I have now the 1989 Convertible
Runs great interior and exterior issues but not major

117,000 miles I like the c-4 style and would sell this one to get a newer C4 but what year is considered the best ?

 

In my experience (had both a 1984 and a 1996) the later years are the better ones (even with the opti-spark issues). I'd go for a 1996 to get full OBD II, the six speed and the LT4 engine.

 

Thanks

 

I prefer the late model C4's (92-96) simply because i like the rear bumper and the Interior. I also like the 94-96 Base seats much more than the seats through 93. It's VERY noteworthy that 95-96 have the J55 Heavy Duty Brake (13" diameter, thicker and ribbed for cooling rotors) upgrade as "standard" equipment and they are much improved over the standard C4 brakes (12" rotors). Also things like A/C are easier to fix on 94-96.
I find that the guys that really wrench on these cars prefer the earlier ones because they are a little more "simple". A 90-91 would be something i would consider (the updated exterior and interior) and the L98 motor that seems to be a tad bit more tolerable to maintain since it doesn't have the Opti (less HP than an LT1 but more torque).

The one huge difference with the 96 is that its a true OBDII (94-95 have OBDII plug but still have OBDI computer)...which is the system they used for the C5's...which sadly seem to be known for their electrical issues

And if you're a guy that prefers an automatic trans, you have a MUCH higher chance of getting the G92 performance axle as 60% of 94-96 autos have that, compared to only 15% in the 92-93 auto's...they also brought back the Z51 Handling package for 1996 (not available in any other LT1 Corvettes)

 

Updated exterior styling came on the '91, not the '90.

 

A number of the changes that took place in 95 & 96 have been pointed out. Another one was that starting in 95 the fuel injectors were slightly different to better cope with alcohol-blend fuels. for 95 & 96 you also get a digital read out of the trans fluid temp in addition to the water & oil.

I would encourage you to invest $20.00 a get a copy of Mike Antonick's The Corvette Black Book. He makes it very easy to see how things change from year to year during the production cycles.

I've been very pleased with my 95 A4. I've put well over 100K on it since I bought it in 2005

 

This last portion that I bolded is (I believe) incorrect. Starting in 1991 the Z51 package of components was combined with the FX3 adjustable shocks and was relabeled as the Z07 package. My 95 has the Z07 package and drives like a slot car.

In 1996 the FX3 package of adjustable shocks was replaced by a more sophisticated real-time dampening setup called F45. The components were a one year run only. In 96 you were however able to purchase the Z51 components in a package separate from the real-time dampening shocks.

 

i never said the components weren't on the car, i said there was no Z51 option (RPO) for LT1 corvettes except for 1996. i'd take a 1996 with Z51 over either FX3 or F45 any day (they never work anyways...i have FX3 in my 92 and had F45 in a 96 i had). I'm not salty, just making myself more clear...you are just trying to help.

 

I bought my 91 because I liked the interior and body update but I preferred the Gen I SBC to the Gen II LT motors. Knowing i was going to modify the engine I didn't care about the factory hp difference and now my L98 is on par with lt4 power after just a few modifications. I don't think there is a "best", only good and bad examples. Finding a well sorted car is the key, everything else can be modified.

As for the suspension packages, if you want certain packages on a certain year and even a certain color on a car that has been taken care of you can look forever and not find it. My car had soft ride suspension, and 12" brakes, not ideal for track duty. I've since changed them out for 92 Z07 suspension and 13" brakes from a ZR1. No more than a few hundred dollars and a weekend to switch the stuff out. Now my car is basically an lt4 car with early Z07 suspension and no opti, something gm never offered. Get a good car with the right "bones" and change it to fit you.