Looking at 95-96 Vettes - LT4 worth it?

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Jul 5, 2004 | 10:56 PM

tensecondz

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Looking at 95-96 Vettes - LT4 worth it?

Hi, I have been lurking these forums for a while and have learned tons. So thanks.

I have lots of experience with 1gen SBC as I built a $2000 327 that went 12.9 in a heavy 79Z with cheap radials.

I love the body style of the C4 and so I have decided to look at the 95-96 Model Year because all of the refinements are present. (bigger brakes etc)

My research shows that on avg I will pay about 2000-3000 more for the 96 LT-4 over a 95 LT-1. I understand that there are considerable improvements (well outlined on the Grandsport website)

Basically I want to end up with a Low 12 sec high 11's with out a tremendous amount of work. Prob need close to 400RWHP

Hear is my thought process. LT-4 motor / leave heads stock but change valve springs, upgrade the cam to a Moderate 220's duration mid 500 lift. (Can this be done, as in just a spring change, no machine work)

Port match the intake to the stock heads, headers and exhaust and a few other items (pulley, throttle body etc)

Do you think I could achieve my target with this LT-4 route?

Am I better off going with an LT-1 and investing in some fully ported heads and aftermarket intake?

I like the fact that the LT-4 also has a bit of a beefier bottom end and can spin higher. I do understand thou that most of the power increase comes from the heads. Also I think the factory under-rated the power differences Instead of 330 its more like 340-345

Thanks for any input.

Jul 5, 2004 | 11:34 PM

John95Z28

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From: Regina, SK

If your research is telling you the LT4 cars are $2000 to $3000 more than a comparable LT1, then I think you're better off with the LT1. You can get some killer ported LT1 heads for under $2000 (check with sponsors --->>)

A beefier bottom end is nice and all, but the stock LT1 bottom end should hold up just fine for what you're after. Throw in a cam, some valvetrain upgrades, a tune, and you'll be on your way

Jul 6, 2004 | 12:39 AM

Vendetta

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As for bottomend, the only real advantage the LT4 has is the 4-bolt mains. The LT1 can be built to to be stronger by running splayed 2-bolt mains.

However, a Grand Sport is a damn hot 'Vette. If you can get your hands on the blue/white/red model for only 2-3 grand more than an LT1, I say go for it.

Let us know what choice you make

Jul 6, 2004 | 11:44 AM

tensecondz

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Quote:

Originally Posted by enisguy

I wish... Granted you can get fluke deals, but the GS is about another 2-3 Grand over the LT-4

I dont plan on buying the car immediately, What I will probably end up doing is just being patient and jumping on a great deal when i see one, regardless of LT-4 LT-1

Jul 6, 2004 | 11:45 AM

METALBEAST

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All LT1/LT4 vette motors have 4 bolt mains. LT4s were under rated from the factory at 330 hp. They routinely pull 290 to 300 RWHP BONE STOCK. They run Mid 13s to high 12s BONE STOCK. If you can get one for $2K to $3K more than an LT1, it would definately be worth it.

Jul 6, 2004 | 02:00 PM

Eric Fischer

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Quote:

Originally Posted by METALBEAST

I agree.

My Dad has a '96 Collector's Edition with the LT4. First time out at the track all stock it went 12.92 @ 109. With drag radials it went 12.76 @ 109.9. Added 4.10 gears and it went 12.56 @ 109. Added the hot cam and it went 12.33 @ 112.61. Next up was two big changes at once, a 396 stroker and porting of the stock LT4 heads and the car has gone 11.36 @ 118.25 (through stock exhaust manifolds, full exhaust, still with the hot cam, and with stock LT4 springs and valves).

The LT4 is a great engine and responds very well to simple mods. Email me privately if you would like more info.

Jul 7, 2004 | 08:55 PM

Snow Dog

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LT4 hands down all the way. its a better design and better motor to begin with. the major investment in ported LT4 heads are the heads themselves. getting LT4 heads ported should not cost that much more than LT1s, but the results will or should be much better. most 96 vettes that had the six speed tranny were LT4 cars. some were LT1s but most were not. the LT4 cars will also hold their value much better than the LT1 cars. just some things to think about, but the LT4 is badass and thats what I would get.