LT1 vs. LT4 vs 383 stroker-best engine???
11-04-2011, 09:01 PM
#1
Cruising
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LT1 vs. LT4 vs 383 stroker-best engine???
When I am really able to finally pull the trigger and buy a C4, what are the CF members thoughts on these engines, as far as design (good and bad),maintenance, driveability, passing emissions tests and any other issues that may weigh in on the decision on which engine to go with when purchasing a C4 for daily tooling around. ALWAYS enjoy reading the many opinions of the CF crowd in all the different CF departments...very knowledgeable people...gaining knowledge which will help me in the future......Thanks to all that take the time to share their smarts,shortcuts and good humor with the C4 community....
11-04-2011, 09:47 PM
#2
Melting Slicks
The LT4 is highly regarded, but any c4 engine has great potential.
Stock wise the TPI 85-91 are a great torque engine with power everywhere, only limited with medium high rpm they run out of puff at around 5,500 in stock form. They were made to be like a tractor.
Torque is what accelerates a car horsepower is for high speed and to sell engines
The LT1 is a great revving engine, but it lacks a bit in low down torque.
They are slightly faster than a stock TPI, more suited to high rpm use.
The LT4 has a bit more h/p
The LT5 ZR1 is the pick of the bunch with 92-95 having 415hp, compared to the early ones 375hp. These engines are as bullet proof as you can get from the factory. Not uncommon to see 600hp ones built, but do your research so you are dealing with an LT5 expert.
The c4 engines have great potential, however best start with a low mile vette you can find and look for the danna 44 diff.
The half axles are a weak spot as they are thin aluminum, i have had steel ones made they wont twist
So in short get a ZR1 if your budget permits, that will give you the best bang for the buck. And is a great all round base
But that said you can put a intercooled blower on a stock TPI and do (standard) ZR1 quarter mile times low 12 sec quarter's, keeping the great low down torque and fuel economy.
Have seen plenty TPI and LT1 vettes do a lot better,
4 bolt mains, steel crank, race rods, aftermarket aluminum heads and headers. But remember a stock ZR1 is cheap compared to many thousands spent on the engine trans and diff on a non ZR1 C4.
Hope it helps you decide, what ever vette you get you will always have a smile when you are behind the wheel.
Stock wise the TPI 85-91 are a great torque engine with power everywhere, only limited with medium high rpm they run out of puff at around 5,500 in stock form. They were made to be like a tractor.
Torque is what accelerates a car horsepower is for high speed and to sell engines
The LT1 is a great revving engine, but it lacks a bit in low down torque.
They are slightly faster than a stock TPI, more suited to high rpm use.
The LT4 has a bit more h/p
The LT5 ZR1 is the pick of the bunch with 92-95 having 415hp, compared to the early ones 375hp. These engines are as bullet proof as you can get from the factory. Not uncommon to see 600hp ones built, but do your research so you are dealing with an LT5 expert.
The c4 engines have great potential, however best start with a low mile vette you can find and look for the danna 44 diff.
The half axles are a weak spot as they are thin aluminum, i have had steel ones made they wont twist
So in short get a ZR1 if your budget permits, that will give you the best bang for the buck. And is a great all round base
But that said you can put a intercooled blower on a stock TPI and do (standard) ZR1 quarter mile times low 12 sec quarter's, keeping the great low down torque and fuel economy.
Have seen plenty TPI and LT1 vettes do a lot better,
4 bolt mains, steel crank, race rods, aftermarket aluminum heads and headers. But remember a stock ZR1 is cheap compared to many thousands spent on the engine trans and diff on a non ZR1 C4.
Hope it helps you decide, what ever vette you get you will always have a smile when you are behind the wheel.
11-04-2011, 10:03 PM
#4
Safety Car
The LT4 is highly regarded, but any c4 engine has great potential.
Stock wise the TPI 85-91 are a great torque engine with power everywhere, only limited with medium high rpm they run out of puff at around 5,500 in stock form. They were made to be like a tractor.
Torque is what accelerates a car horsepower is for high speed and to sell engines
The LT1 is a great revving engine, but it lacks a bit in low down torque.
They are slightly faster than a stock TPI, more suited to high rpm use.
The LT4 has a bit more h/p
The LT5 ZR1 is the pick of the bunch with 92-95 having 415hp, compared to the early ones 375hp. These engines are as bullet proof as you can get from the factory. Not uncommon to see 600hp ones built, but do your research so you are dealing with an LT5 expert.
The c4 engines have great potential, however best start with a low mile vette you can find and look for the danna 44 diff.
The half axles are a weak spot as they are thin aluminum, i have had steel ones made they wont twist
So in short get a ZR1 if your budget permits, that will give you the best bang for the buck. And is a great all round base
But that said you can put a intercooled blower on a stock TPI and do (standard) ZR1 quarter mile times low 12 sec quarter's, keeping the great low down torque and fuel economy.
Have seen plenty TPI and LT1 vettes do a lot better,
4 bolt mains, steel crank, race rods, aftermarket aluminum heads and headers. But remember a stock ZR1 is cheap compared to many thousands spent on the engine trans and diff on a non ZR1 C4.
