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

why does GM use the same engine name

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Old Jul 31, 2020 | 11:22 AM
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Default why does GM use the same engine name

I was watching Fantom works this morning and the installed a LT4 in a '67 vette, not the same as a C4 LT4. I've seen older GM (vettes??) from the '70s that had an LT1 in it.

Why would GM use the same names? Why not an LX4 or LT2?
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Old Jul 31, 2020 | 11:24 AM
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Sales through nostalgia Im betting.
Seen the new Chevy blazer? Now that aint gonna fly

ZR1 ZL1 has spanned a few gens dating back to the C3

Last edited by cv67; Aug 1, 2020 at 04:13 PM.
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Old Jul 31, 2020 | 03:48 PM
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The optispark lt1/lt4 are the better motors

GM cheapened up the direct injected lt1 / lt4
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Old Jul 31, 2020 | 06:01 PM
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Weren’t the C3s LT-1 and LT-4 (note the hyphen)? Ever notice the C2 StingRay and the C3 from ‘69 Stingray? I suspect the Airdale is right, “Sales through nostalgia”.
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Old Jul 31, 2020 | 07:52 PM
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They have re-used a lot because they have used a lot.

The first letter of the series usually denotes the same thing on all models.... G for gearing, L for Engines, Z for suspension. I can't think of exceptions off the top of my head, but I can't say for sure there aren't any so I am goign to say usually.
So using an L for an engine code
Then the next is commonly used for the Family of engines (LS/LT) but I know the L98/LB9 step away from this. So... If always using L and then you had 0-9+A-Z for the second position and a 0-9+A-Z in the second, giving 1260 total possibilities. Eventually they would run out, so why not use the cool sounding ones a few times?
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Old Aug 1, 2020 | 03:18 PM
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Originally Posted by ihatebarkingdogs
Z is predominantly performance, trim, convenience and appearance packages. Think ZR1 ( on 4 different generations, C3, C4, C6, C7 ), Z28, Z01 (35th), Z25 (40th), Z06, etc.
Suspension is F. F41, FG4 (Bilstein shocks), FX3. F also includes a lot of wheelbase, axle capacity, and front axle ratio selections. After looking at the listings, it seems to me that "F" is more "frame related", which includes "suspension".
Z28 was a pacjage originally set up for road race with the 302, Z51... they stack tbh. Just like a B2L would require both L98 and Z28. So, the waters get murkey sometimes. Are there any non-L engines?

Last edited by KyleF; Aug 1, 2020 at 03:18 PM.
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Old Aug 1, 2020 | 07:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Ray Quayle
Weren’t the C3s LT-1 and LT-4 (note the hyphen)?
the c3 1970 - 1972 years had the designation of LT-1 and ZR-1. there was never a lt4/-4 for the c3 cars.
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Old Aug 1, 2020 | 07:18 PM
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Originally Posted by ihatebarkingdogs
Z is predominantly performance, trim, convenience and appearance packages. Think ZR1 ( on 4 different generations, C3, C4, C6, C7 ), Z28, Z01 (35th), Z25 (40th), Z4Z (95 Pace Car), Z06 (on is it now 5 generations?), etc. There are also a bunch of spare tire selections in the Zs. (I wonder if "Z" originally denoted "Zora-Projects"? The 63 Z06 was available in the first year that the GM letter system for options went into use. The Z11 Impala was close behind. And the Z category became the performance stuff? Crazy WAG, but........)
Suspension is F. F41, FG4 (Bilstein shocks), FX3. F also includes a lot of wheelbase, axle capacity, and front axle ratio selections. After looking at the listings, it seems to me that "F" is more "frame related", which includes "suspension".
I would imagine Z was chosen for performance simply because its last in line. You can Not select anything higher.
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Old Aug 2, 2020 | 08:46 AM
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check the 'Ask Tadge' forum section, he answered this Q a year ago
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