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

L98 C4 vs LT1 C4

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Old Aug 17, 2002 | 06:36 PM
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Default L98 C4 vs LT1 C4

how much better is the LT1 than the L98 and for what reasons? i've only seen small horsepower number differences between the two so can somebody inform an ignorant, please?

i'm tryin to figure all this stuff out cause i want a good car that i can put into low 13's-12's pretty easily and the C4 seems to be about the best performance vehicle deal i can think of.

thanks for any help
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Old Aug 17, 2002 | 07:48 PM
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Default Re: L98 C4 vs LT1 C4 (cougarSVT)

i didnt realize a 50hp difference was small
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Old Aug 17, 2002 | 09:33 PM
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Default Re: L98 C4 vs LT1 C4 (nsimmons)

i thought it was only like 20.. crap missinformation... ok well does the LT1 take to mods easier or sumthin? if i did score a L98 in good shape how hard would it be to get it runnin close to 13 flat or so?
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Old Aug 17, 2002 | 09:34 PM
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Here is a time slip from last year. Me in car #4477 with my '95 LT1 completely stock and 65Z01 on the right with his '88 L98 with some slight tweaks.

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Old Aug 17, 2002 | 09:43 PM
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Default Re: (Mr Mojo)

the lt1 is a better 1/4 mile car, the l98 produces more low end torque. The l98 has more noticible grunt, but the lt1 has a equally impressive top end rush.

If you can get an lt1 go for it, its already got the good manifold.
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Old Aug 17, 2002 | 10:03 PM
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Default Re: (nsimmons)

the lt1 is a better 1/4 mile car, the l98 produces more low end torque. The l98 has more noticible grunt, but the lt1 has a equally impressive top end rush.

If you can get an lt1 go for it, its already got the good manifold.
Take another look at my time slip.
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Old Aug 17, 2002 | 10:12 PM
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Default Re: (Mr Mojo)

i saw your time slip and i see you beat the l98 at every marker. I said it has more noticible grunt. Thats a fact. It may not go faster, but it feels like it does. I've owned an l98 and driven an lt1.

Gears in the lt1 and the l98 wont have a chance.
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Old Aug 17, 2002 | 10:18 PM
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Default Re: (nsimmons)

Gears in the lt1 and the l98 wont have a chance.
I just put 3.45's in my '93 with a a 2800 stall converter and so far I've managed a 1.74 60', but still haven't seen the 12's.
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Old Aug 17, 2002 | 10:37 PM
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Default Re: (Mr Mojo)

Frank, stop showing that damn time slip from nearly two years ago....PLEASE. :D

Anyway, a C4 with either engine can be made to run low 13s or into the 12s if you like. The LT1 comes with 300hp whereas the later L98 comes with 240hp. Bone stock the L98 will launch harder but won't rev as high as the LT1 so will lose in the 1/4mi (neither Franks LT1 nor my L98 were bone stock when that time slip was generated; Frank had at least muffler elims and I believe I had at least done the exhaust).

Before you decide on which Corvette to buy, get a copy of the "Corvette Black Book" and check out the features of the mid year C4s. Then drive one or more of each and base your choice on the overall Corvette and the features it brings to the table instead of on just the motor.

Do your homework, make your choice and enjoy your Corvette.
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Old Aug 17, 2002 | 11:08 PM
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Default Re: (65Z01)

Hehe Jim, it's the only one I have scanned with LT1 vs L98.

I had muffler eliminators which lost me power and an open lid which I still don't believe did anything for me, but the conditions at the track were superior that day.
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Old Aug 17, 2002 | 11:13 PM
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Default Re: L98 C4 vs LT1 C4 (cougarSVT)

LT1 would be easier to modify in my opinion, because you already have an intake manifold designed for a 350, the L98s is designed for a 305.

LT4 hotcam kit and some gears and youll be well into the 12's.
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Old Aug 17, 2002 | 11:18 PM
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Default Re: (65Z01)

ok so on average will an LT1 6spd should run at the most in the 13's if i can drive well right?

i have plenty of time to think abouit all this stuff so thanx for helpin me out fella's.
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Old Aug 17, 2002 | 11:25 PM
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Default Re: (cougarSVT)

ok so on average will an LT1 6spd should run at the most in the 13's if i can drive well right?
Yeah most of them run mid-13's from what ive seen.
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Old Aug 17, 2002 | 11:28 PM
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Default Re: (cougarSVT)

Here is my timeslip from Beech Bend in KY (crappy track from what I've heard) and it was pretty hot outside. All I had at the time was muffler elims, not sure if they made me quicker/slower and I also had my gf in the car with me. 14 flat at 100.67 is me obviously, I was racing a C5.




[Modified by Drewdog, 10:29 PM 8/17/2002]
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Old Aug 18, 2002 | 12:28 AM
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Default Re: L98 C4 vs LT1 C4 (cougarSVT)

Look this up: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=363237
This guy has quite an interesting L98 performance combo. Basically he has built a 383 stroker using the L98's great low end torque potential with many stock L98 parts that most people would have cast aside, and then he uses that great low end torque with a tight torque converter and mild gears for outstanding results.

I own an LT1, but I'm thinking that the L98 offers a better bang for the performance buck. Think about it: you can pick up an L98 powered Vette for substantially less than an LT1 powered example. So if money figures anywhere into the equation you may want to give the L98 more consideration.

Thomas
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