Which is better?

[Tanreall]

I'm trying to buy my first corvette and I don't know weather to buy a L98 and hop it up or buy an LT1. I can do all the work myself so it would just be the cost in parts for upgrades. Which do you think would be best and please list upgrades if you can.

Thanks a bunch.

 

[paintdaddy]

I am not much for mods so if it were me I would go with the lt1.Just my 2 cents

 

[SPEEDEMON]

Get the LT1, I think you'll be better off. You should step up and buy as much as you can, better yet go with an LT5!

 

[vette-dude]

Since this is your first corvette you might want to consider a L98 equipped car. The reasoning is that the engine is pretty straight forward and is easier to work on. It has a distributor vs. the opti-spark and you can actually and easily remove and replace the plugs. The engine can be hopped up pretty easily also. I had a 94 LT1 and traded down to a conv. L98 that was in better condition. Part costs for the engine components is also a little less expensive on the L98 engine. Other than the engine the C-4's are pretty much the same as far as running gear. The auto trans are different but they are all pretty bullit proof. It is a tough decision for sure and if you can find a really nice C-4 buy it. I guess if you are going to use it for getting down with the ricers you may want to get the LT-1 but for everyday transportation I don't think the extra 55 HP of the LT1 is a big factor. Good luck on your search and let us know the results.


Randy

 

[Doutdoor]

I almost bought an L98 1990 and didn't because the deal fell through. I was so impatient and just had to have my 1st corvette. Boy am I glad that happened because a month later I found this awesome 1992 LT1. It also gave me more time to research & learn more about what I really wanted. The LT1 engine is a better engine with more innovative design features than the previous L98. 1992 was the 1st year of the LT1 through 1996. Reverse cooling through the cylinder heads (instead of the old conventional cooling through the block & then the heads) & aluminum heads allowed higher compression of 10.5:1 for more horsepower at 300 hp. I think the L98 only produced 245-250 hp but actually has more low-end torque than the LT1. I'd say go with the LT1 unless you can find a great deal on a late model 96 with the LT4 engine which was the upgrade over the LT1. Good Luck!


Dave
:cool

 

[Tanreall]

Thanks for all the tips guys but I can't really afford a LT4 kinda on the expensive side and I have heard some good things about modding the L98 so I think I will look around for a 86-89 vette. wish me luck in my modding.

 

[ErnieN85]

another thought is the way you plan to drive (use it)

L98 is a faster low speed car the lt1 is faster on the top end!
so for most street and or auto cross l98 is faster. for drag strip and or high speed track LT1 should be faster!
they both have good and bad points.

 

[drags1998]

Hey there,I think you will find anyone that owns a L98 will say its easier to work on! LT1 owners do have H.P. advantage, BUT TORQUE is what moves um down the road!!!!!!! There are a lot of mods out there for BOTH. So, bottom line, Work with what you have(or what you can afford to buy) And have fun beating up on all of the MUSTANGS, & tuner cars!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :L :eyerole :cool

 

[Tanreall]

Thanks.

Death to the Stangs!

 

[MrHeat]

I just bought my first vet ,a 1986 coupe 30,000 miles L-98 and let me tell you when you stomp on the pedal she takes off like a rocket,i think you get enough power for what you will need for the street.I say go for what you can afford AND ENJOY THE RIDE