I am in the market to buy a 1990-1996 C4 corvette, I am looking at the L98's the LT1's and LT4's people are saying that all corvettes are fast and that i might not want to add mods when i first get it cause i might like how much power it already has stock, the 96 LT4's have 330 hp the 92-95 LT1's have 300 hp but the 90-91 L98 have anywhere from 240-250 hp, now this doesn't seem like it's really fast to me, does anyone know what the L98's run in the 1/4 stock?? are they fast or what? thanks

 

Stock L98's will generally run very low 14's. Unless you plan on going to the track, the L98 is a great motor. Tons of torque and very fun. Also easy to mod later. Generally cheaper too.

 

So, L98 vettes are actually fast little cars even though they only have about 250 hp? And you said they are easy to put mods on so L98's are easier to fix up to make faster too right?

 

Even though they only have about 250hp they are good for around 340 lb/ft of torque! :chevy

 

I bought my '95 3.5 years ago, the only mod I've done is a Corsa exhaust and I did it for the looks and sound.

My car is far from being the quickest, but I'm satisfied with the performance I get out of it.

 

Your asking how fast, but you ask about a 1/4 mile. That's not fast, that's "quick". There is a difference. Your not gonna be very "fast" in the 1/4 mile. Stock is probably high 90's. Now if "top speed" is what your asking, I'm pretty sure that 150 mph for a stock L98 is possible.

 

Stock LT4's are running high 12's, low 13's. FWIW My Stock LT4 convert has run a best ET of 13.01. It will run 13.2's-13.3's all day.

 

:yesnod:

Don't ask me how I know

 

Heh heh...I won't. :nono: :nono: :nono: :jester

 

I would have to say that the LT1-4 series is the most cost effective motor to mod simply because the intake setup lends itself to power upgrades and better breathing with a few bolt-on's. the L98 is a great motor with lots of low RPM torque which makes it feel like a rocket from a stop, but then leaves you wanting more as you reach the higher rpm band around 4400 RPM. the LT motors are simpler to work on in my opinion, especially when pulling the intake is a task to be performed. plenty of parts for both motors out there, the Opti spark is a downfall for the LT1 motors and makes keeping the engine bay looking perfect from the ill effects washing it may cause, however, considering the tuning advantages the LT1 motor offers with LT1 edit available is a definite plus. and the stock exhaust system is a little better in my opinion on the LT motors. the dash cluster is a matter of preference, but i for one enjoy the analog/digital combo over the complete digital of the early C4 cars, but owning both, i don't think either is a bad setup. the LT1 comes with good parts to mod from thefactory such as the intake manifold and the stock LT1 head offer a good base for porting and match that with a nice camshaft and you have easily surpassed 400 flywheel horsepower with little idle quality degredation and little loss in normal driven fuel economy. so, if 300 hp looses its luster after a few months, your already sitting on some nice components that can be further refined from factory spec and reused to promote a more powerfull combination. so any corvette is a great corvette, i think if your looking at all the C4's with no real sway from price, i would aim for an LT4, it is about the best 350 you can buy in the corvette in the C4 car, fantastic heads and intake setup, largewr injectors from the factory, 1.6 crane roller rockers from the factory, and the 95-96 vettes came satandard with the larger 13" rotors up front for better stopping power. the interior lines on the later C4's is more rounded and contoured as opposed to the earlier and more boxed look of the early to mid 80's C4's. i suggest you shop for a while, test drive at least 1 of each model that is in great shape if you find them in your search, and then make your own observations of characteristecs each offer specific to their year and engine type. Best of luck on your quest!

Chris

 

Where? Those 1000 ft strips in PA? :lol:

 

Price is going to be the factor as usual.

85-89 Vettes have about 240 and the old interior. You need to be careful and make sure you get one that is in good shape. THese are going for around $4500-$8500 depending condition.

The 90-91 a mixed breed. The 90 has 250 HP and is a mix between the old style and new style. There a few different flavors out there. The 91 is my best bang for the buck IMO. It has the same body style and dash as the newer LT's and the best L-98 made. Mine did 14.1 bone stock. Now it runs 13.0 Very easy to work on and mod. You can get one for around $6000-10K Depending on condition.

I cant speak much for the LT1-LT4's, I have never owned one. THey are quick on topend and just as nasty on the bottom, maybe a bit less than the L-98, but still gobs of torque compared to others cars. I dont like the opti-spark, but what can you do. With these cars you will get Traction control and Passive Keyless entry and about 13.5 1/4 mile.
These are still pricey, ranging from $7500 - $13.500 for 92-94 and over $14k for 95-96. Either way, you will love it, and this is the best group of car people ANYWHERE!! And this Forum is the best one on the net.

I know, I have a Mustang and the Forum and the people suck. Also have friends, and they all wish they had the Corvette experience.

My advice, buy the newest, best condition Vette you can afford, AND DONT FALL IN LOVE WITH THE FIRST ONE YOU SEE!!!! Its hard not to!

Good luck, and welcome to the forum.

 

I'm 100% positive that a 1990 6 speed coupe will do that :D
It really comes down to preference and if you find one that is a good buy for the money, regardless of year/engine combo. I myself like the LT4 and the L98 both. I especially enjoy the low end grunt of the L98 since it makes it so fun to drive and a stoplight warrior. Other than an LT4 or LT5 my next (and it's a close one to me) favorite C4 would be a 1991 6 speed coupe with the Z07 package. Good luck either way.

 

I went with a '90 L98. When I bought mine ~6 months ago, for the money I spent, I could get a very nice late-L98 or a high mileage, very early LT1. I chose the L98 because despite the lack of 50hp, it is no slouch, and the cost of LT1 maintenence is a little scary to me. But I think it stands true, get the newest you can afford.

MF

 

For the price of a clean LT-4 (which would be my choice),
you can get the BEAST !

375+ hp (depending on production year) LT-5 in a ZR-1

A ZR-1 is both a beast to drive AND collectable. :thumbs:

 

On the street, torque is king.

This is how C4's and IROC Z's with much less HP will kill 300ZX's from the stop light. And on the street, he who is ahead and shuts down first..WINS!

BIG JIM

 

Weird, we must have those 1000ft tracks here also since i've ran 12.9@109mph and plenty of 13.0's. Maybe i should paste my 12.9 time slip to your forehead and have you walk around saying, "LT4's can do high 12's, LT4's can do high 12's. :D :lol: :jester


Corvette people in the know sure do know about the LT4's capability of doing 12.7-12.9. Your lagging behind on info dude catch up. :lolg:

If stock horsepower is what you are looking for, go for a LT4.




[Modified by ConeKLR, 1:34 PM 4/15/2003]

 

I enjoy my 89's 345 ft-lbs torque around town, but I went to the beach over spring break (5 hr drive), and I started wishing I had an LTx. As stated above, the L98 does not have much for the interstate, but at stoplights they are great. An experienced driver in an L98 will beat a regular driver in a C5 at a stoplight. So it all comes down to where you want to have your fun.
On the other hand, you could take the money you save by buying the 90 or 91 and supercharge it. Then you'll have a beast for around town and the interstate. :cool:

 

AMEN TO THAT!

 

my 90 loved the interstate! kinda high gears and lots of torque made it feel good. and good MPG as as bonus. over 150 MPH should be enough for most sane people.

the LT4 i have now is awesome. can't say more.

i would recommend the 90's and up, for all of the same reasons that gus, and the other guy already so eloquently (and rather thoroughly) laid out.

as a side note, this is one of those posts that pops up every month. almost same exact question. should be posted in C4 FAQ section... do we have one of those? maybe we should, cuz most people don't do a search before asking a question.