LT-1/4/5?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 805
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From: College Station / Highland Village TX
LT-1/4/5?
I've heard that the LT series is hard to work on. Is this true? If so, why?
What are the differences between them? (Is there an LT-5 or did I make that one up?)
:confused:
What are the differences between them? (Is there an LT-5 or did I make that one up?)
:confused:
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 22,267
Likes: 3
From: Dallas TX
Re: LT-1/4/5? (rambler323)
LT1 LT4 and LT5.
The LT1 came in 92-96 corvettes. 300hp (rated)
The LT4 also came in 96 corvettes but only with a manual transmission. There are just a few differences, such as the heads, cam and intake. Everything else including the block is the same. The LT4 had 330hp (rated)
The LT5 came in 90-95 ZR1 corvettes. The 90-92 LT5 was rated at 375hp and the 93-95 rated at 405hp. The LT5 is definitely harder to work on and more costly to repair. The engine was built by Lotus in Stillwater Oklahoma and is one of the most bulletproof engines in chevy history. The ZR1 option was around $35k
The LT5 is the only motor I would consider hard to work on (especially since it's quad cam). The LT1/LT4 are just normal 350's with some special features like reverse cooling and the "optispark" (if that could be considered a special feature).
[Modified by Glock'94, 2:29 AM 3/15/2002]
The LT1 came in 92-96 corvettes. 300hp (rated)
The LT4 also came in 96 corvettes but only with a manual transmission. There are just a few differences, such as the heads, cam and intake. Everything else including the block is the same. The LT4 had 330hp (rated)
The LT5 came in 90-95 ZR1 corvettes. The 90-92 LT5 was rated at 375hp and the 93-95 rated at 405hp. The LT5 is definitely harder to work on and more costly to repair. The engine was built by Lotus in Stillwater Oklahoma and is one of the most bulletproof engines in chevy history. The ZR1 option was around $35k
The LT5 is the only motor I would consider hard to work on (especially since it's quad cam). The LT1/LT4 are just normal 350's with some special features like reverse cooling and the "optispark" (if that could be considered a special feature).
[Modified by Glock'94, 2:29 AM 3/15/2002]
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 193
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From: Jefferson, GA, USA
Re: LT-1/4/5? (Glock'94)
Glock, you say the LT-5 is bulletproof. What is your definition?
When I think of bulletproof, I think of a 200,000 + mile engine that just won't die.
If you abuse the LT-5 (i.e. never change the oil, run it hot and ragged), will it still run for a LONG time. I've never owned one, but I'd be in shock if it did.
Now, the Chrysler 225 Slant Six, THATS "bulletproof"!
:D :D :D
[Modified by Torre, 8:11 AM 3/15/2002]
When I think of bulletproof, I think of a 200,000 + mile engine that just won't die.
If you abuse the LT-5 (i.e. never change the oil, run it hot and ragged), will it still run for a LONG time. I've never owned one, but I'd be in shock if it did.
Now, the Chrysler 225 Slant Six, THATS "bulletproof"!
:D :D :D
[Modified by Torre, 8:11 AM 3/15/2002]
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Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 22,267
Likes: 3
From: Dallas TX
Re: LT-1/4/5? (Torre)
Glock, you say the LT-5 is bulletproof. What is your definition?
When I think of bulletproof, I think of a 200,000 + mile engine that just won't die.
If you abuse the LT-5 (i.e. never change the oil, run it hot and ragged), will it still run for a LONG time. I've never owned one, but I'd be in shock if it did.
Now, the Chrysler 225 Slant Six, THATS "bulletproof"!
:D :D :D
[Modified by Torre, 8:11 AM 3/15/2002]
When I think of bulletproof, I think of a 200,000 + mile engine that just won't die.
If you abuse the LT-5 (i.e. never change the oil, run it hot and ragged), will it still run for a LONG time. I've never owned one, but I'd be in shock if it did.
Now, the Chrysler 225 Slant Six, THATS "bulletproof"!
:D :D :D
[Modified by Torre, 8:11 AM 3/15/2002]
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Springfield MO
Re: LT-1/4/5? (FoolCrzy)
Chevrolet went to Lotus with the goal of a 400hp naturally aspirated engine and Lotus helped them achieve this goal. Mercury Marine was the only company that had the machinery that could get the exact tolerences and specs the engine required to produce. I'm fairly certian this is the true story.
:cheers:
:cheers:
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 17,101
Likes: 4
From: No more yankee my wankee, the Donger is tired!
Re: LT-1/4/5? (91 L-9ate)
Lotus was the designer for the engine. Mercury Marine was chosen as the build site as they had the knowldege, the experince to build an all aluminum engine on small production runs. GM couldn't justify the money to do the tool up process to build the LT5. GM knew from the begining the production run was going to be low.
As far as working on the engine, it's a chore but it's not difficult. It comes apart just like a normal engine. The problems come in with the timming of the dual overhead cams and a fe other tricky areas. Removing the plenum and injector housings is definately alot easier than doing the same on a L98 car
As far as working on the engine, it's a chore but it's not difficult. It comes apart just like a normal engine. The problems come in with the timming of the dual overhead cams and a fe other tricky areas. Removing the plenum and injector housings is definately alot easier than doing the same on a L98 car
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 805
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From: College Station / Highland Village TX
Re: LT-1/4/5? (rambler323)
Ok so the LT1 and LT4 are not tremendously compilcated but the LT5 is a little trickier?
Would you say that the LT5 is out of reach of an aspiring weekend "mechanic" with some experience
a high ability to learn something and a lot of patience? Or would that be a probable dsaster in the
making?
BTW thanks for the life history of the LT5, they say you learn something every day, and for me that
was it. :lol:
Would you say that the LT5 is out of reach of an aspiring weekend "mechanic" with some experience
a high ability to learn something and a lot of patience? Or would that be a probable dsaster in the
making?
BTW thanks for the life history of the LT5, they say you learn something every day, and for me that
was it. :lol:
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 51
From: Northern California
Re: LT-1/4/5? (rambler323)
This is the LT5 engine, designed by Lotus for Chevrolet, assembled by Mercury Marine Engines. It’s a joy to drive with 405 hp and a redline of 7200 rpms. If you get a chance take one for a drive, you love it!
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 17,101
Likes: 4
From: No more yankee my wankee, the Donger is tired!
Re: LT-1/4/5? (rambler323)
I would say if you had the patience and the shop space, it can be done. I've removed the plenum from mine recently to replace the coil packs. Job took a while as it was my first time, but rather easy. There are a few specialty tools though you will need to do some of the more advanced work.
I'll be tearing off the plenum and injector housings in two weeks to ship off for a port and polish job, and am thinking about pulling the cam covers to get those krinkle coated black or red.
I'll be tearing off the plenum and injector housings in two weeks to ship off for a port and polish job, and am thinking about pulling the cam covers to get those krinkle coated black or red.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 805
Likes: 0
From: College Station / Highland Village TX
Re: LT-1/4/5? (Jeffvette)
Jeff,
That's reassuring... I used to think that if it could be made I could rip it apart and fix it. Lately I've been having doubts though...
That's reassuring... I used to think that if it could be made I could rip it apart and fix it. Lately I've been having doubts though...