I didn't know that there were visual differences in the 4th Gen Camaro's. I thought the only difference between the V6 and the Z28 were the "Z28" badges. But what is the visual difference between all the 4th Gen cars, besides the badges?

 

The biggest difference is the integrated head lights that started in 1998 with the LS1. Tail lights changed in 1997 (added the yellow turn signal).

 

Good reference site: http://www.f-body.org/faq/4/4_1.htm

 

'93-97 cars (the LT1 years) have a pointed nose with rectangular headlights. Like this.

'98-02 cars (LS1 years) have a rounded nose with oval headlights. Like this.

From the doors back, AFAIK they look identical except for colors, exhaust tips and wheel options.

 

Oh, ok, I knew about the taillight and front end change from 98+, I just didn't realize that they were referred to as LT1 and LS1. I definitly think the LT1 cars look a lot meaner and cooler, especially with the tri-colored taillights.

 

Read the FAQ.

The LT1 was one of the engines used in the 1993-1997 models. The others were two different dispacment V6's. The LS1 was one of the engines used in the 1998-2002 models, along with the 3.8L V6. A 98, for example is only an "LS1" if it has an LS1 engine. It's just coincidence that they changed the version of the V8 engine the same year they made significant changes to the front end design.

As for the engines, they have no similarities, other than the fact they are both made by GM and have the same cylinder bore spacing.... beyond that they are different as night and day.

 

Well, aside from the fact that they're both naturally aspirated, internal combustion, fuel-injected, Otto four-stroke, 5.7L V8's using pushrods and chain-driven cams...



Oh, aren't the cylinder banks separated by the same angle, too? I don't know if it's 45, 60, or 90 degrees, or none of the above...

 

(no offense '93 owners, I've just never liked those gages)

I thought the front end re-design was necessary because the LS1 is a little taller than the LT1, and hood clearance was an issue. I do realize I'm questioning a CZ28 guru here, and probably totally wrong, but I'm just curious...

 

That's a good point.

 

I'm not sure that is true. It seems to me that I recall people talking about putting the LS1 into an LT1 powered car. I'd be interested to know for sure though. I think GM took a step backward in terms of styling with the '98 and up model, and I wonder whether it was absolutely necessary to go in that direction.