Originally Posted by Red Tornado

indeed thanks for noticing

you must mean the 4+3. i like the ZF, at least mine anyway since it feels solid and shifts true (the hurst shifter really helps, the stock one SUCKED). i cannot comment at all about a 4+3, never drove one.

but you're right, factory stock is all about a potpurrie of compromises, tied to budgets. the bean-counters own every process. then you have tolerance stack, but thats pretty minor. indeed, the aftermarket is there to fix the broken factory crap.

Originally Posted by dclafleur

Those early corvettes look dated and old, their appearance doesn't compare to the other cars on the road. Aerodynamically they have way to high of a drag coefficient compared to a new Camry and the suspension and braking is downright primitive.....

Originally Posted by INaband

I like mine, ...it's fast enough for me

Originally Posted by 94ZR1

The L98 is the same basic SBC that has been around since 1955 with port fuel injection and electronic ignition
I have never seen anyone disrespect the L98 on here only point out that newer technology has come along but not always better (OPTI)
The SBC is a legend and always will be

Originally Posted by yoslambo1@cs.com

I respect all Corvettes regardless of what engine is in them!

Originally Posted by silverja

The L98 Corvettes were so successful in SCCA stock class racing that that won every race held in 1985, 1986, and 1987. Not defeated even once! Their competition refused to race any longer against L98 Corvettes which resulted in a Corvette only series of races - The Corvette Challenge - in 1988 and 1989. I consider this quite a powerful testimony to the L98 Corvettes in their day.

In their day, 1985 - 1991 the L98's helped Corvette earn the award as the "World's fastest production sprts cars."

Originally Posted by redwing76

Is that a carb in there?
Shame on ya!

Originally Posted by Greg Gore

Isn't the best Corvette the one that's parked in your garage??

Originally Posted by silverja

I have noticed countless threads that disparage the L98 motor. The LT1, LT4, and LT5 offer improved performance that would be expected as they were part of the ongoing Corvette evolution. But in its day, the L98's were unbeatable by Porsche's, Nissan Turbo Z's, Mazda Rx7's, and all others in SCCA stock class racing. Porsche gave up and refused to try and compete, along with the rest of the field. The L98 Corvettes were so successful in SCCA stock class racing that that won every race held in 1985, 1986, and 1987. Not defeated even once! Their competition refused to race any longer against L98 Corvettes which resulted in a Corvette only series of races - The Corvette Challenge - in 1988 and 1989. I consider this quite a powerful testimony to the L98 Corvettes in their day.

In their day, 1985 - 1991 the L98's helped Corvette earn the award as the "World's fastest production sprts cars." I admit that mine does not have much oomph over 4,000 RPM as the LT1's, LT4's, and LT5's that I have had the pleasure of driving. But most of my driving is on local public highways and doesn't necesssarily require the added top end RPM's. And its kick at low RPM's from its great torque band have kept me satisfied with its performance. Just like a Harley Davidson, I find my L98 to be a great highway cruiser that can get up to speed when demanded.

If I was in the market for a first Corvette, I would not be so quick to exclude a L98 equipped C4 Corvette. Some fellow forum members have added the extra punch to their L98's through modifications (Intakes, heads, camshafts, and exhaust modifications) that I believe make them competitive with the LT1's. But if someone is searching for the C4 that offers higher RPM top end performance, then of course one should look for a LT1, LT4, or LT5 equipped C4. One point about a L98 I enjoy is that it is almost indestructable and offers 200,000 miles if properly maintained and driven. Plus L98's do not have the Optispark issues found on the LT1's motors which can be expensive to fix.

One other point in favor of the L98 C4's was the 1987 - 1989 Callaway Twin Turbo Corvettes. These babies provided a factory warrantied L98 that put out 382 horsepower at 4250 RPM with 560 lb-ft of torque at 2250 RPM. All I am trying to say is that in their time the L98's represented the best performance in the world and maybe deserve a little bit more respect for this accomplishment. And personally, I still find the L98's with their intake runners to look very cool which ceased with the LT1's and others.

No disrespect to the LT1's, LT4's, or LT5's as I know they offer better top end performance. No argument here. But as a Corvette owner and enthusiast for over 40 years, I felt it was my duty to stand up for the L98's against their frequent critics. Especially from those who may not have even owned a L98 C4.

"Long live all Corvettes - old and new!"

Originally Posted by ps374

If you think you have a beef ,what about L83 owners? It was called one of the fastest cars on the planet in its day. TIME. People just forget time frames. Some of those family Nissans today will actually do 0 to 60 faster than some of the muscle cars of 40 years ago.And some Corvettes fall in that group.

Originally Posted by Red Tornado

that would be arrogant of one to think so. so the answer is no.