Hope it helps you decide, what ever vette you get you will always have a smile when you are behind the wheel.
Stock wise the TPI 85-91 are a great torque engine with power everywhere, only limited with medium high rpm they run out of puff at around 5,500 in stock form. They were made to be like a tractor.
Torque is what accelerates a car horsepower is for high speed and to sell engines
The LT1 is a great revving engine, but it lacks a bit in low down torque.
They are slightly faster than a stock TPI, more suited to high rpm use.
The LT4 has a bit more h/p
The LT5 ZR1 is the pick of the bunch with 92-95 having 415hp, compared to the early ones 375hp. These engines are as bullet proof as you can get from the factory. Not uncommon to see 600hp ones built, but do your research so you are dealing with an LT5 expert.
The c4 engines have great potential, however best start with a low mile vette you can find and look for the danna 44 diff.
The half axles are a weak spot as they are thin aluminum, i have had steel ones made they wont twist
So in short get a ZR1 if your budget permits, that will give you the best bang for the buck. And is a great all round base
But that said you can put a intercooled blower on a stock TPI and do (standard) ZR1 quarter mile times low 12 sec quarter's, keeping the great low down torque and fuel economy.
Have seen plenty TPI and LT1 vettes do a lot better,
4 bolt mains, steel crank, race rods, aftermarket aluminum heads and headers. But remember a stock ZR1 is cheap compared to many thousands spent on the engine trans and diff on a non ZR1 C4.
Hope it helps you decide, what ever vette you get you will always have a smile when you are behind the wheel.
HP wins races.....always has.
11-04-2011, 10:29 PM
#5
Le Mans Master
horse power doesnt get you out of the hole, tourqe does. Race you with the same engines..you can have 30 more horses..I get 30 more pounds of tourqe, both being over a broad power band line,..beat you every single time in the 1/4.
Last edited by ghoastrider1; 11-04-2011 at 10:35 PM.
11-04-2011, 10:29 PM
#6
Melting Slicks
Yes Hose power does win races, if you want a 2000 hp engine to win races. However how many use a 2000 hp car on the roads?
"Remember the question (daily tooling around)" and passes emission testing
It is just my advise to some one, i know everyone sees things differently. A ZR1 is the best starting point for horsepower in my opinion. i saw one on ebay just the other day with low miles and 600+ horse power all the work done for you. Just buy it turn the key and drive
Cheap way to start with a decent fast vette.
"Remember the question (daily tooling around)" and passes emission testing
It is just my advise to some one, i know everyone sees things differently. A ZR1 is the best starting point for horsepower in my opinion. i saw one on ebay just the other day with low miles and 600+ horse power all the work done for you. Just buy it turn the key and drive
Cheap way to start with a decent fast vette.
11-04-2011, 10:39 PM
#7
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St. Jude Donor '05
Lot cheaper to build a SBC, LOTS.
They cost an absolute fortune to mod, unless you buy one done forget it.
If you have a 383 you wont want a 350
If you have a 400 you wont want a 383 and so on
Noones taking 350s out and putting 327s in for a reason.
They cost an absolute fortune to mod, unless you buy one done forget it.
If you have a 383 you wont want a 350
If you have a 400 you wont want a 383 and so on
Noones taking 350s out and putting 327s in for a reason.
11-04-2011, 11:04 PM
#8
Safety Car
If both cars are set-up appropriately for the combination, the HP vehicle will win "everytime"....
11-04-2011, 11:12 PM
#9
Safety Car
Yes Hose power does win races, if you want a 2000 hp engine to win races. However how many use a 2000 hp car on the roads?
"Remember the question (daily tooling around)" and passes emission testing
It is just my advise to some one, i know everyone sees things differently. A ZR1 is the best starting point for horsepower in my opinion. i saw one on ebay just the other day with low miles and 600+ horse power all the work done for you. Just buy it turn the key and drive Cheap way to start with a decent fast vette.
"Remember the question (daily tooling around)" and passes emission testing
It is just my advise to some one, i know everyone sees things differently. A ZR1 is the best starting point for horsepower in my opinion. i saw one on ebay just the other day with low miles and 600+ horse power all the work done for you. Just buy it turn the key and drive
Cheap way to start with a decent fast vette.
11-05-2011, 09:48 AM
#10
Le Mans Master
It depends on what you are going to use it for. At autox's I consistently beat the ZR-1's, they are heavy in the front end and don't handle as well as mine.
11-05-2011, 11:08 AM
#11
Banned Loser
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2017 Corvette of the Year
2016 C4 of Year Finalist
Creator of the "Original" whining and crying thread
St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'16-'17
The LT4 is highly regarded, but any c4 engine has great potential.
Stock wise the TPI 85-91 are a great torque engine with power everywhere, only limited with medium high rpm they run out of puff at around 5,500 in stock form. They were made to be like a tractor.
Torque is what accelerates a car horsepower is for high speed and to sell engines
The LT1 is a great revving engine, but it lacks a bit in low down torque.
