Right now I've got an '89 IROC Convertible with a 305tpi. I want to do an engine swap, since it's not all that horribly expensive to pick up a new engine. Now, the L98's and the LT1's are pretty comparable in price, so I could really go either way..

Honest opinions, guys... which is better? What are the pros/cons of each? Should I just forget it and save up for an LS1?

edit: I should mention I plan to supercharge whatever I get, so keep the application in mind.

Thanks guys

 

I would say, with the knowledge I have, LT1 hands down. The fourth gen engines are infinately better then the third gen, as far as stock-for-stock power output. The L98 generates a bit more torque then the LT1, but the LT1 produces massively more horsepower. I'm told its a lot stronger of an engine as well.

I've also been looking for an engine upgrade, but I've decided the price difference between an LT1 and an LS1 isn't worth the extra money... I'm not looking to supercharge though, just bottle feeding it.

Hope this helps.

 

The only reason I'd say L98 is you've already got a TPI motor so wiring would be a breeze. If you're going to S/C it, I'd have to say LT1. And don't forget, even if the motors are about the same price, there will be countless little things you'll need for the LT1. Good Luck!

-Rippin

 

I would say leave it TPI. It already is and you have everything you need. The onlything really holding TPI back is the factory intake, which is easily replaced.

Martin

 

wiring harness aside, what all would I need for the LT1 that I wouldnt for the L98?

 

You could buy some aftermarket 23 degree heads and stealthram the motor...

 

if you have the money why not just buy a short block and do whatever the hell you want as far as heads/cam/intake

 

several reasons.

1. I live in an apartment and dont have a garage, so I cant do any work myself.

2. This car is my only car. I cant do anything that takes it off the road for more than a couple days at a time.

3. I know stuff about cars, but I'm not so good when it comes to actually doing things to them. I'm much happier paying someone else to do what I come up with.

 

1 and 3 applies to me as well.

 

Get a L98 with 9:1 compression. Later you can supercharge it. What has the LT1 got going for it that the L98 doesn't? Don't really know except maybe for the reverse cool thing. Besides that, 350 is 350. Only thing that can influence it are the heads, intakes and cam. I would stick in an aftermarket cam that is good for SC and later when it stick the SC on, I won't have to take the cam out again. Heads, I'd go AL and put on a Superram intake and be done with it.

 

thats something i never understood why waste all that perfectly good money on an lt1 for the cool factor OOOOOO like that matters when you get your *** handed to you on the street. You should get new heads cam and intake anyways so its not really an lt1 anymore is it.