How practical is a C4?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Apr 17, 2007 | 07:28 AM

#21

GIJoe

Team Owner

Joined: Jun 2001

Posts: 26,196

Likes: 0

From: Orlando FL

St. Jude Donor '08-'09

IF it is just you and a a small briefcase (or whatever you take to work) then its fine. If you do a lot of hauling around, forget it.The back cargo area CAN hold a lot of stuff, but you end up beating the car all to pieces.

if you want good gas milage, get a 6 speed.

I've been daily driving mine since Jan 2000 when I bought it.

Just keep in mind... the ones you are looking at are 11-13 year old cars now. THey arent spring chickens anymore. As with ANY older car, stuff is going to be falling apart regardless of care...especially for a daily driver.

Apr 17, 2007 | 10:31 AM

#22

ZR1Bob

Drifting

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 1,641

Likes: 632

From: Lake Bluff IL

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motorhead_AZ

Hi,

I'm currently selling my truck and I've been considering a 95-96 C4 as something I could buy after I sell the truck.

I wanted to know how practical and reliable these cars are for daily driving? I'll be driving this thing daily for at least 3-4 months before I could buy a decent daily driver.

I've been looking around the site and it seems the Optispark system is a weak link. How serious is this problem with the distributors? I've read that they don't like moisture at all. I live in Arizona and it's pretty dry here for most of the year, so should that be a concern? I'm pretty good with fixing mechanical problems, but I hate pin pointing electrical issues. How good/bad are these cars electrically?

Thanks a lot in advance, I appreciate your time!

My 93 ZR-1 has been a daily driver since 1994, it now has 72,000 miles although I limit the mileage these days to only a couple thousand miles a year. No trouble with Opti-Spark, because it doesn't have one. It has been the most reliable car I have ever owned; in 13 years it has never failed to start or let me down on the highway. Oh, and by the way, it also has 450 horsepower and can suck the doors off almost any other car.

. And you would be surprised at how inexpensive they are given their rarity and performance. -- Bob

Apr 17, 2007 | 10:41 AM

#23

onedef92

Team Owner

Joined: Oct 2000

Posts: 96,443

Likes: 9

From: Fort Knox, KY

Cruise-In IV Veteran

Cruise-In VI Veteran

Cruise-In VII Veteran

Cruise-In VIII Veteran

I've owned mine seven years and it's only flat-bedded me once due to a failed coil and ICM.

And that was due to my negligence in exceeding the service life of the parts.

Apr 17, 2007 | 11:47 AM

#24

rocco16

Race Director

Joined: Dec 2002

Posts: 13,348

Likes: 233

From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motorhead_AZ

I've been looking around the site and it seems the Optispark system is a weak link. How serious is this problem with the distributors? I've read that they don't like moisture at all. I live in Arizona and it's pretty dry here for most of the year, so should that be a concern? I'm pretty good with fixing mechanical problems, but I hate pin pointing electrical issues. How good/bad are these cars electrically?

Do not let the Opti scare you. They only seem to be a problem if the engine is pressure washed or the waterpump fails and soaks the Opti.
If the engine is running good and you don't experience these two conditions, the Opti is as reliable as any other distributor.

Good news #2: if the Opti does go out, it won't be hard to pinpoint it.

Larry
code5coupe

___________
I ain't easily impressed....

Apr 17, 2007 | 01:24 PM

#25

thebeerman

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 854

Likes: 1

From: The burbs of Denver CO

Sounds like you need to decide if you want to be practical or have a driving experience. Pick one...

Apr 17, 2007 | 10:57 PM

#26

Motorhead_AZ

Thread Starter

Advanced

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 70

Likes: 0

From: Tempe AZ

Practical was in a sense of getting me from point A to point B reliablely without random problems or overheating in traffic and whatnot, although I don't drive in heavy traffic all that much.

I don't have a family, so it'll be me driving the car most of the time, and from time to time, a date or a friend riding along with me. The biggest cargo I'll carry would probably be my back pack, so the cargo space isn't really an issue. I'm fine with the gas mileage. I just don't want a car that is unexpectable, and from what it seems, a well maintained LT1 C4 would be very reliable.

I'm very good with maintaining my cars. I do the maintainance usually a lot earlier and keep my cars in great shape, so I think I'll be fine with a well maintained C4.

By the way, if anybody needs a good truck, check mine out. It's for sale: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1680357

Apr 17, 2007 | 11:52 PM

#27

Rex Ruby

Le Mans Master

Joined: Feb 2000

Posts: 9,600

Likes: 88

From: Springfield PA

Philly 'Burbs Events Coordinator

Surprised no one has told this guy he is going to have a problem.

He won't want another DD after driving a C4 for a few months,

he may want another C4