1993C4LT1

Let me start off by saying I love my Z07 Ruby. I like the fact that the 96 LT4 comes with 30 more horses, and will probably be easier to tune since it's OBD2. I've put A LOT of time and money into my 93. I feel like I have it almost perfect, with the exception of needing weather stripping. I had a base suspension C4 before my Ruby, and there is a noticeable improvement in handling. I think that finding an LT4 in good shape, and with Z51 will be hard. Wish I could afford to have both. What are y'alls opinions?

TorchTarga94

I vote yes to the idea. However it really comes down to how you feel about the whole ordeal. We all know you have been through a lot with that Ruby and learned quite a bit from it. As you said, you pretty much have it where you want it. If you get something else, you might be starting all over. Even 96's (the most refined of the C4's) aren't without their typical C4 issues.

FWC

I have had my 96 auto for 5 years now but have been searching for a 6speed ( would love to find an LT4) the last 6 months or so, so I understand what you mean. Of course I plan on keeping my current car because I know it and trust it, but I say go for it!

mtwoolford

the other option is that you could easily get most of that thirty horsepower with a cam swap; probably more. If everything's squared away with Ruby keep her and do a few upgrades.

pologreen1

Zr1 for $15k instead.

1993C4LT1

Yeah, honestly I could do the work again but that would suck. FWC, I feel the same about my car. I know it and trust it. I could go cam, longtubes, and 1.6 roller rockers on my car. But I'm not sure how much power these auto's can take. Even tho mine is a year old.

FWC

But isn't there fun in searching for and exploring an all new car.

QCVette

Tough choices.

I had an automatic and decided to sell it to get a 6 speed. I was glad to make the change.

I have an LT4 and like it so I am not really trying to talk you out of it, but you might consider a '95 6 speed. It is even easier to tune than the '96. With simply a moates cable and a flashing program you can do your tuning for around $100. The '94 and '95 use a flashable computer so that you don't have to mess with chips or anything else. The '95 has a few upgrades from the '94 like vented opti, standard J55 brakes, no lift ring on the shifter, etc so I like '95 best, but '94 is very close.

Like I said, I like the LT4. To me it feels like more than the 30 hp difference from the LT1. It feels very similar to and maybe a little better than the LS1 C5's. On the '95 prototype GS that is in the Corvette Museum it states it has the LT4 motor and says 350 hp. Who knows if it was really underrated at 330, but bottom line is that they feel pretty good.

If you can, the best choice is to keep your Ruby and pick up another, maybe to use for mods and a toy. It would be a shame to get rid of one you really like, but if you can add to it that would be great.

Good luck.

1993C4LT1

Yes FWC, it is. Thanks for the info QCVette. I'll think about it guys. I appreciate everyone's feedback

FASTAZU

I have had both, I like the 6 speed with the LT4 but think the interior of the 93 is much better has more detail than the later C4's. If its more power you want spend the $ on your LT1. I sold my 96 CE LT4 to get a 93 ZR-1. They are very well priced right now.

1993C4LT1

I agree on the interior, love the 90-93 interior. Believe me, I've seen the ZR-1 prices and they are very attractive. I'm just not sure if I can afford the maintenance on one. Or even work on it myself.

FASTAZU

Maintenance is not as bad as most people think, Just takes more oil at change time 9.5qts, other than the LT5 its still a C4. If you ever drive one you'll never look back

Check out here for some real info.

http://zr1netregistry.com/Home.aspx

Paul Workman

I never had a Z07; a special car which would add to the conundrum I had when faced with the same choices you're faced with.

For starters, I had a pristine black/black 95/M6 (LT1) that had a fresh transmission in it from Bill Boudreau - shweeeeeet. But, like you I yearned for more HP.

There are many paths to greater "ZAP". The options I considered were:

-trade for a 96 w/ 6-speed (came verrry close!)
-porting + Hotcam/headers route (Lloyd Elliot route)
-383 cid build

But, in the end I opted for the ZR-1*. The "Z" has charm of its own beyond the performance lift, as does your Z07. That Z07 too is unique and you've invested a lot of time and effort in it: you're "invested in it". So, JMO, I'd look at the cam/porting. W/o adding LT headers (yet) you'll realize that 50 + HP w/o "starting over" with another car. Add LT headers and 425 HP will be a nice complement to the Z07 platform AND you keep a unique Corvette in the bargain.

*The ZR-1 is a different animal from my beloved 95 LT1. As Dave McClellan said: "The ZR-1 is a Corvette; only more so!" You wouldn't be disappointed going that route, I'm sure. But, joining the ZR-1 Net Registry would provide you with all the info, parts, etc you would need to keep 'er in top shape.

Decisions, decisions....

2ooo-C5

Are 1996 LT4 Z51 that hard to find?

I was a little disappointed in mine when I saw it. I did not know it was a z51.
The owner never mentioned it and I did not look till after I got the car home.

I had to have Black, 1996, super clean, LT4. No other options or color would work.
So, when I found mine I could not say no even though it was not as show ready as I wanted.

Well, I felt much better the next day when I saw the the Z51 code.

I still don't know what it is worth. It is the only one I have seen for sale.

1993C4LT1

Indeed. Which is good and bad
Pretty hard to find. I've never seen another z07 93 automatic.

James93LT1

A super fun C4 set up would be a LT1 or LT4, with 6 speed.
Hot cam/ 503 cam or similar, headers, 3.73 to 4.10 gears, good tune, and suspension set up to your liking.

DinoBob

I'd go get the '96.

1993C4LT1

I'm leaning towards it. Nothing is set stone yet.

kimmer

I have been looking for the right LT4 myself, seems it may take a while.

Tom400CFI

If you feel that way, KEEP IT. You already have a good relationship w/the car, and that can be hard to recreate. Keep the car.


The additional 30 won't mean much (it comes as RPM that you can't feel, not Tq that you can), and you can add 30 horse to your car pretty easily, IMO.