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

Which is the best c4 factory engine?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 16, 2003 | 08:56 PM
  #21  
Phil stock 91's Avatar
Phil stock 91
Advanced
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: ST Inigoes MD
Default Re: Which is the best c4 factory engine? (Ray Quayle)

L98 :thumbs:
Reply
Old Nov 16, 2003 | 09:19 PM
  #22  
myscx's Avatar
myscx
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 437
Likes: 2
From: Georgetown Maine
Default Re: Which is the best c4 factory engine? (Damien89)

I was told a 96 lt1 is a better motor than the lt4 because it is less complicated, and supposedly with a few minor mods the lt1 will produce as much or more HP :skep: :confused: :D
Reply
Old Nov 16, 2003 | 11:48 PM
  #23  
Jeffvette's Avatar
Jeffvette
Race Director
 
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 17,101
Likes: 5
From: No more yankee my wankee, the Donger is tired!
Default Re: Which is the best c4 factory engine? (myscx)

I was told a 96 lt1 is a better motor than the lt4 because it is less complicated, and supposedly with a few minor mods the lt1 will produce as much or more HP :skep: :confused: :D

Who was the numb nuts that told you that?

Reply
Old Nov 17, 2003 | 11:34 AM
  #24  
tjwong's Avatar
tjwong
Le Mans Master
Supporting Lifetime Gold
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,596
Likes: 19
From: Portland Oregon
Default Re: Which is the best c4 factory engine? (Jeffvette)

Basically the LT1 and LT4 are the same with the exception of its heavy breathing heads and cam. There are other subtle differences but the basic platform is still the tried and trued small block. Now if you are talking about control, yes the LT4 used the later OBD2 controller which is much more complex as far as logic in the PCM is concerned. But its been well hacked and tuning is no longer an issue either.
Reply
Old Nov 17, 2003 | 11:57 AM
  #25  
ANTI VENOM's Avatar
ANTI VENOM
Melting Slicks
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,158
Likes: 9
From: N.E. WA
Default Re: Which is the best c4 factory engine? (tjwong)

I am going by memory, but I thought that Lotus engineers designed the LT-5? I don't know where they were actually 'built", but I don't think that it counts as being built by the General! I am sure that this going to be like peeing on an electric fence, generally unpleasant. :eek:
Reply
Old Nov 17, 2003 | 12:14 PM
  #26  
michelc4's Avatar
michelc4
Intermediate
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: FREJUS FRANCE
Default Re: Which is the best c4 factory engine? (Damien89)

sans probleme le LT1 ou encore mieux un LT4
les differentes versions du L98 sont des moteurs tres coupleux mais la puissance chute rapidement apres 4500 RPM.
un LT1 legerement preparé ou un LT4 stock ont une plage d'utilisation de 1000
à 6000 RPM avec tous le couple necéssaire .

:chevy
Reply
Old Nov 17, 2003 | 12:20 PM
  #27  
Aaron71771's Avatar
Aaron71771
Le Mans Master
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 6,376
Likes: 21
From: Traverse City MI
Default Re: Which is the best c4 factory engine? (Damien89)

When I am "driving" my C4 - there is no other engine that matters except for the LT5.
Reply
Old Nov 17, 2003 | 01:27 PM
  #28  
jmrl98's Avatar
jmrl98
Drifting
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,509
Likes: 3
From: Hazel Park MI
Default Re: Which is the best c4 factory engine? (michelc4)

Michel, mon ami, tu es un Grenouille, n'est pas? Try a little English, bro. You'd be rude as a mother scratcher if a yankee spouted off some english, not trying any French. And I almost understand what you wrote!! :seeya
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Nov 17, 2003 | 02:25 PM
  #29  
all4c4lt4's Avatar
all4c4lt4
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 6,097
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati Oh
Default Re: Which is the best c4 factory engine? (ANTI VENOM)

I am going by memory, but I thought that Lotus engineers designed the LT-5? I don't know where they were actually 'built", but I don't think that it counts as being built by the General! I am sure that this going to be like peeing on an electric fence, generally unpleasant. :eek:
Lotus (with help from GM) designed the LT5 for GM, but at the time GM owned Lotus. Merc assembled the motor as they had experience, quality, and small production line capability. GM didn't want to build its own assembly line for the LT5. I think all would agree Merc did a damn good job too.

