89 l98
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
89 l98
Have a stock 89 l98 corvette motor I need to wake this thing up thinking about changing the cam, what’s a good cam to go with? Looking for atleast 300 hp. Motor is going in an 87 Monte Carlo, probably just going to put a carb on it and aftermarket intake.
Last edited by Stss95; May 26, 2021 at 09:04 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,759
Likes: 1,647
From: Fairfax Virginia
The L98 is not the engine I personally would swap into another car. I would find a newer LS engine and go that route. The L98 is a great engine for low down torque but it runs out of steam at ~4500 rpm. 300 Hp would be do-able with enough money.
I would find a junkyard deal on a good aluminum LS engine and heads. I would see which ones fit your 1987 Monte Carlo's hood. That might be a problem with the L98 as the plenum is tall and strangely shaped. Parts for the newer LS engines are cheaper than some of the older stuff and the newer engines make power like few old engines are able to.
Normally I tell people to keep their Corvette the way it came as it works the best that way. In your case I would explore other options than just the L98. You have so many choices today. So many choices with SOOOO much power available out there.
I would find a junkyard deal on a good aluminum LS engine and heads. I would see which ones fit your 1987 Monte Carlo's hood. That might be a problem with the L98 as the plenum is tall and strangely shaped. Parts for the newer LS engines are cheaper than some of the older stuff and the newer engines make power like few old engines are able to.
Normally I tell people to keep their Corvette the way it came as it works the best that way. In your case I would explore other options than just the L98. You have so many choices today. So many choices with SOOOO much power available out there.
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
I’ve done some research and the l98 is basically the same engine as the zz4 but with a different cam. I’m probably going to put in the zz4 cam ditch the tpi and run a carb. Zz4 is rated at 355hp. This setup will drop right into my car and be turn key. Yes everyone is doing ls swaps but By the time your done with motor mounts, oil pan, fuel systems, wiring harness etc I could build 2 regular small blocks for the cost.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,133
Likes: 319
From: Ohio
I've done LS swaps for the same price (or less) than I've done small blocks. Absolutely 100% worth going LS. I will never own another Gen 1 small block, ever.
The L98 is fine if its already in your car.
The L98 is fine if its already in your car.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,362
Likes: 400
From: DFW TX
062 or 906 heads, vortec carb intake, small cam and you would be in the 300 whp range. I used this combo in a couple or my S10 builds years back. Both were flat tappet cam setups and made great tq and hp for what they were. Long blocks were $1100 or so with tax (including the Elgin cam of my choice) from City Motor Supply in Dallas with a junk core trade ins.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,157
Likes: 554
From: Glenbeulah Wi
I’ve done some research and the l98 is basically the same engine as the zz4 but with a different cam. I’m probably going to put in the zz4 cam ditch the tpi and run a carb. Zz4 is rated at 355hp. This setup will drop right into my car and be turn key. Yes everyone is doing ls swaps but By the time your done with motor mounts, oil pan, fuel systems, wiring harness etc I could build 2 regular small blocks for the cost.
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