Anyone here have a C4?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2014
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From: Seguin TX
Anyone here have a C4?
I have run across a C4 a friend of a friend is selling and looking for info, things to look for on them. I have posted in C4 asking also but respect a lot of you guys opinions. I am looking at getting the C4 to drive while i go ahead and really start digging into my 68. 1995 with 57K LT-1 6 speed for $7000.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
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From: San Jose CA
I owned an 87 for a while. Fun car. Definitely not a C5 in terms of refinement or speed, but it was definitely fun. Torque curve on the L98 was awesome. I haven't driven an LT1 in over 10 years, but they were fun back then. I've driven a lot faster stuff since then though.
I think you'd enjoy it. Just be prepared for optispark problems if it hasn't had it done or one of the upgrade kits installed.
I think you'd enjoy it. Just be prepared for optispark problems if it hasn't had it done or one of the upgrade kits installed.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2014
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From: Seguin TX
I owned an 87 for a while. Fun car. Definitely not a C5 in terms of refinement or speed, but it was definitely fun. Torque curve on the L98 was awesome. I haven't driven an LT1 in over 10 years, but they were fun back then. I've driven a lot faster stuff since then though.
I think you'd enjoy it. Just be prepared for optispark problems if it hasn't had it done or one of the upgrade kits installed.
I think you'd enjoy it. Just be prepared for optispark problems if it hasn't had it done or one of the upgrade kits installed.
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From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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I've owned 3 C4's and loved them. Great handling cars. I drove an 87 coupe all the way across country back in 2000.
That's a pretty good price if the car is clean and runs right. As was said, Opti Spark was a problem but if it's running smoothly it should be OK. All the better if it's already been replaced. The Bose stereos and amps had issues. Fuel injectors also were problematic, especially on cars that sit alot. The main issue with the C4's is a lack of parts support. GM no longer produces the parts for them and the suppliers like Paragon are reluctant to tool up to make repro parts due to lack of interest. BUt I still like them. Great road trip cars.
That's a pretty good price if the car is clean and runs right. As was said, Opti Spark was a problem but if it's running smoothly it should be OK. All the better if it's already been replaced. The Bose stereos and amps had issues. Fuel injectors also were problematic, especially on cars that sit alot. The main issue with the C4's is a lack of parts support. GM no longer produces the parts for them and the suppliers like Paragon are reluctant to tool up to make repro parts due to lack of interest. BUt I still like them. Great road trip cars.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 89
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From: Gilbert AZ
I had a 93 40th for a few years. I loved it.
Opti spark is definitely something to look into.
If it hasn't already been done there's a cheap mod out there to put a plate under the water pump to divert water away from the Opti in case of a leak.
100% agree on the bose systems. I had nothing but issues with mine, but didn't want to replace it with aftermarket because my car was 100% original.
7k is a great price if it's in good condition, and < 60k on the odometer no less.
I do miss that car, but I sold it to buy my C3.
Opti spark is definitely something to look into.
If it hasn't already been done there's a cheap mod out there to put a plate under the water pump to divert water away from the Opti in case of a leak.
100% agree on the bose systems. I had nothing but issues with mine, but didn't want to replace it with aftermarket because my car was 100% original.
7k is a great price if it's in good condition, and < 60k on the odometer no less.
I do miss that car, but I sold it to buy my C3.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 692
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From: Seguin TX
I had a 93 40th for a few years. I loved it.
Opti spark is definitely something to look into.
If it hasn't already been done there's a cheap mod out there to put a plate under the water pump to divert water away from the Opti in case of a leak.
100% agree on the bose systems. I had nothing but issues with mine, but didn't want to replace it with aftermarket because my car was 100% original.
7k is a great price if it's in good condition, and < 60k on the odometer no less.
I do miss that car, but I sold it to buy my C3.
Opti spark is definitely something to look into.
If it hasn't already been done there's a cheap mod out there to put a plate under the water pump to divert water away from the Opti in case of a leak.
100% agree on the bose systems. I had nothing but issues with mine, but didn't want to replace it with aftermarket because my car was 100% original.
7k is a great price if it's in good condition, and < 60k on the odometer no less.
I do miss that car, but I sold it to buy my C3.
