Miles Beam wrote:
> In evaluating considerations for my next autox car, a C4 Vette is
> rapidly nearing the top of the list. It seems that the logical
> candidates are:
>
> a) 96 LT4 with Z51
> b) most any year ZR-1
> c) 91 L98 with Z07
> (all of the above would have 6 speed transmissions, which is what I'd
> prefer anyway)
>
> or would it be something else entirely?
About two years ago I was wondering the same thing. I believe the ZR1 would
be the best with the right driver, but I ended up getting an LT4 mainly due
to the maintenance & repair costs. I figure if I blow an LT4 engine I'm out
$3k, while the ZR1 would be $10k minimum. The ZR1 has more power, and
plenty of torque, but the LT4 feels a bit stronger at low revs.
FWIW my LT4 dyno'd 290 lbs-ft at the wheels at 2000 RPM, so low end pull is
there. Peak was only about 305, but it was around 300 until around 5000
RPM. Peak HP was 299.2 at the wheels. Best dragstrip time is 12.98 @ 108,
best MPH is 110. The main advantage of the LT4 over an LT1 is from
4500-6500 RPM, which isn't always helpful at an autocross but it sure is fun
elsewhere.
The best Vette for SS is the soon to be released Z06. The C5s can get much
more camber up front, they are lighter than all but the early C4s, and they
have all the power of the LT4 with more peak torque.
Justin Huffman
96 LT4 CE
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