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Love for the c4 .. Only one thing I want to add. When they mention the zr1 wasn't there also a zr1 package from 1970-72? I know it doesn't boast the same high performance or label as the c4 zr1 but a package is a package nonetheless (my 85 is a z51 for example but it doesn't boast it like the base c7 does). Just my thoughts.
I don't understand what your trying to imply. The ZR-1 option is more than just a package it also added a lot of history and technology to the C4 that carried over the the next generations.
As to options like Z51, Z07, and many others they were just that factory performance options, and I would hope the next generations of Corvette would build on these options by only getting better with the advances in technology.
The C4 was a big step back toward a performance sports car after the low HP years.
Cudos to the editor Patrick Morgan. About time the editorials showed some love for the C4. Maybe it's because prices seem to be on the rise for really nice, lower mileage examples.
I don't understand what your trying to imply. The ZR-1 option is more than just a package it also added a lot of history and technology to the C4 that carried over the the next generations.
As to options like Z51, Z07, and many others they were just that factory performance options, and I would hope the next generations of Corvette would build on these options by only getting better with the advances in technology.
The C4 was a big step back toward a performance sports car after the low HP years.
All I'm trying to say is that there was a zr1 before the c4 zr1, but the article makes it sound like the c4 was the first time the zr1 made its debut. It's the same thing with the grand sport and z06 as well the original ones were the c2's. If there's an example of what I'm thinking imagine with the c7 they bring back an L88 option but claim that this is the introduction of the L88.
All I'm trying to say is that there was a zr1 before the c4 zr1"ZR-1", but the article makes it sound like the c4 was the first time the zr1 made its debut. It's the same thing with the grand sport and z06 as well the original ones were the c2's. If there's an example of what I'm thinking imagine with the c7 they bring back an L88 option but claim that this is the introduction of the L88.
"ZR1 refers to C3 corvettes (with the ZR1 option ordered) built during 1970, 1971, & 1972 Only 53 were built during this time. Not all 70-72 Corvettes were ZR1s. All ZR1s had LT1 engines but not all LT1s were ZR1s. There was also a ZR2 option available only in 1971, these were {LS6 engine} big block 454 engines. Only 12 of these were produced, hence not all LS6s were ZR2s.
ZR1 also refers to the C6 Corvettes (with the ZR1 package) model year 2009 and up. Again, not all 2009 and up Corvettes are ZR1s and there is a BIG difference between the Z51, Z06, and ZR1 packages.
ZR-1 refers ONLY to C4 Corvettes (with the ZR-1 package/option) built from 1990 through 1995. Not all Corvettes built during this period were ZR-1s. Again ... there is a major difference in ZR-1s, Z51s, and Z07s."
She's easily modified carrying the most mass produced engine of all time (The Gen 1 SBC), with the widest aftermarket imaginable for speed parts.
She has a wide variety of aftermarket parts to take her already good handling, into stellar territory.
Some later model corvette stuff is shockingly easy to adapt over to the C4 like brakes.
It drives like a gokart fed steroids, has automatic climate control, and one of the coolest in concept dashes (the early cars) going.
You don't sit in it....you wear it.
It still looks incredible, and the styling has held up even 27 years later.
It just needs more pep, but otherwise drives like a modern sports car.
C4's the perfect Corvette to Build with in my opinion. It's the most complete base package you can ask for with a project car.
For me growing up it was The current corvette through most of my childhood. The C5 came in when I was in late junior high. Not only that, but the C4 was the car I raced time and again in videogames growing up. Gran Turismo 1 and 2 are what sold me on Corvettes in the first place as more than just a pretty car. I won tons of local gaming tournaments with the C4 GS in GT1 and 2 and the ZR-1. The memory of how it drove pretty much always nudged me to corvettes.
I've been an F Body, and Corvette guy since I could remember.
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20
Originally Posted by H P Bushrod
I'm on my 3rd C4 (a 35th Anniversary Z52 Coupe). The C4 is the generation that made me want to own a Corvette. I'll buy more of them...It's the generation that bought performance AND handling back to the Corvette.
Same here Chuck. It was my teenage years' dream. When the 86 Yellow Convertible came out was when I said that I had to have one. I remember going to a dealer, and when I saw the sticker price I told myself that was going to be impossible. 11 years later I bought my 92. That was an awesome day.
I'm selling my C5Z06 over The Ghost. Some people don't understand. Yes the C5 is a better car, but The Ghost, well, it's The Ghost.
"ZR1 refers to C3 corvettes (with the ZR1 option ordered) built during 1970, 1971, & 1972 Only 53 were built during this time. Not all 70-72 Corvettes were ZR1s. All ZR1s had LT1 engines but not all LT1s were ZR1s. There was also a ZR2 option available only in 1971, these were {LS6 engine} big block 454 engines. Only 12 of these were produced, hence not all LS6s were ZR2s.
