whats the difference between a corvette LT1 and a camaro LT1?

 

All Corvette LT1's were built on a 4-bolt main block. The F-Body LT1 is a two bolt block. The Corvette has two knock sensors, the F-Body has one. And of course the engines are "offset" in the model years... Corvette from 92-96, F-Body from 93-97. There are probably subtle differences on things like the exhaust manifolds, water pump and accessory brackets, required because of the "packaging" differences.

Forgot... the 'vette has an oil temp sensor.

 

if they were nearly the same engine, why is the corvette so much faster?

 

Corvette had better inlet air ducting, and a better true dual exhaust. The Corvette weighs 300# less. Nothing else.. and they aren't that much faster from my experience.