Do I have it wrong?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 843
Likes: 0
From: Albany Oregon
Wow, this is quite the thread going.... glad to see the spirited debate, and by-and-large everyone getting along.
Cars are a personal thing. Sports cars are a very personal thing. I was 20 years old when the '86 Pace Car came out with the droptop after being gone for 10 years. One look was all it took for me, I fell head over heels in love with the car. I love almost each and every Corvette, there is no such thing as a bad one really. But, the '86 Pace Car left a spot on my soul that could only be remedied by eventually owning one.
20 years I waited. 20 years, not a day went by that I didn't think of it. I had a couple real nice Camaro's, a killer Nova, and a bunch of beaters, but each day passed and all I could think of was getting one. It became an obsession almost. My wife and I bought this Mustang GT that had a few goodies on it, as a stop-gap method of at least keeping me in a muscle car. I really didn't enjoy it much. I always compared it to the Vette. We sold it soon after, it just didn't drive my passion any.
Then, another couple of "normal day-to-day" cars came to our driveways, but I hated them. I hated spending money on repairs on a car that I did not like. Again, comparing them to the Vette.
My 40th birthday came up this July, and my beloved wife said to me, "Maybe it's time to just go for it. It means so much to you, let's not leave this planet without that experience." I was overwhelmed with joy.
We spent 8 weeks looking. I did all the research on the internet that I could. We drove several, most of them lacking in one area or another that mattered to us. Within short order, we realized we were looking for one very specific car. A 1987 Roadster, preferrably red.
Each day shopping, my heart ached. I did not know if we could find our beloved car, I did not know if when we DID find it, could we afford it? I had almost given up hope there for awhile... until.
I opened up Auto Trader online one afternoon, and there she was.... the exact, precise, to the letter, car we were so desperately searching for. Everything was as it should be. She's red. She's a convertible. She's got the L98 that I fell in love with some 20 years before.....
Now, our car needs attention in some small areas; common problems really. We are planning on genuinely loving and cherishing every moment of finding the parts, getting it fixed, and enjoying the outcome.
Every day I go to work now, my heart is filled with absolute joy. The kind of joy a 5 year old has when he sees his favorite toy under the tree Christmas morning. This car has shown me that I haven't grown up, and in all actuality, have no plans to do so anytime soon.
I get all sorts of reactions from people. Mostly, young kids stop dead in their tracks and point and talk when they see us go by. Some people are not impressed.
I could not care one iota. We have our dream car, in every form of the term, and absolutely nothing is going to take away this feeling. I sincerely hope you all have a similar experience with your cars. They truly are the Greatest Sports Car in the World, in my opinion, and nothing gives me greater joy than sharing my love and enthusiasm with anyone else who might be interested.
Cars are a personal thing. Sports cars are a very personal thing. I was 20 years old when the '86 Pace Car came out with the droptop after being gone for 10 years. One look was all it took for me, I fell head over heels in love with the car. I love almost each and every Corvette, there is no such thing as a bad one really. But, the '86 Pace Car left a spot on my soul that could only be remedied by eventually owning one.
20 years I waited. 20 years, not a day went by that I didn't think of it. I had a couple real nice Camaro's, a killer Nova, and a bunch of beaters, but each day passed and all I could think of was getting one. It became an obsession almost. My wife and I bought this Mustang GT that had a few goodies on it, as a stop-gap method of at least keeping me in a muscle car. I really didn't enjoy it much. I always compared it to the Vette. We sold it soon after, it just didn't drive my passion any.
Then, another couple of "normal day-to-day" cars came to our driveways, but I hated them. I hated spending money on repairs on a car that I did not like. Again, comparing them to the Vette.
My 40th birthday came up this July, and my beloved wife said to me, "Maybe it's time to just go for it. It means so much to you, let's not leave this planet without that experience." I was overwhelmed with joy.
We spent 8 weeks looking. I did all the research on the internet that I could. We drove several, most of them lacking in one area or another that mattered to us. Within short order, we realized we were looking for one very specific car. A 1987 Roadster, preferrably red.
Each day shopping, my heart ached. I did not know if we could find our beloved car, I did not know if when we DID find it, could we afford it? I had almost given up hope there for awhile... until.
