New Member Introduction
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 151
Likes: 1
From: Dupont WA
New Member Introduction
Hi all! I just joined the Forum and and wanted to introduce myself. I was directed here by some guys on the Vettes List e-mail list. I'm a 36 year old, married Computer Systems Engineer from Dupont, WA (near Tacoma, WA). No kids--just an 11 year old Golden Retriever.
I do not own a Corvette yet and never have. I am shopping for one now, though. My wife and I currently have a GMC Canyon pickup and a VW Jetta, so the Vette will a fun driver, not a daily.
In high school and college I had an 82 Camero Berlinetta, which was fun but sadly lacking in power. I had done some suspension mods, so it handled pretty well though. I also used to own a 72 Datsun 240z. It was fun to drive, too, but I found that I was having to tinker with it a lot to keep it in tune and running well (dual carbs, don't you know). It ended up spending way to much time in the garage (and later the yard) so I sold it a couple years back.
Now I'm in the market for some V-8 power! I came _this close_ to buying a 96 Mustang Cobra last Fall, but decided to wait until Spring to buy my toy so it wouldn't have to sit all Winter. I'm still considering a Cobra (but only a tiny bit), but what I REALLY want is a Corvette. I've wanted one for ever, after all. The 56 is my favorite "look", but there's no way I'm going to swing one of those now! I don't have shop space for one thing, nor the deep pockets! I was never into the 60s and 70s look and I became a driver in the late 80s, so realistically I'm looking at C4s.
I think I would really prefer a manual transmission, but they are a bit harder to come by. I have driven a couple of autos but have not yet had a chance behind the wheel of a manual Vette. I would also like one of the 92 and later engines. I like the idea of a convertible, but don't think I want to spend any extra on one. I'm not in a hurry to buy, but I don't want to be forever looking, either. My top budget is around $15k, but I would prefer to spend closer to $10k. Regular maintenance, upkeep and tweaks are no problem, but I'm not prepared for a "project". I actually have, and know how to use, a timing light and a dwell meter! : )
So...with all this in mind, thank you for allowing me to join the group!
I'll be lurking for the most part for a while just to soak up some Vette vibes and try to learn what to look for and what to stay away from in 92-96 Vettes!
Rob H
I do not own a Corvette yet and never have. I am shopping for one now, though. My wife and I currently have a GMC Canyon pickup and a VW Jetta, so the Vette will a fun driver, not a daily.
In high school and college I had an 82 Camero Berlinetta, which was fun but sadly lacking in power. I had done some suspension mods, so it handled pretty well though. I also used to own a 72 Datsun 240z. It was fun to drive, too, but I found that I was having to tinker with it a lot to keep it in tune and running well (dual carbs, don't you know). It ended up spending way to much time in the garage (and later the yard) so I sold it a couple years back.
Now I'm in the market for some V-8 power! I came _this close_ to buying a 96 Mustang Cobra last Fall, but decided to wait until Spring to buy my toy so it wouldn't have to sit all Winter. I'm still considering a Cobra (but only a tiny bit), but what I REALLY want is a Corvette. I've wanted one for ever, after all. The 56 is my favorite "look", but there's no way I'm going to swing one of those now! I don't have shop space for one thing, nor the deep pockets! I was never into the 60s and 70s look and I became a driver in the late 80s, so realistically I'm looking at C4s.
I think I would really prefer a manual transmission, but they are a bit harder to come by. I have driven a couple of autos but have not yet had a chance behind the wheel of a manual Vette. I would also like one of the 92 and later engines. I like the idea of a convertible, but don't think I want to spend any extra on one. I'm not in a hurry to buy, but I don't want to be forever looking, either. My top budget is around $15k, but I would prefer to spend closer to $10k. Regular maintenance, upkeep and tweaks are no problem, but I'm not prepared for a "project". I actually have, and know how to use, a timing light and a dwell meter! : )
So...with all this in mind, thank you for allowing me to join the group!
I'll be lurking for the most part for a while just to soak up some Vette vibes and try to learn what to look for and what to stay away from in 92-96 Vettes!
Rob H
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,211
Likes: 2
From: Dumas Arkansas
If you have 15 to spend on a Vette, you should be able to find a pretty good one. My personal opinion about Mustangs is that there are too many of them on the road. Might as well drive a Tahoe. You can spot a Corvette a mile away. You can’t say that for Mercedes or even a Beamer. Once you drive a Vette there's no going back and it WILL be your daily driver. Go get one and come back here to the addiction.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
From: New Castle PA
Welcome to the addiction! I would suggest that you look at the 95 - 96 years for 2 reasons. First the improved Opti to reduce issues with operation and you can find great values to fit well within your budget with a "newer" C4. If you look in the 75 K miles area for those years I know you can find a ride that will simply blow your socks off while not digging too deep in the pocket. That is how I got into this group.
Good luck and don't be afraid to ask questions.
Good luck and don't be afraid to ask questions.
