justbob

Just wanted to say "Hi" to the C-4 community and introduce myself. I don't own a Corvette as yet, but I plan on acquiring one in the next 4-6 months.

It's a long, long story--aren't they all--but I'm a refugee from front wheel drive (FWD). I've always loved Corvettes, ever since 1967 when I rode in my cousin's blue 1967 Stingray convertible (he's still got it, btw). Unfortunately, due to life and practicalities, I've never had the money or the freedom to buy a Vette before now, although I've managed to have a few interesting rides over the years. Most of them, due to the nature of the beast, were FWD cars.

I can't say it's been all bad. My last two cars were MINI Cooper S models, the supercharged 200 hp hatch featured in "The Italian Job." A truly phenomonal car--a go-kart with air conditioning. If you've seen the 2003 version of the movie, I have to tell you, it's all true. When you drive one of these things you have to keep telling yourself, "I will NOT commit a felony today!" They shine in traffic, on the highway, and in the country.

But, at the end of the day, my MINI was a small, FWD hatchback....

Then I started a new job and made a few friends at work. One of them has a C-3 and a C-5, another has a C-5 with the Z51 package, and a third has a C-4 Grand Sport. They immediately impressed me as great guys and the vettes impressed me as being Real Cars. I then realized that my MINI had cost me about the same amount as a used (pre-owned?) vette.... The gears started turning.

Then I parked behind a brand new C-6 at a barbecue in my neighborhood. It was red, as was my MINI. It was extremely impressive, not just in looks, but in fit and finish, and in the way it occupied space.

Then I read a book called "All Corvettes Are Red." It covers the development of the C-5, from start to finish. As an engineer, I found it fascinating. As a driver, I found it compelling and sublime.

So, I sold my MINI--which, btw, held its value extremely well, it was worth $800 less than I paid for it after 36,000 miles--used some of the money to buy a 2003 Honda Civic DX (the ultimate stripper) for my daily driver, and banked the rest. I was sad to see the MINI go, but, although it was an awesome driving machine, I was beginning to feel like I was driving a Fabrege Egg. Plus, I saw that Britney Spears bought one. So, I got over it.

The Honda Civic is kind of fun, I've had one before, it makes driving an interesting challege because it is so underpowered. I'm modifying it now, and hope to get the hp up to about 135 from 117, and improve the already fair-for-an-econo-box handling a notch or two. It's a great daily driver and gets about 41 mpg on 87 octane.

Now, I'm adding to my "Corvette Fund" a bit each month. If I stay on schedule I should be able to buy one by the end of summer or during the fall.

What am I looking at? So far, the C-4 and C-5, but I have to admit that the C-4 is looking good to me right now. I really like fundamental, or "essential," cars. That is, I want a car that is designed to be driven--anything that does not optimize the driving experience is just extra weight. That was one of my problems with the MINI: it was just too nice; it had power everything, nice carpeting, all sorts of extra stuff that I'd look at and think, "hmmm, I could just rip this out and save about 4.5 pounds...." But it was a beautiful piece of machinery and I even started being a bit paranoid about driving it ("It might get scratched!"), so I never took the sawzall to it.... I have to admit, it's the first brand spanking new car I've ever owned.

So, there you have it. I'm looking for a black or red C-4 with a manual transmission in the next few months. I'm not too worried about how the interior or exterior looks, as long as the engine, transmission and suspension are sound and well-maintained. I'd like to have a coupe, although I'm intriqued by convertibles, but I've been told that verts are verboten at my local track unless you have a roll bar/cage installed (anyone out there have one in a vert? Let me know.) Also, I'd like to get the optimal engine/transmission/suspension combo for autox/track use. I'll probably only drive this car on weekends, and use the Stealth Civic (it's all black and almost invisible--seriously, I lose it in the parking lot everyday) for the commute. Right now I'm estimating that I'll be able to afford a 92-96 model year.

Just a little background on me. I never owned a car worth more than $1000 until 1998, so I've developed some mechanical skills over the years. Here's a list of my past rides:

2003 Honda Civic (Black. The Civic Stealth)
2004 MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works Rally Edition (Insane! Fragile.)
1986 Mitsubishi Pajero 4WD with 3.5L DOHC V-6 and Sand Tires (The ultimate off-road machine. Outback tested)
1984 BMW M535i (What a hoot! It broke. Often.)
1985 Ford Escort (German spec)
1982 Honda Civic DX (with mods. 10 years and 250K miles later I sold it for $500)
1972 Toyota Corolla (the Zen Car--you had time to meditate while driving anwhere. It was slow)
1967 MGB-GT (t-boned by a Pontiac Bonneville. Fun car)
1971 Ford Custom 500 (the Crown Vic of its day)
1969 Dodge Power Wagon 4WD Stepside with four mis-matched snows

Various and sundry sub-$500 cars that I'd drive for a year or so.
(I do have to mention that my wife has always had a brand-new Dodge Caravan or Honda Odyssey every three years for the past 20 years or so. She's not very good with road-side repairs, so she gets the "new" car.)

