C4 Questions
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 403
Likes: 7
From: Space Coast Florida
C4 Questions
Hi guys, I have a 74' and had some questions about C4's. Like what kind of horsepower can you expect from early to late models? Are they hard to work on? Reason I'm asking is that there are a lot of early model C4's for sale that are under 5k in my area.
If I where to get one, I'd have to probably part out the 74' (its not road worthy but its very close) with 70k miles, for a car that has over 100k miles on it but could be driven right off the bat. Is the trade off worth it?
The 74' is just a base 350 as I'd think that the trade would be so there's nothing special there.. It's just a tough call I suppose and I'd like some feedback. Thanks.
If I where to get one, I'd have to probably part out the 74' (its not road worthy but its very close) with 70k miles, for a car that has over 100k miles on it but could be driven right off the bat. Is the trade off worth it?
The 74' is just a base 350 as I'd think that the trade would be so there's nothing special there.. It's just a tough call I suppose and I'd like some feedback. Thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2006
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St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
NCM Member '09
Eh, I'd keep the 74, because they are becoming rarer quicker than the C4's are right now....while it's true that the C4's are selling for less than they probably ever will, they are pretty plentiful.
As far as HP, probably about the same as your 74 once weight is accounted for, as far as the L98 cars. The later LT1/4 and ZR-1's have more to work with though, but cost more in proportion. As far as ease of working on? It's a Vette, man....ain't nothin' come cheap or easy...
As far as HP, probably about the same as your 74 once weight is accounted for, as far as the L98 cars. The later LT1/4 and ZR-1's have more to work with though, but cost more in proportion. As far as ease of working on? It's a Vette, man....ain't nothin' come cheap or easy...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 403
Likes: 7
From: Space Coast Florida
Let me rephrase, "easier to work on?" Like the engine compartment for one, many times I've been tempted to just sit in the dam area to work on something because it was in such a horrible position to get to. Does the entire front end flipping up give more room to access things?
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 15,116
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From: Salt Lake City Utah
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (stock)
Eh, I'd keep the 74, because they are becoming rarer quicker than the C4's are right now....while it's true that the C4's are selling for less than they probably ever will, they are pretty plentiful.
As far as HP, probably about the same as your 74 once weight is accounted for, as far as the L98 cars. The later LT1/4 and ZR-1's have more to work with though, but cost more in proportion. As far as ease of working on? It's a Vette, man....ain't nothin' come cheap or easy...
As far as HP, probably about the same as your 74 once weight is accounted for, as far as the L98 cars. The later LT1/4 and ZR-1's have more to work with though, but cost more in proportion. As far as ease of working on? It's a Vette, man....ain't nothin' come cheap or easy...
If you're close to getting the 74 road worthy, I would hang onto it. If you part it out you can probably make enough to buy a early C4. I own a C3 & C4, they are different cars to work on. I can do anything on my 81, but working on the 93 LT1, it's a different beast all together. The C4s have more issue that require some diagnostic equipment and they are much more complicated. They have much easier engines to access (ever try changing the plug wires on an 81????), but they require a little more finesse and automotive knowledge. I guess that's the price you pay for 300 hp compared to 190 in the 81
Having said that, I love my C4!
Last edited by Jon Hekking; Aug 2, 2009 at 02:04 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 272
Likes: 0
From: LA
I've got an 85 and it's fairly easy to work on. Anything before airbags is not too bad. 1990 was the first year for air bags. The 85 and 86 had the TPI engine. Not much for hp but lots of low end torque. (235 hp) Gets you from 0-90 rather nicely.
Later engines did better with hp.
I'm quessing that you want a car to drive, not collect. Stay away from the high hp models. They can get very expensive to keep up. Later cars with lots of options (keyless entry, automatic climate control and other goodies) can also be a pain to keep up.
You can find a lot of early model c4's right now at very good prices. Look for a car in good condition with low miles or a recent engine/transmission change. The seats and carpet can be replaced for about $1200.00. The digital dash is often dim or broken. About $500.00 to replace.
Later engines did better with hp.
I'm quessing that you want a car to drive, not collect. Stay away from the high hp models. They can get very expensive to keep up. Later cars with lots of options (keyless entry, automatic climate control and other goodies) can also be a pain to keep up.
You can find a lot of early model c4's right now at very good prices. Look for a car in good condition with low miles or a recent engine/transmission change. The seats and carpet can be replaced for about $1200.00. The digital dash is often dim or broken. About $500.00 to replace.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 215
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From: NEWPORT NEWS VA
I had a 1978 and I now have a 1995 and It is without a doubt the most easy vehicle I have ever had to work on ,I've been from top to bottom ,paint ,engine rear suspension, exhaust If you are a DIY'er you'll have no issues.
And you can get to 400HP with an LTX fairly easy compared to a lot of others.
And you can get to 400HP with an LTX fairly easy compared to a lot of others.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Riverside County Southern California
Co-winner 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
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St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
I would keep the 74. Why? My personal opinion, the 74 are unique the only corvette with a split rear bumper and unique muffler tips. Unique Vettes are special.
I assume your 74 is paid for, add a C4 to your garage Buy a late C4, a 95~96.
I assume your 74 is paid for, add a C4 to your garage
Buy a late C4, a 95~96.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 403
Likes: 7
From: Space Coast Florida
All good info, hope to pick up a pretty solid C4 if the opportunity presents itself, but I also believed that the C3's where just to precious to scrap. Thanks for the info guys I'll keep it in mind.