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
Likes: 71
From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by JB 95C4
Welcome to the addiction! I would suggest that you look at the 95 - 96 years for 2 reasons. First the improved Opti to reduce issues with operation and you can find great values to fit well within your budget with a "newer" C4. If you look in the 75 K miles area for those years I know you can find a ride that will simply blow your socks off while not digging too deep in the pocket. That is how I got into this group.
Good luck and don't be afraid to ask questions.
Good luck and don't be afraid to ask questions.
Within your budget, you should be able to find pretty nice examples of the last C4s and still have change. Oh, and you can throw your timing light and dwell meter away, you'll need neither on these. 
Welcome to the forum and happy hunting! 
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
Likes: 232
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Welcome to the wonderful world of C4's....at least you are getting started in the right way.
I've found the C4 to be very robust; lots of maintenance is not required. However, you can put your mechanical apptitude to good use performing mods, instead!!
Best advice I can give you is to buy the proper Helm, Inc. service manual for the year you end up with...and buy that manual the day after you buy the car!!
the forum is in the building
Larry
code5coupe
I've found the C4 to be very robust; lots of maintenance is not required. However, you can put your mechanical apptitude to good use performing mods, instead!!
Best advice I can give you is to buy the proper Helm, Inc. service manual for the year you end up with...and buy that manual the day after you buy the car!!
the forum is in the building
Larry
code5coupe
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Race Director
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 16,950
Likes: 0
From: Stafford, Virginia Kittah, Kittah, Kittah...
Originally Posted by vancityguy
welcome and i hope u find the vette your looking for
and welcome...One thing I will say is to wait and gather the extra money you need to buy what you really want... Don't comporomise as you'll spend more money later when you have to unload your compromise ride to get what you really want... That's why I've owned 2 96s, I wanted a stick but got an automatic for various reasons... Got rid of it 5 years later and got the near same car in a 6spd...
Voice of experience talking here...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,456
Likes: 0
From: Santa Barbara CA
Originally Posted by wake
and welcome...One thing I will say is to wait and gather the extra money you need to buy what you really want... Don't comporomise as you'll spend more money later when you have to unload your compromise ride to get what you really want... That's why I've owned 2 96s, I wanted a stick but got an automatic for various reasons... Got rid of it 5 years later and got the near same car in a 6spd...
Voice of experience talking here...
Voice of wisdom here, NEVER COMPROMISEAnd welcome
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
Likes: 71
From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by xccter
Welcome! Better re-order some more checks after you buy it.
Or get your credit card limit raised!
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
From: green valley az
Originally Posted by Teddydog
Hi all! I just joined the Forum and and wanted to introduce myself. I was directed here by some guys on the Vettes List e-mail list. I'm a 36 year old, married Computer Systems Engineer from Dupont, WA (near Tacoma, WA). No kids--just an 11 year old Golden Retriever.
I do not own a Corvette yet and never have. I am shopping for one now, though. My wife and I currently have a GMC Canyon pickup and a VW Jetta, so the Vette will a fun driver, not a daily.
In high school and college I had an 82 Camero Berlinetta, which was fun but sadly lacking in power. I had done some suspension mods, so it handled pretty well though. I also used to own a 72 Datsun 240z. It was fun to drive, too, but I found that I was having to tinker with it a lot to keep it in tune and running well (dual carbs, don't you know). It ended up spending way to much time in the garage (and later the yard) so I sold it a couple years back.
Now I'm in the market for some V-8 power! I came _this close_ to buying a 96 Mustang Cobra last Fall, but decided to wait until Spring to buy my toy so it wouldn't have to sit all Winter. I'm still considering a Cobra (but only a tiny bit), but what I REALLY want is a Corvette. I've wanted one for ever, after all. The 56 is my favorite "look", but there's no way I'm going to swing one of those now! I don't have shop space for one thing, nor the deep pockets! I was never into the 60s and 70s look and I became a driver in the late 80s, so realistically I'm looking at C4s.
I think I would really prefer a manual transmission, but they are a bit harder to come by. I have driven a couple of autos but have not yet had a chance behind the wheel of a manual Vette. I would also like one of the 92 and later engines. I like the idea of a convertible, but don't think I want to spend any extra on one. I'm not in a hurry to buy, but I don't want to be forever looking, either. My top budget is around $15k, but I would prefer to spend closer to $10k. Regular maintenance, upkeep and tweaks are no problem, but I'm not prepared for a "project". I actually have, and know how to use, a timing light and a dwell meter! : )
So...with all this in mind, thank you for allowing me to join the group!
I'll be lurking for the most part for a while just to soak up some Vette vibes and try to learn what to look for and what to stay away from in 92-96 Vettes!
Rob H
I do not own a Corvette yet and never have. I am shopping for one now, though. My wife and I currently have a GMC Canyon pickup and a VW Jetta, so the Vette will a fun driver, not a daily.
