L98...lt1...?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,444
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From: Hawthorne NJ
L98...lt1...?
I've read CarTech and alot of the comments on the forum along the years and now I'm thinking of using what I've read. I have a hotrod project I'm working on this winter in which I'm putting a 350/700R4 drivetrain into a virtually stock appearing '39 Buick. What I'm thinking of doing is using an L98 instead of an LT1 based on some of the inherent problems I've read about in the, although higher HP, LT1. I only want a VERY reliable long trip, cruising car and I'm not interested in anything too "finicky."
Am I right in assuming the L98 will give me a more reliable solution?
Thanks!
Am I right in assuming the L98 will give me a more reliable solution?
Thanks!
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,991
Likes: 5
From: The Pines South Jersey
Originally Posted by joseph p
I've read CarTech and alot of the comments on the forum along the years and now I'm thinking of using what I've read. I have a hotrod project I'm working on this winter in which I'm putting a 350/700R4 drivetrain into a virtually stock appearing '39 Buick. What I'm thinking of doing is using an L98 instead of an LT1 based on some of the inherent problems I've read about in the, although higher HP, LT1. I only want a VERY reliable long trip, cruising car and I'm not interested in anything too "finicky."
Am I right in assuming the L98 will give me a more reliable solution?
Thanks!
Am I right in assuming the L98 will give me a more reliable solution?
Thanks!
If you go down there i will take the ride with you!
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,444
Likes: 4
From: Hawthorne NJ
Thanks jd_v3tt3, actually I was watching that one but I have an even better deal with the trans included. I can't go to Bristol soon but I was thinking of checking thay place out. It has some pretty interesting offers. I'd be more than happy to let you know if/when I go.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
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From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
For your application I would suggest modeling after the '89 L98. It was the last year with the MAF intake but had eliminated the pesky cold start injector.
Though that motor put out only 250chp stock (with the frisbee off the water pump pulley) some simple bolt-ons will bring that number up into the 300chp range and still provide very reliable transportation as well as plenty of low end torque to get that Buick started down the road.
Though that motor put out only 250chp stock (with the frisbee off the water pump pulley) some simple bolt-ons will bring that number up into the 300chp range and still provide very reliable transportation as well as plenty of low end torque to get that Buick started down the road.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,991
Likes: 5
From: The Pines South Jersey
Originally Posted by joseph p
Thanks jd_v3tt3, actually I was watching that one but I have an even better deal with the trans included. I can't go to Bristol soon but I was thinking of checking thay place out. It has some pretty interesting offers. I'd be more than happy to let you know if/when I go.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
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From: levittown pa. usa Even a bad day with my `Vette, is better than a good day at work
St. Jude Donor '10
Thats Contemporary Corvette in Bristol, Pa. The owner Ron Desmet, & his assistants, Rocky & Chris are all good people. I buy most of my used vette parts, ( & two of my three vettes ) from them. They have somewhere around 300 vettes, & a bunch of Z28s, & Pontiac TAs in various states of crashes & burned wrecks. A very interesting place to visit.
Elite Torch Red Member
Joined: Sep 1999
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From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
Cental/South NJ Events Coordinator
CI 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12 Vet
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Yeah, Ron is a good friend of mine as well as Chris and Rocky.
In all honesty I would go with an LS1, it may cost more, but overall it kicks the L98 and LT1's ***
Lighter, more powerful, etc.
In all honesty I would go with an LS1, it may cost more, but overall it kicks the L98 and LT1's ***
Lighter, more powerful, etc.
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
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From: San Pedro CA
Originally Posted by Mr Mojo
Yeah, Ron is a good friend of mine as well as Chris and Rocky.
In all honesty I would go with an LS1, it may cost more, but overall it kicks the L98 and LT1's ***
Lighter, more powerful, etc.
In all honesty I would go with an LS1, it may cost more, but overall it kicks the L98 and LT1's ***
Lighter, more powerful, etc.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,444
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From: Hawthorne NJ
Good advice but keep in mind this is only going to be a cruisin' vehicle, I will take trips but none down the quarter mile. I want reliability as #1. I have 2 vettes, a hotrod and two muscle cars for all those tire-smoking days. I was just concerned about the LT1's "inherent problems" and the fact that I have quite a bit of experience with L98's not LT1's.
Thanks
Thanks
Elite Torch Red Member
Joined: Sep 1999
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From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
Cental/South NJ Events Coordinator
CI 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12 Vet
CI-II Burnout & Drag Champ
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
LS1's make good cruisers as well.
I'm contemplating putting the LS1 in my '93. I have a guy who wants to do the work, all I need is the money to buy one(and all the related parts).
I'm contemplating putting the LS1 in my '93. I have a guy who wants to do the work, all I need is the money to buy one(and all the related parts).
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,444
Likes: 4
From: Hawthorne NJ
I am aware LS1's would be an outstanding candidate but for the intial phase of this project, budget is a priority. I'm thinking "subframe and rack/pinion frontend, discs/coilovers,get engine and trans in, setup rear suspension/dics etc., restore interior, paint, chrome...." sometime later I MIGHT consider LS1, maybe!
Question now is just "L98 or LT1."
Thanks
Question now is just "L98 or LT1."
Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 30,856
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From: Boston, Dallas, Detroit, SoCal, back to Boston MA
Do you want low end torque (L98) or high end power (LT1)?
With weight of a '39 Buick I think you're better off with an L98, actually with weight of a '39 Buick, I think your better of with GM's new 383 crate engine or a big block.
With weight of a '39 Buick I think you're better off with an L98, actually with weight of a '39 Buick, I think your better of with GM's new 383 crate engine or a big block.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
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From: San Pedro CA
LT1 "inherent problems" are simply the optispark. The rest of the engine is bulletproof.
If you get one, put a new waterpump and opti on it and you will be set for a LONG TIME. Hotrod? You won't be driving it that much... never in the rain...I would not worry. Get the newer engine, get the more powerful motor and the better fuel economy.
Infact, if I was doing what you are, get an LT1 from a 95. Then you get the updated opti and the updated FI, which will net you, depending on rear end ratio (based on the stock 2.59) about 30mph highway!
If you get one, put a new waterpump and opti on it and you will be set for a LONG TIME. Hotrod? You won't be driving it that much... never in the rain...I would not worry. Get the newer engine, get the more powerful motor and the better fuel economy.
Infact, if I was doing what you are, get an LT1 from a 95. Then you get the updated opti and the updated FI, which will net you, depending on rear end ratio (based on the stock 2.59) about 30mph highway!