Looking at 90 convertible
11-29-2017, 06:22 AM
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Looking at 90 convertible
What should I look for on this one? Im a little concerned about the "corvette specialist"... Ive asked if there is a build sheet but no response yet.. Should I consider this transmission DOA when I negotiate if cannot prove it was done? Where are the cheat points on reinstalling a motor I can look for... if any. I hate it when shops cut corners and leave out or modify parts to make the job quicker.
FYI.. Im handicapped and require automatic."1990 Corvette triple black convertible, 350 engine, auto, ac, ps, pb, pwr seats, chrome stock rims with new tires, new shocks, top good condition, new battery, Motor has less than 3500 miles since rebuilt from local shop that specializes in corvettes. Flow master mufflers, new ECM. Drive train excellent condition. Interior good condition. Cash only, no trades, thanks for looking."
Any help would be appreciated.
FYI.. Im handicapped and require automatic."1990 Corvette triple black convertible, 350 engine, auto, ac, ps, pb, pwr seats, chrome stock rims with new tires, new shocks, top good condition, new battery, Motor has less than 3500 miles since rebuilt from local shop that specializes in corvettes. Flow master mufflers, new ECM. Drive train excellent condition. Interior good condition. Cash only, no trades, thanks for looking."
Any help would be appreciated.
11-29-2017, 10:15 AM
#2
Team Owner
If it were me, before you get the stars in your eyes and get the "Vette Fever", I'd take it to a DIFFERENT mechanic to have them do a pre-delivery inspection.
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barchetta1 (11-29-2017)
11-29-2017, 10:50 AM
#3
Burning Brakes
90 convertible
As far as the motor ask around about the shop that rebuilt it. If the fluid is pink and doesn't have a burned smell you should be good to go. As suggested take it to a mechanic you know and trust to check it out.
11-29-2017, 12:53 PM
#4
Team Owner
If you built something, there should be some sort of sheet to say what you put into it. If you don't have that, I don't know what to tell you.
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barchetta1 (11-29-2017)
11-29-2017, 01:08 PM
#5
Price, condition and mileage dictate cars value.
With out knowing those 5k tops.
post those details and you can get a fairly decent answer.
handicapped as in how and what capacity? (not being rude, asking because relying on others all the time on this car will be more costly than just buying a newer version)
With out knowing those 5k tops.
post those details and you can get a fairly decent answer.
handicapped as in how and what capacity? (not being rude, asking because relying on others all the time on this car will be more costly than just buying a newer version)
11-29-2017, 01:51 PM
#6
Drifting
With my '90 A/C is R12 which is not available. If its not converted to R134 it will cost $500+ to retrofit.
If the original Multec injectors are still in place and you have them changed out professionally when they fail, figure on $800 to $1500 depending on new vs rebuilt.
The more info you can obtain regarding maintenance performed over the years the better intelligent decision you can make. With my '90 that I bought new and now has 53K miles, I plan for $500 to $1000 a year for a "somebody else fix it" fund. My local Chevy Dealer Corvette tech is charging $125 an hour for labor . Knowledgeable independants are $100+.
If the original Multec injectors are still in place and you have them changed out professionally when they fail, figure on $800 to $1500 depending on new vs rebuilt.
The more info you can obtain regarding maintenance performed over the years the better intelligent decision you can make. With my '90 that I bought new and now has 53K miles, I plan for $500 to $1000 a year for a "somebody else fix it" fund. My local Chevy Dealer Corvette tech is charging $125 an hour for labor . Knowledgeable independants are $100+.
Last edited by mickey5; 11-29-2017 at 01:54 PM.
11-29-2017, 01:56 PM
#7
Team Owner
With my '90 A/C is R12 which is not available. If its not converted to R134 it will cost $500+ to retrofit.
If the original Multec injectors are still in place and you have them changed out professionally when they fail, figure on $800 to $1500 depending on new vs rebuilt.
The more info you can obtain regarding maintenance performed over the years the better intelligent decision you can make. With my '90 that I bought new and now has 53K miles, I plan for $500 to $1000 a year for a "somebody else fix it" fund. My local Chevy Dealer Corvette tech is charging $125 an hour for labor . Knowledgeable independants are $100+.
If the original Multec injectors are still in place and you have them changed out professionally when they fail, figure on $800 to $1500 depending on new vs rebuilt.
The more info you can obtain regarding maintenance performed over the years the better intelligent decision you can make. With my '90 that I bought new and now has 53K miles, I plan for $500 to $1000 a year for a "somebody else fix it" fund. My local Chevy Dealer Corvette tech is charging $125 an hour for labor . Knowledgeable independants are $100+.
