87 upgrade?
Banned Loser
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 53,423
Likes: 250
From: They say you learn from your mistakes, I must be a genius
2017 Corvette of the Year
2016 C4 of Year Finalist
Creator of the "Original" whining and crying thread
St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'16-'17
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,475
Likes: 270
From: Kingman AZ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Cruise-In VIII
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
According to a C4 class I took the weatherstripping is better in the 95 and 96 models. They also said that there are less rattles and squeaks in those models. The later models also had better quality Optisparks but I can't remember what years had the better ones.
The 96 LT4 engines were more sophisticated and more powerful and faster (some say) than C5s (except the Z06).
The 96 LT4 engines were more sophisticated and more powerful and faster (some say) than C5s (except the Z06).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,422
Likes: 202
wow some LT haters.. Dana 44 vs Dana 36.. better trans
50+ HP... engine bay much cleaner appearance.. easier to work on the top end
much better & faster sequential management...
better interior
cons only 5 years of engine production.. not as popular for aftermarket $$$ wise
opti is terrible to replace and ridicules money!!! if you get a ZF.. get the short throw shifter...
the factory is about the size of the Eiffel tower
I wanted to install my TCI Rattler.. but the Hub makes it impossible!!!
50+ HP... engine bay much cleaner appearance.. easier to work on the top end
much better & faster sequential management...
better interior
cons only 5 years of engine production.. not as popular for aftermarket $$$ wise
opti is terrible to replace and ridicules money!!! if you get a ZF.. get the short throw shifter...
the factory is about the size of the Eiffel tower
I wanted to install my TCI Rattler.. but the Hub makes it impossible!!!
Last edited by THE 383 admiral; Feb 20, 2011 at 10:20 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 785
Likes: 3
From: Richmond Virginia
Pros: (I own a '96)---LTX power, great brakes, great handling,for a Vette it's quiet and smooth inside while driving. The 4l60E is a good tranny if you go with a automatic. All things considered great fuel economy. The '96 is OBD2 which I prefer as far as diagnostics go.
Cons: LTXs use the Opti distributor (good idea/poor location)--I've replaced the water pump and opti on mine. '95-'96 used a improved vented opti--that said none of them like getting wet. I personally did not like the Bose stereo, so I went aftermarket which was a project. The interior is not the best--may be a improvement over the earlier C4s--however I've had the dreaded door panel, dash pad and dash trim panel issues.
Overall the C4s were improved through the years and the LTXs with the performance axles are excellent "bang for your buck" IMO.
Cons: LTXs use the Opti distributor (good idea/poor location)--I've replaced the water pump and opti on mine. '95-'96 used a improved vented opti--that said none of them like getting wet. I personally did not like the Bose stereo, so I went aftermarket which was a project. The interior is not the best--may be a improvement over the earlier C4s--however I've had the dreaded door panel, dash pad and dash trim panel issues.
Overall the C4s were improved through the years and the LTXs with the performance axles are excellent "bang for your buck" IMO.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 73,568
Likes: 33
From: Somewhere in Mo
St. Jude Donor '09-'10, '14
I would go with the LT4 myself. Power of the C5 LS1 but the race car feel and look of the C4.
Can't go wrong with that one. But if you want an A4 any of the LT1's would do. I think they upgraded the opti in 94 though if that's a concern.
Can't go wrong with that one. But if you want an A4 any of the LT1's would do. I think they upgraded the opti in 94 though if that's a concern.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 17,551
Likes: 26
From: El Paso Texas
I'm coming up on a year with my 95 and love the car. It's night and day different from an early C4. Much more refined, fewer rattles, ample power and good mileage. That said, the 84 handled better, though I don't mind the trade off for the extra comfort.
Get a well cared for specimen, and you'll love it.
Get a well cared for specimen, and you'll love it.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
Newer = better (For the most part). Just picked up a 95 last 2 weeks ago and love it. Ive test driven alot of c4's and the newer ones just feel more solid. Less rattles, more power, usually less miles too. Id say go for the newest you can get. LT4 would be tank too. but LT1 still packs a punch.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,422
Likes: 202