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Racer
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 265
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From: chicagoland il
I have run across a C4 a friend of a friend is selling and looking for info, things to look for on them. I have posted in C4 asking also but respect a lot of you guys opinions. I am looking at getting the C4 to drive while i go ahead and really start digging into my 68. 1995 with 57K LT-1 6 speed for $7000.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 129
From: Fredericksburg Virginia
I've not a ton of experience with them, but I certainly agree with the statement that the breed was refined over the years.
There were MANY small improvements over the cycle of the car that made the late ones...'92 to '96...very nice and, as others have said, beginning to creep in on the refinement of the C5 in an, arguably, more athletic package.
Key years being in 1989 when the Doug Nash 4+3 trans was replaced, then 1992 when the 300 hp LT1 engine was used.
If it's in your budget and it's a nice car, it doesn't sound like you could go too wrong...
There were MANY small improvements over the cycle of the car that made the late ones...'92 to '96...very nice and, as others have said, beginning to creep in on the refinement of the C5 in an, arguably, more athletic package.
Key years being in 1989 when the Doug Nash 4+3 trans was replaced, then 1992 when the 300 hp LT1 engine was used.
If it's in your budget and it's a nice car, it doesn't sound like you could go too wrong...
Last edited by keithinspace; Jun 30, 2014 at 09:28 PM.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 417
Likes: 11
From: Brigham City Utah
I have a 1993 auto LT1 and 1994 6 speed LT1 and I sure as hell hope they didn't turn me off on my 1973 I am restoring to like new.
I still need to go to paint, all new weather strip and new interior so it might have been a bad thing to take a couple drives in a car with no door panels, 40 year old seats, no radio, no A/C.....I guess after another years worth of work I will know. But everything under the car/in the engine compartment is new now.
Karsten
I still need to go to paint, all new weather strip and new interior so it might have been a bad thing to take a couple drives in a car with no door panels, 40 year old seats, no radio, no A/C.....I guess after another years worth of work I will know. But everything under the car/in the engine compartment is new now.
Karsten
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,390
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From: Belmont Michigan
I just sold my 42,000 mile '93 a month ago. Had it almost 5 years and loved it. Had a flawless Gold Bose that sounded great. I really enjoyed the 27 MPG too! For $7000, you can't go wrong. 
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2014
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From: Seguin TX
Well this is what I found when I went and looked at it today. It is not a 6 speed but automatic and has 138,000 miles not 57,000. Here are the issues I found looking around it:
It needs weatherstripping around the windows
It needs the drivers seat redone
It needs the window tracks fixed / windows are a little wonky when closing the door but go up and down.
Passenger valve cover is leaking a little.
Passenger headlight was a little slow but once I looked under the hood the wiring seemed a little out of place and may have been hanging it up.
Car did start right up and idled well.
Test drive was good other than the little wind noise from windows, acceleration was good, tranny shifted smooth, no creaks or pops, brake are good and firm / no pulsing, slight pull to left at highway speeds, all gauges work, only light was tire pressure, all lights work, carpet needs a good cleaning but to tears / snags.
Recent maintenance was new radiator last year and O2 sensor, regular oil changes even though not driven much, last month had full tune up, new water pump, 2 O2 sensors, new cap, rotor, gaskets, plugs and wires. All parts and pieces appear to be original and in place.
It needs weatherstripping around the windows
It needs the drivers seat redone
It needs the window tracks fixed / windows are a little wonky when closing the door but go up and down.
Passenger valve cover is leaking a little.
Passenger headlight was a little slow but once I looked under the hood the wiring seemed a little out of place and may have been hanging it up.
Car did start right up and idled well.
Test drive was good other than the little wind noise from windows, acceleration was good, tranny shifted smooth, no creaks or pops, brake are good and firm / no pulsing, slight pull to left at highway speeds, all gauges work, only light was tire pressure, all lights work, carpet needs a good cleaning but to tears / snags.
Recent maintenance was new radiator last year and O2 sensor, regular oil changes even though not driven much, last month had full tune up, new water pump, 2 O2 sensors, new cap, rotor, gaskets, plugs and wires. All parts and pieces appear to be original and in place.
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From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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It would have been a good deal with 57,000 miles. It is not with 138,000.