I don't see how this can even be a "discussion" but the LT5 is the best motor for the C4. The LT4 is great performer and is more than just a head/cam factory lt1, but the LT5 was a big leap for GM and the sports car world.

That said, they are all great motors and can be moded to suit the owners' needs and out-perform the stock version of any other C4 motor, so the best one is what is in your own garage!
Reply
Old Nov 17, 2003 | 02:35 PM
  #30  
michelc4's Avatar
michelc4
Intermediate
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: FREJUS FRANCE
Default Re: Which is the best c4 factory engine? (jmrl98)

hello john,

of course i can read and write english but i appreciate to speak french in this forum.
but as you perhaps know french people are non-comformism.
i see that you are a teacher so you can try to understand the language of Voltaire.

with all my frienship

Michel :chevy
Reply
Old Nov 17, 2003 | 03:30 PM
  #31  
92TripleBlack's Avatar
92TripleBlack
Safety Car
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,178
Likes: 2
From: Windermere FL
Default Re: Which is the best c4 factory engine? (Damien89)

In order
Late LT5(But you said don't include)
LT4
LT1(94-96)
LT1(92-93)
L98(of which I would say newer is better)
L83

Calloway isn't included, as it was more specialty and is an L98 with Turbo, not a motor alone.

Each has its pros and cons. I'd prefer an LT4 as its easy to modify and gives you a good base. L98 is cheaper to modify and maintain. LT5 is the best but hardest to modify.

Past this, you start a pi$$ing contest.
Reply
Old Nov 17, 2003 | 05:29 PM
  #32  
GlockLT4's Avatar
GlockLT4
Team Owner
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 22,267
Likes: 3
From: Dallas TX
Default Re: Which is the best c4 factory engine? (MPforUSMC)

I like my lt1/2...sometimes i have 7 cylinders. I named the 8th one Paco. Paco makes me happy.
hahahahahahahah :lol: :lol: :lolg:
Reply
Old Nov 17, 2003 | 05:30 PM
  #33  
GlockLT4's Avatar
GlockLT4
Team Owner
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 22,267
Likes: 3
From: Dallas TX
Default Re: Which is the best c4 factory engine? (ANTI VENOM)

They were built in Stillwater Oklahoma :yesnod:
Reply
Old Nov 17, 2003 | 05:31 PM
  #34  
GlockLT4's Avatar
GlockLT4
Team Owner
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 22,267
Likes: 3
From: Dallas TX
Default Re: Which is the best c4 factory engine? (ANTI VENOM)

I am going by memory, but I thought that Lotus engineers designed the LT-5? I don't know where they were actually 'built", but I don't think that it counts as being built by the General! I am sure that this going to be like peeing on an electric fence, generally unpleasant. :eek:
They were built in Stillwater Oklahoma. Designed by Lotus and built by a Marine company (forget the name).
Reply
Old Nov 17, 2003 | 06:04 PM
  #35  
_freakmonkeydogboy_'s Avatar
_freakmonkeydogboy_
Drifting
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,705
Likes: 5
From: OKC Oklahoma
Default Re: Which is the best c4 factory engine? (Dandy97)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am going by memory, but I thought that Lotus engineers designed the LT-5? I don't know where they were actually 'built", but I don't think that it counts as being built by the General! I am sure that this going to be like peeing on an electric fence, generally unpleasant.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

They were built in Stillwater Oklahoma. Designed by Lotus and built by a Marine company (forget the name).
Mercury Marine :D


[Modified by _freakmonkeydogboy_, 5:06 PM 11/17/2003]
Reply
Old Nov 17, 2003 | 06:42 PM
  #36  
Jeffvette's Avatar
Jeffvette
Race Director
 
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 17,101
Likes: 5
From: No more yankee my wankee, the Donger is tired!
Default Re: Which is the best c4 factory engine? (92TripleBlack)

LT5 is the best but hardest to modify.
Why is it hard to modify?
Reply
Old Nov 17, 2003 | 06:53 PM
  #37  
1991Z07's Avatar
1991Z07
Safety Car
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 4,564
Likes: 110
From: Austin Texas
Default Re: Which is the best c4 factory engine? (Jeffvette)

Hmmm...off the top of my head:

-To bore the block you need new sleeves for the cylinders ($$$$).
-To change cams you need 4 of them ($$$$) AND you have to get them ALL timed correctly.
-Not everyone makes pistons and rods to fit them ($$$$).
-Parts are REALLY expensive ($$$$$).
-You need that very special limited-production throttle-body to make it all work.

