What some enthusiasts would call a 20-year plague, the infamous LS swap, applies to almost any performance or specialty car with rear-wheel drive – and for good reason! Even the most hardcore traditionalist would find it extremely difficult to argue against the LS V8’s performance credentials or value proposition. In fact, it’s not an understatement to say that GM’s excellent family of LS V8s has had a revolutionary impact on approachable performance in both the new car market and the aftermarket. Yes, LS engines are that good.
A full After Dark Speed suspension setup helps the car carve corners.
LT > LS
All that considered, there is a growing movement to keep vintage cars powered by vintage engines. Talk to any old-school muscle car enthusiast and, whether they’ve LS-swapped their ride or not, they will likely sing the virtues of their car’s original character. From the big-block torque of 1970s Chevelles to the spirited personality of the original LT-1 small-block, there’s something to be said about the experience of vintage power. We can’t think of a better example of that ideology than this awesome C4 track car.
LT4 Glory
Officially a fourth-generation Corvette Collector’s Edition survivor with optional LT4 power, this great-sounding Vette is a special kind of hot rod. According to the car’s owner, the LT4 has been punched out to 388 cubic inches, fitted with a C5 computer, and upgraded to coil-over-plug ignition. Naturally, its mostly original interior has seen the addition of a roll bar and harnesses. Wide Forgeline wheels stretch aggressive rubber around Wilwood discs and a full suspension setup from After Dark Speed. And the car looks and sounds the part of a real track burner thanks to stainless headers, LED headlights, and a few stylish cosmetic bits.
Factory Special
As we all probably know, the Collector’s Edition C4 was produced for one model year: 1996. Like the Collector’s Edition of the third-generation Corvette, the C4 Collector’s Edition was exclusive to the final year of the car’s production. Standout features included Sebring Silver paint, ZR-1-style alloy wheels, and special “Collector’s Edition” badging and interior trim. Collector’s Edition C4s equipped with the base LT1 V8 included a 4-speed automatic transmission. LT4 cars like this track monster were fitted with a 6-speed manual. Bowling Green produced 5,412 1996 Collector’s Edition Vettes, with 4,031 rolling off the line as coupes and 1,381 shipped as convertibles. On average, the Collector’s Edition package was a $1,250 add-on to the Corvette coupe’s $38,400 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price.
The car’s 388 cubic inch LT4 features a C5 computer and coil-over-plug ignition.
In the owner’s words, this Corvette is “just a fun old car”, and we can’t help but agree. Here’s to many more years preserving this awesome Chevy with all the character of original LT4 power!
