1991 L98 vs. 1992 LT1
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 106
Likes: 2
From: Cedar Lake In.
1991 L98 vs. 1992 LT1
Guys and Girls I need your advice.. considering the 1991 Corvette against the 1992 Corvette. Would it be better to get a 91' to avoid the opt-spark or is the 92' that much better that its worth taking a chance that it wont fail. Im not a mechanic but I take excellent care of my cars but I dont want my Vette to be in the shop a lot not to mention the expense of the Opt-Spark. If both cars are in mint shape with low miles. My real question is would you rather have the 1991 or the 1992 all things being equal. Pick one......
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 10,956
Likes: 682
From: Marlboro country MA
Re: 1991 L98 vs. 1992 LT1 (a1970stingray70)
The L98 has lots more bottom end torque, and is generally quicker off the line. Its limited air intake slows it down at higher RPM. The LT1 doesn't give as powerful a launch, but has more top end power. Both can be modified to give much more power and torque.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,505
Likes: 0
From: marlboro nj
Re: 1991 L98 vs. 1992 LT1 (MTVette)
The optispark is a pain but you need it changed at 60k or if a bad waterpump leak. keep water away from it you will be fine. just last week another member had the water pump explode and it never damaged the optispark. the lt1 is a much better engine.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 1,015
Likes: 3
From: Esko MN
Re: 1991 L98 vs. 1992 LT1 (a1970stingray70)
If you plan to modify your car for racing, my preference would be the '91 but that's just because I have done a lot more work on one of those. There are a lot of modificatons available and lots of knowledge on this forum for both the '91 and the '92.
Greg
Greg
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,268
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota in the summer, Las Vegas in the winter
Re: 1991 L98 vs. 1992 LT1 (93aqua)
When I bought my corvette, these were my criteria:
1) color
2) within a certain budget; I paid cash
3) automatic
4) coupe
5) very reliable motor; horsepower numbers were not crucial
6) unmolested motor
I found and bought a 91.......no regrets!
Is it the best value for the money? It depends on your perspective :thumbs:
1) color
2) within a certain budget; I paid cash
3) automatic
4) coupe
5) very reliable motor; horsepower numbers were not crucial
6) unmolested motor
I found and bought a 91.......no regrets!
Is it the best value for the money? It depends on your perspective :thumbs:
Pro
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 744
Likes: 1
From: Houston Tx
Re: 1991 L98 vs. 1992 LT1 (a1970stingray70)
Well , here we go again......LT1 has 50 hp more. I would really not be too worried about the opti spark , yes they can go on you but if you replace it once with the later model vented one you wont have problems as long as you dont hose it down directly every day. Generally the LT engines are very reliable and make alot more hp. If you keep them stock that 50 ponies is a pretty big difference. The L98 is nice , especially with an auto because of its low end power but it will get flat out run every time by a LT1.
When it comes to modding them, the old L98 will NEED a new intake and really even better heads to really make some power. The LT1 can use its stock heads and intake (have them worked) and easily make 400+ rwhp. Both offer a fair amount of aftermarket parts and both are reliable.
If it were me , I would go with the golden used Corvette buyers rule of buy the newest year you can afford . Each and every year tend to have improvements and the newer the engine generally, the better its design (L89,LT1,LT4,LS1,LS6...with the LT5 as an exception). Good luck and enjoy your search..... :seeya
When it comes to modding them, the old L98 will NEED a new intake and really even better heads to really make some power. The LT1 can use its stock heads and intake (have them worked) and easily make 400+ rwhp. Both offer a fair amount of aftermarket parts and both are reliable.
