C4 for first project?
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Pa
C4 for first project?
I know the corvette lineage has a long reputation for being pretty easy to work on and a lot of fun when they are running, but I’ve heard a lot of chatter about the c4 being horrible electronically. As someone who’s never had a project before should I go for a c4 when the older c3 has no computers and the newer c5 has no wiring from the 80s? I love the LT1 as an engine and I think the c4 is when modern and antique kind of meet in the corvette lineage. Speaking passed the electrical, I’m confident the mechanical side won’t be an issue for me but I’m just worried I could be picking the ugly duckling of starter projects. Please let me know your opinions on whether the electrical issues are THAT bad and if they’re enough to push a beginner away. Also my budget is enough to where I don’t need to buy a destroyed example so my starting condition of the car won’t be bad. Thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,189
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From: Chapel Hill NC
2025 c3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Yes the C4 has more potential for electrical issues than a C3. There is plenty of guidance here on the forum (and somewhat on You Tube). If you like the C4 I would not hesitate to buy one. Id become as familiar as possible with all aspects of the C4 model you're planning on buying and do a thorough inspection. Id also be wary of any wiring modifications done by previous owners.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 3,241
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From: Mid-Atlantic
2025 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Pay the piper up front and buy one that's sorted if you want one.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 17,382
Likes: 6,525
From: Melbourne, FL
Most of the complaints of of electrical issues are from old guys who don't understand the first thing about electronics. If you're a little younger, you'll find the C4 electronics to be straightforward and simple. If you're more than slightly code/electronics inclined you could probably replace most of the car's electronics with an Arduino or some.other sort of child level electronics.
The C4 is a great staring point IMO. Everything on it is fairly simple and largely accessible. It's modern enough that they basically don't rust (C3s have HUGE rust issues). Plus you have a decent chassis underneath it, so if you get it fixed up, you can always put a more powerful motor in (or upgrade your existing one) and have a pretty quick car all around.
That said, a C5 is a better starting point still if you want a car that's eventually kind of fast.
The C4 is a great staring point IMO. Everything on it is fairly simple and largely accessible. It's modern enough that they basically don't rust (C3s have HUGE rust issues). Plus you have a decent chassis underneath it, so if you get it fixed up, you can always put a more powerful motor in (or upgrade your existing one) and have a pretty quick car all around.
That said, a C5 is a better starting point still if you want a car that's eventually kind of fast.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 30,856
Likes: 293
From: Boston, Dallas, Detroit, SoCal, back to Boston MA
If you know how to rebuild a carb, get a C3
If you know how to plug in a computer, get a C4
Dealing with a stock car that's sat for a while or needs some work, is a lot better that dealing with a car that had a lot of unknown mods done to it.
This
Had mine close to 30 years. they last if you keep care of them.
If you know how to plug in a computer, get a C4
Dealing with a stock car that's sat for a while or needs some work, is a lot better that dealing with a car that had a lot of unknown mods done to it.
This
Had mine close to 30 years. they last if you keep care of them.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 493
Likes: 242
C4 owner here for the past 8 months, skilled DIYer.
The electronics on this vehicle are not hard for a person with a modern perspective as another poster said. In fact, I would say they impressed me with how robust they were - a 37 year old Commodore 64 looking ECM was in there under my dash still doing its job all those years later!
I have learned alot from my C4 experience, namely that improperly performed repairs from previous mechanics/owners can be vexing! If you are ready to learn and perform the work yourself - then the car will be a great learning experience. This board has archived threads which cover almost every topic I've needed. When I couldn't find the answers many posters here were ready to help.
The C3 is a stunning car too in my opinion and the C5 a refined, modern sports car. They all have their quirks so be prepared whatever you choose.
One note - with all cars be aware that many reproduction replacement parts have functionality and fitment issues more than I have seen in years past.(a friend's Corolla alternator only lasted a month, it took me three power steering pumps before my C4 could steer again) Nothing unique to the C4 just part of what's going on in general.
Good luck whatever you choose.
The electronics on this vehicle are not hard for a person with a modern perspective as another poster said. In fact, I would say they impressed me with how robust they were - a 37 year old Commodore 64 looking ECM was in there under my dash still doing its job all those years later!
I have learned alot from my C4 experience, namely that improperly performed repairs from previous mechanics/owners can be vexing! If you are ready to learn and perform the work yourself - then the car will be a great learning experience. This board has archived threads which cover almost every topic I've needed. When I couldn't find the answers many posters here were ready to help.
The C3 is a stunning car too in my opinion and the C5 a refined, modern sports car. They all have their quirks so be prepared whatever you choose.
One note - with all cars be aware that many reproduction replacement parts have functionality and fitment issues more than I have seen in years past.(a friend's Corolla alternator only lasted a month, it took me three power steering pumps before my C4 could steer again) Nothing unique to the C4 just part of what's going on in general.
Good luck whatever you choose.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 17,382
Likes: 6,525
From: Melbourne, FL
I am planning to eventually buy my neighbor's C3. Like a 1980 L82. The first thing I'm gonna do is ditch the carb, because I don't understand them at all. Luckily, TBI style EFI conversions have gotten super accessible and inexpensive. The second thing I'm gonna do is swap to a 5 speed manual, because a 3 speed automatic just isn't going to cut it
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