C4 General Discussion General C4 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech

differences between 1990 vs 1991 C4?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 7, 2003 | 04:36 PM
  #1  
olefam's Avatar
olefam
Thread Starter
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 732
Likes: 2
From: Baxter MN
Default differences between 1990 vs 1991 C4?

Hi,
In my ongoing quest for the "perfect" Corvette for me, I've decided that the last of the L98's may be my best choice. Other than the tail-ends being of the "old style" concave versus the "new style" convex, and the nose-pice being "smoother" for 1991 are there any other differences that might make one more desireable than the other?
I don't really want one of the early LT1's cause I don't want the early opti-spark system. And I can't afford the later LT1's so I figured the last of the L98's was a good choice for me.
If you have solid information, or just an opinion I would be happy to hear it. Better to learn as much as I can now before I lay my money on the table.
Glen
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2003 | 04:44 PM
  #2  
Cozmo's Avatar
Cozmo
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
St. Jude 10 Year Donor
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,987
Likes: 26
From: Kerrville, Texas USA Hook 'em Horns!
CentralTX Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Default Re: differences between 1990 vs 1991 C4? (olefam)

I have a book in my office that has all of the differences that were made that model year. If you e-mail or im me a fax number, I will copy it and fax it to you tomorrow.
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2003 | 04:45 PM
  #3  
robertpel9's Avatar
robertpel9
Safety Car
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,753
Likes: 191
From: Orange County California
Default Re: differences between 1990 vs 1991 C4? (olefam)

I have a 91 vert and love it. I have driven several LT-1
s and they are a little faster but the late L98 feels much faster which adds to the fun factor for me. If i were looking at a 90 or 91 i would take the 91 cause i think it looks a lot more comtemporary. There really arent any other differences. A few options here and there. If you want an "early" C4 look i'd get an 89 and you will have the retro dash as well. I could never see buying a 90 over a 91 they are so close in price why not get the newer looking model (unless of course you prefer the older style). Either car will make you :D
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2003 | 04:47 PM
  #4  
merplastic91's Avatar
merplastic91
Pro
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 665
Likes: 2
From: Southington CT
Default Re: differences between 1990 vs 1991 C4? (robertpel9)

:iagree:
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2003 | 05:25 PM
  #5  
Cozmo's Avatar
Cozmo
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
St. Jude 10 Year Donor
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,987
Likes: 26
From: Kerrville, Texas USA Hook 'em Horns!
CentralTX Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Default Re: differences between 1990 vs 1991 C4? (merplastic91)

hey merplastic91,
that is a beautiful car. Love the color and the chrome sawblades!

Correct me if I'm wrong but isnt the L98 a little torquier than the LT1 and therefore a little faster out of the hole?
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2003 | 06:28 PM
  #6  
JSA 007's Avatar
JSA 007
Drifting
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,620
Likes: 3
From: MCAA License to Kill
St. Jude Contributor
Default Re: differences between 1990 vs 1991 C4? (longhorn_vette96)

Correct me if I'm wrong but isnt the L98 a little torquier than the LT1 and therefore a little faster out of the hole?
That is 100% correct, and I've seen the 60' times to prove it :yesnod:

As for 90 vs. 91, I think the only debate is over which body style you personally prefer.

Good luck finding the right Vette :cheers:
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2003 | 08:23 PM
  #7  
Mr Mojo's Avatar
Mr Mojo
Elite Torch Red Member
Supporting Lifetime Gold
25 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 57,805
Likes: 23
From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
Cental/South NJ Events Coordinator
CI 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12 Vet
CI-II Burnout & Drag Champ
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Default Re: differences between 1990 vs 1991 C4? (JSA 007)

Correct me if I'm wrong but isnt the L98 a little torquier than the LT1 and therefore a little faster out of the hole?

That is 100% correct, and I've seen the 60' times to prove it :yesnod:
Well, I don't know about that, the L98 has 5 lbs/ft more and does pull hard, but the LT1 is no slouch either.