If it were me , I would go with the golden used Corvette buyers rule of buy the newest year you can afford . Each and every year tend to have improvements and the newer the engine generally, the better its design (L89,LT1,LT4,LS1,LS6...with the LT5 as an exception). Good luck and enjoy your search..... :seeya
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,784
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
Re: 1991 L98 vs. 1992 LT1 (brdd)
My car is a beast 0-60... great road car... loads of torque... lots of fun... .LT1 will catch ya... i LOVE my L98.... When I need a new motor I wont have to worry bout the opti either... Im happy
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 8,740
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From: Minneapolis MN
Re: 1991 L98 vs. 1992 LT1 (a1970stingray70)
I think the opti-problems are over-exagerrated. I bought my car not only because i wanted the lt1 but i also wanted a 94 or newer jsut becuase i liked the interior refinements. I wasn't really looking at anything much older. But between the 91 and 92 only a test driving both can determine that and you deciding which you like better.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,473
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From: Cleveland
Cruise-In III Veteran
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Re: 1991 L98 vs. 1992 LT1 (93aqua)
I've washed my engine before with no problem, I think the Opti-spark thing is blown out of proportion but that's just my opinion. Both are nice cars, I've driven a friends 91 but all other things being equal (condition, mileage, etc), get the newest you can. Good luck finding your Vette :cheers:
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 136
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From: ELLICOTT CITY MD
Re: 1991 L98 vs. 1992 LT1 (a1970stingray70)
GO FOR THE 92. I HAVE A 92 AND HAVE HAD ONLY MINOR PROBLEMS THAT ARE TO BE EXPECTED WITH ANY CAR WITH 90K MILES ON IT. I REPLACED THE OPTI WHEN I FIRST GOT THE CAR JUST FOR PREVENTATIVE MEASURES BUT I DISASSEMBLED THE OLD ONE AND FOUND THAT I COULD HAVE PROBABLY GOT ANOTHER 90K OUT OF IT. THE CAP WAS ALMOST PERFECT AND THE ALUMINUM WAS NOT BADLY PITTED. THE JOB WAS NOT BAD AT ALL ANYWAYS. IF YOU CAN CHANGE A WATER PUMP ON A L98 THAT YOU CAN CHANGE THE OPTI ON A 92. THATS JUST MY OPINION BUT I AM BIASED TO THE LT1. EITHER WAY YOU GO YOU WILL LOVE IT :cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
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From: Louisville,KY
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: 1991 L98 vs. 1992 LT1 (Drewdog)
I've washed my engine before with no problem, I think the Opti-spark thing is blown out of proportion but that's just my opinion. Both are nice cars, I've driven a friends 91 but all other things being equal (condition, mileage, etc), get the newest you can. Good luck finding your Vette :cheers:
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 28,015
Likes: 32
Re: 1991 L98 vs. 1992 LT1 (a1970stingray70)
My 92 with 90k, has yet to have a bad opti problem.
Haven;t changed it since I owned it.
The extra 50 hp, and flatter torque curve, and the better quality of the 92, makes it worth the chance of opti going bad.
Haven;t changed it since I owned it.
The extra 50 hp, and flatter torque curve, and the better quality of the 92, makes it worth the chance of opti going bad.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 28,015
Likes: 32
Re: 1991 L98 vs. 1992 LT1 (Marty McFly)
PS: my 92 is the most reliable car in my family
Our 98 Camry, 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee and our 93 S10, have all been in the shop/needed repairs, tuneups.
My vette has yet have a mechanical failure. :) And I put around 5k miles on it in less then ayear.
My L98 on the other hand... :mad :mad Im so glad I sold it, I couldn't afford that cash sucker..
[Modified by Marty McFly, 9:28 PM 12/27/2002]
Our 98 Camry, 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee and our 93 S10, have all been in the shop/needed repairs, tuneups.
My vette has yet have a mechanical failure. :) And I put around 5k miles on it in less then ayear.
My L98 on the other hand... :mad :mad Im so glad I sold it, I couldn't afford that cash sucker..
[Modified by Marty McFly, 9:28 PM 12/27/2002]
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,171
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From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
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Re: 1991 L98 vs. 1992 LT1 (Drewdog)
I've washed my engine before with no problem, I think the Opti-spark thing is blown out of proportion but that's just my opinion.
I would still get the 92.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,548
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From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member, Inland Empire Chapter
Re: 1991 L98 vs. 1992 LT1 (a1970stingray70)
Sure the LT1 has a few more ponies and at the top end 10+ mph more...I tend to drive a lot more stoplight to stoplight than at 150 mph though....Its a non-stop E-Ticket ride and Ill put my L98 ZF 6 speed w/ Dana 44 & 3.45 rear gears up against about anything on the road stoplight to stoplight....just my 2 cents. :blueangel:
Racer
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 441
Likes: 2
From: Lilburn Ga
Re: 1991 L98 vs. 1992 LT1 (DarkHalo)
I prefer my 91. Drove both lt1 and l98 before I bought on and the l98 was more fun. I probably have a factory freak, but lt1's never gave me a problem in a race...