New C4 purchase Need Help
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 277
Likes: 9
From: Clark County Nevada
New C4 purchase Need Help
First and foremost thanks in advance for your help.
I'm considering purchasing a '94 Corvette LT1 C4 automatic, coupe, removable plexiglass top. I like the clean, bodystyle of the C4. Millage is about 43k. Asking price is $12.5K. Condition is superior. Paint body and interior are new looking, as though it's hardly been driven. Aftermarket wheels and exhaust. Drives excellent. About 4 owners. Last one had it about 10 years.
- Is this a fair price for the car?
- What should I look for with the '94 C4 when inspecting it. Any known issues?
- A Corvette owner said to me that he feels the C4 feels a bit structurally weak when he removed his targa top. What is your feeling on this? Does the top really tighten up the chassis that much and add significant structural rigidity?
- How reliable are the engines? What's the max miles they are known to last for before major overhaul needs to be done?
- Are they good for daily drivers? What MPG do you average city/highway?
- What is maintainence cost like? Are parts in line with other Chevy cars?
Finally, what do you like or dislike about your late C4?
Share your passion.
Thanks again for the help.
I'm considering purchasing a '94 Corvette LT1 C4 automatic, coupe, removable plexiglass top. I like the clean, bodystyle of the C4. Millage is about 43k. Asking price is $12.5K. Condition is superior. Paint body and interior are new looking, as though it's hardly been driven. Aftermarket wheels and exhaust. Drives excellent. About 4 owners. Last one had it about 10 years.
- Is this a fair price for the car?
- What should I look for with the '94 C4 when inspecting it. Any known issues?
- A Corvette owner said to me that he feels the C4 feels a bit structurally weak when he removed his targa top. What is your feeling on this? Does the top really tighten up the chassis that much and add significant structural rigidity?
- How reliable are the engines? What's the max miles they are known to last for before major overhaul needs to be done?
- Are they good for daily drivers? What MPG do you average city/highway?
- What is maintainence cost like? Are parts in line with other Chevy cars?
Finally, what do you like or dislike about your late C4?
Share your passion.
Thanks again for the help.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 768
Likes: 24
From: Valrico Florida
- Is this a fair price for the car? - Sounds fair.
- A Corvette owner said to me that he feels the C4 feels a bit structurally weak when he removed his targa top. What is your feeling on this? True.
- Does the top really tighten up the chassis that much and add significant structural rigidity? Yes.
- How reliable are the engines? Only issue that comes up seems to be Opti dizzy getting wet from leaking water pump or people cleaning the engine bay.
- What's the max miles they are known to last for before major overhaul needs to be done? Prob 150K+
- Are they good for daily drivers? Sure
- What MPG do you average city/highway? Sounds like most ave around 25mpg, depends on how much fun you are having.
- What is maintenance cost like? Depends if you buy from RockAuto and do your own work.
- Are parts in line with other Chevy cars? No, more expensive usually, especially certain parts.
- Finally, what do you like or dislike about your late C4? That I have Show Car insurance and don't drive it more than I do.
- A Corvette owner said to me that he feels the C4 feels a bit structurally weak when he removed his targa top. What is your feeling on this? True.
- Does the top really tighten up the chassis that much and add significant structural rigidity? Yes.
- How reliable are the engines? Only issue that comes up seems to be Opti dizzy getting wet from leaking water pump or people cleaning the engine bay.
- What's the max miles they are known to last for before major overhaul needs to be done? Prob 150K+
- Are they good for daily drivers? Sure
- What MPG do you average city/highway? Sounds like most ave around 25mpg, depends on how much fun you are having.
- What is maintenance cost like? Depends if you buy from RockAuto and do your own work.
- Are parts in line with other Chevy cars? No, more expensive usually, especially certain parts.
- Finally, what do you like or dislike about your late C4? That I have Show Car insurance and don't drive it more than I do.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 341
Likes: 2
I don't have much else to add as 84wuzmy1st is spot on. The C4 is still an excellent car for the money. If you don't DD the car it will outlast you. If the engine is maintained, there's no reason that it shouldn't last over 150K miles. Parts and engines are dirt cheap for these cars so there's really no downside. You should get the service manuals and learn to do some wrenching yourself.
