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

LT1 into a C4?

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Old Apr 9, 2002 | 03:08 PM
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Default LT1 into a C4?

Hi. Would it be wise to take out the L98 engine of the 1984-1991 Corvettes and swap in a LT1? Or would it be better to modify the L98. I am looking for heavy modification (600+rwhp), so I'm concerned about the L98's ability to do that safely.

Note that the Corvette would be a 1983-1991 A4 model. I don't think this would be insanely hard as far as engine swaps go, but if it is, I would like to know.

*Edited because of numerical error.


[Modified by Open Headers, 10:19 PM 4/9/2002]
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Old Apr 9, 2002 | 03:15 PM
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Default Re: LT1 into a C4? (Open Headers)

no it wouldnt be cost effective, you should just rebuild the L98 entirely and put a MR on it

(and they didnt make an 83 corvette)
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Old Apr 9, 2002 | 03:27 PM
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Default Re: LT1 into a C4? (vader86)

Stay with the L98. If you want :crazy: horspower get a 400 block and build a mini ram 406. It isn't easy to get 600rwhp in a LT1 Corvette. A 406 with a Carrol Supercharger kit should do it. A bowtie, or motown block 406 will hold the power.


[Modified by 93Polo, 2:29 PM 4/9/2002]
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Old Apr 9, 2002 | 03:31 PM
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Default Re: LT1 into a C4? (Open Headers)

Ah. Okay, thanks. :)
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Old Apr 9, 2002 | 03:48 PM
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Default Re: LT1 into a C4? (Open Headers)

Do you think an LT1 engine in general would be able to take that much power? I mean, the block itself (let's assume the internals can take it)?
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Old Apr 9, 2002 | 03:55 PM
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Default Re: LT1 into a C4? (Open Headers)

Id imagine it could take it, but i wouldnt think it would hold out for long. Its hard to get that much w/o a Turbo or SuperCharger. I know the Motown blocks can take it.

Another reason we say to stick with the L98 is that the LT1 is reverse cooling and has a different ignition system that would not be too compatible with the L98 cars.
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Old Apr 9, 2002 | 05:25 PM
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Default Re: LT1 into a C4? (vader86)

I would build up a stroker with your L98 setup and add a blower. If you can find a good price on a complete pullout LT1(acces, harness, intake, etc) it would be a fairly easy swap.


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Old Apr 9, 2002 | 06:04 PM
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Default Re: LT1 into a C4? (TracerX)

From what I've heard from a local very reputable engine builder. The LT1 block splits in half at 750hp. A TA is going together locally that turned 98_ hp on the dyno with a Vortech YS trim so we should know soon.

Lamar


[Modified by 93Polo, 5:05 PM 4/9/2002]
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Old Apr 9, 2002 | 06:28 PM
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Default Re: LT1 into a C4? (Open Headers)

This Motown block... (http://www.theengineshop.com/tech4.shtml, right?)...is it hard to install in the place of a Chevrolet 350 compared to other motors? Would it go into the '84-'91 Corvette without much trouble, or would it involve replacing nearly everything? Out of curiousity, would it be hard to install this block into an LT1 Camaro or Trans Am? Thanks guys. You've been extremely helpful. :cool: :cheers:
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Old Apr 9, 2002 | 07:18 PM
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Default Re: LT1 into a C4? (93Polo)

It isn't easy to get 600rwhp in a LT1 Corvette.
Why does everybody think the LT1 is so different? Get a good set of heads and build you up a 383 or 396. Given the proper cam selection 500+ hp N/A is no problem at all. Now if you want to go with a boosted application the sky is the limit, just build it right.

The fact is with any motor if you are stupid and use cheap parts you will blow it up. If you research everything and use top quality components the LT1 is just as good as an L98. If you have all new internals, it won't matter if it's an LT1 block or an L98 block as far as strength is concerned.
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Old Apr 9, 2002 | 08:26 PM
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Default Re: LT1 into a C4? (93Polo)

Stay with the L98. If you want :crazy: horspower get a 400 block and build a mini ram 406. It isn't easy to get 600rwhp in a LT1 Corvette. A 406 with a Carrol Supercharger kit should do it. A bowtie, or motown block 406 will hold the power.


[Modified by 93Polo, 2:29 PM 4/9/2002]
We will see ;)
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Old Apr 10, 2002 | 01:32 AM
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Default Re: LT1 into a C4? (Nathan Plemons)

Why does everybody think the LT1 is so different? Get a good set of heads and build you up a 383 or 396. Given the proper cam selection 500+ hp N/A is no problem at all. Now if you want to go with a boosted application the sky is the limit, just build it right.

The fact is with any motor if you are stupid and use cheap parts you will blow it up. If you research everything and use top quality components the LT1 is just as good as an L98. If you have all new internals, it won't matter if it's an LT1 block or an L98 block as far as strength is concerned.
I didn't say it couldn't be done. However Darren of Xtreme Corvettes in Dallas TX and Shalin both had Vortech Supercharged cars with ATI intercoolers, and turned high 500s on the rear wheels. Usually the belt slips on Vortech at these boost levels in a Corvette. I do have friends with LT1 f-bodies turning 600rwhp and the motor living at this power level. Most of them have T-trims and pulleys with more ribs than the Corvette kit. To get 600rwhp takes alot of boost. It would just be easier on a 400 cube small block. Besides he already has an L98 so if the goal is 600rwhp why not go to a bowtie block. A factory L98 block and LT1 block are about the same strength. One more adavantage to the L98 is more option for heads.

Lamar
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Old Apr 10, 2002 | 01:35 AM
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Default Re: LT1 into a C4? (93Polo)

Also yes Openheaders that is the Motown block in the link
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Old Apr 10, 2002 | 08:29 AM
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Default Re: LT1 into a C4? (93Polo)

A factory L98 block and LT1 block are about the same strength. One more adavantage to the L98 is more option for heads.

Lamar
I agree with you, it would be far easier to use an existing L98 block or something that fits easily. The LT1 would require some major wiring changes that just tend to suck. I'm just trying to point out that the LT1 block itself is not a weak area and is just as good a platform to make crazy power with.


[Modified by Nathan Plemons, 6:29 AM 4/10/2002]
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Old Apr 10, 2002 | 10:01 AM
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Default Re: LT1 into a C4? (Nathan Plemons)

I agree with you, it would be far easier to use an existing L98 block or something that fits easily. The LT1 would require some major wiring changes that just tend to suck. I'm just trying to point out that the LT1 block itself is not a weak area and is just as good a platform to make crazy power with.
Agreed. You can also retrofit a LT1 intake onto L98 block. The wiring changes just aren't worth it IMO as you can make teh same power with an intkae swap. In ultra High HP config, the Lt1 has its disadvantage, but that only affect a very select few.
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Old Apr 10, 2002 | 03:04 PM
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Default Re: LT1 into a C4? (dgoodhue)

Ah. Okay, thanks, everyone, for all your help. :)
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