C4 General Discussion General C4 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech

Newbie Here

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 27, 2002 | 09:50 AM
  #1  
Massarian's Avatar
Massarian
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Takoma Park MD
Default Newbie Here

Hello all. :seeya
I'm looking to buy a C4 but know little about them except for the engines since I'm comming from the f-body world.
I have been lurking and reading up a bunch here for the past few(3) weeks but there are a few questions I haven't got answerd yet:
1)Do C4's have a body flex issues like the f-body?
2)Are there ways to reinforce the C4 chassis?
3)Should I keep my f-body another year and get a C5?
4)What should I look out for(problem wise) when looking at C4's?

Thanks
Reply
Old Jun 27, 2002 | 09:54 AM
  #2  
Massarian's Avatar
Massarian
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Takoma Park MD
Default Re: Newbie Here (Massarian)

Oops forgot to mention I'm mainly considering 93-95s C4's.
Yesterday was my first test drive of a C4. Damn the door sill is high and you have only a little footspace.
Reply
Old Jun 27, 2002 | 10:03 AM
  #3  
Aaron71771's Avatar
Aaron71771
Le Mans Master
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 6,376
Likes: 21
From: Traverse City MI
Default Re: Newbie Here (Massarian)

'm looking to buy a C4 but know little about them except for the engines since I'm comming from the f-body world.
I have been lurking and reading up a bunch here for the past few(3) weeks but there are a few questions I haven't got answerd yet:
C4's offer lots of bang for the buck, well actually an Fbody probably offers more bang for the buck - but a vette give even more bang for a little more buck :)

1)Do C4's have a body flex issues like the f-body?
Yep, especially with the top off. When it's in it's not bad. You will get a few creaks and rattles too, just part of the character of the car I guess.

2)Are there ways to reinforce the C4 chassis?
Yep, there are a few braces you can add, you could also put in an x-brace which came stock with the convertibles to help stiffen the chassis.

3)Should I keep my f-body another year and get a C5?
Depends on what you are after, if you really like the C4's then go for it. If you want to pay a little more and get quite a bit more comfort/performance in a stock setup then maybe a C5 is for you. The market on the C5's is starting to drop now, I'd say in 2 years you should be able to get a nice ride to low 20's - high teens.

4)What should I look out for(problem wise) when looking at C4's?
The most general rule of thumb is newer is better, I'd go for a LT4 or ZR-1 if you can afford it. Also C4's are pretty expensive to fix/maintain, they dont quite have the aftermarket that the f-bodies have.
Reply
Old Jun 27, 2002 | 12:28 PM
  #4  
GARVETT's Avatar
GARVETT
Pro
 
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 738
Likes: 0
From: Niskayuna NY
Default Re: Newbie Here (Massarian)

welcome :cool: :cheers:
Reply
Old Jun 27, 2002 | 12:34 PM
  #5  
Zora's Avatar
Zora
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
 
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,839
Likes: 0
From: Louisville,KY
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Default Re: Newbie Here (Massarian)

Try to get 95-96 C4....for OPTI-Spark reasons. :yesnod:
Reply
Old Jun 27, 2002 | 01:24 PM
  #6  
onedef92's Avatar
onedef92
Team Owner
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 96,443
Likes: 9
From: Fort Knox, KY
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Default Re: Newbie Here (Massarian)

Welcome to the Forum! :seeya
Reply
Old Jun 27, 2002 | 01:29 PM
  #7  
ShawnZR-1's Avatar
ShawnZR-1
Race Director
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 12,832
Likes: 209
From: Canton GA
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03-'05-'06-'10-'11-'12
Default Re: Newbie Here (Massarian)

:seeya Welcome! Yes, the C4 has body flex and squeaks and rattles, but I got rid of 98% of mine by installing a Cross-Bar and Camber Brace from R-Dracing (sponsor on the right of this page). With the top on, the car is tight and stiff! Even with the top off, the flex is greatly reduced! Those are the only things I've done to mine.

