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

Junk the L98?

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Old Sep 22, 2003 | 10:27 PM
  #1  
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Default Junk the L98?

Hi and thanks for the welcome. I`ve read a lot in the forum about the L98 motor giving out on the high end. I previously owned a LT1 and definitely notice the difference. My car has high mileage and probably will need replaced soon. I am frustrated by the lack of after-market parts through suppliers. Any recommendations on alternative or can the L98 be built up decent? I am not looking to have a pro-streeter just something with lots of range and a bigger grin than it makes me have now. Thanks for the suggestions :confused:
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Old Sep 22, 2003 | 10:31 PM
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Default Re: Junk the L98? (the-last-resort)

i have been thinking of going to a ls1 there is a link in my signature to speedscenewiring that would make my conversion harness it can be done what you would do is sell you computer and engine system and have zack do a conversion harness.They have already done it in a c1
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Old Sep 22, 2003 | 11:36 PM
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Default Re: Junk the L98? (the-last-resort)

Stick w/the L98. If you want power and torque, go w/the Superram. If you want high-rev power, go with a miniram, or a stealthram, if you just want to increase the low end, get large diameter runners and a ported base + plenum. There is nothing wrong with an l98, and properely built, it can be as strong or stronger than any other small block.
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Old Sep 22, 2003 | 11:50 PM
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Default Re: Junk the L98? (the-last-resort)

When the time comes, get the L98 rebuilt by someone who KNOWS what they're doing, using quality parts.

THEN LOOK AFTER IT Service wise doing frequent oil/filter changes etc


[Modified by smacko, 2:52 PM 9/23/2003]
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Old Sep 23, 2003 | 01:51 AM
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Default Re: Junk the L98? (the-last-resort)

I think they run pretty good........ :D :D
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Old Sep 23, 2003 | 01:56 AM
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Default Re: Junk the L98? (the-last-resort)

there are thousands of aftermarket parts for it, its just a regular SBC

youre just limited to 4 routes in your intake: Superram, Miniram/LT1modified, modded TPI, Stealthram

which one you pick is determined by transmission, hp number goal, and what rpm you want it
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Old Sep 23, 2003 | 09:46 AM
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Default Re: Junk the L98? (90Black on Black)

So basically the intake is weak? So what is the best for all around power? I was thinking of going the carb route but that might not be as simple as I think.
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Old Sep 23, 2003 | 09:52 AM
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Default Re: Junk the L98? (the-last-resort)

The intake is weak but if you go with a SuperRam, Miniram or Stealthram you need to do a cam change (and the other changes that go with it) to really take advantage of the intake change IMO.

Work out what specific performance/power goals you have in mind before doing anything and you will be better equipped to make the right decision. Also keep in mind how you want the car to drive when delivering the power you want (ie: do you want low down torque or big rpm horsepower?).


[Modified by Red 90 L98 Coupe, 12:56 AM 9/24/2003]
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Old Sep 23, 2003 | 10:38 AM
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Default Re: Junk the L98? (the-last-resort)

So basically the intake is weak? So what is the best for all around power? I was thinking of going the carb route but that might not be as simple as I think.
No carbs

Take some time, and determine some power goals.
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Old Sep 23, 2003 | 07:04 PM
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Default Re: Junk the L98? (vader86)

What is up with the LS1? this is all you can read about in any car magazine. The ZZ4 crate motor makes 350HP (with carb) and 350s running vortec heads can make 400hp cheap. The stock LS1 or LS6 does not impress me. For the same cost of swapping in an LS1 I could build one killer L98.
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Old Sep 23, 2003 | 07:11 PM
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Default Re: Junk the L98? (Red 90 L98 Coupe)

I looked through the intakes mentioned and the price varies quite a bit. Like most people I am on a budget with this project and would like to put everything into the motor and spend what`s left on add-on parts or save for them later. The Accel seemed the best for the cost- What about porting the stock intake and runners? Thanks to all for the advice.
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Old Sep 23, 2003 | 07:19 PM
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Default Re: Junk the L98? (the-last-resort)

What about porting the stock intake and runners?
Yeah you can port them, do some exhaust work and all the simple mods and put out in the ~275hp (crank) range.

This goes along the 'modded TPI' route, you should look at Vic89 and Joe90's cars.
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Old Sep 23, 2003 | 09:19 PM
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Default Re: Junk the L98? (the-last-resort)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33615
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Old Sep 23, 2003 | 09:45 PM
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Default Re: Junk the L98? (vader86)

Car was purchased from friend`s father-he bought a `03 and I got the old one. Asked him on mods-he was the second owner and added Flowmaster-no cats,Chip-Mine did nothing noticable so I don`t count this did either, and a shift kit,jerks hard into second and at cruising speed if I hit it it chirps like I ran over a mouse! Mild cam was added but no knowledge of numbers. My Formula LT1 had Flowmaster with no cats but didn`t sound HALF as loud as this.Maybe cause it wasn`t true dual. It sounds wicked but the performance doesn`t match it! Not sure on other mods but there`s not even a K&N.
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Old Sep 23, 2003 | 10:27 PM
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Default Re: Junk the L98? (the-last-resort)

How about droping in a World Castings crate motor built on their Mowtown block as a foundation displacing either 427 or 454 CID making over 550Hp on pump gas!

http://worldcastings.com/docs/03catalog/engines.pdf

Now if they could only come up with a Mowtown LT1 block to build one of these monsters with.
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