1992-1996 C4 - which to avoid????
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From: Belleville Wisconsin
1992-1996 C4 - which to avoid????
Dear esteemed Corvette C4 forum members: I'm FINALLY going to be buying my FIRST Corvette come this summer, and I have narrowed my looking down to the 1992-1996 C4 models. Now, what I'd appreciate knowing is if any of these model year Corvettes suffered more from a reliability standpoint than the others? Probably looking at one with 75,000 + miles or so. I realize they are pretty much all the same save for a few yearly upgrades(I do have the Corvette Black Book and have literally memorized it!). But from all those of you who have actually owned and drvien these models, is there any of these to avoid (unless the price is just too good)? I know, I know, buy the newest you can afford! Besides that profound advice, what else should I know and/or look for with any of these model years that may make me choose another???? A thousand and one thank you's!!!!!!!
Randy the soon-to-be new Corvette owner/addict
Randy the soon-to-be new Corvette owner/addict
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From: Marbella, Spain
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From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
The last two years got an improved (for reliability) distributor, but by now you'd have to figure all the bad Opti's will have been replaced on the earlier LT1's.
So...............by 2007, they should all be about equal in the reliability department.
Find one you like and have fun with it.
Larry
code5coupe
So...............by 2007, they should all be about equal in the reliability department.
Find one you like and have fun with it.
Larry
code5coupe
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From: Southwest Kansas
2022 Corvette of the Year Finalist -- Unmodified
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Basically there were interior upgrades on the 94-96's. Many people like the seats and the dash layout better in the earlier LT1 cars (92-93), I prefer the later. 1994 also brought sequential fuel injection. But in reality, they are all good cars. Find one you can verify the maintenance on and you won't be sorry. Mine had 95K on it when i bought, but with all the maintenance records, I've had no trouble. the only things I've done were to improve a good car.
Race Director
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From: Marlboro country MA
I got my 92 auto almost 6 years ago with 64K miles. Since that time, I've put 85K additional miles on it, along with a fair number of mods (see sig). Overall, considering that it's got almost 150K miles on it now, it's been a remarkably low-maintenance car. Especially surprising considering how hard I drive it - like a rental car! 
Many of the LT1 cars were very well built, and you will most likely have a good experience.
I second the recommendation of getting the newest C4 you can afford. Even if the opti goes out, it's not too terribly expensive to replace if you can find a reliable mechanic. Under no circumstances should you take the car to a Chevy dealer for repairs - very few of us have done that twice.
Many of the LT1 cars were very well built, and you will most likely have a good experience.I second the recommendation of getting the newest C4 you can afford. Even if the opti goes out, it's not too terribly expensive to replace if you can find a reliable mechanic. Under no circumstances should you take the car to a Chevy dealer for repairs - very few of us have done that twice.
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From: Southwest Kansas
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I wouldn't stay away from any car just because of the opti, it's just a part that can be replaced.
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From: Kingman AZ
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St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
I was in one of Gordon Killebrew's classes when that question was asked. He said that the 95 and 96 were the most refined and had the least amount of squeaks and rattles along with the better Opti and weatherstripping. They also have the plastic headlights which are much lighter and allow the headlight motors/gears to live longer.Have you considered an L98? You can buy them cheap and mod the heck out of the motors and have a nice one. Just look at Vinnies87, Agent 86, CREWZIN (and others) to see what can be done with them.
Le Mans Master
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From: No Opti Here Tn
St. Jude Donor '06
It really depends on what you want to do
Ive seen some ZR1s in that mileage range for about 20k
Find the combination you like best and then find the best one you can afford
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From: Just the Tip... Just to see how it feels...
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From: homestead florida
92-96 which one
I agree with everyone else buy the best one you can afford,their all good cars mine is a 92 when I bought it ,it had 62000 on the clock and dispite a few minor problems its a car. I agree with others dont take it to the dealer they will rape you on repairs
Racer
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Miami FL
I wouldn't avoid any C4 .
I agree with the other 96 LT1 owner that an LT4 would be nice to have, but don't get me wrong - I have been very satisfied with my 96. I paid a little more for it since it was a vert in great shape but it was my money, so I went for what I wanted.
I was looking for a C4 that was mechanically sound, had Carfax, and some records, and that looked new. Once I had that criteria I just waited until she picked me !
It had 28000 miles when I bought it and is now approaching 43000 (including a trouble-free trip from Seattle to Miami)
.
Good luck - don't forget the pics when you get one !!
.I agree with the other 96 LT1 owner that an LT4 would be nice to have, but don't get me wrong - I have been very satisfied with my 96. I paid a little more for it since it was a vert in great shape but it was my money, so I went for what I wanted.
I was looking for a C4 that was mechanically sound, had Carfax, and some records, and that looked new. Once I had that criteria I just waited until she picked me
!It had 28000 miles when I bought it and is now approaching 43000 (including a trouble-free trip from Seattle to Miami)
.Good luck - don't forget the pics when you get one !!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: RI
If those who think the earlier style opti will scare you than you are looking ahead of yourself. 92's and 93's are selling (right now at least) cheaper than the later 94-96's. If you are willing, pick up a used 92-93, convert the front end to a 94+ style timing cover with the vented opti and you'll have the same setup for cheaper. That's if you are willing.
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From: The reason time exists is so everything doesn't happen at once
If those who think the earlier style opti will scare you than you are looking ahead of yourself. 92's and 93's are selling (right now at least) cheaper than the later 94-96's. If you are willing, pick up a used 92-93, convert the front end to a 94+ style timing cover with the vented opti and you'll have the same setup for cheaper. That's if you are willing.
You can also pick of one of the after market optis (DynaSpark, MSD, etc. much better than OEM) and not have to change the timing cover.