The main downside is with the age of the cars weather stripping is starting to dry out and other rubber parts like the air bladders in the sport seats. As for the structural rigidity, there are options. There's a kit for $500 that's supposed to address that.
I'm 100% satisfied with my C4 and look forward to driving the car whenever I can.
The main downside is with the age of the cars weather stripping is starting to dry out and other rubber parts like the air bladders in the sport seats. As for the structural rigidity, there are options. There's a kit for $500 that's supposed to address that.
I'm 100% satisfied with my C4 and look forward to driving the car whenever I can.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,315
Likes: 15
From: Richmond Virginia
- Is this a fair price for the car? A little high in my book for an automatic C4, but considering the condition you say it's in and the mods it sounds pretty good to me.
- What should I look for with the '94 C4 when inspecting it. Any known issues? Weatherstripping, Carpeting, make sure all of the electronics work, listen for excess squeaks and rattles, etc. Make sure it's been properly maintained. It's an old Chevy.
Also, for that low of mileage; check the age of the tires. I bought mine in May of 2012 with 57,000 miles and it had tires that were 13 years old. 
- A Corvette owner said to me that he feels the C4 feels a bit structurally weak when he removed his targa top. What is your feeling on this? Does the top really tighten up the chassis that much and add significant structural rigidity? I've heard a few owners b!tch and moan about it, but to be completely honest I haven't noticed it at all. Of course, when I drive the car hard it's on a track and I have the top on. It's a hit or miss with some people, I guess it really depends on the car. Drive it and see what you think. If it really bothers you, you can buy a C4 Convertible x-brace and put it on; problem solved.
- How reliable are the engines? What's the max miles they are known to last for before major overhaul needs to be done? LT1's are pretty reliable engines. I've seen tons of LT1 Camaro's go well into the late 150k-200k range before stuff really starts breaking. Of course that depends on how the car is driven and maintained. If you beat on it mercilessly I highly doubt it'll go anywhere near 200k. That's with any car though.
- Are they good for daily drivers? What MPG do you average city/highway? Awesome daily drivers! Well, unless you like carrying stuff and/or more than one passenger. I've been daily driving mine for about a year and a half now and have had barely any issues! My slave cylinder went out the first time I drove it to school, but other than that nothing's gone wrong. I average about 22-23mpg in about 60-30 highway/city. On long trips I can easily get almost 30mpg!
- What is maintainence cost like? Are parts in line with other Chevy cars? I don't have much knowledge in this, because I haven't had to really fix mine! Yet at least... *knock on wood
From what I've seen, it seems to be just the same as my old Z28 I had before.
Finally, what do you like or dislike about your late C4?
Like:
-Love the way it looks and drives
-Without the mufflers it sounds awesome!
-Seats are decent for spirited driving
-Great mpg considering the fun to drive factor
-Great daily driver
-You can fit a surprising amount of stuff in the hatch
Dislike
-Hard to get in and out of
-Not the best car for bumpy roads
-Cops love to pick on you
- What should I look for with the '94 C4 when inspecting it. Any known issues? Weatherstripping, Carpeting, make sure all of the electronics work, listen for excess squeaks and rattles, etc. Make sure it's been properly maintained. It's an old Chevy.
Also, for that low of mileage; check the age of the tires. I bought mine in May of 2012 with 57,000 miles and it had tires that were 13 years old. - A Corvette owner said to me that he feels the C4 feels a bit structurally weak when he removed his targa top. What is your feeling on this? Does the top really tighten up the chassis that much and add significant structural rigidity? I've heard a few owners b!tch and moan about it, but to be completely honest I haven't noticed it at all. Of course, when I drive the car hard it's on a track and I have the top on. It's a hit or miss with some people, I guess it really depends on the car. Drive it and see what you think. If it really bothers you, you can buy a C4 Convertible x-brace and put it on; problem solved.