ZR1 also refers to the C6 Corvettes (with the ZR1 package) model year 2009 and up. Again, not all 2009 and up Corvettes are ZR1s and there is a BIG difference between the Z51, Z06, and ZR1 packages.
ZR-1 refers ONLY to C4 Corvettes (with the ZR-1 package/option) built from 1990 through 1995. Not all Corvettes built during this period were ZR-1s. Again ... there is a major difference in ZR-1s, Z51s, and Z07s."
Silly me I didn't realize the difference was a "-". Thanks for the clarification I'll make sure to remember the difference.
I really, really need for these writers to start ignoring the C4 again for at least a few years. In the next couple of years things should loosen up financially again for me. And then I want to get another C, a convertible, preferably an '89 as it's the last year of the early body/interior. But if they start talking about how it's a great car/value, people will start buying and the prices will go up.
So if they would please stop telling people how good they are and the rest of us keep the secret to ourselves for a little while longer, we can all keep enjoying the best value in sports cars a little longer.
Last edited by Silver96ce; 01-19-2016 at 07:06 PM.
Same here Chuck. It was my teenage years' dream. When the 86 Yellow Convertible came out was when I said that I had to have one. I remember going to a dealer, and when I saw the sticker price I told myself that was going to be impossible. 11 years later I bought my 92. That was an awesome day.
I'm selling my C5Z06 over The Ghost. Some people don't understand. Yes the C5 is a better car, but The Ghost, well, it's The Ghost.
That's a beautiful picture of a beautiful car. Sure, C5's are better cars. But all Corvettes get better with each succeeding year. And someday the C4 will be appreciated as the classic design it is. I rank the C4 with E-type Jags, Ferrari GTOs, and DB5 Astons... at a much more affordable price, of course.
For me the C4's are just the right blend of perfomance, style, and feeling for a sports/performance car. I have had them for over 25 years and expect I will always have them. They are just fun to drive.
It is not 5 reasons why the C4 Corvette is worth it, for me it is 7 reasons (so far).
My C4's in year order, '96 silver 6M, '95 Dk Red 6M, '94 Admiral Blue 6M, '94 White 6M, '88 Gray A4, '87 Gold 4+3, '85 Blue 4+3.
In the land of Connecticut with property taxes on each vehicle, the C4 is a very economical addition assessed at $500 for 20+ year old cars. 25+ years there are no emissions.
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19-'20-'21-'22-'23
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Originally Posted by MavsAK
What more do you need?
She's easily modified carrying the most mass produced engine of all time (The Gen 1 SBC), with the widest aftermarket imaginable for speed parts.
She has a wide variety of aftermarket parts to take her already good handling, into stellar territory.
Some later model corvette stuff is shockingly easy to adapt over to the C4 like brakes.
It drives like a gokart fed steroids, has automatic climate control, and one of the coolest in concept dashes (the early cars) going.
You don't sit in it....you wear it.
It still looks incredible, and the styling has held up even 27 years later.
It just needs more pep, but otherwise drives like a modern sports car.
C4's the perfect Corvette to Build with in my opinion. It's the most complete base package you can ask for with a project car.
For me growing up it was The current corvette through most of my childhood. The C5 came in when I was in late junior high. Not only that, but the C4 was the car I raced time and again in videogames growing up. Gran Turismo 1 and 2 are what sold me on Corvettes in the first place as more than just a pretty car. I won tons of local gaming tournaments with the C4 GS in GT1 and 2 and the ZR-1. The memory of how it drove pretty much always nudged me to corvettes.
I've been an F Body, and Corvette guy since I could remember.
You're making me feel old brother! I remember seeing my first C4 when I was on active duty in the Air Force in June 1983. It was at Beardmore Chevrolet in Nebraska. I could barely see it with all the people around it, but there was no mistaking that clamshell up showing off the engine and suspension. It was a red on red coupe. It would be over a year before I actually drove one, but I was hooked way before that. Hard to believe that was almost 33 years ago. The C4 is timeless and will never be outdated IMO.
When they mention the zr1 wasn't there also a zr1 package from 1970-72?
there was a zr ( - ) 1 option for the 70 - 72 cars in addition to the lt-1 option. this option included the lt-1 engine, transistorized ignition, close ratio hd transmission, larger brakes, aluminum radiator, and hd springs and sway bars. also, deleted from the car was the radio, a special plate was placed over where the radio would have been and a/c was not available.
01-19-2016, 10:27 AM
.. Only one thing I want to add. When they mention the zr1 wasn't there also a zr1 package from 1970-72? I know it doesn't boast the same high performance or label as the c4 zr1 but a package is a package nonetheless (my 85 is a z51 for example but it doesn't boast it like the base c7 does). Just my thoughts.
You're making me feel old brother! 