As far as any gothcas on the C4, there really isn't anything too different from the f-bodies. The optispark is a pain, the alternator tends to get too hot and crap out, and changing the plugs and wires causes much strife, but I love my '92!!!
Reply
Old Jun 27, 2002 | 02:37 PM
  #8  
Massarian's Avatar
Massarian
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Takoma Park MD
Default Re: Newbie Here

Thanks for all the replies and the great info. I love the body style, but I guess I'm going to stick with my f-body for 2 more years. Part of my wanting a vette was to get a better made and more solid car, I hate the body flex and all the rattles that come with it to death. Some of the deals on the for sale board here are very very tempting though. :)
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jun 27, 2002 | 11:15 PM
  #9  
GS 163's Avatar
GS 163
Le Mans Master
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,022
Likes: 37
From: SW Fla
Default Re: Newbie Here (Massarian)

Welcome to the forum. :cheers:
Reply
Old Jun 27, 2002 | 11:20 PM
  #10  
MY 95's Avatar
MY 95
Team Owner
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 32,652
Likes: 0
From: I need a 4 door C6 Z06
CI 2-3-4-5-6-8-9 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08
Default Re: Newbie Here (JPLT1)

:seeya
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2002 | 12:15 AM
  #11  
vader86's Avatar
vader86
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,160
Likes: 1,733
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Default Re: Newbie Here (Massarian)

:seeya :seeya
I would get a very late 94-96 C4, and hopefully a 96 6 speed with the LT4 engine. These will outrun early LS1's, fbodys and vettes.

The body flex is noticeable with the targa out, but there is very little body roll compared to Fbody suspensions. But you can fix it with braces and such.

I would only ask questions on the opti-spark and whether theyve replaced the water pump before.
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2002 | 12:38 AM
  #12  
Mr Mojo's Avatar
Mr Mojo
Elite Torch Red Member
Supporting Lifetime Gold
25 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 57,805
Likes: 23
From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
Cental/South NJ Events Coordinator
CI 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12 Vet
CI-II Burnout & Drag Champ
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Default Re: Newbie Here (Aaron71771)


The market on the C5's is starting to drop now, I'd say in 2 years you should be able to get a nice ride to low 20's - high teens.

They can be had for that price now.


As far as flex with the top off, I've never experienced it. I've run up Route 211 in VA both with the top on and off and too me, no difference.
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2002 | 01:03 AM
  #13  
poloLT1's Avatar
poloLT1
Advanced
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Naples Florida
Default Re: Newbie Here (Mr Mojo)

welcome :) :cheers:
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2002 | 08:24 PM
  #14  
Massarian's Avatar
Massarian
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Takoma Park MD
Default Re: Newbie Here

Ok then where is the best place to find a nice Later C4?

I'm willing to pay a more for a car in good condition and that's what I want but all the 94-95's I've seen are 10K over book. I keep hearing about a soft market but I can't seem to find a decent condition 94 for under 20K.
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2002 | 08:27 PM
  #15  
IMXCITD's Avatar
IMXCITD
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime Gold
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 312
From: P-town Baby! Virginia
Default Re: Newbie Here (onedef92)

Welcome to the Forum! :seeya

Reply
Old Jun 29, 2002 | 12:42 PM
  #16  
Drewdog's Avatar
Drewdog
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,473
Likes: 1
From: Cleveland
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Default Re: Newbie Here (Mr Mojo)

As far as flex with the top off, I've never experienced it. I've run up Route 211 in VA both with the top on and off and too me, no difference.
Same here, I don't notice flex very often at all :chevy
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2002 | 12:59 PM
  #17  
Corvette Kid 92's Avatar
Corvette Kid 92
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,125
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati, OH
Default Re: Newbie Here (Drewdog)

welcome :seeya
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Newbie Here

Old Jun 29, 2002 | 03:38 PM
  #18  
GRX's Avatar
GRX
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 6,252
Likes: 2
From: Silicon Valley Kalifornia
Default Re: Newbie Here (Massarian)

:seeya
Reply
Old Jul 1, 2002 | 02:01 AM
  #19  
Knight Ryder's Avatar
Knight Ryder
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 8,107
Likes: 0
From: California
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08
Default Re: Newbie Here (Massarian)

Welcome to the forum!! :seeya :cheers:
In my opinion a 96 LT4 is probably the best bang/buck deal in C4s. Stock they have 290-310 RWHP. Because it's the last model year, all (most of) the bugs are fixed. You get little differences that add up to a nice package, too. 95+ cars have heavy duty ZR1 brakes standard, 94+ cars have a redesigned dashboard, etc...
I love my LT4! :smash: For a few bolt-ons, 320-330 RWHP and running mid-12's is easily doable.
Just my (moderately long-winded) opinion. :D
Reply
Old Jul 1, 2002 | 02:44 AM
  #20  
morphious's Avatar
morphious
Race Director
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 13,710
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
Default Re: Newbie Here (Knight Ryder)

:seeya :cheers:
Reply




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:41 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE