When I decided to get a Corvette, lo those many years ago, my thought was (and still is) "I can't see buying a performance car that's a convertible". 
1996?
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Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 19
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From: lorain Ohio
1996?
Thinking about getting a 96 coupe come tax time. I was wondering if there was anything i should consider, perhaps a different year? I've seen a couple 96's in my area in decent shape and for what seemed like reasonable asking prices. Opinions are more than welcome. I already have an 84, going to use it as a daily driver once i put my interior back in. (ITS COLD OUTSIDE!) Want this one for more or less a weekend car, and it'll have a little more power!
So lemme know what you think! Any input is appreciated! 
So lemme know what you think! Any input is appreciated!
Race Director
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From: Compound in the Grove, Ga.
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Get the LT4 you won't regret it.
Race Director
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From: Rolla Missouri
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Buy the newest, best condition car you can afford.
Cars (in general) keep getting better every year, and the C4 is no exception.
You will find pros and cons for every year, but overall the '96 represents the best of the C4 gen.
With that said, a 1988 in excellent condition would be a better move than a 1996 in need of TLC.
The "best of the best" of the C4 though, would be a 1995 ZR-1 since that was the last year of the ZR-1.
Cars (in general) keep getting better every year, and the C4 is no exception.
You will find pros and cons for every year, but overall the '96 represents the best of the C4 gen.
With that said, a 1988 in excellent condition would be a better move than a 1996 in need of TLC.
The "best of the best" of the C4 though, would be a 1995 ZR-1 since that was the last year of the ZR-1.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 307
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From: Westerville oh
I love my LT-4! It can be frustrating at times but I think that’s part of that love hate relationship. I just converted over to coil overs! I don’t care what anybody says…what a difference! That being said I am comparing new coil overs to old suspension so it may not be a fair comparison.
Mine is a convertible and for my money I can’t see buying a sports car with a hard top.
I use mine as a daily driver except when the snow flies like today
Any way, good luck and enjoy the ride
Mine is a convertible and for my money I can’t see buying a sports car with a hard top.
I use mine as a daily driver except when the snow flies like today
Any way, good luck and enjoy the ride
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 6,314
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From: South-central Missouri
Some more potatoes for the stew...
If you're looking for an automatic trans, then expand your search to the 95s as well. Some locations exempt OBD-I cars from periodic/more severe emissions requirements, and 95s are OBD-I compliant.
For the Waxers, there is the 96 GS, or "skunks". They feature the LT4 along with spiffy paint and collectiblity.
For the same or even slightly less $$, and for the WARRIORS among us in particular, the ZR-1s eclipse 3 of the GM push-rod successors of the L83 and have their own tight knit enthusiastic support group.
If you're looking for an automatic trans, then expand your search to the 95s as well. Some locations exempt OBD-I cars from periodic/more severe emissions requirements, and 95s are OBD-I compliant.
For the Waxers, there is the 96 GS, or "skunks". They feature the LT4 along with spiffy paint and collectiblity.
For the same or even slightly less $$, and for the WARRIORS among us in particular, the ZR-1s eclipse 3 of the GM push-rod successors of the L83 and have their own tight knit enthusiastic support group.
Race Director
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From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
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Racer
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Westerville oh
Besides, I still love having that cool breeze blowing over my bald (use to have hair) head!
I love my '96 CE
Race Director
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From: Texas
For the Waxers, there is the 96 GS, or "skunks". They feature the LT4 along with spiffy paint and collectiblity.
For the same or even slightly less $$, and for the WARRIORS among us in particular, the ZR-1s eclipse 3 of the GM push-rod successors of the L83 and have their own tight knit enthusiastic support group.
GMAFB20 years of road racing, time-trialing, and HPDEs. I've seen far more GSs and other C4s than ZR-1s
A few of the tracks I have time on in my GS....
Putnam Park
Gateway International
Autobahn Country Club (north, south, and full course)
Heartland Park
Memphis
Pacific Raceways
Portland
Spokane
Willow Springs (Big Willow)
Street of Willow
Hallett Motor Racing Circuit
etc
Nary a "warrior" ever to be found.
Hmmm....taught for the NCM a time or two as well. Again.....zip in the "warriors" department. Lots of C5s and C6s. However, I did happen by a car show and found plenty of "warriors" sitting in their lawn chairs with the hood up while worrying about dust particles in the air.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 19
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From: lorain Ohio
Thanks for all the input! I don't think i can wait until tax time lol! I'm gonna go put some feelers out there these next few days! With any luck ill be the proud owner of a 1996 corvette before too long! More stories of trials and tribulations are appreciated! Also anything in particular i should keep in my mind when looking over the 96's?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 6,314
Likes: 508
From: South-central Missouri
GMAFB20 years of road racing, time-trialing, and HPDEs. I've seen far more GSs and other C4s than ZR-1s
A few of the tracks I have time on in my GS....
Putnam Park
Gateway International
Autobahn Country Club (north, south, and full course)
Heartland Park
Memphis
Pacific Raceways
Portland
Spokane
Willow Springs (Big Willow)
Street of Willow
Hallett Motor Racing Circuit
etc
Nary a "warrior" ever to be found.
Hmmm....taught for the NCM a time or two as well. Again.....zip in the "warriors" department. Lots of C5s and C6s. However, I did happen by a car show and found plenty of "warriors" sitting in their lawn chairs with the hood up while worrying about dust particles in the air.
Good 4 U!
U B the exception to the rule. At least you know what a Corvette (and the LT4) is for! You'd be welcome here in "FBI" land!
2013 Team winner all Corvette Shootout (actual photo from 2012)
2011 Team winner all Corvette Shootout
Most of the "skunks" I've seen gather 'round to listen to exciting lectures on "How to Re-stick Those Fender Flairs On", or "Which Carnuba Wax Do You Think is Best?", or "Does a 'California Duster' Really Scratch Your Paint?".
Oh, and far as not seeing many ZR-1s on the track, they're hard to see from so far from the rear. Hint: Look for the high center brake light and the wide butt!!
Juuust havin' fun wid ya!
Glad to see at least SOME skunks get out there and raise some dust!
Racer
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 307
Likes: 1
From: Westerville oh
I’m sure everybody has their own stories about what to watch out for. Mine is water pumps and Opti-sparks. Back in the day GM used an anti freeze that turned into acid (my term) which ate up 3 water pumps which in turn destroyed 3 Opti-sparks and 1 radiator (some of us are slow to learn). My suggestion would be to drain it, clean it out and change to a good 50/50 mix. The other issue is the clutch and flywheel set up. If you are looking at an LT-4 it came stock with a dual mass flywheel which, to my understanding, isn’t made anymore. There are other options so you might want to do a search and read the comments.
All in all a great ride and a ton of fun to work on.
All in all a great ride and a ton of fun to work on.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
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From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
I recently picked up a sweet '89 MN6 vert because I wanted the 6-speed, also has the "best" L98 and still has digi-dash, no 9th injector, tilt & tele wheel.
I think the seats are a little more comfortable than in my '88.
I think the seats are a little more comfortable than in my '88.
