65Z01

That's a huge factor indeed. If there are any choices available it would be wise to test drive a few to see what "fits" best. I've found that, though some find them difficult, the early C4 bucket seat fits my "bucket" the best.

Whoa, sounds like serious stuff, hope it goes well for ya and no chemo...best wishes.

Kdeman1

Go with the 87! you get.... 5.... count them.... 5 more horse power! "I think" but the 87 does have nicer electronic controls, trying to pull parts off an 85 for my 87, in particular the blower control module, was an older design and didn't fit... so I replaced it with one out of a 91. I think you'd be happier with the wheels on an 87 also, 87777777!!!! FTW!

jsmcol

if you like the looks of the first C4's, I'd go no earlier than the '86, as it had anti-lock brakes. The convertible also had aluminum heads (a little lighter), but you didn't say if you wanted a coupe or vert...


Bottom line, find something in your price range, but spend the more to get the nicest car you can, the little stuff can eat you alive if you have to start replacing all the interior pieces because they are worn, broken, sun faded, etc.


I am also a purist, so I know what you go through when thinking about changing things, you don't want a Frankencar, but it has to look good and run nice. Good luck, don't settle on the first thing that comes along unless it is really what you are looking for.
Jim

QCVette

What features/performance/etc are important to you? Do you work on your own cars?

There are some things that are better with different years. If you like the early body style you are looking at '84 to '90.

Some of the things that are important to me with those years are

'84 had crossfire engine and very stiff suspension. I would prefer other years.
'85 had TPI engine slightly softer suspension. I had one for about 25 years and loved it.
'86 had convertible. ABS. Some mid year changes like the aluminum head engine.
'87 some improvements and has the roller lifter engine. I had one and with only minor changes (exhaust, chip, airfoil, 1.6 rockers) it ran 13's and got 30mpg too. Loved it.
'88 changed suspension similar to all later C4's. Most had 17" wheels and the offset is different. Many more aftermarket wheel and tire choices. I had one and it was a great daily driver for me.
'89 The big change was the ZF6 transmission. Much better than the 4+3.
'90 The analog dash.

This is not a comprehensive list of changes, only some of the things that are important to me. For a much more complete listing of changes get the book "Corvette Black Book" by Mike Antonick.

For a conclusion, I would get the later ones because I like the manual transmission (ZF) and the later offset wheels better. I also like the analog dash,better but not a deal breaker. I also like the '87 or later L98 better (roller cam, TPI, 1 piece rear main seal, etc). The computers are better than the early cars.

However, if you don't mind the later C4 body style I would get a '94 to '96. I currently have a '95 and '96.

Although there are some differences between years, and I like some things better, you can't make a bad choice. They are all great cars that are fun to drive and remarkably capable in a variety of situations (track/street/show/commuter/etc).

Perhaps a better thing is to find a good one. Drive a few before you buy and then you may have a better feel for what good vs. trashed/worn out.

Good luck with your choice.

AirForceOne!

1990, first year of the interior remodel and driver airbag!

fparkin

I have a 84 crossfire with auto with 70k enjoying it has some troubles but 33 years they will buy what ever you can afford I paid 5500 for mine .
I put exhausts and shocks plus a refub delco radio with cd and aux jack so I got 1000.00 into it not bad for a toy

Blackfuriesfan Hawthorne

I love my 1990. 6 speed L98. TPI. No Optispark. Z51 and FX3
Tons of torque and a lovely growl. I will say though it has the first year of the "bomber dash" redesign. I love that interior. My buddy's '94 Callaway 450 supernatural had something similar.

jkennedy

1996 6 speed of course. One year only LT4 engine. The factory rating of 330 horsepower is laughable. I have one and it has to be 345-350 easily. There's no question IMO. A lot of bang for your buck as the LT4's don't really sell for much more, if at all.

The Thomas J

My understanding is GM worked out most if not all of the bugs in the C4 by 1988. I would start there. I'm torn between the automatic transmission and the manual. Having never driven a manual Corvette I can't speak to which is better.

The Thomas J

I have gone back and forth on comparing both interiors and I always go back to likeing the original over the re-design. I feel like the redesign held up better over the course of time. I never cared for Chevy interiors of the 90's they always seemed cheap looking and plastic, like it was an afterthought. The dash wouldn't be a deal breaker for me if I found a 40th-anniversary edition that I liked.

TA

Actually 17" wheels, Jim

mickey5

1990 fighter pilot cockpit, analog instruments, zf6 speed and a square tail with big, round lights....life is good.

VikingTrad3r

gpierce

Huh? 18" wheels?

Edit.... Sorry didn't see above comment.
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