Not knocking the motor, but spare parts are at a premium for them since they didn't build a gazillion of them.

Yeah, the do-it-yourselfer CAN work on them, but man it is different than a good old push-rod V8.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Which is the best c4 factory engine?

Old Nov 17, 2003 | 06:56 PM
  #38  
TheStef's Avatar
TheStef
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 1
Default Re: Which is the best c4 factory engine? (GlockLT4)

Michelc4 et jmrl98l, etes-vous francais? si oui, vous faite beaucoup de faute et vous devriez retourner a l'ecole. hahaha

I think the L98 feels stronger then a LT1 or LT4, but every one knows its not faster. I think for day to day driving the L98 give more seat of the pants feeling when floring the gas pedal for a few secounds down the street.

At a drag strip or highway, the LT1 and LT4 is better



[Modified by TheStef, 6:06 PM 11/17/2003]
Reply
Old Nov 17, 2003 | 07:00 PM
  #39  
Jeffvette's Avatar
Jeffvette
Race Director
 
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 17,101
Likes: 5
From: No more yankee my wankee, the Donger is tired!
Default Re: Which is the best c4 factory engine? (Joe90)

Hmmm...off the top of my head:

-To bore the block you need new sleeves for the cylinders ($$$$).
Same with the LSx


-To change cams you need 4 of them ($$$$) AND you have to get them ALL timed correctly.
Wrong, you can do two at a time, even DRM in some of their engine packages will only do the intake cams.

-Not everyone makes pistons and rods to fit them ($$$$).
Same can be said for every motor

-Parts are REALLY expensive ($$$$$).
If you don't have the money, don't play. But that doesn't make it hard to modify

-You need that very special limited-production throttle-body to make it all work.
You're bitching about a TB, out of all the parts on the motor??????

Not knocking the motor, but spare parts are at a premium for them since they didn't build a gazillion of them.
If you don't have the money, don't play. But that doesn't make it hard to modify.

Yeah, the do-it-yourselfer CAN work on them, but man it is different than a good old push-rod V8.
It's still an internal combustion engine, is it not?
Reply
Old Nov 17, 2003 | 08:12 PM
  #40  
1991Z07's Avatar
1991Z07
Safety Car
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 4,564
Likes: 110
From: Austin Texas
Default Re: Which is the best c4 factory engine? (Jeffvette)

I think we'll have to agree to disagree on this one...

I can get any major rod & piston manufacturer to send me "almost" whatever configuration I want for a SBC and they'll have it "on-the-shelf" and it won't cost me a small fortune to get it. The same can't be said for the LT5. I got a complete forged bottom-end from Crower for less than $2,500...including the pistons.

Sure you have to sleeve an LSx motor...BUT we are not talking about C5's in this thread, are we? The question asked was the best motor for the C4.

You asked "what makes an LT5 hard to modify"...parts availability at REASONABLE prices is the answer to the question. If you have unlimited funds, then play with that LT5 all you want.

Man, sometimes you LT5 boys can be such bigots. Anybody even "questions" the heritage of the Mercury Marine LT5 and you fly off the deep end. Sure it is still an internal combustion V8, but it is NOTHING like a SBC. It is MUCH more complicated, has a gazillion parts and has 4 cams (no SBC I ever saw has that....)

I think if you read back through the entire thread you'll see that I said somewhere that I'd LOVE to have an LT5 sitting in the garage next to my beast.

But would I modify it?

Most likely not....I can invest 1/2 the amount of money in my L98 and get a much bigger bang for the buck than doing the LT5.

It's just life man....yeah, it's a rare beast...but you'll pay a lot to have it fixed when it finally breaks 10-20 years from now unless someone starts to manufacture parts for the darn things.

Heck, Lingenfelter wants $14.5k just for the "low horsepower" LT5 build of 475HP...that's about what I have invested in a completely new 427 SBC I'm building. For that I'll have about 750 FWHP...and I still have my original motor....
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:22 PM.

story-0
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 most overrated Corvette track packages ever.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:46:45


VIEW MORE
story-1
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

Slideshow: Every 2027 Corvette engine explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:16:31


VIEW MORE
story-2
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-08 19:53:43


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE