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I say buy one of each and then decide for yourself. (I did) There are other factors to consider besides the engine. Suspension/seats/colors/mileage/coupe/convert. I think you already know the answer. :yesnod:
The L98 heads and cam do not flow like an LT1, so they can not produce power like an LT1.
From what I have read the LT1 heads flow 15 cfm on the intake in stock form over the L98 aluminum heads, but for both the Lt1 (cam) and L98 (cam and intake) this is not limiting factor. The L98 cam is smaller than a Lt1 by approx .030 lift, adding a set of 1.6 RR with put them equal. I personally think a Super Ram or a Mini Ram and 1.6 RR would put a L98 and LT1 very close in hp
Big bolt-on primaries and intakes will reduce torque. The powerband is limited by the heart of the motor (heads and cam).
Bolt-on primaries and intake will reduce low rpm torque, talk about the pot call the kettle black. Open moth insert foot, we are comparing this to a Lt1 right :confused:
Now I am somone who like modify everything I own, if it was my choice. For similiar or slightly more $500-1000, I would buy a Lt1 over L98.
What I meant was...bolting high flow manifold parts onto a stock L98 long block will result in LT1 bottom end power (poor) and L98 top end power (poor). That is not the hot setup. All componentry needs to be matched to the intended RPM range.
What I meant was...bolting high flow manifold parts onto a stock L98 long block will result in LT1 bottom end power (poor) and L98 top end power (poor). That is not the hot setup. All componentry needs to be matched to the intended RPM range.
I have large tube runners, larger intake manifold, & ported plenum. My bottom end is still a lot stronger than a Lt1, but my top end is still poor. It only the RPM band 200-300 rpm higher than a stock L98 powerband. Anyways the intake stuff that I have on a stock L98 (with out any other mods)won't allow it to keep up on the highway with a Lt1.
You guys better get a hold of John B before he enters the One Lap - tell him his L98 can't possibly keep up with LT-1's (or Porsches or Lambos or Vipers)- let alone a Z06. http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caran..._11_photo8.xml
Somebody better tell 65ZO1 and Vic89 that what they are doing with their L98's CANT be done :rolleyes:
The bottom line is there is not enough differance in performance to worry about! If the 91 is nice and the price is right buy it and dont worry, you'll be happy :cheers:
Go with the 91....It has the advantage of the late C4 body style, plus the last and best of the L98's. It still has a real distributor so you can wash your engine to get it clean and don't have to worry about replacing the Optispark like would on an LT1 if it got wet. Plus, with the 6-speed, you've got the 3:45 rear gears, so you'll get great off the line performance, and great gas milage (I average 32mpg at 70mph). If you want top end....I've had mine to 140, and it still had some left in it. There's not too many times that you would even get it up to that speed realistically.
ya know one of the main advantages of the L98 is it comes from the factory better optimized for the power output and rpm that the engine was designed for. If you notice, a lot of people have posted that a 3.07 gear is ideal for a stock L98 auto in the quarter mile. Any more gear and it can actually slow it down. The LT1 even with a 3.07 performs a little better, but not as much as you would think with a 50 to 70 hp difference. But if you change the rear end to a 3.73 or a 3.54 etc. it runs a lot quicker. With a looser converter then the factory 1384rpm one it is well into the mid 12's. I dont believe that you will find a stock L98 with gears and a TC running that quick. The L98 is a great engine, but the LT1 has taken the vette one step further. And so has the LS1 taken it past the LT1 performance level.
Just my two cents. I think the lt1 is a better motor out of the box than an l98. But just as all of you have stated it depends on what you want it for. I have had two LT1 cars...WS6 Formula..and a 1994 vette. An lt1 is definitely quicker out of the box and so it should be. Technology is a hard to keep up with. Look at the LS1's. Put an l98 6spd...lt1 6spd....ls1 spd...up against each other. All stock of course and the same driver (if possible). The order would be ls1...lt1...and l98. Technology.... I will say this. I got rid of my Lt1 because of maintenance costs. LT1 optispark....$490.00....l98 distributor...$200 or less. Waterpump...lt1 $180....l98 $35... and the lists goes on. So its up to you but I like the ease of maintenance on the l98. And with the mods I have...I am running just as fast as my friends slightly modded lt1 6pd to around 140.. and yes he can drive....So it really comes down to you. But I like my l98 for now....I am putting a 396 stroker in next week. So see ya...
