I wasn't sure where else to post this so I'll post here first. Does anybody know any links to resources online that give in depth coverage on all F-body engines and discuss the technology involved in them? I remember reading an article about a year ago on the LT1 (I know I know, its 4th gen) and it went into detail about the development of it and discussed its ability to produce 30% more power than the L98 motors due to the reverse cooling, among other things. I just thought that if such places existed, it would be cool to read about such motors, that were considered "high tech" for their time.

 

30% by Reverse Cooling? Cool, never knew that.

Try the History board over at www.ThirdGen.org .

-Rippin

 

I thought the LT1s produced more HP up top but were about the same torque curve? Someone correct me if I am wrong.

 

No, you're right Aklim. The L98 and LT1 have almost identical torque curves, but the LT1 produces far more horsepower.

Didn't know it was because of reverse cooling...I always assumed it was the switch from TPI to the MPFI... better fuel injection system, better heads, meaner cam? Mostly cam?

A friend has an L98-powered...and as soon as he switched to StealthRam intake, he was on-par with the LT1s, everything else remaining stock.


Still love your car aklim. You're my hero.

 

Reverse cooling allowed for higher compression as well.
LT1's are 10.5:1 while the L98 were lower, 9.5:1 I think.

 

On ly L98, I switched to 10.8:1 when I got AL heads. Talked to LPE and they felt it was fine because the heat dissipation was better.

Knight, I think it was because the L98 was notorious for having a sucky intake. Even without calibration of the EPROM, I could definately feel the difference after changing to the SR intake.

 

Thanks much aklim. I've always been curious.

Question for you oh wise engine builder...

I know you recommended going to a 383 stroker when my 327 finally gives out (if the radiator incident didn't finish it off)... but. Instead of buying a shortblock and building it up (or getting a complete from summit/jegs/whatever)... would it be worth it to get an L98? Rebuild it, put on the new intake like yours (or a stealthram depending on cost), better heads, etc.?

A friend has an L98 that needs a rebuild... he would sell it to me rather cheap. It still runs and everything, but the car (whether due to the engine being tired or something else going haywire) runs mid 15's. Which is extremely slow for an L98, isn't it?


Just wanted your opinion. I think I could get the motor from him for $400 or so.


thanks in advance.

 

What kinda block is it? Roller block or not? In any case, what do you think you will use in that block to rebuild? Last time I checked, you could get a 350 core for a couple hundred bucks. If you plan to rebuild that block and you bore it out, you will have to change the pistons. If you want to make a stroker out of it, all you will reuse is the block and oil pan. soooo, if you talk to an engine builder and can get a core for $200 and rebuild it to a 383, you are saving $200. That is unless the bores of your friend's block is good and you are going to reuse the rotating assembly and just hone it out.

 

I was thinking if I went with the L98 to just leave it as a 350... just upgrade the intake, cam, etc. Maybe heads. But other then that, just leave it alone?

With intake and a solid cam, I should be playing with fourth-gen power shouldn't I? 280 horsepower or therabouts? That's all I really need. Kind of going for the economy build... I have, at most, about $1800 to play with right now for a new motor. If the 383 would be the best bang for the buck, I'd save until I could get it (or have it built)... but the L98 was just tempting. $400 for engine, $600 for intake if I go with stealthram, $200 for cam, and $600 extra to play with...maybe dart heads?

 

if so how come 3rd gens run 15,s and 4th gens run 13.9 of the floor. your right nobody ever compalines about torque on 3rd gens its great

 

It's all about the torque and the usable RPM band.
LT1 will pull till 5750 stock or 6200 with the rev limiter upped a bit.
L98 pulls to 4500-4800 due to the TPI limitations. TPI will rev higher than 4800, but there is no pull past 4800, it revs up but you're not accelerating anymore.

 

Besides we all know that the TPI intake sucks. So why not change it while you are at it? Mini ram or Super Ram comes to mind.

 

30 percent more?
L98 : 245 horses

30 percent more:
LT1 : 318.5

Doesnt sound right.

 

you posted just to point that out? I was just restating what the article was mentioning. I believe the article was on the LT1 in vette form, which was 300hp. Then again, the LT1's were rated somewhat conservatively anyway, and even more so are the LS1's. But those are an entirely different topic.