Any issues with 1986 Corvette?
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Any issues with 1986 Corvette?
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?
Are there any other issues with this model year I should be aware of when I go look at it?
Racer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 496
Likes: 4
From: Cordova TN
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.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
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.
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.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,057
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
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.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 289
Likes: 1
From: Tucson Arizona
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
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Race Director
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 14,150
Likes: 936
From: Fremont Ca
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,475
Likes: 270
From: Kingman AZ
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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
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4s-...rtland-or.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,286
Likes: 6
From: Palm Beach
on a 1984 vette, what should the oil pressure read?
would like to paint the calibers red, what paint type should i use?
when getting a tune up, whats done or should i do it myself, what type of plugs and wires should i use? or should i let the dealer do the tune up, what price should i be expected to pay?
more questions to follow soon
warm regards,
glenn jr
would like to paint the calibers red, what paint type should i use?
when getting a tune up, whats done or should i do it myself, what type of plugs and wires should i use? or should i let the dealer do the tune up, what price should i be expected to pay?
more questions to follow soon
warm regards,
glenn jr
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 164
Likes: 1
From: Modesto California
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!
7th Gear
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
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.
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.