Purchasing dilemma...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 455
Likes: 7
From: Lewes Delaware
Purchasing dilemma...
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...
Any input is greatly appreciated as far as potential issues, re-sale values, anything else...
Pro
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 528
Likes: 57
From: Fort Myers FL
St. Jude Donor '14 thru '20, '23 thru '26
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.
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.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 171
From: Dublin CA
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.
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.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 338
Likes: 79
From: STATE OF CONFUSION IN THE COUNTY OF L.A
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
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
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 455
Likes: 7
From: Lewes Delaware
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.
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.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 455
Likes: 7
From: Lewes Delaware
Could not agree with you more. Just like boats, motorcycles, you name it..well cared for or left out in the rain and snow.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,128
Likes: 69
From: Pineville Louisiana
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
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Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 326
Likes: 20
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.
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.
Last edited by trilkb; Dec 22, 2015 at 04:42 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,699
Likes: 231
From: Hawthorne CA
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.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,692
Likes: 349
From: Sacramento California
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.
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.
Last edited by DGXR; Dec 23, 2015 at 01:56 PM.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 365
Likes: 92
From: Arkansas
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..
Last edited by five-oh; Dec 23, 2015 at 02:43 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 917
Likes: 25
From: College Station Tx
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.
Race Director
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From: Compound in the Grove, Ga.
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St. Jude Donor '16
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?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 455
Likes: 7
From: Lewes Delaware
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!
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Compound in the Grove, Ga.
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St. Jude Donor '16
You are correct