DrXtreme

I am looking at an 86 corvette. The only problems are passenger widow regulator needs to be replaced and AC does not work, but compressor not locked up.

Are there any other issues with this model year I should be aware of when I go look at it?

85vette-84vette

check which heads it has, if the valve covers are held on with perimeter bolts they are iron heads, if the valve covers have center bolts holding the valve covers on you have the better aluminium heads.

DrXtreme

Any other mechanical issues with the model year? I'm new to owning a Corvette and its been years since I have done the research (kids sidelined all hobbies).

megtom2

Not sure about there being a difference in reliability between the cast iron and aluminum heads but the 5hp difference shouldn't deter you if it is a cast iron car. Does it have the 4+3? It supposedly is a headache and a boat load of cash to get fixed. Most of the problems with our 86 have been fairly minor and I have been able to do them myself(seat covers, antenna, electric door lock, fuel pump relay wires, clean out radiator, clean up grounds for digital dash and replace bulbs.....few others) but you probably get the picture. These cars are 23 years old and unless the PO kept up with everthing you'll be busy for a while. Someone here reminded me of how they were built because I had forgotten these cars came with 12 month/12k mile warranties or whatever it was instead of the 36/36 at least that is the norm now.

DrXtreme

Looks like cast iron heads. It has the 700R4 and owner claims it shifts well. Second owner selling it, female owned, and claims to have sales records and every receipt.

The small minor mechanical I don't mind like the window regualtor, AC, ground fixes etc. I just don't want to buy a project in fear of wrath of the wife.

Relic

I agree, but I think the aluminum heads are more prone to blowing a head gasket, the dissimilar metals thing.

An 86 is a great car, but here are a couple of gotchas:

- Lower HP. It has 235, in 92 they upped it to 300.
- Brittle wires. The wires used in early C4s tends to get dry and pull back from the ends, exposing connections.
- Wheel offset for 84-87 is different from 88 and up. It will limit availability of aftermarket wheels.

Other than that, great car.

azrocketman

I've owned my '86 convertible since July. The oil pressure sender was not working properly (indicated by oil pressure being pegged at 80 psi and not varying significantly). Also, it appears that the previous owner disconnected the "check engine" light so it would not show the intermittent codes 24 and 34 it now displays (but the car runs fine and it passed emissions prior to sale, still trying to troubleshoot). Make sure that the check engine light briefly illuminates on your car while starting. The AC had to be recharged (done by previous owner prior to sale). Generally, I think the '86 is a pretty good vehicle.

Probably the biggest problem with these cars is the Bose radio. My rear speakers do not operate (have not tried to troubleshoot yet). Many owners report a variety of issues with the Bose. Also, because of the Bose "architecture" using amps at the speakers, the replacement of the Bose sytem can be more complicated than a simple remove and replace.

Steve

DrXtreme

I appreciate everyones feedback. The Maaco paint job and musty interior smell changed my mind on this car.

RedVette84

Maaco

Z51JEFF

Early car,this is what you can expect,window regs junk,already proven,the steering rack will need to be replaced regardless and the issue of the A.C. it might be the clutch,these are junk in the early cars.The paint will fall off the car.This is just for starters for anybody looking at an early C4.

corvetteronw

Take a look at this one. Seller seems to be up front and the price is decent.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4s-...rtland-or.html

MK 82

Pretty sure any issues it may have had would have been worked out in 23 years. I owned one and had no trouble from it.

MK 82

Starting your own thread would be nice instead of hijacking this one.

FOURSPEEDVETTE

pologreen1

each has there own.
My dad has an 86 Z51 4+3 and has no problems, not his choice car though.

jon0108

luv my 86

86IndyCarVette

Love my '86 also......

Targa86

Love mine too. Found window regulators are junk (very slow) and Insterment cluster failing (blinks when it wants to). Also the electronic A.C. head unit also goes AWAL sometimes. Other than that, awesome car!

Biker

Besides a bad power window switch, I haven't had any problems with my '86.

ssome

problems with the '86 are the same as the problems for the '84.
I've had both. and been 'had' by Corvette. 2 yrs and they didn't fix one thing.
MAF sensor relay, passenger door window, power antenna, water pump, 3 alternators, smog pump, overheating, gas/air mixture, etc.

this week's problem is the transmission, 700R4, won't go into any gear.