I opened up Auto Trader online one afternoon, and there she was.... the exact, precise, to the letter, car we were so desperately searching for. Everything was as it should be. She's red. She's a convertible. She's got the L98 that I fell in love with some 20 years before.....
Now, our car needs attention in some small areas; common problems really. We are planning on genuinely loving and cherishing every moment of finding the parts, getting it fixed, and enjoying the outcome.
Every day I go to work now, my heart is filled with absolute joy. The kind of joy a 5 year old has when he sees his favorite toy under the tree Christmas morning. This car has shown me that I haven't grown up, and in all actuality, have no plans to do so anytime soon.
I get all sorts of reactions from people. Mostly, young kids stop dead in their tracks and point and talk when they see us go by. Some people are not impressed.
I could not care one iota. We have our dream car, in every form of the term, and absolutely nothing is going to take away this feeling. I sincerely hope you all have a similar experience with your cars. They truly are the Greatest Sports Car in the World, in my opinion, and nothing gives me greater joy than sharing my love and enthusiasm with anyone else who might be interested.
WELL SAID!
God Bless you and everyone who has the stones to live their dream!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,943
Likes: 14
From: Gurley (Keel Mtn, Sweet Home) Alabama
Hello,
It seems to me that not only are C4 Corvettes the least respected of the family, but the early C4s are the least of that least. The early C4s seem to be the only early gen models to get slammed even within their own gen. I really like my 85 and have for 10 years.
So friends tell me . Do I have it wrong?
MDred85
It seems to me that not only are C4 Corvettes the least respected of the family, but the early C4s are the least of that least. The early C4s seem to be the only early gen models to get slammed even within their own gen. I really like my 85 and have for 10 years.
So friends tell me . Do I have it wrong?
MDred85
Do folks lay awake at night and think up this kind of stuff?, just to add drama to life??
Elite Torch Red Member
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 57,805
Likes: 23
From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
Cental/South NJ Events Coordinator
CI 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12 Vet
CI-II Burnout & Drag Champ
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
From: Det.Mi.U.S.A.
No I don't lie awake thinking of this kind of stuff just to add drama. This was based on some of what I had been reading on the forum. Mind you this was also a sentiment that I got from being in the C5 and C3 sections as well. When I go into the Ferarri forum, not only do I not see the attacks on fellow marques, I see an appreciation for them.
Corvettes are great cars with a great tradition. We should be preserving the chain not chipping at it.
MDred85
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 3
From: Lowell Arkansas
Heee Heee Heeee..... What a thread.
I remember when I was 23 years old in the U.S. Navy and the C4 first came out.
What passion the 1984 corvette inspired in everyone I ran around with.
I get a warm feeling all over when I think about the sight of those big fat tires and cool round tail lights. Clam shell hood.
I could only afford a Datsun 260Z and I wouldn't have ever challenged the C4......it had me beat just with its powerful image.
It was the car to beat all cars. There was magic being made every time I got a glimse of a C4.
A car you would have to be nuts not to love.
And I got me one......
it's a 1988 and it still does it to me every time I look at it.
Kinda like a beatiful woman from my past, except she still looks as good today as she did over twenty years ago.
Who cares what anyone else thinks?
I remember when I was 23 years old in the U.S. Navy and the C4 first came out.
What passion the 1984 corvette inspired in everyone I ran around with.
I get a warm feeling all over when I think about the sight of those big fat tires and cool round tail lights. Clam shell hood.
I could only afford a Datsun 260Z and I wouldn't have ever challenged the C4......it had me beat just with its powerful image.
It was the car to beat all cars. There was magic being made every time I got a glimse of a C4.
A car you would have to be nuts not to love.
And I got me one......
it's a 1988 and it still does it to me every time I look at it.
Kinda like a beatiful woman from my past, except she still looks as good today as she did over twenty years ago.
Who cares what anyone else thinks?
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Verdad Gallardo
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
And what does that prove? Not a single stock C4 has bested your times either. Did you own it since new? Have you been able to duplicate those times with your stock replacement motor?I've beat every single new C6Z06 I've raced down here in my 85. (Okay, I only raced one.