The question is whether they can and will fix it. Some have decided that they either don't want to and make all kinds of excuses or there are only 1 or 2 guys that can work it.
11-29-2017, 03:24 PM
#8
Drifting
I thought that was doable if you can find the shop with R12. Thought there were a few around. Not sure yet.
The question is whether they can and will fix it. Some have decided that they either don't want to and make all kinds of excuses or there are only 1 or 2 guys that can work it.
The question is whether they can and will fix it. Some have decided that they either don't want to and make all kinds of excuses or there are only 1 or 2 guys that can work it.
Interesting though, R12 is not illegal and is used in commercial refrigeration. I'm looking for one of these people who is licensed and will service an automobile. Any leads to Jersey shops would be appreciated.
11-29-2017, 06:26 PM
#9
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
I plan to get a PPI.
I spoke to the older gentleman today who owns it.. he doesnt know how many owners there were.
The shop is not a shop its an "ex gm employee"..
The odometer says 114k.
He has all in writing (from ex GM employee "chris") as follows:
"Car engine was brought up to a lt1 hp rating of 300hp"
It was done with a cam, injectors, and ECM was programmed for cam and 89 octane fuel.
He says he bought it and drove it home (approx 100 miles) and it was running rough so he had the work done..
the bottom end was inspected and found to be in good shape.
When tore down they found it had a "race cam" with the wrong injectors (stock) and also the ECM was stock.. which is, again, why he had the top end done.
He says the trans is good, fluid clear shifts well.
He says due to the cam it has a slight "lope"
Its a repaint he thinks, (black). Interior is "good". all lights work and lights mechanically flip up and down fine.
There is some issue with the security system where you have to connect a wire to the trans shifter to get it to start and then you can take it off. No clue what that is about. Im a techie so Im not scared of this one.
To be honest Im having a hard time, and I hate to say this, but Im having a hard time believing his story.. but my thought is he is older and may not remember all but even giving him that, Im having a hard time believing all of it..
He said he would allow a compression test (good sign).. he didnt blink when I asked.. in fact, he said oh yes of course..
So.. Im going to look at it tomorrow to decide if I want to pay for a PPI.. this could be a good buy with a nicely massaged motor or a nightmare basket case with a poor paint job and typical interior that needs to be replaced. Either way, someone needs to do something with the car.. its all about price.
Id really appreciate more comments.. Ive built v8's myself but I know jack about corvettes.. for example.. do you have to send a ECM to be programmed? How can just a cam and injectors bring this car to 300hp without an aftermarket intake?
He is asking $5500. He seems like a nice guy... (now Im feeling bad about not believing his story).
EDIT: He said rockers are replaced with rollers and that is why valve covers are not stock.
EDIT: added images
EDIT: "new" injectors that match cam. So I presume higher flow.. again, I guess this is why he then sent ECM out to be re done.
I spoke to the older gentleman today who owns it.. he doesnt know how many owners there were.
The shop is not a shop its an "ex gm employee"..
The odometer says 114k.
He has all in writing (from ex GM employee "chris") as follows:
"Car engine was brought up to a lt1 hp rating of 300hp"
It was done with a cam, injectors, and ECM was programmed for cam and 89 octane fuel.
He says he bought it and drove it home (approx 100 miles) and it was running rough so he had the work done..
the bottom end was inspected and found to be in good shape.
When tore down they found it had a "race cam" with the wrong injectors (stock) and also the ECM was stock.. which is, again, why he had the top end done.
He says the trans is good, fluid clear shifts well.
He says due to the cam it has a slight "lope"
Its a repaint he thinks, (black). Interior is "good". all lights work and lights mechanically flip up and down fine.
There is some issue with the security system where you have to connect a wire to the trans shifter to get it to start and then you can take it off. No clue what that is about. Im a techie so Im not scared of this one.
To be honest Im having a hard time, and I hate to say this, but Im having a hard time believing his story.. but my thought is he is older and may not remember all but even giving him that, Im having a hard time believing all of it..
He said he would allow a compression test (good sign).. he didnt blink when I asked.. in fact, he said oh yes of course..
So.. Im going to look at it tomorrow to decide if I want to pay for a PPI.. this could be a good buy with a nicely massaged motor or a nightmare basket case with a poor paint job and typical interior that needs to be replaced. Either way, someone needs to do something with the car.. its all about price.
