C4 Reliability
Thread Starter
Goon Squad BS Detector
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 37,110
Likes: 428
From: Over there ———>
2018 C4 of the Year Winner
2017 C4 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '15, '17
C4 Reliability
I've read so many posts about owners who call their cars money pits and all about the various expenses/repairs they've put into their C4s over the years. My first 'vette is a lifelong dream come true. An 89 coupe, bone stock, which I love and generally intend to keep stock. Not the fastest car in the world, but more than fast enough for the street, or to get a speeding ticket, or to get killed in (knock on wood!).
I am basically the second owner of a faithfully maintained, garage kept gem. No issues whatsoever so far (knock on wood again!). I've put almost 8k miles on her since May 2012 for a total of just over 60k. I'm almost 50 and don't drive like a maniac (anymore); haven't cracked 100 mph (but have come close).
Only major repairs before I bought it were to the fuel delivery system. Injectors, fuel pump, fuel lines, gas tank. And that's only because it sat for 18 months without being started. Plus bushings on one headlight.
Is my ride the exception? What can I expect over the next several years? Let's hear from others whose C4s have been reliable over their almost 30-year life span.
I am basically the second owner of a faithfully maintained, garage kept gem. No issues whatsoever so far (knock on wood again!). I've put almost 8k miles on her since May 2012 for a total of just over 60k. I'm almost 50 and don't drive like a maniac (anymore); haven't cracked 100 mph (but have come close).
Only major repairs before I bought it were to the fuel delivery system. Injectors, fuel pump, fuel lines, gas tank. And that's only because it sat for 18 months without being started. Plus bushings on one headlight.
Is my ride the exception? What can I expect over the next several years? Let's hear from others whose C4s have been reliable over their almost 30-year life span.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,751
Likes: 276
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
They are very reliable in stock form, i had mine for 10 years before i modified her and only had a starter motor and fuel pump die, apart from that just the regular servicing.
Once you modify them ''power wise'' you will need transmissions and universal joints regularly. Not to mention better brakes,That is the price you pay as they were only designed for limited h/p and torque. Be prepared to spend a couple grand for a h/d trans. so keep her stock keep your hands clean and enjoy
Once you modify them ''power wise'' you will need transmissions and universal joints regularly. Not to mention better brakes,That is the price you pay as they were only designed for limited h/p and torque. Be prepared to spend a couple grand for a h/d trans. so keep her stock keep your hands clean and enjoy
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
I bought my first C-4 last November. It had some issues right off the bat. So far it seems pretty easy to work on if you have the FSM. This is what I've replaced so far:
AC programmer (expensive part and theres still some with my blend door not working)
Tires (very expensive)
Tie- rod end
Antenna rod replacement
Cooling fan override kit
Optispark,wires,plugs
Water pump
K&N air filter
Fuel filter
Fuel injectors
Head lights
There's still some things I need to look at such as, check engine lite and some other things but it runs great and I'm enjoying the hell out of it ?
AC programmer (expensive part and theres still some with my blend door not working)
Tires (very expensive)
Tie- rod end
Antenna rod replacement
Cooling fan override kit
Optispark,wires,plugs
Water pump
K&N air filter
Fuel filter
Fuel injectors
Head lights
There's still some things I need to look at such as, check engine lite and some other things but it runs great and I'm enjoying the hell out of it ?
Thread Starter
Goon Squad BS Detector
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 37,110
Likes: 428
From: Over there ———>
2018 C4 of the Year Winner
2017 C4 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '15, '17
"so keep her stock keep your hands clean and enjoy"
Excellent advice! Although he didn't always follow his own advice, my dad (R.I.P.) used to tell me that classic cars in stock form maintain their value the best.
Excellent advice! Although he didn't always follow his own advice, my dad (R.I.P.) used to tell me that classic cars in stock form maintain their value the best.
Drifting
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,336
Likes: 15
From: Mechanicsburg PA
Central PA Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
Let's face it... the C4 is emerging as a modern classic; and the earliest 84 model is 30 years old.
My 93 just turned 20.
There's at least four different directions and reasons... and each has the same answer; more money.
1. Lack of maintenance.
2. Regular maintenance
3. Rarity of available parts
4. NCRS
My 93 appeared completely bone stock - until the tires came off... showing upgraded slotted rotors. Spent last Summer replacing every small component of the fuel and spark systems from the fuel pump to the injectors, ICM, wires, and plugs because the age and decayed condition of the OEM rubber/silicone and damage by the ethanol gas.