)
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 439
Likes: 0
From: I am the chick magnet. not the corvette.
The C4 high door jams suck, you can die from falling on your face at times. I'd take a C5 over the C4 any day of the week. The C5 styling is better than the C4 styling...the C5 is faster than the C4...C5 owners are more of an enthusiast than any C4 owner in the world. Those of you who say otherwise, in my opinion, are dead wrong.
My wife is prettier than yours, my wedgewood collection is better than yours, my biceps are bigger than yours, my golf ball collection is bigger than yours, why don't we just take off our pants and start measuring, I know I would beat you all.....seriously, this thread is out of hand, mojo and hot rod are bashing c5s and that aint cool....if you want to bash, bash a honda or a mustang, that's cool with me brother...don't bash any vettes though....I understand you got to vent at times...but if you want to vent there are plenty of honda and mustang forums I can refer you to.
My wife is prettier than yours, my wedgewood collection is better than yours, my biceps are bigger than yours, my golf ball collection is bigger than yours, why don't we just take off our pants and start measuring, I know I would beat you all.....seriously, this thread is out of hand, mojo and hot rod are bashing c5s and that aint cool....if you want to bash, bash a honda or a mustang, that's cool with me brother...don't bash any vettes though....I understand you got to vent at times...but if you want to vent there are plenty of honda and mustang forums I can refer you to.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 9,933
Likes: 103
From: Peoria Arizona.. Resident Gold Cylon
Gentleman and ladies the best corvette to have is the one you own. Nuff said......
Now wheres that locking the thread button option!!
Lifes to short to bicker, we all chose to drive something quicker, My corvette is my Fav, never ever forget to save the wave. Goldcylon Out!
Now wheres that locking the thread button option!!
Lifes to short to bicker, we all chose to drive something quicker, My corvette is my Fav, never ever forget to save the wave. Goldcylon Out!
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,771
Likes: 1
From: Cuyahoga Falls Ohio
But, if I had more money, I'd have bought a newer vette. I've studied the C4 because I knew that's what I can afford. But I have no problem with C5, or C6. If someone wants to trade a C5 from my C4, bring it on.
Vettes are unique. I don't see why there has to be animosity between generation owners. I guess I haven't met enough in person. Time will tell.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 778
Likes: 0
From: Fort Worth Texas
Why can't we all just get along!?!?!?!?!?! 
Seriously though, when the c4 came out I told my best friend "Good Gaaaawd that thing is butt ugly!!!!!!!"
I thought the rubber bumpered c3's were Gods gift to mankind (I still like the looks of 'em and always will). General Motors went and changed the style so much...........they just destroyed the things!!!!!!! Do not put the name CORVETTE on that thing!!!!!!! Nice looking car, but not a VETTE by any means!!!!!!
Well...... a couple of years went by and the style started growing on me. Changed my mind to the point that I have one.........love it and would only wish for a c3 as a 3rd car to have fun with (wouldn't replace my c4 with it though.
I personally do not care much for the looks of the c5's or the c6's (just not my piece of cake) but.........I respect the heII out of anyone that owns one. After all, it is a vette and they spent some hard earned money to get their pride and joy. I for one can appreciate that.
It was a funny day when I was showing off the new (to me) ride to my best friend and I learned just how good of a memory he has (quoted almost word for word what I said about the 4th gen vettes when we saw one for the first time). Had a good strong laugh about it while going for a ride.
Seriously though, when the c4 came out I told my best friend "Good Gaaaawd that thing is butt ugly!!!!!!!"
I thought the rubber bumpered c3's were Gods gift to mankind (I still like the looks of 'em and always will). General Motors went and changed the style so much...........they just destroyed the things!!!!!!! Do not put the name CORVETTE on that thing!!!!!!! Nice looking car, but not a VETTE by any means!!!!!!
Well...... a couple of years went by and the style started growing on me. Changed my mind to the point that I have one.........love it and would only wish for a c3 as a 3rd car to have fun with (wouldn't replace my c4 with it though.
I personally do not care much for the looks of the c5's or the c6's (just not my piece of cake) but.........I respect the heII out of anyone that owns one. After all, it is a vette and they spent some hard earned money to get their pride and joy. I for one can appreciate that.