In high school and college I had an 82 Camero Berlinetta, which was fun but sadly lacking in power. I had done some suspension mods, so it handled pretty well though. I also used to own a 72 Datsun 240z. It was fun to drive, too, but I found that I was having to tinker with it a lot to keep it in tune and running well (dual carbs, don't you know). It ended up spending way to much time in the garage (and later the yard) so I sold it a couple years back.
Now I'm in the market for some V-8 power! I came _this close_ to buying a 96 Mustang Cobra last Fall, but decided to wait until Spring to buy my toy so it wouldn't have to sit all Winter. I'm still considering a Cobra (but only a tiny bit), but what I REALLY want is a Corvette. I've wanted one for ever, after all. The 56 is my favorite "look", but there's no way I'm going to swing one of those now! I don't have shop space for one thing, nor the deep pockets! I was never into the 60s and 70s look and I became a driver in the late 80s, so realistically I'm looking at C4s.
I think I would really prefer a manual transmission, but they are a bit harder to come by. I have driven a couple of autos but have not yet had a chance behind the wheel of a manual Vette. I would also like one of the 92 and later engines. I like the idea of a convertible, but don't think I want to spend any extra on one. I'm not in a hurry to buy, but I don't want to be forever looking, either. My top budget is around $15k, but I would prefer to spend closer to $10k. Regular maintenance, upkeep and tweaks are no problem, but I'm not prepared for a "project". I actually have, and know how to use, a timing light and a dwell meter! : )
So...with all this in mind, thank you for allowing me to join the group!
I'll be lurking for the most part for a while just to soak up some Vette vibes and try to learn what to look for and what to stay away from in 92-96 Vettes!
Rob H
St Jude donor 06
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: Western Pa
Originally Posted by slicked25
If you have 15 to spend on a Vette, you should be able to find a pretty good one. My personal opinion about Mustangs is that there are too many of them on the road. Might as well drive a Tahoe. You can spot a Corvette a mile away. You can’t say that for Mercedes or even a Beamer. Once you drive a Vette there's no going back and it WILL be your daily driver. Go get one and come back here to the addiction.
100%
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,978
Likes: 280
From: Tulsa OK
Welcome to the board. I have been a member for a while but only recently started hanging out on the C4 board. I picked up a Collector's Edition convertible yesterday. I need to update my signature pic this weekend to include both cars. 
With your budget, you will be able to get a nice C4. I would recommend test driving a 6 speed car before you decide which transmission you buy. I agree with the advice about not compromising. Personally, I love the manual transmission (I have one in my C5). There are advantages to the automatic, though....and they are still fun to drive. My CE vert is an automatic (A4). Good luck with your hunt. There is a lot of good information on this board.
With your budget, you will be able to get a nice C4. I would recommend test driving a 6 speed car before you decide which transmission you buy. I agree with the advice about not compromising. Personally, I love the manual transmission (I have one in my C5). There are advantages to the automatic, though....and they are still fun to drive. My CE vert is an automatic (A4). Good luck with your hunt. There is a lot of good information on this board.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,702
Likes: 254
From: Woodinville, WA
Hey, another WA driver! As its been pointed out previously, its worth the extra bucks to get one in good condition! Also, consider strongly where we live- unless it is purely a sunny day driver (and these are way too much fun for that) make sure the weather stripping is good, or be ready to replace it! Some get lucky, most dont.
Otherwise.. the same rigmarole.
Check the dulso, check the leather, check UNDER the seats (you'd be surprised what you may find), check all the lights, check the carpet and how its fitting. If I had the time and tools handy, id go through and check under the shifter console for evidence of mice. Check the tires for unsual wear (around the outer edges of the front tires specifically), check hubs for evidence of curb-contact, check the reaction time of the gas pedal, check for smooth braking. Make sure all screws are in place, and look correct. If its a hardtop, check for the wrench, check the paint around the edges, and check wear of the plastic all around the seals.
There is plenty more including all the engine lookouts but if a person at all neglects their vette those are some of the first things you'll see.
Happy hunting, and if you need local suggestions feel free to ask
Oh, and... get a 95. They are the best
Not that I'm opinionated or anything
Otherwise.. the same rigmarole.
Check the dulso, check the leather, check UNDER the seats (you'd be surprised what you may find), check all the lights, check the carpet and how its fitting. If I had the time and tools handy, id go through and check under the shifter console for evidence of mice. Check the tires for unsual wear (around the outer edges of the front tires specifically), check hubs for evidence of curb-contact, check the reaction time of the gas pedal, check for smooth braking. Make sure all screws are in place, and look correct. If its a hardtop, check for the wrench, check the paint around the edges, and check wear of the plastic all around the seals.
There is plenty more including all the engine lookouts but if a person at all neglects their vette those are some of the first things you'll see.
Happy hunting, and if you need local suggestions feel free to ask
Oh, and... get a 95. They are the best
Not that I'm opinionated or anything