In an uncharacteristic move, Chevrolet developed and launched another new V-8 engine-this one a complete departure from previous designs-only five years after the debut of the Gen II. However, the Gen II was to go out with a bang, as a similarly uncharacteristic move created the LT4. For its last year as a Corvette engine, Chevy developed a higher-performance variation of the LT1 based around a set of raised-port heads and matching intake manifold. Higher compression, a hotter cam, roller rocker arms, and upgraded valvetrain components were all part of the package that was rated at 330 hp at 5,800 rpm. The LT4 was intended for the special edition Grand Sport Corvette, another last hurrah, this time for the C4 platform. As it turned out, the LT4 was also used in Collector Edition Vettes and, in fact, in all manual-transmission '96 models. While the Gen II was quickly phased out at the end of the '97 model year, it was one of the first new-generation American muscle powerplants, and remains a solid performer to this day.
The Details
Chevrolet Gen II V-8
Engine: OHV, two valves/cylinder 90-degree V-8
Bore/Stroke: 4.00x3.48 inches
Displacement: 350 ci (5.7 L)
Compression Ratio: 10.4:1 (10.8:1, LT4)
Horsepower: 300 (330, LT4)
Block: Cast-iron, reverse-flow cooling, two-bolt main: F-car, Caprice/Impala; four-bolt main: Corvette
Pistons: Hypereutectic flat-topConnecting Rods: 5.7-inch powdered metalCrankshaft: Cast-iron (undercut and rolled fillets on LT4)
Cylinder heads: Reverse-flow cooling, cast-iron: Caprice/Impala; aluminum: F-car, Corvette; 1.94/1.50-inch valves (2.00/1.55-inch, LT4)
Camshaft: Hydraulic roller-tappet, 0.447/0.459-inch lift, 279/276 advertised duration, Corvette LT1; 0.476/0.479-inch lift, 282/277 duration, LT4
Rocker Arms: Stamped-steel 1.5:1 (aluminum roller 1.6:1, LT4)
Induction: Electronic sequential multiport fuel-injection w/aluminum, short-runner intake
Ignition: GM/Delco Opti-Spark front-mounted distributor with optical cam-position sensor
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