help differnce between 88-91
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Woodbury MN
help differnce between 88-91
Im looking for a red/red convert w/ auto. I want to spend about $13,000 and it doesnt look like I can purchase a 92-96. What is the difference between the 88-91?
Thanks
Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,179
Likes: 0
From: The Little Apple
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,642
Likes: 5
From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas
Also different ECM in 1989 and air sensor setup in 1990. Changed to LT1 motor in 1992. You can find a 1992 for 13K in good shape just be patient. Look in C4 for sale section right now.
Last edited by BADDUCK; Feb 6, 2007 at 09:06 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,771
Likes: 1
From: Cuyahoga Falls Ohio
As far as performance, I don't think it's a huge difference from 88 to 91, 92 is the breakpoint where the LT1 comes in.
As for styling, I prefer the 92 nose, but the pre-92 tail. So for me, it's a wash.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,332
Likes: 46
From: Bowling Green KY
Front and Rear!!
The biggest thing you will notice is the front and rear bumpers.
1991 was the first year for the ZR1 bumpers on all Corvettes.
1991 was also the last year for only 245 HP. 1992 went too 300HP.
1991 was the first year for the ZR1 bumpers on all Corvettes.
1991 was also the last year for only 245 HP. 1992 went too 300HP.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 4,249
Likes: 3
From: Grovetown Georgia
Also if you want a manual trans. 89 was the first year with the 6 Speed ZF trans. Between the years you've specified I'd go with a 90-91, last and best of the L98. Newer interior styling with the "cockpit" dash and for the 90 last year you could buy a Vette with "gills" and round tailights 
Not that I'm biased or anything...
Not that I'm biased or anything...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,475
Likes: 2
From: Austin TX
St. Jude Donor '07
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,220
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
Unless you're fond of the older bumpers, buy a '91 or newer. I think they have a higher demand on resale.
THAT DOESN'T MEAN I DON'T LIKE THE OLDER ONES!!! Well O.K., I did update my bumpers to the newer style. So, I'm one of the ones who likes the newer ones better!
Sorry....
Really...
No, I mean it!!!!!
No, really....
O.K., got me again....
gp
THAT DOESN'T MEAN I DON'T LIKE THE OLDER ONES!!! Well O.K., I did update my bumpers to the newer style. So, I'm one of the ones who likes the newer ones better!
Sorry....
Really...
No, I mean it!!!!!
No, really....
O.K., got me again....
gp
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,604
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, Arizona
Waka, Waka, Waka!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,435
Likes: 2
From: Richmond Virginia
CI 4-6-8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Contributor
And 90 is when the interior changed. so:
89 is old out and in
90 is old out and new in
91 is new / new
As mentioned, all are L98. Also, All are new-offest rims, so aftermarket wheel selection is much easier
89 is old out and in
90 is old out and new in
91 is new / new
As mentioned, all are L98. Also, All are new-offest rims, so aftermarket wheel selection is much easier
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,220
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
Oh yeah.... wheels.... great point!!!!!!!!!!!!
The biggest advantage of an older C4 vette is the narrower wheel base (without wheels). That means you can install deeper dish wheels on an 84-87 vette. (Not sure if all '88s are wider. I was thinking they changed mid-year and had one wheel for the narrower axle, smaller brakes with another wheel for the new setup).
The newer setup has too much offset to mount anything deep-dished.
I'm not sure there's more availability of wheels for the newer offset??? Especially if you look for aftermarket wheels!
The biggest advantage of an older C4 vette is the narrower wheel base (without wheels). That means you can install deeper dish wheels on an 84-87 vette. (Not sure if all '88s are wider. I was thinking they changed mid-year and had one wheel for the narrower axle, smaller brakes with another wheel for the new setup).
The newer setup has too much offset to mount anything deep-dished.
I'm not sure there's more availability of wheels for the newer offset??? Especially if you look for aftermarket wheels!