Feeling down about my C4...
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,833
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From: Orange County California
Feeling down about my C4...
Hey all corvetteforum members...
Im really feeling down about my c4.
I use it as a weekend car: drives, corvette events and lots of racing. Last weekend, I went racing and my buddy in an sti beat me for the first time. Not only that, he was beating me consistantly and I was trying everything. Also, one of my other buddies (a newbie - only third time on track) in a z06 destroyed me. I resorted to trying to cut times with some drift turning on two of the turns and got a little better times, but was still behind the sti. I even got passed by a Toyota Matrix! (It had some mods and the driver was smurfing good.) 
To add salt to the wound, I busted my power steering. And things seem to, rather do, need replacing every month.
Is there anything I can do? I really think this car is coming close to the end of its life (150K miles). Should I make a drastic change from a vette? Or stick with the vette and pour some cash into a better motor or something? If so what is a kick *** set up? 383 stroker?
Im really feeling down about my c4.
I use it as a weekend car: drives, corvette events and lots of racing. Last weekend, I went racing and my buddy in an sti beat me for the first time. Not only that, he was beating me consistantly and I was trying everything. Also, one of my other buddies (a newbie - only third time on track) in a z06 destroyed me. I resorted to trying to cut times with some drift turning on two of the turns and got a little better times, but was still behind the sti. I even got passed by a Toyota Matrix! (It had some mods and the driver was smurfing good.) To add salt to the wound, I busted my power steering. And things seem to, rather do, need replacing every month.Is there anything I can do? I really think this car is coming close to the end of its life (150K miles). Should I make a drastic change from a vette? Or stick with the vette and pour some cash into a better motor or something? If so what is a kick *** set up? 383 stroker?
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,403
Likes: 0
From: Denver CO
Honestly look at it this way.
1. At 150K you'll get buried trying to sell her.
2. Even if a Matrix burns you, It is a Matrix! I've seen all kinds of cars haul butt, all it takes is money and you can make any car haul.
3. Keeping the money thing in mind. The money you'd spend on a ZO6 or a C5, can be put into the C4 for a fraction and you'd be hauling butt.
That's me.
1. At 150K you'll get buried trying to sell her.
2. Even if a Matrix burns you, It is a Matrix! I've seen all kinds of cars haul butt, all it takes is money and you can make any car haul.
3. Keeping the money thing in mind. The money you'd spend on a ZO6 or a C5, can be put into the C4 for a fraction and you'd be hauling butt.
That's me.
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
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From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Good advice all, but what is your level of driving savvy? Could you benefit from a performance driving school too? I never road raced but did oval race and sometimes you have to slow down to go faster. It's real easy in the heat of competion to over drive, particularly on corner entry speeds. Maybe you already know all of this but just thought I'd mention it. I'll tell you, owning a Vette has made me think of trying a bit of road racing some day! Good luck! 
Last edited by Corvette Kid; Jul 31, 2004 at 03:38 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,152
Likes: 243
From: Northern VA
I know how you feel. I went to a corvette/viper drag today. I was going to enter but on the way there, my vette wouldn't rev past 6K (It's built to make max power at 6100-rev to 6400) so I decided not to run for fear of breaking something else. Dejected, I went home and on the way home, I dusted a turbo Honda S2000 (on a track I stopped at of course 
). I feel better now.
). I feel better now.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
driving school never hurts... however, if your Vette is stock, with 150k miles on it, and has been raced, that engine is tired, yo.
I would rebuild... now, if you are in california, you will have to be careful with HOW you rebuild... that can be nasty, but, 383 conversions can be made legal.
I would also go over the suspension... stock bushings and such are long since dead, leading to inconsistant handling properties. I would also consider a coil over conversion.
I would rebuild... now, if you are in california, you will have to be careful with HOW you rebuild... that can be nasty, but, 383 conversions can be made legal.
I would also go over the suspension... stock bushings and such are long since dead, leading to inconsistant handling properties. I would also consider a coil over conversion.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,043
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From: San Jose Pat Tillman - American Hero
I would not fret about it too much... Getting whooped by an STI on a road course isn't exactly a big surprise - it is equal to your car in HP, it's AWD, has better brakes, and might even be lighter weight. With the turbo + manual tranny, he can keep the boost up on corner exit with gear selection where (I imagine) you might be stomping the pedal to get the car to downshift... And as for the Z06 putting a smack down? Go figure... It's a Z06.
I would suggest you keep the car - it's by no means near the end of it's (mechanical) life. If you want to seriously road race, get your engine tuned up, and then invest in an assload of brake & suspension upgrades - I think you'll find they might serve you well when not just racing "in a straight line" (if you know what I mean).
Just keep in mind that driving should be fun - it's not NASCAR or Formula 1 out there (neither on the tracks or on the roads). You won't always win, and there's *always* a faster car out there. Win the lottery and go by the most expensive, fastest car you can find. Take it to an "exotic" track day, and I can almost guarantee you somebody will put a whoopin' on ya' with a car that "should" be slower... Just my 2 cents.
