1992 C4
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Whittier CA
1992 C4
I have an opportunity to buy a 1992 C4 convertible with only 14,000 miles, naturally I was extremely excited to go see the unit until one of my friends who is an auto broker and collects mid-sixty Corvettes said that the 1992 Corvette is the worse year GM had for vettes, he stated if I bought the car I would be spending all my time in the garage fixing it instead of driving it, for those owners of 92 corvettes I would greatly appreciate your first hand insights on my friends comments.
Many Thanks, Vetteaddict
Many Thanks, Vetteaddict
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 32,782
Likes: 11
From: Former NCM Drag Racing coordinator, National director Corvette Challenge Spring Hill, Tennessee: Whiting, New Jersey
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Re: 1992 C4 (vetteaddict)
Welcome to the forum :)
Racer
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
Re: 1992 C4 (vetteaddict)
Wlecome to the Forum. I don't have a 92' but I have been absorbing every bit of info I can about Corvettes since before the 92' came out. As far as I am concerned the LT-1 motor makes the 92' a great year.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 1
From: Pinellas Florida Misfit
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: 1992 C4 (neekos)
Welcome..
It's said around here as a rule of thumb to get the newest Corvette you can afford in the best shape... as each year went by... more and more of the bugs were worked out of the C4. (and some added like the Optispark :)) As long as the car is in good shape... I'd say your friend is mistaken.
It's said around here as a rule of thumb to get the newest Corvette you can afford in the best shape... as each year went by... more and more of the bugs were worked out of the C4. (and some added like the Optispark :)) As long as the car is in good shape... I'd say your friend is mistaken.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 5,386
Likes: 2
From: San Angelo TX
Re: 1992 C4 (Springer's 95)
every corvette is better then the last. But that doesn't mean the ones before were bad. 1992s a great years since they have the LT1. Always get the newest car you can afford and enjoy.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,153
Likes: 1,731
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Re: 1992 C4 (Springer's 95)
Your friend doesnt know what hes talking about, no offense. They have no more problems than any other, basically the LT1's only have the optispark issue to worry about. Theres just no way he can say that 92 is the WORST, i wouldnt even say that about an 84, but i might about a 78-82-ive never really liked those years as far as reliability goes.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Re: 1992 C4 (vetteaddict)
I have an opportunity to buy a 1992 C4 convertible with only 14,000 miles, naturally I was extremely excited to go see the unit until one of my friends who is an auto broker and collects mid-sixty Corvettes said that the 1992 Corvette is the worse year GM had for vettes, he stated if I bought the car I would be spending all my time in the garage fixing it instead of driving it, for those owners of 92 corvettes I would greatly appreciate your first hand insights on my friends comments.
Many Thanks, Vetteaddict
Many Thanks, Vetteaddict
All C4s have their weakness, and a major number were resolved in the 92. The interiors are less prone to creaking and rattling... mine has a couple of cold weather noises, but thats it.
I bought mine 6/29/2000... it has 39000 miles on it... I paid 16800 for it... and it was EXACTLY what I wanted... Polo green w/ tan interior... and a 6spd... I have driven it 50,000 miles(!) since I got it... and it has NOT stranded me ONCE. It has not failed to start! It has averaged 18 around town and 26 on the highway... I would get 20mpg on my urban commute (50 miles one way).
Sure, I have had maintenance issues... brakes are normal... no biggie. the rear bearings needed replaced and I still want to replace the u-joints... window seals are questionable, but they are on all GMs! My clutch should go another 20k, at least... I am not abusive!
If the price is right, get it... run a carfax first... and you will be more than a little happy!!! :D I know I am!!
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
Re: 1992 C4 (vetteaddict)
Quite frankly, your friend's been smoking Pop Tarts! :crazy: I love my 1992. It's easily been one of the most reliable cars I've ever owned and it's an absolute ball to drive. No unscheduled maintenance for me in the 15,000 miles I've put on her since purchasing last year.
IMO, the 92's got a bad rep because of the Opti-spark Modules (distributors) which were unvented and located directly under the water pump. Well, everyone knows (with the possible exception of that poor GM engineer) that fire and water don't mix, so you can guess the inevitable result once the pump starts weeping from bearing or seal failure... :rolleyes:
However, this unfortunate situation was rectified in 1994 with vented Optis that are far less prone to moisture saturation failure. Moreover, owners of 1992 and 1993 models can buy moisture eliminator kits or fix the defective Optis themselves for around $20 bones simply by reading the Tech Tips section of the Corvette Forum!
