When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Bought it against my better judgement and I might have to let it go. Am I crazy to ask $12,000?
1992 Chevrolet Corvette 95,600 miles on body.
77k mile LS1 out of a '04 Vette
Milled heads, custom grind cam
4l65E Trans, small stall
Trans cooler
Dana 44 Rear with 4.10 Gears
Walbro 255 pump
Has been 12.4@ 115 in 3000 DA on street tires with a 1.9 '60
Car runs amazing and I have no issues with the car other then the battery goes dead after a week of not being driven.
All gauges work except the instant fuel economy and traction control no longer works
Car is very clean for the miles but isn't perfect. Has some scratches and blemishes. No dings or dents.
Interior has some wear on the driver seat, passenger speaker in the foot well the carpet has a large tear in it.
I'm honestly not sure what to ask for it since I haven't ever seen another like it in my area.
Dyno day. Made 360WHP but ran into issues where we never got a clean pull. Calculator puts it closer to 400whp. Builder did a fantastic job at keeping it as factory as possible. Heat and ac both work.
You can ask what you want and go from there but a A 92 with those miles in great shape is a $7-8k car and thats probably being generous and factor in non original motor other gauges non functional because of the swap etc Id put the car equal value and that was if the original motor was included
I certainly wouldnt pay $5k more for a LS1 swapped LT1 C4 over a similar original LT1 car but If the swap was done on an 84 Crossfire than Id probably put it more but not much more if the original motor wasn't included
$12k is also C5 territory with similar miles/condition so its a tough sell at that price
I just got my 1992 LT1 convertible with 100k miles on it in really decent shape for $6200.
I'd be looking at C5's all day long for twice the price I paid.
A C4 coupe with an LS in it might bring a little more than mine to the right buyer if it's super clean, but I really doubt twice as much $$$$.
GLWS
Last edited by BubbaKahuna; 06-06-2019 at 01:18 PM.
Im not a purist, so my opinion is going to differ, I think it should be worth at least 10k, and 12 doesnt sound bad, there is way more money into it than that, I would think. just have to find the right buyer. Car looks super clean, and the install looks professional, ls swaps are kinda the trend now and really brings that car into current tech shape. Wouldnt just the motor tranny computer combo be worth 6k on its own? If it came down to it you could part it out for at least 10k as long as everything is sound and especially if the interior is in clean shape like the rest of the car. I think you just need to find the right buyer, a real c4 fan that understands what that swap would cost, may take a bit to sell it, but it will be worth it to someone. Whats the fan for in the spare tire area?
Im not a purist, so my opinion is going to differ, I think it should be worth at least 10k, and 12 doesnt sound bad, there is way more money into it than that, I would think. just have to find the right buyer. Car looks super clean, and the install looks professional, ls swaps are kinda the trend now and really brings that car into current tech shape. Wouldnt just the motor tranny computer combo be worth 6k on its own? If it came down to it you could part it out for at least 10k as long as everything is sound and especially if the interior is in clean shape like the rest of the car. I think you just need to find the right buyer, a real c4 fan that understands what that swap would cost, may take a bit to sell it, but it will be worth it to someone. Whats the fan for in the spare tire area?
I think the problem with the logic here is that 12k gets you a decent c5, so unless you find someone who specifically wants a c4, but also wants an LS, it's a tough sell at above 8k. Then theres the "what doesnt work" questions. Ac still work? What about the gauges? What about the trip computer? So on and so forth.
Unless you find someone who wants exactly this, and buying it done saves them time, it's a tough sell vs just buying a c5.
I think the problem with the logic here is that 12k gets you a decent c5, so unless you find someone who specifically wants a c4, but also wants an LS, it's a tough sell at above 8k. Then theres the "what doesnt work" questions. Ac still work? What about the gauges? What about the trip computer? So on and so forth.
Unless you find someone who wants exactly this, and buying it done saves them time, it's a tough sell vs just buying a c5.
I understand your point, but like I said I bet there are buyers out there looking for something like this. It wont be your average guy, but I still think their not that rare. In just my personal taste opinion I dont want a c5 for some reason, they just look funny to me. I like the c6 and c7, but something about the c5 puts me off, I think they are the least attractive vettes out there, I dont hate them, but i would take a ls c4 over one every time. Also, its pretty regular on this forum for people to ask how can I build this thing and make it faster right after buying, so I would think some of those people that do some research before buying would want something like this A ls is definitely a better way to make power...In my area good shape c4's are still priced around 8k-10k I know other places arent like that. California seems to be the bargin center to go buy one. Anyway, I just think its very possible he could find a buyer, lsx is a pretty big thing right now, seems like they are getting put in everything. and just used swaps from a corvette are pricey, truck motors are a different story. If I was looking right now for one and thought I could get this one locally for around 10k I would highly consider it, but Im not a purist as I said. As far as what works sounds like everything but traction control and mpg reading. I bet there would be some way to get the traction contol going if you really wanted to.
Last edited by Blackcorvette_85; 06-06-2019 at 10:02 PM.
might help to know what state you're in and the applicable laws as to engine swaps. In California, without a referee's sticker, the car is essentially just a collection of parts
might help to know what state you're in and the applicable laws as to engine swaps. In California, without a referee's sticker, the car is essentially just a collection of parts
His bio says Kansas, so guessing the car is there. No way would that car get ok'd here in Cali(I wish), the headers alone wouldn't fly here. Might be able to get away with an LS, but only if all the original smog BS is still attached.
What most people have send seems spot on. You can ask 12K, but my guess is that it will take awhile for the right buyer to come along. Unless you have upgraded the suspension and other components, it's not too far off from a lipstick on a pig scenario. I personally would love to have an LS powered C4, but wouldn't pay that much unless we're talking about a 1996 or maybe 1995. The fact that several things dont work would concern me too. It always makes me nervous tracing down other people gremlins.
To put it into a little more perspective. When I bought my 95, I was also looking at two others with LS motors that were also 95's. They were only selling for around 3K more and they were still for sale months after I bought mine.
Looks well done in my opinion with the exception of the lead pipes... I dont like all the joints. For $12,000.... I would say if the suspension was either improved or just has replaced bushings and EVERYTHING is in operating condition, plus a very good cleaning of everything you can see.... the wheel wells front & back, the wheel barrels, all the aluminum suspension parts polished up, and just make sure there can be no excuses for a potential buyer. Thats what its about when selling a car in my opinion. There should not be any bargaining chips in the buyers favor especially when you want top dollar. Provide as much receipts and paperwork as possible. Pictures on a project like this are helpful as well. I would guess that concerns for many on this type of swap would be to be sure the wiring is 100%. That would be my concern anyway.... Realistically, Id say $8500. to $10,000. with all the above.... Just my opinion... Good Luck!
06-05-2019, 12:54 PM
Whats it worth? '92 LS1 Swapped Vette