Id really appreciate more comments.. Ive built v8's myself but I know jack about corvettes.. for example.. do you have to send a ECM to be programmed? How can just a cam and injectors bring this car to 300hp without an aftermarket intake?
He is asking $5500. He seems like a nice guy... (now Im feeling bad about not believing his story).
EDIT: He said rockers are replaced with rollers and that is why valve covers are not stock.
EDIT: added images
EDIT: "new" injectors that match cam. So I presume higher flow.. again, I guess this is why he then sent ECM out to be re done.
Last edited by barchetta1; 11-29-2017 at 06:53 PM.
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JerriVette (12-01-2017)
11-29-2017, 06:28 PM
#10
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Price, condition and mileage dictate cars value.
With out knowing those 5k tops.
post those details and you can get a fairly decent answer.
handicapped as in how and what capacity? (not being rude, asking because relying on others all the time on this car will be more costly than just buying a newer version)
With out knowing those 5k tops.
post those details and you can get a fairly decent answer.
handicapped as in how and what capacity? (not being rude, asking because relying on others all the time on this car will be more costly than just buying a newer version)
I can wrench... my right arm is very limited.. but I have my hands (both). My bicep and deltoid are gone. I did my rear brakes on my bmw not too long ago all by myself.
Last edited by barchetta1; 11-29-2017 at 06:29 PM.
11-29-2017, 08:04 PM
#11
Pro
I wouldn't touch that car unless it was practically free. It clearly suffers from way too many people doing way too much work on it. Unfortunately these cars really don't age well unless very well taken care of by one or 2 people, especially at the odometer mileage you listed. This car as it sits will almost certainly taint your view about C4 corvettes. At best it's a can of worms that tests your patience.
11-29-2017, 08:26 PM
#12
Team Owner
I plan to get a PPI.
I spoke to the older gentleman today who owns it.. he doesnt know how many owners there were.
The shop is not a shop its an "ex gm employee"..
The odometer says 114k.
He has all in writing (from ex GM employee "chris") as follows:
"Car engine was brought up to a lt1 hp rating of 300hp"
It was done with a cam, injectors, and ECM was programmed for cam and 89 octane fuel.
He says he bought it and drove it home (approx 100 miles) and it was running rough so he had the work done..
the bottom end was inspected and found to be in good shape.
When tore down they found it had a "race cam" with the wrong injectors (stock) and also the ECM was stock.. which is, again, why he had the top end done.
He says the trans is good, fluid clear shifts well.
He says due to the cam it has a slight "lope"
Its a repaint he thinks, (black). Interior is "good". all lights work and lights mechanically flip up and down fine.
There is some issue with the security system where you have to connect a wire to the trans shifter to get it to start and then you can take it off. No clue what that is about. Im a techie so Im not scared of this one.
To be honest Im having a hard time, and I hate to say this, but Im having a hard time believing his story.. but my thought is he is older and may not remember all but even giving him that, Im having a hard time believing all of it..
He said he would allow a compression test (good sign).. he didnt blink when I asked.. in fact, he said oh yes of course..
So.. Im going to look at it tomorrow to decide if I want to pay for a PPI.. this could be a good buy with a nicely massaged motor or a nightmare basket case with a poor paint job and typical interior that needs to be replaced. Either way, someone needs to do something with the car.. its all about price.
Id really appreciate more comments.. Ive built v8's myself but I know jack about corvettes.. for example.. do you have to send a ECM to be programmed? How can just a cam and injectors bring this car to 300hp without an aftermarket intake?
He is asking $5500. He seems like a nice guy... (now Im feeling bad about not believing his story).
EDIT: He said rockers are replaced with rollers and that is why valve covers are not stock.
EDIT: added images
EDIT: "new" injectors that match cam. So I presume higher flow.. again, I guess this is why he then sent ECM out to be re done.
I spoke to the older gentleman today who owns it.. he doesnt know how many owners there were.
The shop is not a shop its an "ex gm employee"..
The odometer says 114k.
He has all in writing (from ex GM employee "chris") as follows:
"Car engine was brought up to a lt1 hp rating of 300hp"
It was done with a cam, injectors, and ECM was programmed for cam and 89 octane fuel.
He says he bought it and drove it home (approx 100 miles) and it was running rough so he had the work done..
the bottom end was inspected and found to be in good shape.
When tore down they found it had a "race cam" with the wrong injectors (stock) and also the ECM was stock.. which is, again, why he had the top end done.
He says the trans is good, fluid clear shifts well.
He says due to the cam it has a slight "lope"
Its a repaint he thinks, (black). Interior is "good". all lights work and lights mechanically flip up and down fine.