- How reliable are the engines? What's the max miles they are known to last for before major overhaul needs to be done? LT1's are pretty reliable engines. I've seen tons of LT1 Camaro's go well into the late 150k-200k range before stuff really starts breaking. Of course that depends on how the car is driven and maintained. If you beat on it mercilessly I highly doubt it'll go anywhere near 200k. That's with any car though.
- Are they good for daily drivers? What MPG do you average city/highway? Awesome daily drivers! Well, unless you like carrying stuff and/or more than one passenger. I've been daily driving mine for about a year and a half now and have had barely any issues! My slave cylinder went out the first time I drove it to school, but other than that nothing's gone wrong. I average about 22-23mpg in about 60-30 highway/city. On long trips I can easily get almost 30mpg!
- What is maintainence cost like? Are parts in line with other Chevy cars? I don't have much knowledge in this, because I haven't had to really fix mine! Yet at least... *knock on wood
From what I've seen, it seems to be just the same as my old Z28 I had before. Finally, what do you like or dislike about your late C4?
Like:
-Love the way it looks and drives
-Without the mufflers it sounds awesome!
-Seats are decent for spirited driving
-Great mpg considering the fun to drive factor
-Great daily driver
-You can fit a surprising amount of stuff in the hatch
Dislike
-Hard to get in and out of
-Not the best car for bumpy roads
-Cops love to pick on you
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
Likes: 233
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Yes, the C4 is much more solid with the top on.
The engine, with proper care, should go 250K miles before an overhaul is required. Depends on how much performance you are willing to give up before spending the cash.
Daily driver? There are hundreds of cars that make much better DD's.
None of them give you the enjoyment the C4 will. Personal priorities are key here.
Do I like mine? Since moving from San Diego to Nowhere, Kansas, I drive it about twice a year.
I liked it better when I could drive it about every week or two all year long.....
The engine, with proper care, should go 250K miles before an overhaul is required. Depends on how much performance you are willing to give up before spending the cash.
Daily driver? There are hundreds of cars that make much better DD's.
None of them give you the enjoyment the C4 will. Personal priorities are key here.
Do I like mine? Since moving from San Diego to Nowhere, Kansas, I drive it about twice a year.
I liked it better when I could drive it about every week or two all year long.....
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 277
Likes: 9
From: Clark County Nevada
Thanks for the reply to my origional post. Please keep the answers coming as the more help the better.
How hard is the C4 LT-1 to work on? I'm trying to get a feel for possible, upcomming repair costs in a 20+ year old sports car. Can you give me a rough parts estimate and labor difficulty for the following:
dis-cap, plugs, wires. What's entailed. In my other sports cars it was easy. Right up top, 15-30 min job.
Ball joints, tie rod ends, other controll arm bearings?
Bushings & motor mounts. Are the stock ones rubber or polyurethane? If former, are they still available?
Shock and springs
Air conditioning system
Thanks
How hard is the C4 LT-1 to work on? I'm trying to get a feel for possible, upcomming repair costs in a 20+ year old sports car. Can you give me a rough parts estimate and labor difficulty for the following:
dis-cap, plugs, wires. What's entailed. In my other sports cars it was easy. Right up top, 15-30 min job.
Ball joints, tie rod ends, other controll arm bearings?
Bushings & motor mounts. Are the stock ones rubber or polyurethane? If former, are they still available?
Shock and springs
Air conditioning system
Thanks
Last edited by Barchetta; Oct 31, 2013 at 05:55 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,429
Likes: 605
From: Minneapolis Mn
Misc
I can't speak to a 94 but one thing that's apparent on my 86 is everything is tightly packed under the hood and inside the body. The engine basically sits between the frame rails instead of on them. It's hard at times to find where a component is because they're all in such a small area.
Parts availability at times can be an issue but so far I've found everything I've needed. It can be a challenge but it's possible.
Good luck
Parts availability at times can be an issue but so far I've found everything I've needed. It can be a challenge but it's possible.
