PLRX

Gents,

Two weeks ago I asked info concerning the 96 LT4 CE. I went to see one today and It just broke my heart to see a Vette so neglected. I'd need approx, $10K+ to get it where I have my 95.

The engine has never been cleaned, missing the entire air dam, is leaking coolant (broken rad), left front tire components make lots of noise (maybe broken hub), tranny makes weird noise on idle speed, the complete interior is trashed (LCD facia, center console, seats and carpets are not even there), the A/C only throws air on the bottom and a U joint makes noise. Now, there is one thing, that LT4 is an animal, I could not stop those tires from spinning. Now I remember reading in here about you LT4 owners commenting you always turn the ASR off. Now, I know why; It slows you down...
I think I can have this lady to lower the price to $3k if I push her but, It is worth it to buy this Vette? I'm talking about lots of money, time and patience.

Your comments

StealthLT4

Well if it's actually $10k like you said, $13k for a nice CE is a pretty good price. However, if you think $10k, it's probably $15k or more. Personally, I would steer clear. Just buy one you know is good; on neglected examples like that, it always needs more TLC than you think going into it. IMHO.

JEFNLSA

I'm inclined to agree w/ Stealth...although, if you can get it for 3k and have the time, money & patience to get it right...who knows?

96LT4

You can polish a turd, but at the end of the day, you still have a turd.

betyelou

If your first look picked up all those problems I think once you started tearing it apart you would find a whole host of others, I think I would stay clear of it.

All2kool

Step away from the car.

'96 Collector's

I agree. My frist and only purchase is the '96 CE LT1 that I have been working on since I bought. It was very neglected but no where near what you're describing. I paid $6,200.00 and it was leaking oil, a little smoke coming from some where in the engine compartment, check engine light on, one key, no PKE, all rotors and pads needing replace ment, bald back tires, very dirty interior... I figured worst case around $2,500.00 maybe a little more, best case $1,500.00. Also I really like the greenwood package minus the wing, that was already in place and a nice set of black ZO6 rims. I ended up around the low side. But then came the things I didn't plan for. Mostly little things that I took care of foe a few hundred or so each time with the help of this forum. The big one is when the tranny went after 5k miles, $2,700.00. If not for the tranny, I'd say I'd do it again. A tranny can go on any car, like on my DTS 3 months before, $2,900.00. I think if they offered to give you the car free, you'd still be better off with a nicer one for around $8,000.00.
Because just like when I bought mine I wanted a project and I think you do to, but this car sounds like a money pit and a major pita.

TOO_HOTTVETTE

The noise from the tranny in neutral probably means that the dual mass flywheel was probably replaced with a single mass at some piont to save $$. The noise is normal when you go to a single mass. So maybe there is nothing wring with the tranny.

If the price can be brought down, it would be a perfect car for someone that likes to wrench. The CE is a beautiful C4 when in the right shape. This is after all an LT4 CE. It may be worth someones time to get her done. What shape is the body and paint?

It would be a mistake to estimate how much $$ needs to be into it to get her right and then figure if you could sell it for what you put into it. If you do that, yes, look for a nice CE LT4 and buy it. This car is for someone that Loves the car and loves the challange of bringing back a nice C4...(and having the time, room, tools, and cash wouldn't hurt either)

PLRX

The original paint is a 7~8 considering it's 12 years old, minor scratches on the passenger side. I checked using MidAmerica prices and $10K are needed to replace all things. Now remember, I'm going all the way including VBP Sport Suspension. The worst is the inside, the whole thing needs to be replaced including the ashtray, yes, that bad!

Like I mentioned above the LT4 has 69K+ miles in it. That sucker runs strong, I imagine how does a LS7 feels like! I understand all the advice above but my gut keeps telling me to get it. I can do all work in my garage.

I'll make a decision tonight! I'll keep you guys informed!

kwd1

Does the tranny noise go away if you push the clutch in? I think they are all noise in neutral with the clutch out.

TA

There's a lot of nice ones out there. I'd pass

xCCTer

PLRX

Yes, it goes away.

I made a call, with 10K I could:

Give my 95 a great paint job and install a new A4 tranny or many other things (MODS=heads+hot cam). That Vette could be great for an off road project. Having all parts on hand it would take me approx 6-12 months to accomplish.

Man, I driven LS1 and these people keep saying the LT4 does not beat a LS1....BS Now I know why the GS came with 315's in the back

Thanks to all for the advice!!

Pete

Dostovel

No seats? How the hell did you drive the thing?

LOL well dude it depends on your money situation... My '88 is in pretty damn good shape inside and out with 91k miles and could probably get $6k if I was lucky... I guess. But dude if I had ching I would throw it around for various vettes and the restorations all day long. If you want to commit to this thing, do it. Sure it may be a "polished turd", but that don't mean it aint going to be a bada$$ turd.... It's all about what you want to do with it.