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

Short block differences.

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Old Nov 13, 2011 | 02:17 AM
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From: hamilton waikato
Default Short block differences.

My 1990 coupe has developed a big end knock. So ive got to decide how to sort it. There is a rebuilt short block for sale locally but i have no idea if it's suitable. What should I look out for?

Cheers for any help on this one.
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Old Nov 13, 2011 | 04:35 AM
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A crate motor from one of the local auto chains is always a good buy and comes with a warranty. The other alternative is to get a running one from a junkyard. If you buy a shortblock and change over all your accessories and heads/intake you will spend almost as much as crate motor once you pay for all the little things.
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Old Nov 13, 2011 | 04:53 AM
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Hi
From my understanding there are two blocks for the early 80s to 90s.
The main difference being the 2 piece rear main seal up to late 1985, the later engines have the one piece rear main seal. The one piece seal assembly is bolted on the back of the engine, it is quite obvious.
That is the one you want.

There may be small differences but the transmissions bolt on to both engines and the engine mounts are the same.
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Old Nov 13, 2011 | 08:04 AM
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You could also have your engine rebuilt back to stock for somewhere around $1,600.00 . ..WW
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Old Nov 13, 2011 | 11:47 AM
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If I had a L98 and a crate engine was the only option, this is the way I would go.

ZZ4 Crate Engine
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Old Nov 13, 2011 | 01:34 PM
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Get you one of these. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...x-my-swap.html
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Old Nov 13, 2011 | 01:36 PM
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Originally Posted by PLRX
If I had a L98 and a crate engine was the only option, this is the way I would go.

ZZ4 Crate Engine
painless and predictable
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Old Nov 13, 2011 | 01:46 PM
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Originally Posted by cuisinartvette
painless and predictable
I was only teasing about the LS1.. These guys are right. Unless you want pull your engine and take it to a machine shop to get done this is a good option.
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Old Nov 13, 2011 | 01:54 PM
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The zz4 is what I was going to put in my 89 until Pete K sold me on a 383 ..The problem with the ZZ4 is the 355 hp they have listed is with a carb, not fuel injection.By the time you put fuel injection and TPI on it your only looking at around 280 hp.. The motor also comes with the same heads the Corvette already has, so your spending money on something you have already . The cheapest route is to rebuild your old motor, or get a short block , freshen your heads and stick it back in..It all depends on if he wants more power or just a stock motor...WW

PS..I got my 383 built by Pete K, with dart pro 1 heads, custom cam, and all the other goodys for less then the zz4 is selling for, plus I have quite a bit more horsepower ...

Last edited by WW7; Nov 13, 2011 at 02:31 PM.
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Old Nov 13, 2011 | 02:05 PM
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There are several builders on this board that know the L98 like the back of their hand.

as far as crates this is a good one, will take a little tuning and bigger induction. http://www.crateenginedepot.com/stor...72-P764C2.aspx

Last edited by Crepitus; Nov 13, 2011 at 02:10 PM.
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Old Nov 13, 2011 | 02:26 PM
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You can get more power and torque for less money than that...
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