Good luck
Last edited by hcbph; Oct 31, 2013 at 08:37 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Las VEgas NV
I just bought an excellent condition 94 Z07 6 sp with 48,000 for $12,500. So price is right. Looks at condition of tires. Also look and see if they have the keyless entry FOB (about $130-175) . Check heater hoses, they have the year on them. Mine are still 93 original and need to be replaced because of age. Tires have date also. Carfax a must. Which aftermarket exhaust. Mine is stock, but I have heard that most drone except Corsa.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 277
Likes: 9
From: Clark County Nevada
It has a new looking Borla Cat-Back with chome rectangular tips. Also new (few 100 miles on tread) high performance GoodYears all around.
I know if I get it I'll probably have to replace some of the items I listed in my last post. After all, its a 20 something year old car --rubber bushings especially. My main concern for me is engine and drivetrain.
Would you say that repairs are not as inexpensive as a Toyota, but yet not as expensive as a Ferrari? Somewhere in between? Is that a good analogy of the cost of repairs for c4 Corvette? trying to get a general idea. Thanks
I know if I get it I'll probably have to replace some of the items I listed in my last post. After all, its a 20 something year old car --rubber bushings especially. My main concern for me is engine and drivetrain.
Would you say that repairs are not as inexpensive as a Toyota, but yet not as expensive as a Ferrari? Somewhere in between? Is that a good analogy of the cost of repairs for c4 Corvette? trying to get a general idea. Thanks
Last edited by Barchetta; Oct 31, 2013 at 11:03 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,315
Likes: 15
From: Richmond Virginia
Just go and look up general parts on eBay and other websites. And NOWHERE close to Ferrari Repair! My grandfather was recently looking at a 456M GT and I looked up the prices for common replacement parts, and we quickly decided that the new C7 is a much better deal.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 800
Likes: 2
I have daily driven my auto '93 for nearly 6 months now. Have noticed a few quirks but nothing bad. The worse being the previous owner redyed the seats red. My car is torch red outside and inside. My khaki work pants are stained red. Lol. The repairs aren't too bad, no worse than a dts Cadillac with northstar V8. Just remember this is a 90's era gm car, lots of plastic on interior. The only problem I ran into was the optispark distributor. If it goes bad make sure you get a NOS gm part, or maybe a Delphi part. All others are hit or miss, with more misses. The trans in that '94 is a 4L60e, same as any other rear drive GM, as long as it is taken care of it will take care of you.. one of the cars I work on is a '94 convertable, original engine and trans, nothing but regular maintenance, has just over 200k on it.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 97
Likes: 2
From: Simi Valley CA
The only quibble I have is the price. I spent $8200 on my clean C4 coupe, with 110,000 miles and a full service history. I dropped another $700 replacing some small stuff, like the battery, headlight bushings, headliner, passenger seat transmission, weatherstrip, sun visors, various interior lights and horn switches. The good news is that it's all stuff you can fix yourself. If your low mile C4 is exceptionally clean, offer the seller 10K. That being said, can you put a price on love?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 277
Likes: 9
From: Clark County Nevada
Thanks again for the replies ...
"The repairs aren't too bad, no worse than a dts Cadillac with northstar V8"
I hope the later C4 reliability isn't like the Cadillac. I've talked to several ppl who had Caddy's and all said reliablity is below par.
As far as transmissions ... relatively speaking modern day auto trannys seem to be nearly trouble-free. Every auto car I've owned I've never worried about nor had a problem with the transmission. Now contrary to that I've replaced a few clutches by 100k miles though.
Qurstions added to my original post..
What do you love about being a Corvette owner in general?
How much WHP will the C4 LT-1 gain by adding a supercharger? How will this effect longevity and reliability? What is preferred on the LT-1, supercharger or turbocharger for added HP?
"The repairs aren't too bad, no worse than a dts Cadillac with northstar V8"
I hope the later C4 reliability isn't like the Cadillac. I've talked to several ppl who had Caddy's and all said reliablity is below par.
As far as transmissions ... relatively speaking modern day auto trannys seem to be nearly trouble-free. Every auto car I've owned I've never worried about nor had a problem with the transmission. Now contrary to that I've replaced a few clutches by 100k miles though.
Qurstions added to my original post..
What do you love about being a Corvette owner in general?
How much WHP will the C4 LT-1 gain by adding a supercharger? How will this effect longevity and reliability? What is preferred on the LT-1, supercharger or turbocharger for added HP?