Jim(65Z01) will kill me for posting this again, but here is my stock LT1 sixspeed(only mod was the removal of mufflers) vs Jim's '88 slightly tweaked L98 automatic.
LT1 in the left lane, L98 in the right.
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2003 | 08:33 PM
  #8  
JSA 007's Avatar
JSA 007
Drifting
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,620
Likes: 3
From: MCAA License to Kill
St. Jude Contributor
Default Re: differences between 1990 vs 1991 C4? (Mr Mojo)

I stand corrected :crazy:

But I've done 1.8 with my L98. And in general, when looking at other forum members posted times, the L98 yields lower 60' times :cheers:
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-6

Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

7 Bolt-On Upgrades From Extreme Online Store to Level Up Your C6 Corvette

 Pouria Savadkouei
Old Dec 7, 2003 | 08:50 PM
  #9  
Mr Mojo's Avatar
Mr Mojo
Elite Torch Red Member
Supporting Lifetime Gold
25 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 57,805
Likes: 23
From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
Cental/South NJ Events Coordinator
CI 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12 Vet
CI-II Burnout & Drag Champ
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Default Re: differences between 1990 vs 1991 C4? (JSA 007)

Actually I've seen quite a few L98's pull 1.8's stock. Jim's car is now quicker than my six speed, but I have put heavier wheels on and I think I lost a few tenths because of it.

My automatic car pulled 1.9 60' with the stock 2.59 gears, it's now 1.70 with the new gears and new torque converter.
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2003 | 08:52 PM
  #10  
MaSTeRofDZaSTeR's Avatar
MaSTeRofDZaSTeR
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,562
Likes: 1
From: "Drive like Hell, you'll get there faster." Tucson AZ
Default Re: differences between 1990 vs 1991 C4? (olefam)

Actually I couldn't disagree with you. Your choice is logical for what you're looking for. Either way, a 90 or a 91 are awesome last years for the L98. To be honest, stock I kinda like the look of 91s a little better, but I like the front of the 90's. If you plan on keeping your car's exterior stock looking, go with the 91. If you plan to modify the body exterior..ie: wing, ground effects etc, I'd go with the 90. Most people up here will agree that the 90 and below C4 body looks generally better with body kits(The later C4's are too curvy to fit the lines in my opinion, but still look o.k.) Other than the exterior body styling, I believe the only other difference is the accent on the console and horn. On the 90 they're grey on black while the 91 has black on black accents. Either way though, you're going with the latest years of the L98, and there are no better vette years to modify. Cuz without the opti's those are about the cheapest engine's to work on without sacrificing such high amounts of power(while still retaining alot in a vette stock)..and especially torque. The difference is really negligible. :seeya
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2003 | 09:01 PM
  #11  
90 Corvette ZR-1's Avatar
90 Corvette ZR-1
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 8,277
Likes: 0
From: pa
Default Re: differences between 1990 vs 1991 C4? (olefam)

The 91 has a feature that allows the radio to antena to go down when the CD player is running. I had a 91 and loved it.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2003 | 08:58 AM
  #12  
robertpel9's Avatar
robertpel9
Safety Car
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,753
Likes: 191
From: Orange County California
Default Re: differences between 1990 vs 1991 C4? (90 Corvette ZR-1)

Just one correction. The 91 has the grey interior also just like the 90. The did not change to black until 92. I wish they did change in 91 cause i like the black look better. Oh well.

Get a 91. I owned both the early C4 and Late C4. The price difference will be only a few bucks. Otherwise you will probably find youself wanting to update to the newer body style at some point and that will cost much more than just getting it right the first time. I think the 91 vert is the 2nd best C4 behind the 96 LT4 vert ( id dont count ZR-1's cause i need a vert).

91 - New Body, old simple to mod engine, gobs of torque.

You can't go wrong.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2003 | 09:18 AM
  #13  
vettefast's Avatar
vettefast
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,652
Likes: 2
From: 1990 383 Stroker Baltimore Maryland
Default Re: differences between 1990 vs 1991 C4? (olefam)

I have a 90 and the only difference is the exterior look. Pretty much you will only need to decide if you like the first C4 look or the second C4 look. :D
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2003 | 12:05 PM
  #14  
Rays91L98's Avatar
Rays91L98
Instructor
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Lusby MD
Default Re: differences between 1990 vs 1991 C4? (90 Corvette ZR-1)

The 91 has a feature that allows the radio to antena to go down when the CD player is running. I had a 91 and loved it.
How?
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2003 | 12:39 PM
  #15  
GTrain's Avatar
GTrain
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 32,732
Likes: 19
From: Try not to complain so much....
St. Jude Donor '14
Default Re: differences between 1990 vs 1991 C4? (olefam)

I wouldn't base a decision on opti. My 92 has never given me problems. LT1's aren't dogs and can push hard.