The arguing is pointless! $$$ = speed and that's the bottom line
My suggestion the guy that started it is try test driving both. If you can't find an lt1 to test drive I'll borrow you mine(I'm in Rochester if you ever come by this way) It's not like you can go out and buy the perfect car. These are all used cars and there's a limited amount of them. If you don't want to wait buy this one and if you find one you like better sell it and buy the different one. It's hard to tell which one you like without living with it for a while.
Who said both cars weren't great?? The point was they're quite different. Why take exception to that? Why try to argue an L98 will run with an LT1 on the top end with a couple bolt-ons when the heads and cam restrict power over 4500 RPM?? Why argue that an LT1 will outaccelerate an L98 on a hill in 6th when you know the L98 can pull a Conrail train at 1100 RPM? It ain't happening. The LT1 strength is mid to high speeds. The L98 stength is low to mid speeds. Both cars can be modified to run 8's or go 200 MPH. However...if you're considering a purchase, you should consider choosing the powerplant that best suits the intended use.
I would buy the one that is in the best condition and has been taken care of and maintained the best. If you are going to do some mods, both are fast and if your a cruiser the L98 will feel faster.
Buy a LT-5 equipped car. It has the best of both worlds. Great low end torque and tremendous high rpm power. All this straight out of the box. :D :jester :lol:
Who said both cars weren't great?? The point was they're quite different. Why take exception to that? Why try to argue an L98 will run with an LT1 on the top end with a couple bolt-ons when the heads and cam restrict power over 4500 RPM?? Why argue that an LT1 will outaccelerate an L98 on a hill in 6th when you know the L98 can pull a Conrail train at 1100 RPM? It ain't happening. The LT1 strength is mid to high speeds. The L98 stength is low to mid speeds. Both cars can be modified to run 8's or go 200 MPH. However...if you're considering a purchase, you should consider choosing the powerplant that best suits the intended use.
[Modified by Rick93Z07, 9:40 AM 5/30/2002]
lol
The question was which is better...and i said they are both great...i'll leave it to you guys to tell him EXACTLY why one is better than the other....
I said that Scorp, in case you didn't notice who you were quoting:
It is based upon many track miles and dyno tests. "Substantial mods" are necessary to raise the useable powerband peak into the 5500+ RPM range. This is what's necessary to produce LT1 HP. The L98 heads and cam do not flow like an LT1, so they can not produce power like an LT1. Big bolt-on primaries and intakes will reduce torque. The powerband is limited by the heart of the motor (heads and cam). Perhaps you don't think heads and cam are substantial mods, I dunno.
[Modified by Rick93Z07, 11:56 AM 5/28/2002]
Doug Flynn bolted a stealth ram onto a bone stock L98 Camaro (i.e. junk iron heads, junk exhaust manifolds) and gained 63 horsepower above 5,000 rpm. With vette heads, headers and a PROM reprogramming, that simple bolt-on should provide any L98 owner with more horsepower at ALL RPM compared to a stock LT1.
Yikes.......L98 v. LT1 , the battle rages on.......
The two cars in similar condition will most likely be priced very similarly with the 92 being a bit more. In stock condition , with both cars hypathetically in identical condition, with equal miles , options etc on them both , the LT-1 car has 50 more horsepower. This doesnt mean L98's suck, so calm down you L98 guys. 50 hp however , is nothing to sneeze at. It is enough that you can easily feel the difference and see the difference were you to race them both at any speed . As has been stated, this is not to say the L98 doesnt have its advantages if you like to call them that , like its ignition and cheaper parts.
Sure you can mod a L98 to match an LT-1 , but mod for mod the LT1 will always be stronger until you get VERY heavily modded and things begin to even out. This is the same for the LT1 v. LT4 , and the LT4 v. LS1. The march of technology enables the newer cars to be more developed and make more hp from the factory. Even the LT5 v. LS6 .......
I also agree with the "buy the newest model you can afford" theory with C4's after having driven many and purchasing an LT4. The newer the car , in general, the fewer miles, rattles and "bugs" there are. :seeya
It is enough that you can easily feel the difference and see the difference were you to race them both at any speed .
Hmm just to add fuel to the fire, I will still argue this statement, my 91 may be a freak, but it was stronger stock for stock, than the lt1's I drove...