Weatherstripping, Bilstein shocks, sway bar links, antennae, tires, etc.
The Opti replacement and OEM waterpump is sitting on the shelf waiting for their turn.
Now mechanically refreshed - feels strong, responsive and young again. Its the nature of beast... the cost of having fun!
*** Now ponder this notion - fast forward 20 years from now; consider the new C7 being 20 years old - and the vast amounts of electronics in her. That could make life very interesting keeping the electronics in working condition over the long term.
My 93 just turned 20.
There's at least four different directions and reasons... and each has the same answer; more money.
1. Lack of maintenance.
2. Regular maintenance
3. Rarity of available parts
4. NCRS
My 93 appeared completely bone stock - until the tires came off... showing upgraded slotted rotors. Spent last Summer replacing every small component of the fuel and spark systems from the fuel pump to the injectors, ICM, wires, and plugs because the age and decayed condition of the OEM rubber/silicone and damage by the ethanol gas.
Weatherstripping, Bilstein shocks, sway bar links, antennae, tires, etc.
The Opti replacement and OEM waterpump is sitting on the shelf waiting for their turn.
Now mechanically refreshed - feels strong, responsive and young again. Its the nature of beast... the cost of having fun!
*** Now ponder this notion - fast forward 20 years from now; consider the new C7 being 20 years old - and the vast amounts of electronics in her. That could make life very interesting keeping the electronics in working condition over the long term.
Last edited by Bandit's C4; Mar 2, 2013 at 09:50 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 16,837
Likes: 338
From: Database Error Indiana
Around 100k I started having a lot of relay failures. MAF, Bose speaker, fuel pump, fan. Alternator died early. Those are the biggest problems Ive had. At 163k the posi needs rebuilt for the second time but thats due to me doing dry burnouts at the track. A normal driver, should be able to keep a C4 going for a long time with basic maintenance.
Thread Starter
Goon Squad BS Detector
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 37,110
Likes: 428
From: Over there ———>
2018 C4 of the Year Winner
2017 C4 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '15, '17
Thanks for the optimistic posts. I didn't mention that the Bose stereo was shot when I got it. The speakers were crackly and hissy and I knew I had to replace it. I understand that's pretty typical for these old systems. I replaced it with a Sony system with CD player, iPod capability, Pandora radio, auxiliary input, etc. and JL speakers. A definite upgrade! Mechanically she's very sound and I look forward to many years of enjoyment and perhaps passing it down to my son one day when I'm old and decrepit and he has to pry my drivers license away from me. 
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,605
Likes: 202
From: Trinity FL
Its just another Chevy in terms of reliability. It will leak oil a little, make noise, and rattle some. Just keep it maintained and they can be reliable performance cars. I daily drive my 94' 6 speed with 111,000 on it.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 150
Likes: 6
From: Friendly WV
I just bought my 90 and it's my first so I'm no expert. From what I can tell it's very stock. It's showing 190K on the ckock and both the L98 and transmission were rebuilt a couple years ago. I bought it in NC and drove it 6 hrs to get it home. It ran and drove like it was new and got me 23mpg doing it. I did an autocheck before buying it and the car has passed NC emisions tests several times, at least once since it's rebuild. I'm a hard core Mopar guy who has a soft spot for Vettes. It's like anything else, there are good ones and bad ones in every camp. "Take good care of it and treat it well" covers a lot of ground. So far, this Mopar guy is very impressed and doesn't understand why C4s are so cheep. The C4 has to be the best bang for your buck car out there, bar none.
Thread Starter
Goon Squad BS Detector
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 37,110
Likes: 428
From: Over there ———>
2018 C4 of the Year Winner
2017 C4 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '15, '17
"The C4 has to be the best bang for your buck car out there, bar none."
I think this has been a true statement for Corvettes in general ever since the C4 was introduced. Thank you Dave McLellan!
I think this has been a true statement for Corvettes in general ever since the C4 was introduced. Thank you Dave McLellan!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,493
Likes: 475
From: New Jersey
I could not agree more. The general populous loves my C4 and the price I paid for entry into the Corvette paradigm feels like a dirty secret. I think that if you care for the car it will care for you. And buy carefully-that really matters as these cars are, let's face it, old.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,796
Likes: 14
From: Nampa Idaho
I've read so many posts about owners who call their cars money pits and all about the various expenses/repairs they've put into their C4s over the years. My first 'vette is a lifelong dream come true. An 89 coupe, bone stock, which I love and generally intend to keep stock. Not the fastest car in the world, but more than fast enough for the street, or to get a speeding ticket, or to get killed in (knock on wood!).