There is some issue with the security system where you have to connect a wire to the trans shifter to get it to start and then you can take it off. No clue what that is about. Im a techie so Im not scared of this one.
To be honest Im having a hard time, and I hate to say this, but Im having a hard time believing his story.. but my thought is he is older and may not remember all but even giving him that, Im having a hard time believing all of it..
He said he would allow a compression test (good sign).. he didnt blink when I asked.. in fact, he said oh yes of course..
So.. Im going to look at it tomorrow to decide if I want to pay for a PPI.. this could be a good buy with a nicely massaged motor or a nightmare basket case with a poor paint job and typical interior that needs to be replaced. Either way, someone needs to do something with the car.. its all about price.
Id really appreciate more comments.. Ive built v8's myself but I know jack about corvettes.. for example.. do you have to send a ECM to be programmed? How can just a cam and injectors bring this car to 300hp without an aftermarket intake?
He is asking $5500. He seems like a nice guy... (now Im feeling bad about not believing his story).
EDIT: He said rockers are replaced with rollers and that is why valve covers are not stock.
EDIT: added images
EDIT: "new" injectors that match cam. So I presume higher flow.. again, I guess this is why he then sent ECM out to be re done.
Sounds like you need to put his number on ignore and go on with your life. You are taking over somebody's abortion.
11-29-2017, 09:46 PM
#13
Pro
He seems like either an idiot or a crook. Nice guy and it gets you feeling bad? Sounds like a good salesman. Rockers can be replaced with roller rockers if you cut off the drip tabs. Sounds like a story. How do the injectors match the cam?
Sounds like you need to put his number on ignore and go on with your life. You are taking over somebody's abortion.
Sounds like you need to put his number on ignore and go on with your life. You are taking over somebody's abortion.
I'd pass...
11-29-2017, 10:32 PM
#14
Pics show it's been tampered with.
I know it sucks to hear, but there are possibly many thousands of c4 automatics for sale. Color combo might be hard, but it is worth the wait.
Unknown cam stuff on these cars can be a nightmare unless you or someone you know can tune.
From the pics...
-The top is either not in all the way or there is a major adjustment issue.
-Repaints on these are almost guaranteed to peel or shew issues after about 2 years if they were not done right.
-The wheels are not stock or proper
- rear is jacked way up
-Front is incredibly low to not have a broken spring or someone hacking the rubber pads etc off
-rear bumper is not stock or proper
pretty clear signs this car has been in a wreck or more.
Sorry for my money the guy would be pissed, but an educated buyer either walks from that car or says 2500 because...who knows! 3k is a risky gamble and also remember you bought a hacked up '90.
If it was yours to sell would you use your post of his response about the car?
Good stockers go for 5k.
I know it sucks to hear, but there are possibly many thousands of c4 automatics for sale. Color combo might be hard, but it is worth the wait.
Unknown cam stuff on these cars can be a nightmare unless you or someone you know can tune.
From the pics...
-The top is either not in all the way or there is a major adjustment issue.
-Repaints on these are almost guaranteed to peel or shew issues after about 2 years if they were not done right.
-The wheels are not stock or proper
- rear is jacked way up
-Front is incredibly low to not have a broken spring or someone hacking the rubber pads etc off
-rear bumper is not stock or proper
pretty clear signs this car has been in a wreck or more.
Sorry for my money the guy would be pissed, but an educated buyer either walks from that car or says 2500 because...who knows! 3k is a risky gamble and also remember you bought a hacked up '90.
If it was yours to sell would you use your post of his response about the car?
Good stockers go for 5k.
11-30-2017, 05:09 AM
#15
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Pics show it's been tampered with.
I know it sucks to hear, but there are possibly many thousands of c4 automatics for sale. Color combo might be hard, but it is worth the wait.
Unknown cam stuff on these cars can be a nightmare unless you or someone you know can tune.
From the pics...
-The top is either not in all the way or there is a major adjustment issue.
-Repaints on these are almost guaranteed to peel or shew issues after about 2 years if they were not done right.
-The wheels are not stock or proper
- rear is jacked way up
-Front is incredibly low to not have a broken spring or someone hacking the rubber pads etc off
-rear bumper is not stock or proper
pretty clear signs this car has been in a wreck or more.
Sorry for my money the guy would be pissed, but an educated buyer either walks from that car or says 2500 because...who knows! 3k is a risky gamble and also remember you bought a hacked up '90.
If it was yours to sell would you use your post of his response about the car?
Good stockers go for 5k.
