Hello all, I joined this morning, not currently a corvette owner but have owned an early C4 ('84 two tone bronze) about 20+ years ago. I will be in the market for a "new" car for me this coming year, looks like I'm donating my daily driver Tucson to one of the kids to start driving. Anyway, I was looking at maybe a C5 but my heart still keeps going back to the C4 style. I really do like the early digital dashboards, which was the only problem I ever had with mine. It would randomly go out and back on for some reason. Never could figure it out. As much as I like the digital cars, I'm kind of wanting a newer C4 mainly for the increased in HP and 6-speed. I haven't sat in one yet so my opinion may change once I do if I don't like the dash or console. I would like a 6-speed, not a fan of the skip-shift but I know that can be bypassed with a $30 part. The biggest concern is that I understand the ZF6 transmission is no longer being serviced and parts are scarce and expensive for it if something needs to be done to it. The other side of that is I've never hear anything about having problems with the transmission. Any input? Should I just get an auto? Anything I should look for with the 6-speed when I'm looking to buy something? I've been trying to do my homework on things to look for when I go to purchase something but any input/tips/concerns are appreciated. The vette will be my "daily driver" like my Tucson is now but take that with a grain of salt. I drive my Tucson 1-2 times a week and that's it. My real daily driver is a motorcycle generally.

 

They are pretty stout transmissions, I wouldnt worry about the unknown. There are still places that rebuild them and no they arent cheap
If you buy one that works fine I bet youll never have to touch it. My Z had almost 200k on it before it got parted out..internals were perfect still and it led a hard life.

 

C4 Brother
The C5 is just an overweight miata...

;-)

Welcome to the forum--lots of great info here (whichever C you get)

Ronn

 

Although it's just my opinion, I think you're on the right track as far as looking at a later model of the C4. My first C4 was about 25 years ago-an '84 w/automatic. About 15 years after that, I owned an '88/w automatic. I now have a '96 w/6-speed. The evolution of the C4 chassis between the model years, at least in my mind, is significant. As far as 6-speed reliability, I would wager they are just as, if not more, reliable than a similar vintage automatic. The 6-speed cars do tend to command a bit of a premium over their automatic counterparts, as there simply weren't as many manuals produced. As far as purchasing tips on what to look for, it's not much different than purchasing any other used car: smooth clutch engagement, no weird noises-with clutch engaged and disengaged,etc. The 6-speeds (particularly earlier versions) do tend to have a bit of gear whine in gears 1-3, which is normal due to the "cut" of the gears. Also, be mindful of the hydraulic clutch fluid level as it often gets ignored as the reservoir is somewhat hidden from plain view. Whatever you decide...good luck in your quest!

 

I appreciate all the input. I really think I have decided on a C4 and not a C5 now. I'm not overly worried about reliability at all. I've never heard of a mass issue with the 6-speeds in all these years so I think as long as the car hasn't been beat to death it shouldn't be a problem other than normal wear & tear. I'll still be lurking on the forums and looking at cars until the time is right.

 

Good luck on your search.

A later model with a 6 speed is the way to go.