C6 to C4 LT4
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 760
Likes: 27
From: Farmersville Texas
C6 to C4 LT4
Ok, just got home yesterday after picking up my new '96 LT4 and driving back 1000 miles. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=2104018
I love it! So much different than my C6 was, but I like most of the differences. It's not as refined as the C6 (obviously), but I like that part. You sit lower in the car, like that part as well. The car feels more pure to me. Funny thing, I think the bose speakers sound better in this car than my C6, and I had the upgraded sound NAV option.
It's not as fast as my C6 (again obvisouly), but my C6 was modded to 420rwhp. However, it's plenty fast and pulls like a freight train.
The car has now just over 61K on the OD and looks like it only has 5K on the OD. It is in outstanding condition. No creeks, rattles, wind noise and everything works to specifications. The doors shut with a thud and the rear hatch opens quickly and without assistance. I am very pleased with the car and so is the wife (very important).
I cruised home at an average of 88mph (thanks Valentine 1) and averaged 24.1 mpg.
Things to change, new stereo with iPod/iPhone aux jack. Shorter shifter and cat-back (this car is quiet as a mouse). Probably some headers in the future.
How restrictive are the air intakes on these cars? Is it worth an aftermarket system?
I love it! So much different than my C6 was, but I like most of the differences. It's not as refined as the C6 (obviously), but I like that part. You sit lower in the car, like that part as well. The car feels more pure to me. Funny thing, I think the bose speakers sound better in this car than my C6, and I had the upgraded sound NAV option.
It's not as fast as my C6 (again obvisouly), but my C6 was modded to 420rwhp. However, it's plenty fast and pulls like a freight train.
The car has now just over 61K on the OD and looks like it only has 5K on the OD. It is in outstanding condition. No creeks, rattles, wind noise and everything works to specifications. The doors shut with a thud and the rear hatch opens quickly and without assistance. I am very pleased with the car and so is the wife (very important).
I cruised home at an average of 88mph (thanks Valentine 1) and averaged 24.1 mpg.
Things to change, new stereo with iPod/iPhone aux jack. Shorter shifter and cat-back (this car is quiet as a mouse). Probably some headers in the future.
How restrictive are the air intakes on these cars? Is it worth an aftermarket system?
CF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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Nice to see someone else that has gone from a C6 back to a C4 and prefers it. I bought a new C6 in 05 when they first came out. Fast car but almost too comfortable. I had loads of electrical problems so GM bought mine back. I bought an early C4 to replace it, an 85 with the 4 plus 3 and Z51, and really enjoy the hard ride and the instant response from the steering. The C6 steering is numb, no feedback at all. The C4 is not as fast obviously but still very torquey and fun to drive. I guess I was meant to drive old Vettes. Just got back from Carlisle and also Skyline Drive in Virginia, over 1500 miles since Thursday. Car performed flawlessly. You will enjoy that LT4. Congratulations 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,768
Likes: 33
From: Van Steel Corvettes
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
Congrats on the new ride. 
The stock intake is plenty and most aftermarket units just cost WAY too much for the very little to no gain you receive. Some look cool though.
The stock intake is plenty and most aftermarket units just cost WAY too much for the very little to no gain you receive. Some look cool though.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 760
Likes: 27
From: Farmersville Texas
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 760
Likes: 27
From: Farmersville Texas
CF JASOC Member
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Downtown Annapolis, MD. The Future is where we all have to live. Let's not screw it up.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
I test drove a C6 and just didn't like the overall feel of the car. It was very fast.
Money isn't a consideration. I just didn't care for it. Same with C5s.
I like what I like.
Money isn't a consideration. I just didn't care for it. Same with C5s.
I like what I like.
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Le Mans Master
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From: DrunkDefender
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St. Jude Donor '07-'10
Air intakes are pretty good from the factory. Just drop in a KN filter and maybe cut the factory lid and call it done.
If you get headers, get longtubes. Be prepared for exhaust resonance though. Its kinda hit or miss with these cars. Some people get bad resonance, the kind where you cant talk and carry on a conversation. Others get little or none. The Corsa catback exhaust is a bit pricey but I havent heard of any complaints of resonance with it either.
One of the best bang for the buck mods is 4.10 gears. The LT4 cars LOVE them. It makes 6th gear user friendly and puts a big ol' grin on your face. FWIW, 4.10s were good for 3 tenths in the 1/4 on my car from the stock 3.42s.
Congrats
If you get headers, get longtubes. Be prepared for exhaust resonance though. Its kinda hit or miss with these cars. Some people get bad resonance, the kind where you cant talk and carry on a conversation. Others get little or none. The Corsa catback exhaust is a bit pricey but I havent heard of any complaints of resonance with it either.
One of the best bang for the buck mods is 4.10 gears. The LT4 cars LOVE them. It makes 6th gear user friendly and puts a big ol' grin on your face. FWIW, 4.10s were good for 3 tenths in the 1/4 on my car from the stock 3.42s.
Congrats
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,129
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From: Pasadena CA
Also, it will give you just enough projects to keep you busy at the weekend/ excuses to escape from the wife
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Riverside County Southern California
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St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
The vortex and SLP are $250~$320 and you may get 3-5 RWHP. Buy a K&N, the 96 already has the opened air filter lid. I installed a Vortex Ram Air in my 95, I felt a difference but it was a PIA to install. Buy a bigger radiator with the money Welcome to the C4 Forum.
Pete
