LT4 LT4 or LS1

[soggytaco]

All things being equal, head to head bone stock who would win a race between a C4 LT4 and a C5 LS1? From a stop or a rolling start? I will be purchasing a new Vett soon and I don’t know if I should buy a LT4 or a C5 I love both. My last Vette was a 79 with a L98.

 

[6 Shooter]

my 2 cents . . .

1st off - Welcome to the

I've owned both, they are great engines/Corvettes, totally different animals.

The LT4 was the most refined C4 Corvette and 2nd most powerful C4 engine, ZR-1 being the most powerful.

LS1 C5 Corvettes were vastly improved on engine, frame design and electronics.

Most C4 Corvette Enthusiast like the feel of their C4's over C5's.

You have a tuff decision, but heck how bad can that be, the end result will place a Corvette in your garage.

Drive both of them and enjoy your hunt, let us know what you end up with.

Later . . . . . .
6 Shooter

 

[96vetteLT4]

An LT 4 is a unique engine that will be appreciated much more in the future. Ls 1 are a dime a dozen and since i've owned both I can clearly say that a stock LT4 will smoke a stock Ls 1. With a little work to the LT 4 there's not much that will hang with it. I can also say that my current LT4 has NEVER lost at the track against an LS1. That being said I think the choice is easy

 

[Roadster Guy]

I've been there too!

About 3 years ago I was facing the same C4/C5 issue as you. Fact is 6 shooter is right. The 96 C4 is the best C4 and the LT4 option in 96 is a wonderful engine. The C5 is a more advanced car than the C4. But, the 96 C4 LT4 is a special car.....

So, the thrill is in the hunt. I spent two years looking at C4's and C5's. I almost bought an amazing triple black 94 vert 6 speed and was tempted by a silver 99 vert. When I stumbled across my loaded CE convertible with the LT4....well...it sort of spoke to me. So, I say, decide on your budget and enjoy looking and as you look and drive different cars you will eventually find the one that is right for you. Be patient, there are plenty of Vettes out there.

Mine has been virtually problem free and is a blast to drive. I like to think it is as fast or faster than any LS1 up to about a 2000 or so when they bumped the LS1 5 horespower.

To be honest, I really think from a standing start or rolling start, an LT4 and an LS1 are pretty darn close and the difference it probably would come down to the driver. Though, most guys with LT4's will tell you they can outrun LS1's.

The thing is for me, I also like the C4 and the C5. In the end, the C4 lines grabbed me more and the LT4 was such a wild engine that I really got into it. The C4 is a different driving feel as well that I preferred. I also wanted a Corvette that was a little unique and there are not tons of LT4 CE converttibles around.

The C4 is more of a hotrod in a way, the C5 more sophisticated......Both are cool. Enjoy looking and Welcome to the CAC!!!
RG

 

[LT4man]

I guess my Vette and picture says it all.

I have owned three C4s. 92, 94, 96. The 96 is the best followed by the 92, then the 94. Fit and finish on the 92 was perfect! You would think the 94 would have been better. That was not the way it was.

I have driven dozens of C5s. What they have said above me is totally correct. The C5 is more sophisticated and a better automobile. Notice I did not say better Vette! At the risk of alienating all of my C5 friends, I will say this unequivocally. If I wanted a Caddy, I would have bought a C5. Just because a car is more civilized does not mean it is a better Vette.

The C4 will go down as the most popular (in number sold) Vette of all time.
Check out the prices on any C4. Hard to find a deal.

I wonder why...............

Save The Wave!

 

[B17Crew]

I think overall the LS1 is apples and oranges when compared to a LT4. The LS1 is, as others have mentioned, refined. The C5 chassi is light-years ahead of the LT4 as far as stiffness. You take off the targa top on a C5 and you’re probably not going to sacrifice body stiffness as much as you do in a C4.

The C5 is much roomier and holds more cargo. With the C5, you have runflats to get you safely to a garage should you have tire problems (Extended Mobility Tires were optional on ’94-96 Corvettes). No antenna worries on a C5 as the antenna is in the glass (at least on coupes).

From what I’ve read, C5s have their share of issues. Column lock, battery leaks destroying vital wiring that is directly below, oil consumption, etc. LT4’s have their issues as well, Your standard share of LT series weak points. Intake manifold leaks, weather stripping (one of my favorite personal GM gripes), water pump leaks, delaminating of transparent targa tops, etc.

I test drove several C5’s when I was in the mood to upgrade. After driving 97’s, 98’s, 99’s, and finally 2000’s, I thought why bother? My LT4 feels just as strong when it comes to engine pull, actually you “feel” the engine more in an LT4 than in a C5. I chose not to upgrade because their was little difference as far as acceleration. My LT4 runs 13.2 @ 107 without batting an eye. A late C5 LS1 would more than likely be quicker after the 1/4 mile, but up until then, the LT4 is competitive with the C5 in my humble opinion. If you want a powerful, compliant sports car, the C5 is unbeatable, unless you get a C6 of course.

They really are two completely different animals, you need to get seat time in both and see which one feels right. When I was C5 shopping, I called on insurance, the C5 was cheaper to insure than my LT4 -- so that is another thing to take into consideration.

It’s more than LS1 vs. LT4 when talking about these cars, the entire architecture is different. Design on the C4 started in the late 70’s, I think. Design on the C5 was started probably in the late 80’s and developed throughout the early 90’s.

In the end, you can’t go wrong, they’re both Corvettes!

B17Crew

 

[Vettelt193]

All things being equal, head to head bone stock who would win a race between a C4 LT4 and a C5 LS1? From a stop or a rolling start? I will be purchasing a new Vett soon and I don’t know if I should buy a LT4 or a C5 I love both. My last Vette was a 79 with a L98.

You really gotta drive both. The C5 is nice and comfy, the C4 is more of a race car feel.

On a head to head race stand-point, it is probably a 75% chance that a stock LT4 will outrun a stock LS1.

 

[jcs44]

I have a triple black LT4 with 32000 on it and a hardtop that I'd be willing to part with albeit reluctantly. It has the Bose Gold stereo, power sport seats, auto climate control, low tire pressure warning system with run flats on it and everything works. Located in Northern Alabama (never seen road salt). Send email if interested and more info/pictures.

JCS44

 

[Tuna]

A few years ago, I had a CE LT4 coupe. A friend had a 2000 LS1 auto w/performance axle. On a road trip, he was leading with me right behind. From 35-40 ish to 130, I was tucked right under his rear bumper (it was a 2 lane road and I wasn't trying to pass him, just stay with him). I'd call it even performancewise.

If you compare them subjectively, they are very different cars. The C4 seats are a tight fit and has much better lateral support than a C5 IMO. The C4 feels more 'racy.' The C5 is a true GT car. The C4 feels faster. The C5 is fast with finesse.

The real bottom line is which one do you like driving the best.

I've owned 3 C4's, 2 C5's and have a C6 on order.

 

[soggytaco]

Thanks for all the info. JCS44 I have sent you an email

 

[code5coupe]

To be honest, I really think from a standing start or rolling start, an LT4 and an LS1 are pretty darn close and the difference it probably would come down to the driver. RG

I agree.
I have driven a friends '02 MN6 LS1 and they feel identical as far as pulling through the gears.
If either one is quicker, it won't be by very much.

Larry