What car?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 174
Likes: 32
From: NEPA
What car?
So I have been thinking about a corvette for a while now. Currently I have a 98 BMW 540 that is a wonderful car, but I don't get to drive it very often and when I do I sometimes wish it were a bigger occasion. It's fast. comfortable, quiet but perhaps a bit too civilized for me.
I like the C4's and was wondering what flavor to get? There's the L98, LT1 or even the ZR1... I think I prefer the looks of the earlier cars, the lines are so clean...
The BMW is a 14 second car, I'd like to be driving a 12 - 12.5 second car. I'm petty decent at doing my own work, and decently equipped with tools. But fairly low on time (young family)… The BMW is tough to mod, everything is expensive especially more power, the C4's look a lot more mod friendly.
What's the cheapest easiest C4 to get to my goal, and is it worth considering the 4+3 transmission at all? Btw, manual only for me.
Opinions appreciated...
I like the C4's and was wondering what flavor to get? There's the L98, LT1 or even the ZR1... I think I prefer the looks of the earlier cars, the lines are so clean...
The BMW is a 14 second car, I'd like to be driving a 12 - 12.5 second car. I'm petty decent at doing my own work, and decently equipped with tools. But fairly low on time (young family)… The BMW is tough to mod, everything is expensive especially more power, the C4's look a lot more mod friendly.
What's the cheapest easiest C4 to get to my goal, and is it worth considering the 4+3 transmission at all? Btw, manual only for me.
Opinions appreciated...
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 193
Likes: 16
From: Vegas NV
So I have been thinking about a corvette for a while now. Currently I have a 98 BMW 540 that is a wonderful car, but I don't get to drive it very often and when I do I sometimes wish it were a bigger occasion. It's fast. comfortable, quiet but perhaps a bit too civilized for me.
I like the C4's and was wondering what flavor to get? There's the L98, LT1 or even the ZR1... I think I prefer the looks of the earlier cars, the lines are so clean...
The BMW is a 14 second car, I'd like to be driving a 12 - 12.5 second car. I'm petty decent at doing my own work, and decently equipped with tools. But fairly low on time (young family)… The BMW is tough to mod, everything is expensive especially more power, the C4's look a lot more mod friendly.
What's the cheapest easiest C4 to get to my goal, and is it worth considering the 4+3 transmission at all? Btw, manual only for me.
Opinions appreciated...
I like the C4's and was wondering what flavor to get? There's the L98, LT1 or even the ZR1... I think I prefer the looks of the earlier cars, the lines are so clean...
The BMW is a 14 second car, I'd like to be driving a 12 - 12.5 second car. I'm petty decent at doing my own work, and decently equipped with tools. But fairly low on time (young family)… The BMW is tough to mod, everything is expensive especially more power, the C4's look a lot more mod friendly.
What's the cheapest easiest C4 to get to my goal, and is it worth considering the 4+3 transmission at all? Btw, manual only for me.
Opinions appreciated...
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 193
Likes: 16
From: Vegas NV
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 17,377
Likes: 6,523
From: Melbourne, FL
If his 540i is a 14 second car, he must have amazing DA. That's a 15 .x second car normally.
Really, it boils down to what your budget is. Any c4 will be much faster than the big bmw. But they're not really drag cars, they're handling cars. If you just want to go fast in a straight line, buy an ls1 powered f body.
Really, it boils down to what your budget is. Any c4 will be much faster than the big bmw. But they're not really drag cars, they're handling cars. If you just want to go fast in a straight line, buy an ls1 powered f body.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,706
Likes: 485
From: Everett WA
C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
I will tell you this. A C4 corvette is a car that enjoys being driven. Drive it all the time and it will reward you ...... neglect it and let it sit ..... and it gets resentful.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 671
Likes: 171
From: Birmingham, Alabama
I used to only drive the 95 on the weekends, but little crap always went wrong. Now that I driver pretty much everyday, she treats me good.
You mentioned that you didn't have time to work on the car and had a young family. My suggestion would be to get a late model C4 and pay up a little for one that has been properly maintained. A 1996 CE would be close to fitting the bill.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Compound in the Grove, Ga.
2026 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C4 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
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2019 C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods)
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St. Jude Donor '16
Lots of options... Good Luck!!
Last edited by FASTAZU; Jan 8, 2020 at 09:53 AM.
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Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
As always your best bet is to sit in/drive a few say an '89 6-speed, '94 and a C5.
You will likely find much variety in styling, "feel" and driving.
Then chose the one that really suits your desires/needs.
You will likely find much variety in styling, "feel" and driving.