Anyway, great forum, I've read a lot of the posts, and it looks like there are a lot of great personalities and cars, and a heap of great information, here. Thanks. I'm happy to be here.

justbob--a registered New Jersey Native Son, emigrated in 1980.

JD'S WHITE 93

Good for you, a 92-96 Corvette is a great buy right now. Torque, it's addictive. Good luck on your search, let us know when you find a car you are considering and give details and I'm sure everyone will help with what to look for on that particular model year.

C4driver99

Its an addiction. The wife will be on you about not spending enough time with her and soon youll be sleeping in the garage

AORoads

Oh, I think you'll find exactly what you're looking for: here, in car-dom and the car itself. Plus, you will get help, advice, advice, advice, and I almost forgot to mention....some really good advice.

Welcome and look well and hard for that C4! Good list of cars/trucks/whatevers.

corvetteronw

Right on brotha!

CSS996

First off, it is always nice to read something, damn near anything, from someone who has a firm grasp of the English language. Thank you!

I am also saving for my first Vette, and will hopefully be buying in the same time frame you are. I've been lurking and occasionally posting here for quite awhile. It's amazing what you can learn from these folks. I can save you a little time, and tell you that you probably want a 1996 car with the LT4 engine.

I've sat in an '84 and a '96. You wouldn't believe the difference. And judging by what I've seen Minis go for, you're not too far from a clean example, unless you couldn't resist the urge to put $3,000 worth of wheels and tires on a $7,000 car. Lots of people don't understand how this could happen, but I can...

Good luck in your search, and welcome to the madness!

Corvette Kid

Or even a light grasp!


If you want the best (power-wise) of the latter years then yes, the LT4 should be your choice. If you're going to modify the engine eventually, then it doesn't really matter whether you use the LT1 or the LT4 as a starting point. If you've been around here for long, then you already know that the distributor was improved in '95 for reliability but other than that there's not a lot of difference in any of the LTx cars, especially for your purposes. Either way, you've thought this out well and I'm sure you'll make a good choice when the time comes. I'm also sure we all look forward to that day and will be waiting to hear more.

tomtom72

I'm a FWD refugee also. Newly returned to the corvette ranks after a 25 yr hiatus....let me tell you it feels sooooo great!!!

The best bang for the buck in used vettes has got to be the C4's. However, as an engineer you may prefer the advanced nature of the C5/6 chassis, they are superrior to a C4's layout. You should drive both if you have the chance. Although you may be captivated by the C4's "****-pit" like look & feel and the way it feels more "plugged in" when you drive it. The engineering advancements of the 5's & 6's are noteworthy & worth your time to explore....depending upon what you would be comfortable with in the financial department. I don't by toys with borrowed money so I chose a C4.

Truthfully the only vettes that I'm envious of are any ZO6's and a friends C6 with magnetic suspension + the Z51 pkg....that car astounds me! I might just say one more thing about C4's. A plug for two unique groups whose wares might be worth exploring if you budget permits. Look at a Callaway and examine the ZR-1's, there are some deals to be had with the KOTH...I'm not so sure there are any inexpensive Callaways....but both are noteworthy and might be overlooked. I bought my 90 ZR-1 to replace my 72 LT-1 and I had a firm budget of 25K that could not be exceeded because there is no such thing as a used car that needs nothing.

I think you already know this but it truly is that the vette hobby is enhanced by the people you meet, not the car alone. Good luck in your search & welcome to the asylum!


Tom

cv67

If you are looking for that "go-cart like" feel a C4 is for you. The earlier the C4, the stiffer and more rickety they get
Fun cars for the money. Try driving both an L98 and an LT1 car.

justbob

Thanks for all the great comments and advice.

Yep, my C-5 buddies are working on me to go with their gen, the main argument being that it's a technologically more sophisticated "modern" car--compared to the C-4 and other cars. They have some great points, it's a beautifully engineered piece of machinery and I have to say I'm impressed.

My C-4 buddy says, "hey, I just got polyurethane bushings! Check this out!" And then we go sideways.... Also a compelling argument....

On the whole, I have to say I prefer the raw experience, but really it comes down to the money. As several people said, it's a hobby and a lifestyle choice, and you don't want to make payments on these things, so we'll see how much I can save over the next few months.

Also, I've been looking closely at the ZR-1, and they are intriquing and hold their value quite well...which may put one beyond my pocketbook. The point about the LT1 versus the LT4 is well taken, as is the eighties vs. nineties comparison. This is the kind of empirical information I depend on you all to give! Thanks!

And thanks for the great welcome!