That's one thing I don't worry about, of course, the price will reflect the mileage and vice versa, but I would stay away from a low mileage car, any C4 should have at least 50,000 on it by now. I take that back, Every C4 should have at least 50,000 on it by now.

 

I think I'd go for the '91, the mileage isn't all that bad and if it's taken care of then it's not big deal. It's already got some mods on it plus with the little bit of money you save on it you can mod even more. If you aren't planning on doing any real racing with it the '91 sounds alright, the '91 will get you around town as fast as you want. Just depends on what you want to do with the car. The only thing you are looking at is the LT1 and a little less mileage Vs. Mods and a cheaper price. It is a really tough choice, what color are they :D

 

Funny, you've never mentioned that :p:

 

The '91 is a bright blue metalic, and the '94 is white, both have black interiors.


[Modified by Eric 70, 9:34 PM 10/31/2001]

 

My '91 six speed gets around just fine, gets 29 mpg hiway. And it has a glovebox!! :D

 

Eric,

When you come to a decision like this, you pick the car that you like better. Thats it. Personally, I would take the '91 for the colour and the Borla exhaust. I like the L98 for the torc but I also like the LT1. Both are good. Both cars seem like a decent deal. If youre looking for a roadster, both are good choices. But choose the car you want.

BTW, 90K is not much if it is well taken care of.

 

Does $12,800 sound like a fair price for a '91 Vert with 90,000 miles....the car looks like it has 30,000 miles? The engine is super clean, and it does have some mods.

 

I'd go with the LT-1! With the `94 you've got the vented, updated Opti-spark Module from the factory and they are FAR more reliable and much less prone to moisture saturation failure than those on the `92 and `93 models.

I'm always suspicious when I come across modded-out Vettes, even if the previous owner can provide impeccable documentation. That's because mods suggest (at least to me anyway) the likelihood of increased levels of high-performance driving and subsequent stress on critical engine and drivetrain components.

A recent Forum poll revealed the majority of Corvette owners would rather have a bone-stock car over a heavily or even moderately-modded one with comparable mileage. That's gotta account for something.

Again, my nod goes to the LT-1. As you can tell from my sig bio, I'm biased, but I've driven both and they're loads of fun. But as great as the L-98 is for torque, I like the LT-1 engine better for smoothness throughout the torque range and rev band. :chevy

 

The prices for both cars are reasonable, if in great shape. If you haven't already, I would drive them both, especially the '91 with the Borla exhaust. Some people complain about resonance <flame suit on>.

Also, the C4 is not the stiffest chassis design around, and it's worse with the convertible <even though there's a cross brace underneath>. When you drive one pay particular attention to how it responds over bumps.

IMO, the optispark issue shouldn't figure into the equation. If <make that when> it fails it's $300 and 2-6 hours work to replace <big variance dependent on your manual dexterity and mechanical skill>. The LT-1 engine is great, and responds wonderfully even to small changes like a K & N filter with an open-air lid.

As said earlier I would get the newest one you can afford with the least miles...

 

Just hang around and when someone has problems with their optispark pay close attention to the price as well as the misery of installing it, then make your decision. :flag

 

Well mine is older, has 119K on the clock and doesn't seem to have been messed with. I've had it a year and all I've done is clean it and put gas in it.
I haven't been in a 70 since 1970 so I can't tell you if you'll feel a difference.

 

Eric,

Hmmm, tough question. However, isn't it fun just to be shopping for a Vette! I have a '91 Coupe with the L98 and 6 speed manual transmission. My car is black on black, with ZR1 wheels. I have flowmaster exhaust (cat back), open lid air box with K&N filter, Grand Sport brakes, and Koni fully adjustable shocks.

I just turned 90k miles on mine. It runs as good as the day I bought it! I have always used Mobil 1 full synthetic, and change the oil earlier than recommended intervals.

Now...to the hype. I love the L98 motor, especially in the '91, because it was the last of it's generation with all of the best improvements. I have a good friend with a LT1 who would brag about how much more horsepower he has, but in the same breath will tell you that the performance from the L98 in the real world (stop light to stop light) is better. I can short shift the car and leave him wondering where his extra fifty horses are sleeping! If you plan on racing a corvette, go with the LT1, but for the street, I'll keep my L98 thank you very much.

On an end note, don't fret about the mileage on either car. You have to remember that you are buying the most reliable engine the bowtie company ever built, the small block 350. Don't believe me, go to some of the sites which highlight high mile corvettes. Hell, a well maintained 350 is just broke in a 100k miles. Also, all corvettes creek and groan. However Coupes do it less. Good luck with whatever your outcome, and welcome to the best of the best........the C4! :chevy

 

Thanks FDCAPTAIN!!!
My '70 has never been rebuilt, and has 153,000 miles on it. I drive it anywhere I want, especially with the 700R4 that is now installed! I just have the itch to drive something newer. One day I would like to move on to a C5, but in the meantime, I would like to experience a C4 Convertible.
Sounds like your '91 is a nice ride!

 

I would go with the 94. Has the LT1, is newer, lower mileage, not that much more. :)

 

100k with a LT-1? My 93 has 95k and uses no oil between changes.
I would say 200k is within range for this engine.
What I did not like about my L-98 was the way it rode. Bounce is the word here, shake, cowl jump, steering wheel shake.
No C-4 is easy to work on, not easy, not impossible.

What I do like about the LT-1 is the ride, no shake, at any speed. The cowl doesn't move at speed, the steering wheel doesn't shake. The ride is so much better. The power comes on a higher rpm so at low speeds it seems on par with l-98, but put your foot in it and things happen real fast.

The car goes from quiet to loud and things move by very fast.
The 50 horses are there. The L-98 isn't civilized but its great fun all the same.

Drive them both and then decide........either way you can't go wrong its a Corvette. A 1970 roadster is way cool.

 

Now I have to ask...

What difference does the type of engine make in regards to the shaking of the cowl?

 

Eric..I agree with Midnight... :lol:

you maybe expected something else?????? :D

 

I vote for the 94 - Good luck :seeya

 

id go with the 91... it sounds as tho it was taken care of well, and i like the idea of having the best l98 gm produced with the least amount of bugs...
advice actually given to me was that the 92-94 will continuously need small repairs eventually draining your wallet...
i also would rather have the l98 because of the low end torque... i dont rev my car very high because ive gotten MID SINGLE DIGITS :eek: when i drive like a nut... also because engines and cars seem to last longer and break less often when not revved as high... just my 2 cents... good luck and happy hunting...

 

well i say if you still having the same problem keep the 70's vette it looks great and will be wroth alot more money to you in the furture. save alittle money and buy a VIPER RT/10 . my brother has a viper and all my friend have vipers and im the only one with a vette... :lol: :lol: but you can buy a nice viper with less then 40,000 for $30,000 !!!! if you want you can have the best of both worlds!!!!!
P.S.
that is just a thought, please no flames!!!!
steven