Tony W

When I get my C4 in December, I will be curious as to what the dependability of a C4 is like. I know it is still a fairly new car being only 7 years old. But have any of you ever had problems with your car? Has it ever left you on the side of the road? Just curious. Thanks for the info.

96VegasVette

The LT1 is Reliable, I can't say the same for the Body Control Module, being that that's what stranded me last week. :mad

Tony W

hmmmm...... Are they easy to work on?? I know my mechanic stuff pretty well.

96VegasVette

Nothing to fix you just replace it, it's the equivilant of the ECM for all interior electonic/electrical items (as it was explained to me by the dealership). Would have cost me almost 5 hundred dollars if I didn't have a warranty. The service writer said he's seen it happen before but I dont' think it's exceptionally common. It caused a no start condition like a vats would. Don't let this deter you from buying though. Just one of those things that may or may not happen. Just be sure to have towing coverage on your insurance.........just in case ;)




[Modified by 96VegasVette, 8:01 PM 9/4/2001]

Tony W

Thanks for your help! And don't worry, nothing could deter me from buying this car. It is my dream Vette and I've been waiting patiently to get it. :chevy

BlackbirdZ07

I've had my '92 for two years, and it is a high maintenance car. The down side is that there are a lot of potential things to go wrong. Most cars have a "check engine" or "service engine soon" light. My '92 has service lights not only for the engine but also for ASR, ABS, LTPWS, Ride Control, and probably a couple more I can't think of right now. Like most cars it has a computer for the engine. But it also has computer systems for climate control, ABS, and ASR. Even the courtesy lights and the radio are connected into the computer systems. Factor in usual maintenance items like suspension, brakes, power steering, etc., and simply put, there's lots to break.

The good news is that usually not too many things break at once. The basic LT1 is a pretty reliable engine. I've only had to call a flat bed twice: once the coil died and left me stranded in the middle of a busy road, and the other time the battery died and I had no tools and no way to get a battery.

Make sure the car you're buying has been well maintained, and also make sure it has been used regularly. It's hard on mechanical and electrical systems to sit for long periods. Good luck!

rubyred93

Another point of interest is the Opti-Crap....um, I mean Opti-Spark :cuss

These units are so sensitive to moisture, whatever you do - do not take a hose to your motor. :eek: Definately not :cool:


:smash:
Opti-Spark

onedef92

Fear not, Tony W. While the above comments of my Vette brethren are true, (i.e. dreaded "Optidark" Module, sensor/ECM failure, etc...) the LT-1 engine also deserves high marks for being a standard of small block high performance and fuel efficiency. I think it's easily one of the finest engine offerings from the General! :chevy

TNTC4VETTE

5 years, 85,000 miles, everything works...amazing what a little pre-emptive maintenance does...just little things here and there, and the only time I was stranded was pure operator error...fuel level oversight via the genetic ECM

J Z06

Reliable? I've got three names for you: Mackey Panuzzo, Mr. Mojo.All Cars run nearly EVERY WEEKEND at the track. M-P's are slightly modded (Mojo's is closer to stock)and they run like a Swiss watch. Mackster has 95,000 miles on His..Who knows how many passes? Panuzzo has I think upper 20K on His(Both '96).(mojo drives his EVERYWHERE, gotta be 80k+)Other than the opti-spark..they're pretty much GTG. Of course if I'd purchased one, it'd still give me a hard time..but that is me.

Good Luck.


[Modified by JD 90 383, 10:25 AM 9/5/2001]

mackeyred96

Jd, there great cars nut they don't have a life of their own :blueangel:

BaseballDude

To answer your subject heading/question, the LT-1 is dependable. It's all the accessories and electronics surrounding it that are suspect. Water pump, opti-spark, EMC, etc.

If I could give one piece of advice to any future C4 owner, it would be to have $500-600 set aside each year for some kind of repair that you won't be able to tackle yourself. Otherwise, the LT-1 powered C4 is an awesome ride!


[Modified by CaliforniaLT-1, 7:06 PM 9/5/2001]

Fang S-289

As with anything mechanical, LT-1's can and do fail. But in my experience, it is a *VERY* reliable engine as are all small block Chevy engines.

GAMEON99

I have owned two 96's and a 99. The Red 96 coupe only had one problem the whole time I had the car, the water pump went out. I have not had any problems with my 96 vert I have now. The 99 on the other hand was in the shop 6 times in 6 mo's. I believe the LT1 is very reliable other than just little mic. things. :chevy :cool:

BIG Dave

I have a '95 Coupe with 61,000 miles. The only things that I needed to replace were the ECM (under warranty), water pump, and the ignition cylinder. But who know what tomorrow may bring! :confused:


[Modified by BIG Dave, 9:13 PM 9/6/2001]

Drewdog

95 Vette, 55k miles (I've been drivin her everywhere, and pretty hard) No problems here :cool:

Z06_BluByU

at 124,000 miles I have only had to replace the following:

Radiator
Water Pump
Optipoopie
plugs
Wires
Intake Manifold Gasket


The LT1 is the best part of the car.. the rest of the car is the problem

A/C replaced
Transmission replaced
Brakes
Rotors
Wheel bearings
Ball joints
Tires
Suspension Bushings
Door Pins
Radio LCD
Headlights..

etc..etc..

:D

OcalaGuy

I second the opinion on the $500 stored away... Can you say "Replace Water Pump." Did it here..... It's only a matter of time.

Hey THTC4VETTE... Feel free to copy my gator.

92BAV

I've had mine for a year, and the only problem I've got is a faulty Adjustable Suspension switch. And trust me, I'm not easy on cars. ;)