C4 Common Problems
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,130
Likes: 19
From: Arkansas
I have put over 250,000 miles on C4's of different years.
I have owned:
5 - 84's Currently own 1
1 - 85
2 - 86 verts
1 - 87 coupe
2 - 88 coupes
1 - 92 vert Currently own
I am not an expert, but here are my experiences.
I have put steering racks in an 84 and an 86. Make sure the car in question has been sitting for a few hours. As soon as you start the car, turn the wheel to each side. If there is a sticky spot, plan on replacing the rack.
I have replaced automatic transmissions in an 84 an 86 and a 92 (twice). Early GM overdrives were weak. After 86 a lot of the problems were fixed.
Radiators become clogged with debris and must be cleaned or replaced.
I have put two opti spark distributors on my 92. It currently has 160,000 miles.
Bose radios and amps will go out, I need to replace 3 amps in my 92.
Early digital dashes will need bulbs at some point. Not a big deal, but annoying when you have to replace them.
This may sound like a lot, but if you look at each car individually, it was not a lot of repairs.
Knock on wood, I have never had to replace an engine. My 84 has 206k miles and my 92 has 160k. They are tough cars and just seem to keep going.
Hope this helps.
Shawn
I have owned:
5 - 84's Currently own 1
1 - 85
2 - 86 verts
1 - 87 coupe
2 - 88 coupes
1 - 92 vert Currently own
I am not an expert, but here are my experiences.
I have put steering racks in an 84 and an 86. Make sure the car in question has been sitting for a few hours. As soon as you start the car, turn the wheel to each side. If there is a sticky spot, plan on replacing the rack.
I have replaced automatic transmissions in an 84 an 86 and a 92 (twice). Early GM overdrives were weak. After 86 a lot of the problems were fixed.
Radiators become clogged with debris and must be cleaned or replaced.
I have put two opti spark distributors on my 92. It currently has 160,000 miles.
Bose radios and amps will go out, I need to replace 3 amps in my 92.
Early digital dashes will need bulbs at some point. Not a big deal, but annoying when you have to replace them.
This may sound like a lot, but if you look at each car individually, it was not a lot of repairs.
Knock on wood, I have never had to replace an engine. My 84 has 206k miles and my 92 has 160k. They are tough cars and just seem to keep going.
Hope this helps.
Shawn
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,848
Likes: 16
From: St. Louis, Mo......... 1993 Torch Red w/White Interior...2006-07 Bloomington Gold 2005-ZR1/C4 Gathering, 2001-2012 Funfest
C4 Common Problems
One common problem with the 6 speeds is the clutch master cylinder can go dry. If this happens it will then leak on the inside firewall and need to be replaced. Ask me how I know.
It is located under the computer. Out of site, out of mind.
This happened to mine. Bought it with 11k in 2001. 2 months later, dry as a bone. My guess is no one ever checked it.
Another issue is the steering rack can get some play.
Bose CD player usually has issues. Along with the speakers/amps.
Rik
It is located under the computer. Out of site, out of mind.
This happened to mine. Bought it with 11k in 2001. 2 months later, dry as a bone. My guess is no one ever checked it.
Another issue is the steering rack can get some play.
Bose CD player usually has issues. Along with the speakers/amps.
Rik
Last edited by Riks40th; Oct 6, 2009 at 10:25 PM.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 362
Likes: 81
From: Indianapolis
I don't have a 6 on my Vette, but I do on my NC Miata--no clutch fluid no clutch action. So no, you couldn't shift as your clutch wouldnt engage (or disengage as the case may be). My friend has a 6 speed on his 95, he says he changes the clutch fluid annually, as it gets really ugly after about 18 mons. But that's hearsay ;-)
R
Last edited by Ronn38; Dec 7, 2020 at 02:10 AM.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 277
Likes: 9
From: Clark County Nevada
I like the look of all the C4's but go for the 94-96 if you can find what you want. Most of the upgrades/changes were done by then. All the typical things that can go wrong on an older car should be evaluated: Suspension (shocks, bushings, joints, etc), Steering rack.
The Optispark distributor is the main thing that typically goes wrong and will need to be replaced with an upgraded aftermarket one. While you're at it replace the water pump. Other maintenance items I did included: better radiator, coolant temperature sensor, thermostat, a few hoses replaced, fuel filter, plugs, wires, and injectors. After that the car ran perfect! The fuel pump is easy to replace and part isn't that expensive. You could replace it in an hour or so, and I would do it as preventative t if the car has been sitting many years.
The Optispark distributor is the main thing that typically goes wrong and will need to be replaced with an upgraded aftermarket one. While you're at it replace the water pump. Other maintenance items I did included: better radiator, coolant temperature sensor, thermostat, a few hoses replaced, fuel filter, plugs, wires, and injectors. After that the car ran perfect! The fuel pump is easy to replace and part isn't that expensive. You could replace it in an hour or so, and I would do it as preventative t if the car has been sitting many years.
Last edited by Barchetta; Dec 6, 2020 at 11:45 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,699
Likes: 231
From: Hawthorne CA
