Hi,
I'm wondering what kind of c4 to get for around $12,000. I've narrowed it down to 85-97, but I can't decide. What are the acceleration times of the different years of c4 because I know they're engines change horsepower almost yearly during those years. And also, would you guys get a manual or an automatic, based on performance and longetivity of the transmission.
John

 

I'll sell you my black/black '89 6-speed w/ 53,000 miles for $12k. Seriously.

Edit: For $12k you are likely looking in the '88 - '92 model year range, depending on condition. General rule of thumb is to get the best maintained Vette you can. That doesn't necessarily equate to newest.


[Modified by Scoob, 11:15 AM 6/14/2002]

 

Generally, get the newest one with the lowest miles that you can afford. :yesnod:

You need to narrow it down some. Vert or Coupe, Man or Auto? Have an idea which colors you like and cannot stand. Then start your search.

For that price range, you are looking at early years I would think. The 90 was the first year without the star wars dash and had the new interior. 92 was the first year of the LT-1.

 

Check this out.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=1836228385

I would sure consider stretching the budget to get it if I wanted another vette.

 

youre looking in the 89-92 range for 12K, try to get a 6speed, but its best to get the newest you can afford

 

Considering the C4 was made from 84-96, you haven't narrowed it too much! '97 was the first year for the C5, by the way.

The hp jumped considerably in '85 due to the TPI to about 230, but then didn't change much (5 hp in mid-86 w/alum. heads, 5 more hp in '87 w/roller lifters) and remained at or around 245 until the LT-1 engine in '92 (went to 300 hp).
The L-98 engines are known to be torquey engines that you can mod cheaply, but have somewhat anemic intakes that limit upper rpm horsepower and are usually ported to increase flow or replaced by a Super-Ram, Mini-Ram, or aftermarket/siamesed runners and lower intake if someone desires upper rpm performance (possibly at the expense of some low-end torque). The LT-1 has a higher peformance intake improving upper rpm hp, but due to having a different camshaft and intake supposedly does not have the "seat of the pants pull" off the line that the L98 motors have but will overtake a STOCK L98 from about 70 mph + (this is a subject of constant debate here on the forum, along with Vette vs. Mustang/F-body Camaros, manual vs. automatic, etc. I've noticed most are biased to what they own, as they should be. I would be.)

As far as transmissions go, the Doug Nash 4+3 manual has a reputation of poor reliability before '87 (as improvements were implemented in '86 I think), as well as requiring overdrive fluid changes every 15,000 miles or so. Big bucks if you have to replace/rebuild the OD unit. It is a very unique transmission in how it operates, however, as you have two gear ratios in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gear to choose from and a kickdown feature in each gear like an automatic would have. I can tell you more if you're interested.
The zf 6-speed was introduced in '89 and was used through '96 I believe. It has a better reputation, although you'll hear a term CAGS which forces you to shift from 1st to 4th when driving at low speeds (for government fuel regulations) that is often disabled by the owners. You can search the archives for CAGS to find out how.

Automatics I'm not as familiar with yet, but since the ratio built of autos compared to manuals was usually around 3:1 (about 70% more autos made), I'll have to keep learning. The autos used were 700R4 (also known as 4L60) until '94, then were called 4L60E's (E for Electronic). The 700R4's had their share of problems that also were resolved sometime around '87 as they went from 27 spline shaft to a 32 spline shaft, or something like that. I believe the earlier ones also had front pump seals go bad, although I'm not sure on that either. At any rate, they made improvements over the years in engine, transmission, interior, etc. That is why everyone says get the newest you can afford. Mostly little details that can add up and make a big difference.

(And to think I've learned all this in 2 or 3 months! :crazy:) The best advice I can give you is to Search the Archives. There is a wealth of information, although it can take a long time to find it!


[Modified by OTCgrad, 5:07 PM 6/14/2002]


[Modified by OTCgrad, 5:08 PM 6/14/2002]

 

Drive as many different ones as you can. It is going to be a personal preference as to a manual or auto transmission, coupe or conv. etc. The LT1 revs better then a stock L98, and is rated 50 to 70 hp higher. This soulds like a lot, but in stock form the cars are closer in performance then it would appear. I personally believe it is because of the gearing on a L98 is more suited to the rpm range that the car operates in most of the time. It seems that a LT1 really benefits from a gear change where as the L98 does not. The newer vettes seem to ride smoother then the older ones, and I guess that you are giving up some of the cornering abilitys with this softer ride. After you have made your decision about what type of vette you want, try to get one in as good of shape as possible. These things are not cheap to fix. Leather seat covers and new foam will run 800 and up, sport seats have a lot of parts that break and are expensive, ie air bladders, pumps, switches etc. Weather stripping is very expensive. My first vette was a 86 z-51 4+3 coupe. It rode rough, and to be honest about it, I like a softer ride, a auto, and the top off. Yes you can take the top off ,on a coupe, but it isnt the same, there is more air turbulance and its just not as open as the vert. I use mine about 3 to 4 thousand miles a year. So some of the things I want will be much different to someone who drives theirs every day, ie: a conv is not as secure, and it has only half of the cargo area, and that disappears when you put the top down. The bottom line is, try to decide what you intend to use the vette for, decide what options best suit your needs, and then try to pick one in the best shape that you can. Good luck hunting!!

 

If u want my advice...........get a 90 or 91. Skip the 92 unless u got xtra cash to spend on repairs(optis) from the LT1. The 90 and 91 both had the new interior and not the star wars type dash. They also have L98s with MAT systems and not the MAF sys(Only as backup). The 90 or 91s will take care of your luxury needs and power needs without the cost of opti repairs. If you've got a little $$ left to play with u can spend it on mods to your desire. It depends though..............if you can get an 88 or 89 for a good price(or below) preferably with mods for that kinda cash...........then it might be suitable to you. As long as u dont mind that wierd dash. It would bother me big time.........but I guess it depends on the individual.

 

hi johnlangone i just bought a 1985 vette with 25000 mi orig everything it is solid quiet remarkably kept gold on gold i really like it i pd 11700

 

Mine's for sale pretty cheap for it's condition.
Thread URL :
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=316124
PIcs / INFO : Http://www.athomepc.net/vette-sale.htm

:D

 

12k, 91 and later. 12k can buy a 93 LT-1 theres a nice 93 on Corvette Trader for $12,900.
The newer the better. For 5-6K you can buy a 84-86. There nice cars and a good place to start.
The opti is no big deal, but 300 ponies is!
Not to mention better ride, breaking, steering, comfort, resale.

 

I just bought a 92 coupe 6 speed with 63K miles new tires and in excellent condition. I paid $14,600. Looked at 40-50 first. None in this nice of shape. Also has selective ride control and CD player. All carpet is perfect etc... Most I looked at had dings or bad weather stripping or or or.... In any case. Shop a while and get to know what is out there. I picked the 92 because it was nicer than any of the 93s or 94s I saw with similar miles and near the same price. Also it has the LT1 engine (new in 92) with 300hp - I'm extemely satisfied and don't need to immediately pile money into geting it as nice as I wanted it. Haqve fun on your test drives and walk away from anyone who presses you to buy. the right one is out there. You just need to be a little patient. It is well worth the wait to get a Sweet Ride.

 

one more thing...
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