I'm new to the site and almost new to the world of Corvette's. I live in new jeresy and are looking to buy a C4. I don't know what if any of the years is better or most trouble free? I can't figure out what engine is what and which cars had it available in what years. I know that the ZR1 is the top dog that I can't afford. There is the LT1 And LT4 but I don't know if every Vette came with these or if there's a lower HP engine during those years. If any one could break it down for me in a simple way that would be great. I want to buy a vette with the most hp I can get I don't want to buy on with lower stock HP. I looking to spend around 10,000 and have cash or can trade a 1982 Harley Low Rider. If anyone knows of a car and can help me with my questions it would be appreciated.

 

'84 crossfire engine

'85-'91 L98 engine

'92-'96 LT1 with the Lt4 being available only in '96 It came in all the six speed cars in '96 while the automatics were still LT1s.

The ZR1 was produced from '90-'95 and had the LT5 engine, a DOHC engine that shares approximate displacement with the 350 SBC but nothing else. Hope this gets you started.

 

95,96 years have the most reliable ignition systems which can be $$$$ to repair.

 

Pick up a copy of the "Corvette Black Book" at Amazon; it has info on features and changes for each year of Corvette as well as a list of major RPO codes for each year.

Then you will know exactly what your looking at when you go shopping.

With that $10k budget I would suggest looking for a nice '89 Vette.

 

Welcome to the Forum, you will find a lot of good people here and lots of useful info.

 

A warm welcome from me, as well! I also suggest heading to your local Barnes & Noble (or Amazon.com) and at *least* browse through some books on C4s - not coffee table picture books - REAL books, like the Corvette Black Book previously mentioned, or "Corvette Specs". They all contain a wealth of information. There's more information than you need, actually, and it might even be overwhelming.

However, if you take the time to sit and read (or buy it, and bring it home - it'll be worth it to have when you DO get a Vette, anyway) it, you'll be surprised how easy things are to learn about Corvettes. You've probably already noticed that Corvette people know *everything* about Vettes. It's not just because we're nerds or bookworms and all we do is sit around reading about Corvettes....far from it. Somehow, though, it just "happens" - before you know it, you'll be cruising down the street, see an old Vette, and say, "Oh...that's a '58," or "there goes a '96." Somehow, someway, we all pick little factoids up about these cars that only fuel our obsession. That obsession turns into an addiction, which only then turns into a disease!

At any rate, back to the topic at hand. Your first Vette. $10,000.00 is a great starting budget. For that amount of money, you should be able to get a very solid, "no stories", driver. It's very frequently stated here to "Buy the newest, lowest mileage car you can afford." With that said, I would guess you'll be looking at cars in the 89-91 range. Personally, I would recommend the '91, but I'm biased - my first C4 was a '91. What I like about them is that they still have the torque-monster L98 engine (replaced by the LT1 in 92), but they have the exterior styling of the late C4s as well as the interior. I've never been a fan of the early digital dashes, but I can't take anything away from those who like it. Again, my first Corvette was a 91, and I absolutely LOVED the cockpit-like feel of the interior.

There are MANY Corvettes on the market right now, so you'll have plenty to pick from. Generally, it's probably better to stick with private-party vehicles. Dealers will likely charge unreasonable markups only because it's a Corvette, while being an inferior car to a similar car available from a private seller. Think about it - who would you rather buy from, 1) A Corvette enthusiast like yourself who has treated the car like a member of the family, parking it indoors, regularly washing and waxing it, and keeping up with its maintenance, or 2) some fool who has no appreciation or respect for the Corvette as an American icon, and has driven the car in the NJ winters, hauled lumber in it, and has recently traded it in on a new Prius at the local Toyota dealership since gas prices have gone up?

Seriously, though, you don't have to listen to me...spend some time looking - the cars will speak for themselves. They always do. Most importantly, don't rush into anything! There are PLENTY of C4s available, and with winter coming, "sportscar season" is over, so people will be itching for a quick sale (read: lower prices). When you find a few suitable candidates, report back to us here with your findings and/or any specific questions about the cars you might have. There are so many people here, and we're all eager to lend a hand or give advice to a potential new Vette owner... There's literally no Vette-related question which can't be answered here - this place is amazing!

Thanks for reporting in, welcome again, and good luck in your search! Most importantly, HAVE FUN! Oh, and don't forget to take a digital camera along to snap pics for us to post along with your questions!!!

 

Thanks for the help. guys I'll let you know. How many miles are to many and a what point do these girls start needing serious service. Are you telling me that the 91 engine has more power then the LT1? Where does the LT4 mfit in the power scale?

 

The '88-'89 L98 had 240hp; the '90-'91 L98 had 245hp, due to new piston top design.
The LT1, starting in '92, came with 300hp.
The LT4 came in '96 with 330hp.

 

Welcome, and all the good advice you've gotten on this one thread should help you quite a bit. These are some very knowledgeable and helpful people so you've come to the right place. Be patient. Read up and then you will become an informed buyer, who just happens to get a good deal.