Last edited by Barchetta; Oct 31, 2013 at 08:11 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 917
Likes: 25
From: College Station Tx
Since the clam shell comes up, access to most of the parts under the hood isn't that bad. The one job that gave me fits was spark plug wires. Passenger side is easy. Drivers side....well, not fun at all. If you ever do anything that involves removing the water pump or the oil pan, you will be busted, skinned knuckles ahead to replace the plug wires.
There are a lot of opinions on here as to what Optispark to use. Whatever you use, you will need to add a vent line to it. There is a really good post on here. In fact, there are excellent write-ups with pics, on just about any repair/mod you will ever do.
Good luck with the purchase.
There are a lot of opinions on here as to what Optispark to use. Whatever you use, you will need to add a vent line to it. There is a really good post on here. In fact, there are excellent write-ups with pics, on just about any repair/mod you will ever do.
Good luck with the purchase.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 277
Likes: 9
From: Clark County Nevada
Thanks.. yes I've heard about the optispark issue, havent looked into it though. I believe this car it was replaced. I found this site that lists some potential issues with model years. Does this sound correct for the '94?
http://www.corvsport.com/Corvette/C4...monIssues.html
http://www.corvsport.com/Corvette/C4...monIssues.html
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 917
Likes: 25
From: College Station Tx
Thanks.. yes I've heard about the optispark issue, havent looked into it though. I believe this car it was replaced. I found this site that lists some potential issues with model years. Does this sound correct for the '94?
http://www.corvsport.com/Corvette/C4...monIssues.html
http://www.corvsport.com/Corvette/C4...monIssues.html
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
If everything checks out and you feel good about it, just go for it. I have a 47K mile Torch Red automatic '94. Everything works, and after adding Corsa exhaust and Michelin Pilot Sports, the car is an absolute joy to drive. I love it.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 277
Likes: 9
From: Clark County Nevada
The car was inspected and passed everything highly except the follwing:
A few oil seals/gaskets should be replaced,, manafold, pans, etc..(very slow seepage -typical of age I guess). Head gasket is okay.
Brake fluid flush
Brake pads, rotors turned
Transmission fluid flush
Tune Up
Thats about it. Inspector said it was probably a garage queen most of its life.
How much do you think a shop would charge to do the above items, parts & labor?
A few oil seals/gaskets should be replaced,, manafold, pans, etc..(very slow seepage -typical of age I guess). Head gasket is okay.
Brake fluid flush
Brake pads, rotors turned
Transmission fluid flush
Tune Up
Thats about it. Inspector said it was probably a garage queen most of its life.
How much do you think a shop would charge to do the above items, parts & labor?
Racer
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 341
Likes: 2
After going through the same thing when I got my 1990, my advise is to do as much as you can. No one will show your car the love you will. There's some things you can't do, but try and tackle anything you can. Diff fluid, spark plugs, wires, pads, fluid are all easy to do. And the bonus is once you get under the car, you'll have a deeper appreciation of how well engineered these cars are.
I had paid for some services that I found out later weren't done. And this shop was owned by a friend of mine.
As far as the love of being a Corvette owner:
The Corvette regardless of the generation is a purpose built car. The project team works outside the normal corporate structure and is able to create unique packages. The C4, while not a perfect car, is very unique with the clamshell hood, unique driving experience, low end torque engine, and clean styling. For the money we're paying for these cars, it's robbery. The air cooled Porsche 911 from the same period have skyrocketed and are 2-3x more than a C4 and are much harder to support. We're lucky to have them.
I had paid for some services that I found out later weren't done. And this shop was owned by a friend of mine.
As far as the love of being a Corvette owner:
The Corvette regardless of the generation is a purpose built car. The project team works outside the normal corporate structure and is able to create unique packages. The C4, while not a perfect car, is very unique with the clamshell hood, unique driving experience, low end torque engine, and clean styling. For the money we're paying for these cars, it's robbery. The air cooled Porsche 911 from the same period have skyrocketed and are 2-3x more than a C4 and are much harder to support. We're lucky to have them.
Last edited by vl5150; Nov 2, 2013 at 08:04 AM.