Would you?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,396
Likes: 129
From: Plainfield IN
Pro
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 671
Likes: 171
From: Birmingham, Alabama
If the C4 is well maintained and documented, I would be inclined to make the trade. All depends on which car you enjoy driving more. I've been in both and while the C5 has it's perks, I prefer the raw feel of the C4.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 6,314
Likes: 508
From: South-central Missouri
Many ppl have ventured into the C5 and C6 game, only to return in favor of the unique road feel and feedback - just prefer the feel of the C4s better.
So, I'd suggest you drive each and you decide which fits you better! Both have their pros and cons!
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,396
Likes: 129
From: Plainfield IN
I should add - I’ve owned : C3 (78), C4 (94), C5 (98,03), C6 (08) - all automatics - I guess my main concern is lack of knowledge of the LT4 and having a manual transmission again after nearly 10 years - I only drive maybe 500 miles a month - 70 years old with back and left leg issues.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
I have a lightly modded '99 and a '96 LT4.
They are different cars. They are about a tie in a drag race. The C4 feels like a sports car while the C5 feels like a fast Monte Carlo. I think the seats are better in the C4. The C5 has more foot room, more cargo space, and an easier top to remove. And a lot of other differences.
The C4 is the car I prefer.
The only thing that matters is which you prefer. You need to drive both and see in which one you have a bigger smile.
Good luck with your choice.
They are different cars. They are about a tie in a drag race. The C4 feels like a sports car while the C5 feels like a fast Monte Carlo. I think the seats are better in the C4. The C5 has more foot room, more cargo space, and an easier top to remove. And a lot of other differences.
The C4 is the car I prefer.
The only thing that matters is which you prefer. You need to drive both and see in which one you have a bigger smile.
Good luck with your choice.
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,396
Likes: 129
From: Plainfield IN
I have a lightly modded '99 and a '96 LT4.
They are different cars. They are about a tie in a drag race. The C4 feels like a sports car while the C5 feels like a fast Monte Carlo. I think the seats are better in the C4. The C5 has more foot room, more cargo space, and an easier top to remove. And a lot of other differences.
The C4 is the car I prefer.
The only thing that matters is which you prefer. You need to drive both and see in which one you have a bigger smile.
Good luck with your choice.
They are different cars. They are about a tie in a drag race. The C4 feels like a sports car while the C5 feels like a fast Monte Carlo. I think the seats are better in the C4. The C5 has more foot room, more cargo space, and an easier top to remove. And a lot of other differences.
The C4 is the car I prefer.
The only thing that matters is which you prefer. You need to drive both and see in which one you have a bigger smile.
Good luck with your choice.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
What I do notice on mine is that my C5 engages closer to the floor (which is a stretch for my short legs), and needs a little more control to engage from a stop. I think the difference might be the LS1 flywheel is lighter than the LT4 flywheel, so the LT4 is easier to modulate.
In short, probably not much difference.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 1,925
Likes: 610
From: Orange, CA
Anyways, if the guy's serious about a trade, I'd just drive the C4 around for a bit. That should be fair. See what you think. The C5 will be easier to get in and out of on a daily basis, that's for sure, but it all depends on your personal preference which chassis you'll find better.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,775
Likes: 585
From: Texas
I had an LT1 in a 96 impala ss. There were a couple of problems with the 2nd gen design that I didn't like. 1) optispark distributor. Why they didn't go with coil on plug I'll never know, but that was the #1 source of problems on the motor. Compound that with the fact that any optispark you buy today is going to be rebuilt, not new. They make new rotor caps, but not the optical sensors. 2) the water pump. For whatever reason, the shaft seal on the water pump had a tendency to fail. After 3 or 4 water pumps, I finally solved that one by installing an electric water pump.
The third issue isn't really relevant here since the OP is looking for stock, but aftermarket support for the 2nd gen sucks. Not the aftermarket's fault, the engine was only around for what, 3-4 years?
The third issue isn't really relevant here since the OP is looking for stock, but aftermarket support for the 2nd gen sucks. Not the aftermarket's fault, the engine was only around for what, 3-4 years?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,775
Likes: 585
From: Texas
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,699
Likes: 231
From: Hawthorne CA
I had an LT1 in a 96 impala ss. There were a couple of problems with the 2nd gen design that I didn't like. 1) optispark distributor. Why they didn't go with coil on plug I'll never know, but that was the #1 source of problems on the motor. Compound that with the fact that any optispark you buy today is going to be rebuilt, not new. They make new rotor caps, but not the optical sensors. 2) the water pump. For whatever reason, the shaft seal on the water pump had a tendency to fail. After 3 or 4 water pumps, I finally solved that one by installing an electric water pump.
The third issue isn't really relevant here since the OP is looking for stock, but aftermarket support for the 2nd gen sucks. Not the aftermarket's fault, the engine was only around for what, 3-4 years?
The third issue isn't really relevant here since the OP is looking for stock, but aftermarket support for the 2nd gen sucks. Not the aftermarket's fault, the engine was only around for what, 3-4 years?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,775
Likes: 585
From: Texas
My impala was running 12's on the stock short block, mild Crane cam and ported stock heads.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 399
From: Tacoma WA
2024 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I am old with many of the old age physical issues but getting in and out of a C4 is only at most 10 seconds of “work”. I will gladly endure that short amount of time to sit in a great feeling cockpit for the drives in my C4s. It simply feels like a sports car, handling well with great feedback, and fast enough to keep me paying attention. I still do all the work on my cars, have never had an Opti problem, have to occasionally track down some obscure parts, but would not have it any other way. If I get to the point were I cannot get in and out of a C4 I probably shouldn’t be driving any year Corvette.
But to the original question, buy what YOU like, not what someone else recommends.
But to the original question, buy what YOU like, not what someone else recommends.