I never liked the grey buttons in 90-91, maybe a pet peeve, but I started my search for 1992 and newer.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2003 | 02:09 PM
  #16  
90 Corvette ZR-1's Avatar
90 Corvette ZR-1
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 8,277
Likes: 0
From: pa
Default Re: differences between 1990 vs 1991 C4? (Rays91L98)

The 91 has a feature that allows the radio to antena to go down when the CD player is running. I had a 91 and loved it.

How?
Don't know how it works. All I know is that my 91 did it.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2003 | 03:57 PM
  #17  
Cozmo's Avatar
Cozmo
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
St. Jude 10 Year Donor
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,987
Likes: 26
From: Kerrville, Texas USA Hook 'em Horns!
CentralTX Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Default Re: differences between 1990 vs 1991 C4? (Mr Mojo)

Correct me if I'm wrong but isnt the L98 a little torquier than the LT1 and therefore a little faster out of the hole?

That is 100% correct, and I've seen the 60' times to prove it :yesnod:

Well, I don't know about that, the L98 has 5 lbs/ft more and does pull hard, but the LT1 is no slouch either.

Jim(65Z01) will kill me for posting this again, but here is my stock LT1 sixspeed(only mod was the removal of mufflers) vs Jim's '88 slightly tweaked L98 automatic.
LT1 in the left lane, L98 in the right.
Didnt mean to put down the LT1. I have one and love it.

According to my Corvette black book, other than the obvious appearance changes:

Finned power steering coolers were added to all models.

A power wire for 12V devices was added.

A power delay feature was added to allow operation of the stereo and windows after the key was turned off.

A sensor using an oil pan float was added to all models.

Mufflers were revised.

The AM band was expanded to receive more frequencies.


Reply

Get notified of new replies

To differences between 1990 vs 1991 C4?

Old Dec 8, 2003 | 05:20 PM
  #18  
brdd's Avatar
brdd
Melting Slicks
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,268
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota in the summer, Las Vegas in the winter
Default Re: differences between 1990 vs 1991 C4? (olefam)

Hi,
In my ongoing quest for the "perfect" Corvette for me, I've decided that the last of the L98's may be my best choice. Other than the tail-ends being of the "old style" concave versus the "new style" convex, and the nose-pice being "smoother" for 1991 are there any other differences that might make one more desireable than the other?
I don't really want one of the early LT1's cause I don't want the early opti-spark system. And I can't afford the later LT1's so I figured the last of the L98's was a good choice for me.
If you have solid information, or just an opinion I would be happy to hear it. Better to learn as much as I can now before I lay my money on the table.
Glen
For exactly the criteria you have listed and several more, I decided on a 1991 model. For me, it was absolutely the right strategy. I would do it again, same year, same color, same options. :yesnod:
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2003 | 07:55 PM
  #19  
91vetteboy's Avatar
91vetteboy
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,060
Likes: 0
From: Dixon Ca
Default Re: differences between 1990 vs 1991 C4? (brdd)

:iagree: :cool: :flag
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2003 | 08:26 PM
  #20  
IMXCITD's Avatar
IMXCITD
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime Gold
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 312
From: P-town Baby! Virginia
Default Re: differences between 1990 vs 1991 C4? (olefam)

Either way you will be happy! I have a '90 and really like it...it is a fun car and looks great! The '91 will be a little more refined. Good luck with your decision and finding the right vette! :)
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:06 AM.

story-0
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-20 17:58:41


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-2
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE
story-3
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette buyer's guide

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-17 16:41:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

Slideshow: 10 things C8 Corvette owners hate, but won't tell you.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-01 18:36:07


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

Slideshow: Should you add one of these incredible Corvettes to your garage?

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-01 18:14:05


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

Slideshow: Every Corvette Grand Sport explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-26 07:13:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

Slideshow: Breaking down the 2027 Grand Sport, Grand Sport X, Stingray, and LS6 V8.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-26 13:48:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

Slideshow: 5 reasons bad drivers crash sports cars & 5 ways to avoid a costly shame!

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-25 16:32:55


VIEW MORE
story-9
7 Bolt-On Upgrades From Extreme Online Store to Level Up Your C6 Corvette

Slideshow: Check out these easy-to-install upgrades from Extreme Online Store that reshape the look and feel of the C6 Corvette.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-03-23 17:00:27


VIEW MORE