Look at the best Vette you can afford. That is true advise, indeed. But don't discount the 1992 Coupes or Verts on hearsay. Those LT-1 motors are strong, easily one of the finest engines the General has ever produced. Yes, I'm biased, but I know other `92 C-4 pilots can back me up!
IMO, the 92's got a bad rep because of the Opti-spark Modules (distributors) which were unvented and located directly under the water pump. Well, everyone knows (with the possible exception of that poor GM engineer) that fire and water don't mix, so you can guess the inevitable result once the pump starts weeping from bearing or seal failure... :rolleyes:
However, this unfortunate situation was rectified in 1994 with vented Optis that are far less prone to moisture saturation failure. Moreover, owners of 1992 and 1993 models can buy moisture eliminator kits or fix the defective Optis themselves for around $20 bones simply by reading the Tech Tips section of the Corvette Forum!
Look at the best Vette you can afford. That is true advise, indeed. But don't discount the 1992 Coupes or Verts on hearsay. Those LT-1 motors are strong, easily one of the finest engines the General has ever produced. Yes, I'm biased, but I know other `92 C-4 pilots can back me up!
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 12,832
Likes: 209
From: Canton GA
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03-'05-'06-'10-'11-'12
Re: 1992 C4 (vetteaddict)
See my sig... 92,500 miles and strong as can be! Never a problem with 'er!
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Re: 1992 C4 (vetteaddict)
I bought my '92 Polo Green roadster from the original owner back in '95. I had checked the service/recall history out and there were no warranty or service problems from day 1 and so far, I have had not had one bit of problem with the car. It still has the ORIGINAL battery that has tested out to still be in excellent condition.
It may only have 26K on the clock, but no problems so far and it still feels strong on the street, the autocross course or during open track events. Others here have had some problems with things like the opti or the FX3 adjustable shocks, but I guess that's something that we understand about the car in terms of where problem areas are. Some of these things aren't the most well-engineered items (in terms of longevity, at least) but I am very satisifed with the car.
As other Fourm members have said, always try to buy the best C4 that you can afford. GM did make improvements each year, and the C4 just got better and better.
As with any used Corvette, you should have it checked out by a competent Corvette mechanic to see if has any problems.
Good luck and enjoy!!
It may only have 26K on the clock, but no problems so far and it still feels strong on the street, the autocross course or during open track events. Others here have had some problems with things like the opti or the FX3 adjustable shocks, but I guess that's something that we understand about the car in terms of where problem areas are. Some of these things aren't the most well-engineered items (in terms of longevity, at least) but I am very satisifed with the car.
As other Fourm members have said, always try to buy the best C4 that you can afford. GM did make improvements each year, and the C4 just got better and better.
As with any used Corvette, you should have it checked out by a competent Corvette mechanic to see if has any problems.
Good luck and enjoy!!
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 3,641
Likes: 2
From: Southern California
Re: 1992 C4 (c4cruiser)
That's sounds like a good deal. Your friend might be jealous on you finding such a low mileage Vette. I had a similar situation so that's why I say this. Do you have anymore details on the car?
Good luck. :cheers:
Good luck. :cheers:
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 4,482
Likes: 1
From: About half a mile off Anarchy Road
Re: 1992 C4 (Raysur)
I don't think '92s are any more or less trouble than any other year.
I bought my '92 with 25,000 miles. 16,000 miles later, the only mechanical problem it's ever had was the knock sensors, which was just a nickel and dime thing.
I bought my '92 with 25,000 miles. 16,000 miles later, the only mechanical problem it's ever had was the knock sensors, which was just a nickel and dime thing.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Longview Texas
Re: 1992 C4 (vetteaddict)
My 92 is just fine, thank you. In 103,000 miles it has been nicely reliable. I recently had the brakes done and it finally took 2 new discs on the front, I replaced the IAT and O2 sensor, and except for getting ripped of at a Penske for an alternator I didn't need the only other expense has been oil changes, several sets of rear tires, and a couple of batteries. The rear tires are the fault of the LT1 engine - it smokes them too much when I have the ASR off and push the pedal too hard. As for the Opticrap, the only problem I have had with that is that I wore out a cap completely. Of course, it is getting tired, and will have to be replaced one day. But its working fine now.
If this is unreliable then I'm the man in the moon! :smash:
If this is unreliable then I'm the man in the moon! :smash:
