Buying a C4
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 61
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From: Akron Ohio
Buying a C4
Well after selling my 1974 coupe 5 years ago, I got the itch to buy another Vette, this time hopefully a C4. The sad thing is I never paid attention to other C4s when I had mine, so I'm a little clueless about them. The only thing i know for sure is I don't want a CrossFire! I don't know any thing about the 4+3 Trans or how to tell the difference between cars with the base suspension or Z51.,,,,Back to my point ,,, I'm looking for a fun weekend driver to take to the track sometimes [nothing serious - just fun] amd tweek some horses out of it if possable,,,,,,What should I look for , what should I stay away from,,,,, I know this is a little vauge but I hope to at least start looking in the right direction
thanks
Paul
thanks
Paul
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Re: Buying a C4 (KTA1000)
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=418027
that is a good buyers guide we came up with a few weeks ago.
Some basic year-to-year differences.
1984 - years one. crossfire
1985 - L98, tuned port
1986 - refinements - aluminum heads late in model year
1987 - more refinements
1988 - redesigned suspension
1989 - intro 6spd
1990 - redesigned interior, new ZR1
1991 - redesigned bumper caps, last year of L98 - 250 hp.
1992 - LT1, 300hp
1993 - refinements
1994 - dual airbags
1995 - end of ZR1
1996 - end of C4, LT4(330hp) w/6 spd and GS, CE's are specials for last year
there is a basic rule of thumb - get the newest you can afford.
The 4+3 is a wacky thing... a super T-10 with a powerglide glued to the output shaft... sorta, but you get the picture!
I much prefer the 6spd. bullet proof. and as time passes, it will be easier to maintain.
the 4+3 has proven to be rather reliable... however, there are more experienced people here who can discuss it than I can.
[Modified by bogus, 9:32 PM 12/9/2002]
that is a good buyers guide we came up with a few weeks ago.
Some basic year-to-year differences.
1984 - years one. crossfire
1985 - L98, tuned port
1986 - refinements - aluminum heads late in model year
1987 - more refinements
1988 - redesigned suspension
1989 - intro 6spd
1990 - redesigned interior, new ZR1
1991 - redesigned bumper caps, last year of L98 - 250 hp.
1992 - LT1, 300hp
1993 - refinements
1994 - dual airbags
1995 - end of ZR1
1996 - end of C4, LT4(330hp) w/6 spd and GS, CE's are specials for last year
there is a basic rule of thumb - get the newest you can afford.
The 4+3 is a wacky thing... a super T-10 with a powerglide glued to the output shaft... sorta, but you get the picture!
I much prefer the 6spd. bullet proof. and as time passes, it will be easier to maintain.
the 4+3 has proven to be rather reliable... however, there are more experienced people here who can discuss it than I can.
[Modified by bogus, 9:32 PM 12/9/2002]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,784
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
Re: Buying a C4 (HG)
If your gonna get an L98.. try to go with 89-91 w/ a 6-spd.... 1990 is upgraded interior (So much nicer in my eyes)
First Thing to decide is... Are you going to go with a L98/LT1 (LT4,LT5)
Then go from there
Personally... I love my 1991... It has the new body style, the 6-spd, the new interior, the Torque Monster L98 with a regular distributor instead of the optispark (I like this for modding the motor) Although the LT1 put outs more Stock power... I knew I was gonna be modding after a little while, And the conventional distributor is more pleasing to ME... That just my look on the matter
Best of luck in your search! :cheers:
First Thing to decide is... Are you going to go with a L98/LT1 (LT4,LT5)
Then go from there
Personally... I love my 1991... It has the new body style, the 6-spd, the new interior, the Torque Monster L98 with a regular distributor instead of the optispark (I like this for modding the motor) Although the LT1 put outs more Stock power... I knew I was gonna be modding after a little while, And the conventional distributor is more pleasing to ME... That just my look on the matter
Best of luck in your search! :cheers:
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 312
From: P-town Baby! Virginia
Re: Buying a C4 (KTA1000)
Welcome to the forum and good luck finding your new vette!!! I would recommend getting the newest C4 you can afford. You have to figure out then...auto vs stick...coupe vs vert.....options.....then do you want a regular vette or specialty vette...ie..CE,GS or ZR1. Happy hunting!!! :)
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,269
Likes: 0
From: Swanzey N. H.
Re: Buying a C4 (bogus)
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=418027
that is a good buyers guide we came up with a few weeks ago.
Some basic year-to-year differences.
1984 - years one. crossfire
1985 - L98, tuned port
1986 - refinements - aluminum heads late in model year
1987 - more refinements
1988 - redesigned suspension
1989 - intro 6spd
1990 - redesigned interior, new ZR1
1991 - redesigned bumper caps, last year of L98 - 250 hp.
1992 - LT1, 300hp
1993 - refinements
1994 - dual airbags
1995 - end of ZR1
1996 - end of C4, LT4(330hp) w/6 spd and GS, CE's are specials for last year
there is a basic rule of thumb - get the newest you can afford.
The 4+3 is a wacky thing... a super T-10 with a powerglide glued to the output shaft... sorta, but you get the picture!
I much prefer the 6spd. bullet proof. and as time passes, it will be easier to maintain.
the 4+3 has proven to be rather reliable... however, there are more experienced people here who can discuss it than I can.
[Modified by bogus, 9:32 PM 12/9/2002]
that is a good buyers guide we came up with a few weeks ago.
Some basic year-to-year differences.
1984 - years one. crossfire
1985 - L98, tuned port
1986 - refinements - aluminum heads late in model year
1987 - more refinements
1988 - redesigned suspension
1989 - intro 6spd
1990 - redesigned interior, new ZR1
1991 - redesigned bumper caps, last year of L98 - 250 hp.
1992 - LT1, 300hp
1993 - refinements
1994 - dual airbags
1995 - end of ZR1
1996 - end of C4, LT4(330hp) w/6 spd and GS, CE's are specials for last year
there is a basic rule of thumb - get the newest you can afford.
The 4+3 is a wacky thing... a super T-10 with a powerglide glued to the output shaft... sorta, but you get the picture!
I much prefer the 6spd. bullet proof. and as time passes, it will be easier to maintain.
the 4+3 has proven to be rather reliable... however, there are more experienced people here who can discuss it than I can.
[Modified by bogus, 9:32 PM 12/9/2002]
96 LT4's are :cool:
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 44,772
Likes: 1
From: 63.8% of all statistics are made up on the spot.
St. Jude Donor '08-'10
Re: Buying a C4 (KTA1000)
Welcome aboard :seeya I would say get a 90 or newer for the interior. Then decide if you want a L98 or LT1. Then get the newest of whichever you have chosen.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,466
Likes: 0
From: livin life one hold my beer moment at a time Houst Tx
Re: Buying a C4 (Zora)
Get whatever strikes your fancy and is in your price range. If you buy the newest and most expensive you can afford, there is no room for mod money. Just find one you like, there all corvettes and dont forget that. :chevy