Chevy-SS

I had a nice C5, lotta fun. Just sold my pristine C6, also a great car. But now I'm looking to go back in time and scoop up a gently-used C4, and I don't know squat about them. I would be very grateful if someone could give me a few pointers and warnings about the benefits/pitfalls of certain years/models.

My previous two Vettes were autos, but on this C4 I am gonna revert back to manual trans. I have a lift in my garage and lots of tools, so I can do most work myself.

Anyway, a little advice would be greatly appreciated before I plunk down my hard-earned cash.

Thanks very much.....

Dave F. in Rhode Island

BrandensBeast

General advice is to buy the newest and best you can afford, I purchased one of the cheaper ones and am hugely regretting it, there is really two body styles and two interior types from 84-96 aswell.

L98Justin

My advice buy the best one you can afford dont't be tempted to buy one for 2k, also check the floor pans the front half is fiberglass and can crack a lot of people forget that

vetteLT193

You are probably going to have to narrow us down with a budget, taste, or something. There is a big difference between an '84 and a '96. Big difference between an L98 and LT5. And of course there is the whole range in the middle too.

Chevy-SS

Not looking for a collector car or anything. I would spend up to $15k for a super-clean C4. I want something I can drive without having to worry about every little chip or ding.

I'd probably prefer something in 90's, but not sure if there's any benefit to grabbing one from the 80's????

Thanks very much............

L98Justin

There is no benefit if you have 15k to spend unless you absolutely have to have the Digi dash and L98... The LT1 and LT4 cars are much better cars performance wise and the interior look better in some peoples opinion although I prefer the L98.

Chevy-SS

Thanks, good tips!

I am starting to think that it would be best to focus on C4's from '92 thru '96? What do you think?

vetteLT193

For 15k you can buy a higher mileage early ZR1 or lower mileage LT1. I'd personally go Z in your situation because I think they are at the bottom of their price curve. As an example: http://pensacola.craigslist.org/cto/5613380147.html

The only option available on the Z were the roof options. you got body colored, transparent, or both (most seem to have both)

If you opt for a LT1/LT4 I honestly think I'd go after the best value I could find. I think the floor on them is still a couple years off. They built a ton of them. I'd personally advise to go for a super nice one with low miles at your price point or find the nicest one for about half your price point. There are a lot for sale but the ones that are selling are the ones that are priced LOW. This is a good example of a good deal (if you can handle the paint job) https://cfl.craigslist.org/cto/56275...?lang=es&cc=mx

The floor on these are around 4 grand if running and driving so to find a nice one around that price point is safe. A good metric for pricing is to go on ebay, search completed listings, and look at the cars that have actually sold. you will probably be surprised that the prices will be on the low end.

BrandensBeast

15k is a lot for one of these cars generally, could get a VERY nice car at that price point if you look around!

phDiesel

I bought an 96 LT-4 6-Speed with 120k on the clock for $8,800. It needs a little bit of work here and there but I was staggered at the car I got for that much money.

It needed the hydraulic clutch system serviced (read:replaced). It needs new brakes as well as an AC service.

The paint is near perfect aside from the front bumper is orange peel city.

Just take your time and pray that the clutch has been replaced. The Dual Mass Flywheel is almost impossible to find. The ZF 6-Speed is extremely rewarding though and I wouldn't even touch the Auto after having this.

Attachment 47998621Attachment 47998620

mike100

Generally speaking, don't spend less than about $8000. It is like they say: The most expensive cars are the cheap ones.

What-to-look-for threads are available in a search- it's not the drivetrain so much, but the interior, trim, and cosmetics that end up going over what the typical C4 is worth. I would buy a 94-96.

scrappy76

The two biggest things discussed that give problems imo, is the clutch system ( dual mass flywheel ) and the opti distributor. If those have been done, your as close to being good to go as you can get. Dont just look for the low mileage ones because those will give you just as many problems as higher mileage ones. They sit around and that is not always a good thing. The motors and the zf6 manual trannys are very reliable in these vettes. Its all about taking care of them.

ovrebo1

10 years ago I knew I wanted a 92+ for the interior and LT1. To this day I'm glad I made that choice. I would never want an L98 car. I know some people feel the oposite, but that is my preference. I'm also glad I got a 6-speed.

Here are some quick facts from me that are by no means complete, but what little I know that would help me make a choice about a C4 again.

Please flame me if I got some years wrong, I know people are anxiously waiting to....

1985 Tune Port Injection

1990 updated interior and 6 speed optional

FX3 adjustable suspension?

Bigger brakes became an option around this time?

1992 LT1 and traction control

94+ mass air, bigger brakes standard, LT4 optional (not standard)? LT4 good for 20+HP over the LT1

I would be looking for a 94+ since you get everything people of older C4's typically want without having to track it down and make it work.

Dt86

With a spending amount of $15 I would be looking for a nice low mileage 96 LT4

84wuzmy1st

Yeah, if you are willing to part with 15K I would also look at a 96 LT-4 car.

I went with an 85 because the early 80's Vette's are more retro and I wanted an early gen C4 that was a little rougher and more visceral than the later C4's. I feel the 85 is a nice mix of new and old tech, no ABS, Tuned Port, Iron Heads (bullet proof engine), angular body lines. I had a 92 and an 84 previously and even though they are the same generation car the 92 on are definitely 90's cars where the 84-89 are definitely 80's cars... they really do have a completely different feel and aura to them.

1bdvet

I owned 1989, and that's where I would start, it had L98, then comes LT1, which has good track record, but remember these high the mileage more then likely worn items. On my 89, fuel injector took dump at 88,000 miles, and had front oil leak for decades which it would drip a drop of oil on the ground, never got worst, so it didn't bother me and I didn't bother it.
All I can tell you, get what you can afford, be careful and have car checkout out before purchase, cause you could be buying bucket of worms.
My neighbor bought 1994 155,000 miles, he thought he got bargain, BUT his weather stripping is shot doors hatch top, and engine has coolant leak, valve covers leaking and inside interior worn out. He doesn't think anything is wrong, and don't have the money for repairs, but he owns a Corvette.
All I have to say be careful and checkout the car by a pro, before you start sinking money into which might be lost cause.
Good luck.

jay23ls

Believe it not you could get a 100k or 100k mile plus ZR1 in good condition for about 15k

But supposedly the LT4 engine is a lot easier to work on than the LT5 and only has about 40 hp less (330-340 vs 375). But then again the LT5 engine is also super reliable. Decisions decisions

csthews

You are wanting stick, so for that much I would go for a 96. In that year, all manual transmission cars came with the LT4 engine. Also, 96 was the first year for OBD2, so diagnostics may be a bit easier. Finally, I personally think the best looking C4 is the Grand Sport. If you want a looker, and with the budget you have, you may even be able to get one.

Bandit's C4

Here is a SIMPLIFIED spreadsheet covering the highlights and features covering the C4 lineage....

gears

You would really like the LT4..very sweet motor that is somewhat underrated.