It was a funny day when I was showing off the new (to me) ride to my best friend and I learned just how good of a memory he has (quoted almost word for word what I said about the 4th gen vettes when we saw one for the first time). Had a good strong laugh about it while going for a ride.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,771
Likes: 1
From: Cuyahoga Falls Ohio
Gentleman and ladies the best corvette to have is the one you own. Nuff said......
Now wheres that locking the thread button option!!
Lifes to short to bicker, we all chose to drive something quicker, My corvette is my Fav, never ever forget to save the wave. Goldcylon Out!
Now wheres that locking the thread button option!!
Lifes to short to bicker, we all chose to drive something quicker, My corvette is my Fav, never ever forget to save the wave. Goldcylon Out!
Get what you like. Like what you get.
No need to go any further.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
Likes: 233
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Yep, we're the "tweeners", and the early tweeners suffered from lack of big horsepower (as opposed to the early C3's which had the 427/454s that at least lent some rep to the last, emasculated C3's)The C4's started out relatively low-powered, and had to fight for their credence with LT5's, LT1's, and LT4's. It's hard to lose a bad reputation.
The earliest C4's were fast only when compared to the world of very slow new cars of that time. The C2's, C3's, C5's, and C6's are fast cars in their respective, contemporary worlds of fast cars.
The C4's, especially the pre-LT1 C4's, were not.
Larry
code5coupe
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 439
Likes: 0
From: I am the chick magnet. not the corvette.
It's very competitive out there...even the imports now have big horsepower right out of the factory...so any stock L98, LT1, LT4 vette is vulnerable to get spanked. For the money though, the C4, especially the L98 vettes is still a lot of power and the most bang for the buck. For the most part, there seems to be a general 2-4k price gap between early L98 C4s and LT1 C4s just from what I've seen on craigslist, ebay, etc.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: CT
ALL Corvettes are great. Every single one was state of the art in their day. Look at what else was for sale at the time. In 1979, one of the magazines compare a Corvette to a 944 and a 280ZX. Not even close.
The Porsche needed more that 11 seconds to get to 60.
A friend of mine got an 84 when they first came out. The first time I drove it, I just could not believe how cool the dash was. The trouble starts when people compare older Vettes to newer cars. My 88 does not seem like a dinosaur. Try saying that about an 88 Camaro. My 77 Vette still feels fresh.
The Porsche needed more that 11 seconds to get to 60.
A friend of mine got an 84 when they first came out. The first time I drove it, I just could not believe how cool the dash was. The trouble starts when people compare older Vettes to newer cars. My 88 does not seem like a dinosaur. Try saying that about an 88 Camaro. My 77 Vette still feels fresh.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,239
Likes: 0
From: North Central Indiana
There are a few years that are not a style I like. I wave at every Corvette I see and would never talk down or disrespect anyone that drives a Corvette of any year.
I'm a Corvette enthusiast, not a Corvette critic.
I'm a Corvette enthusiast, not a Corvette critic.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 535
Likes: 19
From: California
Wow, this is quite the thread going.... glad to see the spirited debate, and by-and-large everyone getting along.
Cars are a personal thing. Sports cars are a very personal thing. I was 20 years old when the '86 Pace Car came out with the droptop after being gone for 10 years. One look was all it took for me, I fell head over heels in love with the car. I love almost each and every Corvette, there is no such thing as a bad one really. But, the '86 Pace Car left a spot on my soul that could only be remedied by eventually owning one.
20 years I waited. 20 years, not a day went by that I didn't think of it. I had a couple real nice Camaro's, a killer Nova, and a bunch of beaters, but each day passed and all I could think of was getting one. It became an obsession almost. My wife and I bought this Mustang GT that had a few goodies on it, as a stop-gap method of at least keeping me in a muscle car. I really didn't enjoy it much. I always compared it to the Vette. We sold it soon after, it just didn't drive my passion any.
Then, another couple of "normal day-to-day" cars came to our driveways, but I hated them. I hated spending money on repairs on a car that I did not like. Again, comparing them to the Vette.