I know it sucks to hear, but there are possibly many thousands of c4 automatics for sale. Color combo might be hard, but it is worth the wait.
Unknown cam stuff on these cars can be a nightmare unless you or someone you know can tune.
From the pics...
-The top is either not in all the way or there is a major adjustment issue.
-Repaints on these are almost guaranteed to peel or shew issues after about 2 years if they were not done right.
-The wheels are not stock or proper
- rear is jacked way up
-Front is incredibly low to not have a broken spring or someone hacking the rubber pads etc off
-rear bumper is not stock or proper
pretty clear signs this car has been in a wreck or more.
Sorry for my money the guy would be pissed, but an educated buyer either walks from that car or says 2500 because...who knows! 3k is a risky gamble and also remember you bought a hacked up '90.
If it was yours to sell would you use your post of his response about the car?
Good stockers go for 5k.
Yep.. I decided after all these responses to take a pass.
The paint alone was the one thing that was troubling me.
I think I need to up my price and get a garage queen.
EDIT: thanks to you ALL for helping me out... I hope all dont mind if I come back with my next consideration.
Last edited by barchetta1; 11-30-2017 at 05:11 AM.
11-30-2017, 12:14 PM
#16
Team Owner
Why? All the value of a garage queen is going to be lost if you drive it. What exactly can you afford and what do you want this car to do? Is it a track terror, garage queen or sunday driver or daily driver or what?
11-30-2017, 12:27 PM
#17
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Also.. here is an observation and I wonder what you all think of it..
It seems to me that many older vettes in the south are tortured at some point by being left outdoors for extended periods.. When I look at the north, where they have no choice but to store in the garage or leave out in the snow and ice I see more vettes that are in better shape as a result..
thoughts?
And to answer the question: I want a weekend, sunny day and occasional, perhaps weekly to bi-weekly drive to work car. I want one that I can be proud to look at and one that meets my visual interest and I want one that eventually has a snarly sounding v8 tone to it. So I will want to header and cam it at some point. And I hate black interior so Im limited.
so there you are... make sense?
11-30-2017, 12:42 PM
#18
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
thoughts on this one?
Spoke to the reseller.. guy has it on consignment and needs cash quick.. all sorts of service lights thrown... tach stuck at 12 o clock.
http://www.carproslkn.com/1990-Chevr...4/Details.aspx
Spoke to the reseller.. guy has it on consignment and needs cash quick.. all sorts of service lights thrown... tach stuck at 12 o clock.
http://www.carproslkn.com/1990-Chevr...4/Details.aspx
Last edited by barchetta1; 11-30-2017 at 12:44 PM.
11-30-2017, 01:19 PM
#19
thoughts on this one?
Spoke to the reseller.. guy has it on consignment and needs cash quick.. all sorts of service lights thrown... tach stuck at 12 o clock.
http://www.carproslkn.com/1990-Chevr...4/Details.aspx
Spoke to the reseller.. guy has it on consignment and needs cash quick.. all sorts of service lights thrown... tach stuck at 12 o clock.
http://www.carproslkn.com/1990-Chevr...4/Details.aspx
The Tach on a '90 is a most common problem. Not an issue.
Car history, better photos, how motivated is the dealership? They don't want a c4 believe me. Look at the other vette inventory in the background of photos, not c4s.
The good news is they are willing to try to resell it, so it is most likely not too hacked up or beat up, so they could clean it up and advertise it. Not to say it is trouble free, but it is a better than a CL seller IN SOME CASES.
Nice one, but keep looking IMO.
What is your budget?
Do you like small projects?
Do you want a vette or a Special vette?
If you would rather buy a special vette learn the build codes and decide, because if a little more money is not an issue you can get lt4 (I know you need auto, but price range matters) cars for 8-9k or zr1's for 12-?K.
There is a guy here selling a nicely done '93 anniversary for like 9k? it's auto. His name is 1993c4lt1 and there are many others in the F/S section here. usually not trying to rip people off or dump junk, sometimes a little history trail of the car too is left here.
Last edited by pologreen1; 11-30-2017 at 01:20 PM.
11-30-2017, 01:28 PM
#20
Team Owner
thoughts on this one?
Spoke to the reseller.. guy has it on consignment and needs cash quick.. all sorts of service lights thrown... tach stuck at 12 o clock.
http://www.carproslkn.com/1990-Chevr...4/Details.aspx
Spoke to the reseller.. guy has it on consignment and needs cash quick.. all sorts of service lights thrown... tach stuck at 12 o clock.
http://www.carproslkn.com/1990-Chevr...4/Details.aspx