medic1555

Looking for some input from you C4 guys. I've narrowed my search for a C4 down to 2 cars. 1st is a white 1994 automatic with 73K and in good overall condition and priced at $6,500. 2nd is a silver 1996 manual with 103K and priced at $6,000 and very similar condition to the '94. I have no real preference as to auto vs stick. I know the '96 has the Lt4 with 330 HP vs the Lt1 with 300 HP. Not sure I would ever use the extra 30 HP in my style of driving.
Any input is greatly appreciated as far as potential issues, re-sale values, anything else...

N227GB

All things being equal to your preference it seems, I would choose the one that has gotten the most regular amount of driving over the last several years.

The previous owner of my driver put 1k a year over the course of 15 years. I don't necessarily see low mile cars desirable just for that. Mechanical beasts need regular exercise.

Carfax and state inspection records are an excellent way to find this.

John A. Marker

94 has a un-vented Optispark. 96 has vented and is much better. Opti's last about 100,000 or so. If neither car has had to Opti replaced you will be looking at doing it shortly depending on the car. Automatic same.....most last 100-130,000 then need to be rebuilt. Manual may last much longer, depending on abuse from prior owners. Manual also had dual mass flywheel which is no longer made so you would have to go to a single mass FW. Going to a single mass FW often results in more noise out of the manual transmission.

You might like the LT4 over the LT1, a few more ponies. You will probably pay a little more for the LT4 over the LT1.

Don't count on resale value increasing as you own the car...even after fixing things that break.

bow tie guy

I'd buy the one with the least number of previous owners
and preferably senior o.p. owned. that said, the LT4 will bring a premium when it's time to part ways


Corvettes come two ways, garaged or weathered

and weathered cars bring half as much money

medic1555

Thanks! That's the sort of input I'm looking for. The '96 is actually $500 less than the '94 but it also has more miles. As far as resale, I have no expectations that I will see any increase in value for several years but I wonder down the road, just wondering which will depreciate less.

medic1555

Could not agree with you more. Just like boats, motorcycles, you name it..well cared for or left out in the rain and snow.

MRPVette

I personally would buy the silver 1996 manual with 103K and priced at $6,000 JMO

Daniel_Mc

The dual mass is still available from certain sources.
http://www.powertorquesystems.com/Co...rvetteMain.htm
For instance Jim at Power Torque Systems is amazing to deal with and very knowledgeable on the C4 corvette clutch system. Jim can also refinish the OEM unit under certain situations.

The noise of the single mass tends to vary. I have one on 2 of the C4's and one sounds HORRIBLE the other car you can not tell. However I prefer the single mass of over the dual mass set up.

Just my .02,

-Daniel

Patsgarage

One more plus for the 96, it is OBD II which makes troubleshooting much easier.

trilkb

I'd go with the one that drives the best. The 96 has the Lt4 going for it, plus standard larger front brakes. If it's as clean as the 94 or cleaner and drives well go for it. I had to have a 6 speed, so that wouldve decided it for me. So if I had to I'd keep looking. My 95 was 7995$ with 82k miles, Was in need of some small things I could live with.

Test radios and CD players in both if factory. Look at all the weatherstripping not overlooking the windshield and dash. Find a bumpy road and see which does better lol. I'd rather have the automatic if it has been much better cared for. Parts can be fixed of course but it depends what you want out of it. I'd probably do the lt4 regardless unless the condition is horrible. I want the 6 speed track day or auto cross fun factor, not the Sunday cruiser automatic.

I like my 95 lt1 6 speed, it's a blast on the highway.

AgentEran

There's more to the LT4 than the extra 30hp.. I have found the LT4 to be much more smooth vs the LT1 I owned. The LT4 engine does have 30 more hp, but the motor feels much more refined than the LT1.

I cant say that I use the extra 30 hp daily, but I definitely feel the the difference in the valve train every time I drive.

DGXR

30k extra miles doesn't mean much. These LT1/LT4 engines will go 200k if well cared for. That includes regular running, which someone else mentioned. Sitting for long periods is very bad for these cars, so the higher-mile 96 may be in better running condition. The vented opti in the 96 is an important plus. And the 6-speed in the 96 is as reliable as a hammer -- they just don't seem to break unless they are neglected, abused repeatedly, for many years. Then *maybe* you'll have a problem. The hydraulic clutches can have issues, but again only if they are not cared for. All things being more/less equal, the 96 is the better choice, no question. Just my $0.02

Bottom line for the potential buyer: drive them both and buy the one you like.

EDIT: you might check the RPO codes and see if one of these cars has a sport suspension, LTPMS, or some other option that will affect your ownership experience. And check the conditions of the targa tops, this can be an issue. And if the tires are over 7 years old or otherwise need replacing, factor this into the final price when negotiations begin. Hope this helps you.

five-oh

An Lt4 for 6 grand? If it's not ragged out, I'd go for that, because that's a deal. I paid $2k more for my Lt4 last year with 93k I think it was....and I would not take less than $8k for it now, with 103k on it. And having owned a '93 auto and this '96, I personally would much rather have the stickshift, even if it didn't have the extra horsepower..

csthews

A '96 LT4 with 103k for $6k sounds like a great deal. Assuming there are no underlying issues, I would jump on that in a heartbeat. The 94 sounds like a pretty good deal too. With both cars being in equal condition, my decision would be based on whether I prefer auto or manual. If most of your driving is in town, and you want to sip on your orange soda while you pull away from stops, then the auto might be for you. If you don't mind driving with the soda tucked between your legs (because the cup holders are very shallow and you will knock the drink over trying to shift around it) then the manual might be for you. Me, I love the feel of the 6-spd.

avipan

I would go for the '96 LT4, as stated if they are fairly similar in condition the LT4 is the way to go...

FASTAZU

I also think the 96 even if you never use the extra 30+ HP The LT4 was a one year only option plus you will love rowing a 6 speed. If its Sliver is it a CE?

Mishawaka

Grab the six speed, more fun.

medic1555

Well from all the input I was leaning toward the '96. Seller updated me and said the car is an automatic and that he had been misinformed...??? This raises a red flag for me. Not sure how you could ever get an auto mixed up with a stick. Anyway, I will proceed with a lot more caution and look very closely. Unfortunately, due to my work schedule and the Christmas holiday I cannot do anything until this weekend. Thank you all again for the input. This is why I love this forum!

Patsgarage

I could be wrong, but I think that the LT4 only came with a stick. Big red flag if it is not, maybe a LT1 car with a LT4 engine swap ? I would definitely check the VIN.

FASTAZU

You are correct