My 40th birthday came up this July, and my beloved wife said to me, "Maybe it's time to just go for it. It means so much to you, let's not leave this planet without that experience." I was overwhelmed with joy.
We spent 8 weeks looking. I did all the research on the internet that I could. We drove several, most of them lacking in one area or another that mattered to us. Within short order, we realized we were looking for one very specific car. A 1987 Roadster, preferrably red.
Each day shopping, my heart ached. I did not know if we could find our beloved car, I did not know if when we DID find it, could we afford it? I had almost given up hope there for awhile... until.
I opened up Auto Trader online one afternoon, and there she was.... the exact, precise, to the letter, car we were so desperately searching for. Everything was as it should be. She's red. She's a convertible. She's got the L98 that I fell in love with some 20 years before.....
Now, our car needs attention in some small areas; common problems really. We are planning on genuinely loving and cherishing every moment of finding the parts, getting it fixed, and enjoying the outcome.
Every day I go to work now, my heart is filled with absolute joy. The kind of joy a 5 year old has when he sees his favorite toy under the tree Christmas morning. This car has shown me that I haven't grown up, and in all actuality, have no plans to do so anytime soon.
I get all sorts of reactions from people. Mostly, young kids stop dead in their tracks and point and talk when they see us go by. Some people are not impressed.
I could not care one iota. We have our dream car, in every form of the term, and absolutely nothing is going to take away this feeling. I sincerely hope you all have a similar experience with your cars. They truly are the Greatest Sports Car in the World, in my opinion, and nothing gives me greater joy than sharing my love and enthusiasm with anyone else who might be interested.
Cars are a personal thing. Sports cars are a very personal thing. I was 20 years old when the '86 Pace Car came out with the droptop after being gone for 10 years. One look was all it took for me, I fell head over heels in love with the car. I love almost each and every Corvette, there is no such thing as a bad one really. But, the '86 Pace Car left a spot on my soul that could only be remedied by eventually owning one.
20 years I waited. 20 years, not a day went by that I didn't think of it. I had a couple real nice Camaro's, a killer Nova, and a bunch of beaters, but each day passed and all I could think of was getting one. It became an obsession almost. My wife and I bought this Mustang GT that had a few goodies on it, as a stop-gap method of at least keeping me in a muscle car. I really didn't enjoy it much. I always compared it to the Vette. We sold it soon after, it just didn't drive my passion any.
Then, another couple of "normal day-to-day" cars came to our driveways, but I hated them. I hated spending money on repairs on a car that I did not like. Again, comparing them to the Vette.
My 40th birthday came up this July, and my beloved wife said to me, "Maybe it's time to just go for it. It means so much to you, let's not leave this planet without that experience." I was overwhelmed with joy.
We spent 8 weeks looking. I did all the research on the internet that I could. We drove several, most of them lacking in one area or another that mattered to us. Within short order, we realized we were looking for one very specific car. A 1987 Roadster, preferrably red.
Each day shopping, my heart ached. I did not know if we could find our beloved car, I did not know if when we DID find it, could we afford it? I had almost given up hope there for awhile... until.
I opened up Auto Trader online one afternoon, and there she was.... the exact, precise, to the letter, car we were so desperately searching for. Everything was as it should be. She's red. She's a convertible. She's got the L98 that I fell in love with some 20 years before.....
Now, our car needs attention in some small areas; common problems really. We are planning on genuinely loving and cherishing every moment of finding the parts, getting it fixed, and enjoying the outcome.
Every day I go to work now, my heart is filled with absolute joy. The kind of joy a 5 year old has when he sees his favorite toy under the tree Christmas morning. This car has shown me that I haven't grown up, and in all actuality, have no plans to do so anytime soon.
I get all sorts of reactions from people. Mostly, young kids stop dead in their tracks and point and talk when they see us go by. Some people are not impressed.
I could not care one iota. We have our dream car, in every form of the term, and absolutely nothing is going to take away this feeling. I sincerely hope you all have a similar experience with your cars. They truly are the Greatest Sports Car in the World, in my opinion, and nothing gives me greater joy than sharing my love and enthusiasm with anyone else who might be interested.
Best post in this entire thread. No need to discuss further.
