1991 Corvette
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
1991 Corvette need advise!!
Newbie here!!!! 
here's the story, I'm getting a killer deal on a 1991 Corvette, but I don't really what to look out for in it. Any info well help greatly. Thanks
1991 corvette 120k all stock female owned
here's the story, I'm getting a killer deal on a 1991 Corvette, but I don't really what to look out for in it. Any info well help greatly. Thanks 1991 corvette 120k all stock female owned
Last edited by 1sick68; Oct 24, 2012 at 12:57 PM.
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
My best advice is take a C4 owner with you to look at the car and test drive it. They can save you a bunch of $$$$$!
You can look in your area of the Events and Regional section here to find someone.
Common problems are inoperative/noisy headlight motors, crumbling/torn weatherstripping, leaking head gaskets, worn out wheel bearings, AC weak or not working, valve cover and intake manifold leaking, worn fuel injectors, slipping auto tranny or slipping clutch, electrical switches that are not working, cracked glass, worn wheel bearings, worn/ripped seating surfaces, heater leaking, worn breaks. The list of expensive repairs can go on and on.
If you are lucky the previous owner(s) kept receipts and proof of regular maintenance.
Good luck!
You can look in your area of the Events and Regional section here to find someone.
Common problems are inoperative/noisy headlight motors, crumbling/torn weatherstripping, leaking head gaskets, worn out wheel bearings, AC weak or not working, valve cover and intake manifold leaking, worn fuel injectors, slipping auto tranny or slipping clutch, electrical switches that are not working, cracked glass, worn wheel bearings, worn/ripped seating surfaces, heater leaking, worn breaks. The list of expensive repairs can go on and on.
If you are lucky the previous owner(s) kept receipts and proof of regular maintenance.
Good luck!
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 11,889
Likes: 8
From: Whitefish Falls Ontario
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Check out this link for someone in your area.. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/tran...solidated.html 
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Ok just test drove the C4. Got a coupe question that need answering.
1. The trany feels a little werid upon acceleration, like its a slipping a little but when you but the peddle down brakes the tires lose and you can feel the torque. Does it feel like that because of the small gear ratio in the diff??
2. No major leaks or oil build up, but does smell like burned oil after driving for a little. Would this be from a clogged PCV system?
3. Steering wheel locks in place but has a lot of play(up an down movement). Is this problem common?
I live in Los Angeles Ca area anyone with that can come with to look at it PM me. Thanks!!!
1. The trany feels a little werid upon acceleration, like its a slipping a little but when you but the peddle down brakes the tires lose and you can feel the torque. Does it feel like that because of the small gear ratio in the diff??
2. No major leaks or oil build up, but does smell like burned oil after driving for a little. Would this be from a clogged PCV system?
3. Steering wheel locks in place but has a lot of play(up an down movement). Is this problem common?
I live in Los Angeles Ca area anyone with that can come with to look at it PM me. Thanks!!!
Pro
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 695
Likes: 55
From: Palm Desert California
I've owned a 91 vert for 16 years, it's a great car ,you just have to stay on top of the little things along the way. Your tranny is probably just hunting ,the lock up torque converter causes that sensation. i just drive mine alot in "D" around town and in overdrive on the freeeway. I have the 2.59 rear gears which makes my car seem a little on the slow side. But having said that 120k ,you might be looking at a rebuild. The oil smell could be coming from the oil sending unit thats located behind the distributor and leaking down the back of the engine. Thats a common problem (replaced mine twice) also the intake manifold could be leaking (also replaced mine twice) . Wish I was a little closer Im in palm desert,and would be glad to look at it for you. Hows the paint and interior, expensive items, also sounds like the tilt column is worn from people using the steering wheel to brace them selves while getting out . Keep us posted 
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,796
Likes: 14
From: Nampa Idaho
Newbie here!!!! here's the story, I'm getting a killer deal on a 1991 Corvette, but I don't really what to look out for in it. Any info well help greatly. Thanks
1991 corvette 120k all stock female owned
1991 corvette 120k all stock female owned
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,882
Likes: 234
From: Bangkok, Thailand
I bought a 91 earlier this year. A "killer deal" would be $3500 or less. Post some pics and we can help more. If you can get a picture of the sticker with the build codes that is on the inside of the consle lid, that would help us to help you too.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,426
Likes: 229
From: Pennsylvania
Well it does look good in the pictures. 
The few things you noted needing repairs won't empty your wallet too badly. Can you let us all in on what the price might be? I hope you can get it at a good price, but do beware if the price is ridiculously low. There's always a reason for that. The seller tells the buyer what a good deal he's offering and when the buyer gets it home, he finds out just what a deal he did get.
The few things you noted needing repairs won't empty your wallet too badly. Can you let us all in on what the price might be? I hope you can get it at a good price, but do beware if the price is ridiculously low. There's always a reason for that. The seller tells the buyer what a good deal he's offering and when the buyer gets it home, he finds out just what a deal he did get.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,154
Likes: 2
From: Ft Myers Florida
I find that 90% of the time the oil smell is from loose valve cover screws, see how tight they are.
The loose column is bushings worn out in the tilt. Easier to replace the entire column than anything else.
The loose column is bushings worn out in the tilt. Easier to replace the entire column than anything else.