I am basically the second owner of a faithfully maintained, garage kept gem. No issues whatsoever so far (knock on wood again!). I've put almost 8k miles on her since May 2012 for a total of just over 60k. I'm almost 50 and don't drive like a maniac (anymore); haven't cracked 100 mph (but have come close).
Only major repairs before I bought it were to the fuel delivery system. Injectors, fuel pump, fuel lines, gas tank. And that's only because it sat for 18 months without being started. Plus bushings on one headlight.
Is my ride the exception? What can I expect over the next several years? Let's hear from others whose C4s have been reliable over their almost 30-year life span.
I am basically the second owner of a faithfully maintained, garage kept gem. No issues whatsoever so far (knock on wood again!). I've put almost 8k miles on her since May 2012 for a total of just over 60k. I'm almost 50 and don't drive like a maniac (anymore); haven't cracked 100 mph (but have come close).
Only major repairs before I bought it were to the fuel delivery system. Injectors, fuel pump, fuel lines, gas tank. And that's only because it sat for 18 months without being started. Plus bushings on one headlight.
Is my ride the exception? What can I expect over the next several years? Let's hear from others whose C4s have been reliable over their almost 30-year life span.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,818
Likes: 156
From: White Oak PA
Very dependable classic
I have owned my '87 Convertible since 2001. Great car! All stock and no major issues. Has slightly under 50K miles. It is 26 years old and anything can happen I guess. As you mentioned, these older C4's are not the fastest in today's world. But they are timeless classics that have more than enough power to get one into trouble on public highways.
The only items I replaced were the fuel injectors and intake gasket which cannot be expected to last a lifetime.
Best of luck with your fine '89.
The only items I replaced were the fuel injectors and intake gasket which cannot be expected to last a lifetime.
Best of luck with your fine '89.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
Between my '88 and my '94 daily drivers I put on almost 100k miles in just over 5 years. Both were reliable. I sold the '88 at about 110k and the '94 at about 145k miles.
The only repairs I made (other than fluids, etc) were an EGR valve on the '88, and rear wheel bearings and a half shaft u-joint on the '94. There were a couple little things like a vacuum hose for the cruise control, but they almost don't count since they were so easy and cheap.
I would not have hesitated to take either one on a long trip at any time. Frequently I traveled for work and would drive if only a couple hundred miles, and we frequently traveled to family and trips of 400 to 600 miles.
For me they have been quite reliable.
The only repairs I made (other than fluids, etc) were an EGR valve on the '88, and rear wheel bearings and a half shaft u-joint on the '94. There were a couple little things like a vacuum hose for the cruise control, but they almost don't count since they were so easy and cheap.
I would not have hesitated to take either one on a long trip at any time. Frequently I traveled for work and would drive if only a couple hundred miles, and we frequently traveled to family and trips of 400 to 600 miles.
For me they have been quite reliable.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 115
Likes: 1
Great looking car 
Keep it mechanically stock and you have the best chance of having the fewest issues. You are most likely to get an issue with the electronics in the car, especially the LCD dash and gauges. Because of the commonality of the issues with the LCD components, companies like Mid America Motorworks offer service and repair for a lot less money than a replacement.
Just perform regular maintenance and take care of the car, and you should be fine.
Keep it mechanically stock and you have the best chance of having the fewest issues. You are most likely to get an issue with the electronics in the car, especially the LCD dash and gauges. Because of the commonality of the issues with the LCD components, companies like Mid America Motorworks offer service and repair for a lot less money than a replacement. Just perform regular maintenance and take care of the car, and you should be fine.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 312
Likes: 0
From: state of insanity
Its a chevy,motor and trans are really no differant then any other chevy car or truck. the problem i have seen with most c4s is the previous owner. he or she bought it drove the hell out of it,never maintained it properly. you see most shops want more money to work on a vette.they think or make you think its something special to work on.they quote a price to do something,you felt it was too much,so you blew off the repairs or maintenance. that was the life of most vettes. they would have fixed there impala or truck,cause the shop wouldn't have charged as much. just my 2 cents.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
I have a 90 vert AT that Ive owned for 12 years. 125K miles and my daily driver for the last 7. I've had no major work done on engine or tranny. Things are starting to add up but none of it that a 23 year old car with 125K miles wouldn't have, in my opinion. Would suggest you do the work yourself to keep costs down. Draw on the wealth of experience here at the forum, as members can help you do almost everything that will pop up with a C4 L98