RhodeIslander

Hello all,
I'm looking to buy my first C4. What is the best year? I know way back the 1988's were a big improvement at that time. Is any other year a little better in your opinion. Also, what is an L4 configuration and why would I want one. I have restored a 71 Riviera 455 and a 71 Monte 350 to show car status, so I'm not a rookie as for as cars. Just know nothing about Vette's. Looking for a summer toy only up here in Rhode Island. Also, tip on what to look for or stay away from would be very helpful. Thanks in adavance!

86_RedRider

you are going to get alot of different opinions on this one, about 13 of them.

i guess the real question is how much do you want to spend, because the general consensus is that the newer the better. improvements were made each year.

the major difference was from 91 to 92 when they changed the motor from the l98 (230-250HP, lots of torque) to the LT1 (300 HP, a little drop in torque). 90 to 91 had the biggest change in exterior appearance. 89-90 had the biggest change in interior appearance.

more to come...

Tigerhawk

The newer cars were better so, 1996.

sgreen4067

1995 Was The Best C4. That Is Because I Have A 95.
Its Mint And Will Sell It For 14,500.

XPLOCIV

All C4's are great in my opinion. However, I went with a 96 year model because it was the last model year for the C4. Further, since the C5 body wasn't ready yet GM tweaked the 96 C4 numerous ways in order to make it a better driving, riding and smoother all around car.
That is the information I was able to obtain and some of the reasons why I went with the 96. Other reason would be cosmetic differences between the other model years, those are subjective reasons.

Good Luck

George Dickel

As with any used vehicle, get the newest you can afford. Less chance of mechanical problems, paint will usually be in better condition, just less wear on everything. GM made improvements to the C4 every year and most here regard the 96 as the culmination of their efforts.

LT4's came only with a manual gearbox and the engine has higher performance heads and cam than the LT1. That is about the only difference between the two models.

Dougs 90

Run a poll and see the results, I personally like my 90 cuz I get the new interior and NO optispark. I cant imagine having to change that thing out! I surely woulda fried it too as the first thing I did when I got mine home off of the trailer was clean the engine!...
If I were in the market right now, I would look for an LT4.

George Dickel

I just changed the plugs, wires, optispark and waterpump on my 93. I have never changed a waterpump as quick and easy as on this vehicle. The opti is just below that and it really wasn't that much of a job. The wires and plugs took more time and effort. If I could have had the engineer who Ok'd the design there in my garage he would have been a bloody pulp on the floor. Don't let the optispark deter you from buying a 92 and newer, it just isn't that much of a job to replace.

boulderlt4

Of course the '96 was the best!!

88421VETTE

personally I like the looks of the 84-90 alot better than the rounder LT cars they look more muscular. but 88-90 is your best bet correction 89-90 youcan get a 6 spd

LT1SPUD

i did a lot of on line research before i bought my 96 LT1....it seemed that every year improvements were made over the previous years, so i figured that buying the last year of the C4 run would give me the culmination of 13 years refinement....and lower miles and newer paint....now i'm loving every minute of it!!!!!!!!!

Aardwolf

I don't agree with newest being bestest. If you want the least problems, get a car that you can tell is well cared for. And get the year that you like the look and feel of the best. If HP is low on the year you like the best, "customize" the engine to what you like. Are the LT LS cars harder to work on then the L98? I enjoy working on mine and picked the right car. I like how she has a muscle car feel along with a race car feel. I like the old style dash!

Sandrider

Cept for my fav is my '91

L98 is much easier to work on....

rocco16

It's generally accepted that the last two years benefitted most from GM's focus on quality.
Time is the enemy of all cars, so the later the car the better your chances of avoiding "issues". Generally speaking, of course.

Can you tell I have one of those later cars?
If you don't have a specific desire (budget constraints, round taillights, L98, full digital instruments, concave butt, etc.) you should probably go with the 1991 or later.

PS: There are a LOT of different parts in the LT4 engine, but cam and heads are the two major items. You could also throw in the rockers and call it three major components...if you like.

Larry
code5coupe

Stv50

F1Fan

Sheeeeit, he means '95

MrSharky

The one that "you" own and keep in excellent condition!

jfederico

I bought a '92 coupe last fall and have been smiling ever since. It was a big jump from my '79. I bought it because it was priced right, looked good and had decent mileage at 53K. The original owner sold it and he was 80 so that may have had something to do with it as well. By the way he bought a new C5 and I have first dibbs on it.

rocco16

Well ain't we special.


(Sorry. Couldn't resist. That reminded me so much of my younger brother and I about 40 years ago ..."but I had dibbs!!!"...and my dad settling it all with those words....)

Larry
code5coupe

RhodeIslander

I like performance my self. I have found a company called Lingfelder will massage a C4 motor to 400 plus hp for 14K. I'm looking at a 92red /Black convert in mint shape for 11K. has 74K on motor. Maybe I pop the motor out have it worked over and have a Hypo keeper for a few years? Any other good motor places out there? Also, with the bigger hp, how are the stock brake packages? I see many people saying, same brake package as the z51. Was this a special order? maybe just a Brembo package would suffice? I dont have a problem with getting 25K into this thing. Just want it to be right, fast and noticable. Thanks again to all.