a nicer C3 (74-79) for less money then a C4 (90-91 i like the TPI). With the money difference I could afford the performance plus kit from VPB to go with the Brembo 4 piston calipers I just picked up today new for $100 a piece. I also like the fact that the C3 is carbed and should be on the up swing in value.

However I want to get into autocross and track days and I know the C4 would do great at that but I would not mind modding the C3 to that point if it could be done without spending a fortune.

Last edited by ls1transam84; Mar 6, 2010 at 10:08 PM.
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Old Mar 7, 2010 | 01:10 AM
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Originally Posted by ls1transam84
I will do that.
I have been looking and learning about both for the past few months. I like the styling of the C3 more then the C4. And from what I have seen I can get a nicer C3 (74-79) for less money then a C4 (90-91 i like the TPI). With the money difference I could afford the performance plus kit from VPB to go with the Brembo 4 piston calipers I just picked up today new for $100 a piece. I also like the fact that the C3 is carbed and should be on the up swing in value.

However I want to get into autocross and track days and I know the C4 would do great at that but I would not mind modding the C3 to that point if it could be done without spending a fortune.
IMO if you want a cool car, you can get a C3 and fix it up, but a C3 is just not in the same world as a C4 if you like the driving experience, and the potential to to track it fairly cheap.

Basicly remember (as you probably already know) any figures you have on a build will not satisfy the goal or your taste in most cases.

Looking back, I wish I would have waited, because now I could have anything I want already done, compared to what I have in this car, and parts, and it's not even close to being done.

IMO right now the C4 is the best bang for buck sports car there is. If you shop here you will find anything you want.
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