killain

Before I say another word, I own a 84 coupe, which all things considered runs pretty good. BUT, I have been a member here and at other corvette sites. And I was wondering since I read Soooo many threads about the frustation at trying to fix this or repair that that I wanted to know about how you all feel about the C-4 model Corvette in general? Now I know some are going to hate it and some are going to love the C-4, but in general how do you think the C-4 stacks up against the other model years? I only ask because I've read more complaints it seems about the C-4 than other model years? There's the headlights, the 4+3 manual transmission, the complicated electronics, Ect? What do you think?

tomtom72

I voted "pretty good"....

My reason is that it is a waaaaay more complicated car than my first vette, a 72. Also, it's "packaging" is different, 10lbs of stuff in a 5lb bag is how I referred to my 72. My 90 seems like 50lbs of stuff in a 10 lb bag. It was a whole new learning curve to me, the electronics' aspect of the car. Too much stuff! I was intimidated & terrified in the beginning, now I'm just about warming up to C4 quirks and have a small level of confidence that I can work thru it's computer systems. Also, from a mechanical aspect my 90 is vastly different than my C3, the motor isn't even in this equation as it's a whole book by itself. The only other downside is that I keep buying vettes that are at the end of factory support and the aftermarket hasn't really kicked in full swing yet....sometimes that gets frustrating!

Now that was the 'cons'. The 'Pros'..........I love this car! This thing does everything that my 72 LT-1 w/ owner installed ZR1 package does, only it's light years down the road and does those things soooo much better it makes me wanna cry...sometimes...because I thought that my 72 "was all that"....NOT, after I drove my 90 ZR-1 I saw just how much the engineers at BG really want a new generation to be better than the previous....those guys were serious as death. to Davey Mac & all those guys. Thank you for my car!

Oh, I'm sure that if I drove a C5 or C6 that I'd see the same gap in engineering....who says that the engineers at GM can't design squat?

JMHO:o

Tom

zr1fred

Most of the problems were solved by thr 87 my, most of the problems now are generically geriatric (common old age). Some have been grossly overblown, ie. Vats, crossfire, opti-spark, and many of the problems were learning curve problems for the "old school" mechanics. The most produced vette, and the most driven, with the average mileage well over 150k, and the most reliable, overall! (we'll see if that holds up when the C5's and C6's start getting over 130k mi.)

VetBoyZR1

Pretty good. It's not perfect, but I had a whole lot more trouble with my C3's and C5's. I think the early C5 was the worst Vette I ever owned. Maybe I'll like the C6 better, once the car depreciates some more.

BluRay

One thing to remember, not many people write in just to say their car is running fine. You only really get to see the dark side in tech and help forums.

tomtom72

but to be fair to my Z........she's real fine & runs real fine, too!



:o and I'm one of the "old school" backyard guys that used to be afraid of computer cars. The one thing that ya can't beat with a big stick as far as 'puter cars are concerned.......the dang gas milage is off da hook. My LT-1 didn't even dream about the gas milage that my ZR-1 gets!

Wezel

My 96 is great. However, it's always been babied; never driven very hard. Always garaged. When I bought my C6 I was at first going to sell it, but then realized that, with 67,000 miles, it was worth more to me as my "second" Corvette than the money. I love it's looks. When it rattles I just think "well, it's a C4".

Larry/car

I too bought a C6, but I liked my C4 so I kept it as my second Corvette. Mine has been trouble free after owning it four years. The tire pressure warning system could be better.

TGReaper

I love my 87 vert. I started with the Tr,s and the Healy's then the bikes, this is the answer,fun to use and it dos'nt fall over if I don't put my foot down.
Regards: C4

Relic

You don't have an entry for love/hate. It's both for me, depending on the day, and what the car has done or not done lately.

H P Bushrod

I'm on my 2nd C4 and I love the design. It's the Corvette generation I had to own. Looking forward to getting a C4 vert.

Itshakes

I drove two C6's last week, one was an automatic, and one was a 6sp. Z51 car. They were both fantastic cars. If I had to chose, I would have to pick the 6sp. Z51 car. It was incredible!

After driving those two, I got in the LT4 to go home, and it felt sooo good, just like an old shoe feels when you put it on. The C6's are wonderful cars, but I'll keep the '96. It's paid for too!

pologreen1

pretty good, because it is not exactly what I want, but it has the potential to give me what I want! as far as problems none but the typical 90' air bag light went on. Oh and my tires wear out. KNOCK ON WOOD!

pianoguy

Every time I think about getting a newer one, I ask myself if I'd be happier with that and a car payment, or with my free-and-clear LT4, and the LT4 wins hands down every time. It's been good to me so far and I've tried to return the favor. The most enjoyment I've ever had from a car.

PLRX

Three C4 and I already know I'll buy a fourth one. I'm thinking about buying a 96 LT4 and give it a Grand Sport paint job. Besides the VIN, a GS is just a paint job. This is a long-long term project after I finish my current project.

nferr

I appreciate it for what it is. I love to hear the V8 burble. Mines an 84 Z-51 so of course it's not the fastest thing out there. It rides and rattles like a Mack truck but handles like it's on rails and the steering is dart quick. Still love the C4 style, have since it first came out. And so far it's been pretty reliable considering it's 25 years old.

xrcrx

I've always loved the C4 body style, my car has given me more than one headache over the last 3.5 yrs but then again it's a daily driver, autoX ,drag race, and road trip car. I've upgraded to a 383, rebuilt the trans and added 3.75 gears. Beeen worth every peeny over almost 35k miles since i've owned it.

BADRACR1

I have an 84 CrossFire, 4+3, Z51. Yeah, it has all the bad stuff. I love this car. I'm sure the newer ones are better, ride better, and are faster and get better gas mileage. I had an 80 model auto before and these two cars are worlds apart, and I am sure the new ones are the same compared to mine. I have had Camaros, Trans Ams, Mustangs, Chargers, Road Runners, MGB's, Conquests, and I like all of them. But at the time this car was built it was a world class car. I got used to the squeaks and don't hear them anymore. It needs weatherstripping and seatcovers replaced. The CrossFire still works okay, but my OD is getting a little rebellious in reverse sometimes. I really enjoy the way the car feels when I am driving. Some have said it has the fighter cockpit feel, and I get that. I'm sure I would enjoy the C5 & C6 too, but it wouldn't be the same. In many ways better, but not the same.

StealthLT4

All Corvettes have problems when they get older. I'm not saying I haven't said my share of curse words at my car while working on it , but at the end of the day, I can't think of anything I'd rather have. At least nothing that I could afford...

ZumZum

Mine seems like it's always a work in progress. Even when it's running perfectly I'm thinking about future mods and go fast(er) goodies.