They are slightly faster than a stock TPI, more suited to high rpm use.
The LT4 has a bit more h/p
The LT5 ZR1 is the pick of the bunch with 92-95 having 415hp, compared to the early ones 375hp. These engines are as bullet proof as you can get from the factory. Not uncommon to see 600hp ones built, but do your research so you are dealing with an LT5 expert.
The c4 engines have great potential, however best start with a low mile vette you can find and look for the danna 44 diff.
The half axles are a weak spot as they are thin aluminum, i have had steel ones made they wont twist
So in short get a ZR1 if your budget permits, that will give you the best bang for the buck. And is a great all round base
But that said you can put a intercooled blower on a stock TPI and do (standard) ZR1 quarter mile times low 12 sec quarter's, keeping the great low down torque and fuel economy.
Have seen plenty TPI and LT1 vettes do a lot better,
4 bolt mains, steel crank, race rods, aftermarket aluminum heads and headers. But remember a stock ZR1 is cheap compared to many thousands spent on the engine trans and diff on a non ZR1 C4.
Hope it helps you decide, what ever vette you get you will always have a smile when you are behind the wheel.
Stock wise the TPI 85-91 are a great torque engine with power everywhere, only limited with medium high rpm they run out of puff at around 5,500 in stock form. They were made to be like a tractor.
Torque is what accelerates a car horsepower is for high speed and to sell engines
The LT1 is a great revving engine, but it lacks a bit in low down torque.
They are slightly faster than a stock TPI, more suited to high rpm use.
The LT4 has a bit more h/p
The LT5 ZR1 is the pick of the bunch with 92-95 having 415hp, compared to the early ones 375hp. These engines are as bullet proof as you can get from the factory. Not uncommon to see 600hp ones built, but do your research so you are dealing with an LT5 expert.
The c4 engines have great potential, however best start with a low mile vette you can find and look for the danna 44 diff.
The half axles are a weak spot as they are thin aluminum, i have had steel ones made they wont twist
So in short get a ZR1 if your budget permits, that will give you the best bang for the buck. And is a great all round base
But that said you can put a intercooled blower on a stock TPI and do (standard) ZR1 quarter mile times low 12 sec quarter's, keeping the great low down torque and fuel economy.
Have seen plenty TPI and LT1 vettes do a lot better,
4 bolt mains, steel crank, race rods, aftermarket aluminum heads and headers. But remember a stock ZR1 is cheap compared to many thousands spent on the engine trans and diff on a non ZR1 C4.
Hope it helps you decide, what ever vette you get you will always have a smile when you are behind the wheel.
The only way to get the dana 44 is with the 6 speed manual, if not intending to spend every day tracking the car the dana 36 will hold up just fine.
11-05-2011, 11:35 AM
#12
Race Director
11-05-2011, 06:12 PM
#14
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St. Jude Donor '09-'10, '14
for daily tooling around any of the C4's engines will do you just fine.
Until you get one, then you want to go faster even though you never will because of BS speed limits.
I had an L98 and it was great for me and what I did. I now have an LS1 and I can feel the difference, but it's still not a great difference just tooling around. But when you stomp it, it is.
If it were me I would go with an LT4 if I could find one to my liking and price range. so close to the LS1 you won;t know the difference if there is any actually.
I would not go with an LT5 unless it was going to be strictly a weekender and/or show car because they are getting older and why trash such a great car driving it everyday. It should be preserved IMO.
Until you get one, then you want to go faster even though you never will because of BS speed limits.
I had an L98 and it was great for me and what I did. I now have an LS1 and I can feel the difference, but it's still not a great difference just tooling around. But when you stomp it, it is.
If it were me I would go with an LT4 if I could find one to my liking and price range. so close to the LS1 you won;t know the difference if there is any actually.
I would not go with an LT5 unless it was going to be strictly a weekender and/or show car because they are getting older and why trash such a great car driving it everyday. It should be preserved IMO.
11-06-2011, 10:09 AM
#15
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Thanks to all who responded to my question...
I knew I was going to get many different opinions and thoughts concerning this subject and I was happy I did. That's what make's the CF crowd so valuable to new guys like me (and also all other CFers'), everyone looked at the question from a different perspective. I just threw the question out there and I wanted to see what "twists and turns" it took and it certainly did...technical stuff...motor talk....drag
racing.....autocross....everyone had valid points in their responses and were able to back up their answer with their own experiences (real life and/or horsepower/torque numbers). If it's out there when I'm ready, I am leaning towards a LT4 with the right color...."Timing is everything in Life" they say and so I hope timing will be on my side when I'm ready....Thanks again to all and really appreciate your input on all levels of CF....
racing.....autocross....everyone had valid points in their responses and were able to back up their answer with their own experiences (real life and/or horsepower/torque numbers). If it's out there when I'm ready, I am leaning towards a LT4 with the right color...."Timing is everything in Life" they say and so I hope timing will be on my side when I'm ready....Thanks again to all and really appreciate your input on all levels of CF....