Then chose the one that really suits your desires/needs.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 389
Likes: 77
If you’re set on a manual a 92-93 LT1 6-spd Coupe is probably your best bang for the buck they are mid 13 sec cars out of the box
Long Tube Headers
Catback
Performance Chip
3.73 Gears
Drag Radials
Fresh Tuneup/opti
shoukd put you solidly in the 12’s
Last edited by Y-bodluvr; Jul 31, 2019 at 08:34 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,574
Likes: 961
From: Communist Colorado
If you like the looks of an early C4, consider a 90 ZR-1. One of the best bangs for the buck out there today....... and with a little modification, you'll have the 12.5 second car you desire.On top of that you will also earn a place in the ranks of a very knowledgeable,tight knit group of guys that share a very nice piece of Corvette history.Like FASTAZU said, do your research and homework.Ask questions. My feeling is being a 540 BMW owner, you wanted the best you could get in the E39 line. You are also familiar with OHC engines ,which is what the LT-5 has. The engine is a beautiful work of art and near bullet proof. Do yourself a favor and at least find a nice one preferably owned by an enthisiast, which many owners are, and test drive it. One you make the comparison to the L-98 or LT-1, Im sure youll find the ZR-1/LT-5 superior to them.
Good Luck in Your Search and have fun doing it!
Good Luck in Your Search and have fun doing it!
Last edited by 81c3; Jul 31, 2019 at 06:10 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 174
Likes: 32
From: NEPA
If his 540i is a 14 second car, he must have amazing DA. That's a 15 .x second car normally.
Really, it boils down to what your budget is. Any c4 will be much faster than the big bmw. But they're not really drag cars, they're handling cars. If you just want to go fast in a straight line, buy an ls1 powered f body.
Really, it boils down to what your budget is. Any c4 will be much faster than the big bmw. But they're not really drag cars, they're handling cars. If you just want to go fast in a straight line, buy an ls1 powered f body.
Well thanks for the compliments but in real life I'm actually far from amazing!! I've never taken that car to the strip, I was just going off memory and I thought it was around a 14 second car based on magazine times.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 174
Likes: 32
From: NEPA
Thanks for all the advice guys. What is interesting is that no one has advocated for the L98 engine at all. I don't mind doing a bit of work over time to get the car to where I want it, but it seems LT1,LT4 and LT5 recommendations only.
It's a pity as I like the look of the early cars - so clean.... Not that the late C4's are bad though
It's a pity as I like the look of the early cars - so clean.... Not that the late C4's are bad though
Last edited by moonstation2000; Jul 31, 2019 at 09:51 PM.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 389
Likes: 77
L98 cars are similarly priced but it’s harder and more expensive to get in the mid 12’s than an LT1 car
the C5 is the slightly better performer than the LT1 low 13’s-high 12’a stock but it’s generally several thousand dollars more, $5-6k for a C5 is going to have over 200kmi and probably damage
Racer
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 389
Likes: 77
L98 manual cars you’re looking at low 14’s stock and more expensive to get in the mid 12’s if you find a nice 89 or 90 6-spd I wouldn’t pass it up it’s just going to take a little more they are plenty fast and plenty fun
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,574
Likes: 961
From: Communist Colorado
1991 and up have the late front end.
1990 only front end
You should tell us your budget so we can make better recommendations suited more towards what you'd like to pay. A good ZR-1 is usually going to run you $15-20k for a well cared for and even slightly modded already..... probably, wheels, headers, and a Haibeck PROM calibration... and 4:10 gears if you're lucky... theres your 12 second car..... and as an added bonus, it has the early front end and black body belt line.... just the tail lights are the oval type...
Last edited by 81c3; Jul 31, 2019 at 11:20 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 174
Likes: 32
From: NEPA
theres a zr1 near me for $13.5. LT1's seem to go for around $7-10, and LT4's $10-14.. Rough numbers. L98's can be down around $4-5k. I guess it's easier to spend money over time than all at once.... But it depends. I sold my truck last year for $5.5k and I should get around 5 for the BMW, so that gives me ten to play with. But I also have Golf to sell too...
Last edited by moonstation2000; Jul 31, 2019 at 11:17 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 17,377
Likes: 6,523
From: Melbourne, FL
Thanks for all the advice guys. What is interesting is that no one has advocated for the L98 engine at all. I don't mind doing a bit of work over time to get the car to where I want it, but it seems LT1,LT4 and LT5 recommendations only.
It's a pity as I like the look of the early cars - so clean.... Not that the late C4's are bad though
It's a pity as I like the look of the early cars - so clean.... Not that the late C4's are bad though
Either can be made fast. It just takes money. But if you want to FEEL fast, i think the lt1 will be your ticket. The l98s ne er feels as fast to me because it doesnt rev like the lt1. If you like the early looks, try to find an 89 6 speed. IMO, getting the car you like is more important than engine or price.