LT4 +A4= LT4/A Car
Owner: Bill Fischer (Corvetteforum screen name: Bill Fischer)
Car tuner: Eric Fischer (Corvetteforum screen name: Eric Fischer)
I can still see the raised eyebrows of John Mackey when he "found out." Looking
quizzically into my Vette's motor, John said, "You did what?" I said, "Eric converted my
Collector Edition LT4 to an automatic. We wondered when you would notice." Last week, at
the 'Spring Corvette Shootout', Eric and I "unveiled" my converted LT4 automatic for the
first time and raced in the shootout.
It's not really clear exactly when Eric and I first considered converting my LT4 into
an A4. It may have been a few years ago at one of the first Corvette Challenge races. I
recall conversing with John Mackey and John Panuzzo about the continual traction problems
I was having with my LT4. Panuzzo suggested maybe I should buy a more "user friendly" LT1
automatic or, better yet, convert my LT4 to an automatic. I said, thanks but I wasn't
interested in an LT1 and while an LT4/A conversion sounded good in theory, there are just
too many variables and unknowns involved to take on that kind of challenge. Eric further
pointed out that while there have been rumors of some LT4/A "sightings" none have ever
been confirmed and documented--- much less track tested. We sort of dismissed the idea at
that point but it was not forgotten.
Over time the thought of converting to an A4 became more and more provocative and after
many hours of discussing all the perceived pros and cons, Eric and I decided to take the
first step in October 2001. We bought a used A4 off of a 1996 LT1. Over the following
months Eric meticulously laid out the installation plans for the conversion. On May 4,
2002 I pulled my Vette into Eric's garage and the first wrench was turned. Seven weeks
later, June 22, 2002, we successfully raced my converted LT4/automatic in the 'Spring
Corvette Shootout' at E-town. 20 Vettes were entered. We didn't know what to expect. (We
both agreed that if it doesn't work, well we'll just put it back to original---something
we can do, at some point anyway, even if it is successful). Eric made it to the semi's
where he broke out on a 12.65 (1.75 60') with a 12.70 dial-in. He set personal Vette
record times for both the 60' and 330' on one of the hottest days of the year. Let's say
the results were not disappointing. We were ecstatic to say the least.
Some have asked why not just buy an LT1/A4 and swap the engine for an LT4 crate motor?
Well we considered it. But when you consider the cost of selling my car and buying a new
one, swapping in an LT4 motor, and upgrading the rear to a Dana 44, the cost gets
prohibitively expensive in both time and money. More importantly, my Vette is not only
already LT4 powered, it is also a Collector Edition customized to my liking. In short, we
accomplished what we set out to do. Make a successful LT4/A conversion--- if not the first
to do so. And produce a "user friendly" weekend race car for an old timer like me --- and
maybe even win a few races. (Not to mention the money we'll save for burned out clutches).
And it still looks like a CE LT4. It just behaves a little differently now.
As Eric says, "we're not totally out of the woods, yet". There are still some "kinks"
to work out. He's going to put together a website soon outlining the technical and
mechanical challenges he has encountered "along the way" (look for a link in his Corvette
Forum signature soon). See you at the next Corvette Challenge race.
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modified: September 17, 2006 - 1:59 am
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