Is the C4 a gem or a dud?
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car addict (02-08-2022)
02-04-2022, 01:54 PM
#22
Race Director
A C4 is a corvette hot rod. Fairly light, and it feels like a sports car. C5s are big inside, and quite frankly ugly on the outside. Personal opinion.
An L98/LT1 engine has real good aftermarket support.
Suspensions have come a long way in improving ride, so its fixable.
LT1 and their opti are deterrents to some, but, its a small problem if you take precautions on not washing it (lol) and aftermarket parts for it.
I had the base suspension (1993 softest I believe they ever had) and it road well, was pretty comfortable. Not Mercedes comfortable, but sports car comfortable. When I went ZO7 suspension, things definitely got more sport and less comfortable.
Some things are not cheap and replaceable. But, damn it, its a special car to own and experience.
An L98/LT1 engine has real good aftermarket support.
Suspensions have come a long way in improving ride, so its fixable.
LT1 and their opti are deterrents to some, but, its a small problem if you take precautions on not washing it (lol) and aftermarket parts for it.
I had the base suspension (1993 softest I believe they ever had) and it road well, was pretty comfortable. Not Mercedes comfortable, but sports car comfortable. When I went ZO7 suspension, things definitely got more sport and less comfortable.
Some things are not cheap and replaceable. But, damn it, its a special car to own and experience.
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Incorvettei (02-06-2022)
02-04-2022, 02:04 PM
#23
Le Mans Master
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The C4 is a block in time, They are different in every way than any other generation of Corvette.
It was the stepping stone for Corvette to become the world class sports car we have today.
All the Corvettes before the C4 were fun sporty American 2 seat cars, in STOCK form they were possibly a good drag car but none were road race worthy on road courses.
The C4 was a race ready platform in need of a high horse power motor (which did come in 1990 from the factory)
This all being said, they drive like a race car and they have parts fail (like a race cars) and most do not have the horse power offered in todays front wheel drive sports sedan (hence the cheap price), But they still are fun to own and drive
It was the stepping stone for Corvette to become the world class sports car we have today.
All the Corvettes before the C4 were fun sporty American 2 seat cars, in STOCK form they were possibly a good drag car but none were road race worthy on road courses.
The C4 was a race ready platform in need of a high horse power motor (which did come in 1990 from the factory)
This all being said, they drive like a race car and they have parts fail (like a race cars) and most do not have the horse power offered in todays front wheel drive sports sedan (hence the cheap price), But they still are fun to own and drive
Last edited by walleyfisher; 02-04-2022 at 02:12 PM.
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krackenvette (02-04-2022)
02-04-2022, 02:10 PM
#24
Race Director
Get a 6 speed 89/90 L98 , fairly easy, and it can be a seriously fast, fun car.. Doesnt take much.
4.10 gears, 383, LT headers.
Suspensions are available to really modernize it, if you deem so.
Brakes, plenty. Upgrade pads, fluid and lines, and see the huge change.
Stay with a square set up on tires 275s all the way around and it is easy to deal with tire issues.'
Just remember to wave...
4.10 gears, 383, LT headers.
Suspensions are available to really modernize it, if you deem so.
Brakes, plenty. Upgrade pads, fluid and lines, and see the huge change.
Stay with a square set up on tires 275s all the way around and it is easy to deal with tire issues.'
Just remember to wave...
02-04-2022, 08:14 PM
#26
Le Mans Master
I own a 86 Z51 and a all custom 2009 soft tail. B ike prices have fallen off a cliff. I love my 86. I am one of those guys that think hotrod vettes are just plain cool. Also. driving around in the vette just is pure pleasure. It was driven hard and put away wet. loys of small things left to fix, but I like that. You will LOSAE money in the trade. and its just no fun driving in the cold or the rain. You wont lose maoney with the vette,,the bike will be getting cheaper. Also, gals love vettes,lol. keep your nice looking vette.
Trade that lude for the panty dropper no brainer! 
02-04-2022, 11:29 PM
#28
Drifting
Thread Starter
I passed on the C4. He had butchered the dash by using diamond plate to install gauges. I assume the digital gauges broke at sone point and this was his trailer park fix. It looked terrible.
02-05-2022, 02:05 PM
#31
Racer
Maybe my old eyes deceive me, but that picture looks like a '84 not an '85. The '85 had the third brake light on the targa top IIRC. If you pop the hood you may be surprised to see a cross fire rather than a TPI.
02-05-2022, 02:08 PM
#32
Team Owner
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1986 was first year by the Feds for the CHMSL or 3rd Brake Light. Not 85,
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fredd1 (02-05-2022)
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*89x2* (02-05-2022)
02-06-2022, 02:00 PM
#34
Been there done it
Yep sold my last and probably most favorite Harley a couple years ago and bought a clean 96 CE. I must say it is a blast to drive....I mean DRIVE! I would say if its mechanically in good shape do it!
02-06-2022, 04:05 PM
#36
Heel & Toe
In my experience (84 auto), the ride is unusually rocky. Combined with age, this means there can be some serious squeaking when on bumpy roads, etc. I'd definitely recommend taking a drive before you buy.
02-07-2022, 07:39 PM
#37
Team Owner
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St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-‘19-'20-'21-'22-'23-'24
He already posted that he's not going to buy it.
FWIW, our '92 is the most comfortable road trip car I have ever owned. Have done well over 800 miles in a day in it and while you'll be stiff no matter WHAT you are in, overall it was not bad at all.
FWIW, our '92 is the most comfortable road trip car I have ever owned. Have done well over 800 miles in a day in it and while you'll be stiff no matter WHAT you are in, overall it was not bad at all.
02-07-2022, 10:00 PM
#38
A quick rundown on the early C4s:
85 is the first year of the TPI and 350 L98 engine. The L98 had cast iron block and heads. Half way through 86 they upgraded the heads to aluminum and they got a slight HP increase. In 88 they upgraded the aluminum heads again. So the 88+ got another HP increase. The interior is nearly identical until 1990.
85 is the first year of the TPI and 350 L98 engine. The L98 had cast iron block and heads. Half way through 86 they upgraded the heads to aluminum and they got a slight HP increase. In 88 they upgraded the aluminum heads again. So the 88+ got another HP increase. The interior is nearly identical until 1990.
