I own a 1985 Corvette and for the most part it has been pretty reliable. I watch the tubes on line and there is lots of talk about 35 year old wiring and computers failing and no parts to fix the issues. I can't imaging that the Corvette folks out there aren't on top of this. I am pretty happy with the car buy may look to move to a C5 or C6 car in the near future or maybe just keep my C4 and have two. What is everyones experience and thoughts.

 

Hi
Had my 85 for over 20 years, std they are reliable if maintained well.
modify add horsepower everything else will need upgrades, they are easy to maintain and have few issues.

The dash had issues with high current draw backlight bulbs, they overheated the printed circuit and board connector pins.
is an easy fix to replace the bulbs with cool LEDs and main board connector pin set.

The heater core is hard to replace, plastic brake boosters crack easily so always cary some electrical tape to seal a booster crack.
Replace with metal booster recommended.

In the 22 years I had my c4 2x fuel pump failures are the only thing that left me stranded,
however I replaced things like hoses before they got bad.

They are old now so you may get lucky if someone had maintained it well and be reliable, the engine and drive train is bulletproof in standard form.
check the half shaft universal joints they are a high wear item, they dry up and squeak. I replaced them every 5 or 6 years on average.

The computer is cheap, I only killed one trying to start it while on a charger.
Get a shop manual the car will diagnose most issues, with a check engine light code telling you what is wrong.

There are many on here that will help any issue you come across, we have been there done that and will know where to point you to find the issue.

Cheers

 

I have had several C4's over the years and I find them to be very reliable. With that said, I do maintain my cars well and I do all of my own work. I have had failed components over the years but nothing that has left me stranded. I've replaced fuel pumps, sending units, and tanks, wheel bearings, brakes, a clutch kit, optispark and water pump, ICM, coil, bulbs, filters, belts, a radiator, spark plugs, wires, cap, rotor, had one cluster rebuilt by Bates, replaced a couple relays, repaired some broken wiring, and rebuilt one engine but I got the car for free and the engine went through a hurricane. So I pulled the engine, disassembled it, sent the block and heads out for machine work and when I got it back, assembled it with new parts and it was amazing until the day I sold it.

Given the age, things will inevitably fail. Those were some of the memorable things I have done over the last 15 years to my Corvettes. And honestly, most of the work is enjoyable to do. Some parts can be tough to find but thats ok. These cars are worth investing in to me. I love them and I'll never be without one.

 

Do the preventive maintenance and you should not have any problems. I have had my 1985 for 31 years and have had only one mishap which was a fairly new serpentine belt letting go at stoplight a few weeks ago. I have no problem driving this car anytime, any distance.

 

I have an 86 with almost 49k original miles, a true survivor car, that I wouldn’t hesitate to drive this car across the country because I maintain it on a regular basis. Very strong runner

 

As a side note, I believe the industry standards for wiring changed around 1990 or 91. The wires in cars after the change hold up better and the insulation doesn't tend to crack. I'm a little vague on this but someone on this forum has the facts. The wiring on my 91 is still good and pliable although I have had issues with some connectors.

My car is very dependable and has only stranded me once in twelve years, It was a fuel pump and I had known is was bad for months and ignored it, my fault.

 

There is that. Motor and trans probably are ok. The body you might have to scrounge and find something that is in better shape than the one you are replacing. Also, you are going to have to be BOTH able and willing to DIY since it is harder to find people who are experienced with the quirks of this system and willing to do it for you.