I would suggest you keep the car - it's by no means near the end of it's (mechanical) life. If you want to seriously road race, get your engine tuned up, and then invest in an assload of brake & suspension upgrades - I think you'll find they might serve you well when not just racing "in a straight line" (if you know what I mean).
Just keep in mind that driving should be fun - it's not NASCAR or Formula 1 out there (neither on the tracks or on the roads). You won't always win, and there's *always* a faster car out there. Win the lottery and go by the most expensive, fastest car you can find. Take it to an "exotic" track day, and I can almost guarantee you somebody will put a whoopin' on ya' with a car that "should" be slower... Just my 2 cents.
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Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 686
Likes: 2
From: Austin TX
For some reason I read your first post and labeled you as a drag racer.. I would start w/ the suspension first. Bushings, shocks, and better springs. Then start looking into other things such as gear and possibly a ZF6. Auto's don't normally do so hot or last really long on a road course. And just because your engine has 150K on it dosent mean its days our numbered. There is a person over on the fbody autox/rr boards that has a 96 lt1 w/ 300K on the original motor and its still running strong.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,672
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
Originally Posted by Corvette Kid NC
Good advice all, but what is your level of driving savvy? Could you benefit from a performance driving school too? I never road raced but did oval race and sometimes you have to slow down to go faster. It's real easy in the heat of competion to over drive, particularly on corner entry speeds. Maybe you already know all of this but just thought I'd mention it. I'll tell you, owning a Vette has made me think of trying a bit of road racing some day! Good luck!
Hey Chris, we all know what made you think about road racing, our trip in the mountains
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
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From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by Strick
Hey Chris, we all know what made you think about road racing, our trip in the mountains
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,287
Likes: 7
From: n/a SC
A sti got ya? what are u running in the 1/4 then? I haven't raced a sti at the track yet but I detroyed a couple on the hwy easy. My friend has a 2004 subaru WRX the 227hp version it's still turbo charged and all and is SUPPOSED to do 5.4 0 to 60 which is MAJOR BS. Because I have raced him many times from light to light and even at the track and I pull like 7 cars on that thing then let off LOL it was GREAT!
from what I've saw at the track the STI version is also overated I've yet to see one do near a 13.3ish which is what they're supposed to run.
being a 92 I would think you should take a sti so maybe you're in need of a rebuild but from what I see if the car hasn't been a track car and maintained good they go 200k easy.
from what I've saw at the track the STI version is also overated I've yet to see one do near a 13.3ish which is what they're supposed to run.
being a 92 I would think you should take a sti so maybe you're in need of a rebuild but from what I see if the car hasn't been a track car and maintained good they go 200k easy.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 21,510
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From: On a Wisconsin Death Trip
I hear ya. A month ago a supercharged Pontiac Grand Prix gave me a run for my money. 
But, at the end of the race he was still in the four-door Grand Prix and I was in a Corvette, so it made me feel a little better.
If you're doing road course/autocross type racing I'd look at getting some good brakes and do some suspension work (poly bushings, good alignment). I've seen pretty slow cars look mighty fast just because they were set up good (corner balanced, poly suspension, Koni struts, etc.) and they had savvy drivers.
I'd keep the car if I were you. Even with 150K miles the sky's the limit for these cars.
But, at the end of the race he was still in the four-door Grand Prix and I was in a Corvette, so it made me feel a little better.
If you're doing road course/autocross type racing I'd look at getting some good brakes and do some suspension work (poly bushings, good alignment). I've seen pretty slow cars look mighty fast just because they were set up good (corner balanced, poly suspension, Koni struts, etc.) and they had savvy drivers.
I'd keep the car if I were you. Even with 150K miles the sky's the limit for these cars.
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
Likes: 71
From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by loiq
I hear ya. A month ago a supercharged Pontiac Grand Prix gave me a run for my money.
But, at the end of the race he was still in the four-door Grand Prix and I was in a Corvette, so it made me feel a little better.
If you're doing road course/autocross type racing I'd look at getting some good brakes and do some suspension work (poly bushings, good alignment). I've seen pretty slow cars look mighty fast just because they were set up good (corner balanced, poly suspension, Koni struts, etc.) and they had savvy drivers.
I'd keep the car if I were you. Even with 150K miles the sky's the limit for these cars.
But, at the end of the race he was still in the four-door Grand Prix and I was in a Corvette, so it made me feel a little better.
If you're doing road course/autocross type racing I'd look at getting some good brakes and do some suspension work (poly bushings, good alignment). I've seen pretty slow cars look mighty fast just because they were set up good (corner balanced, poly suspension, Koni struts, etc.) and they had savvy drivers.
I'd keep the car if I were you. Even with 150K miles the sky's the limit for these cars.
All the HP in the world will be worthless until you can stick it to the ground and yes, you'd be hard pressed to find a better base package to start out with.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 3,420
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster County PA
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10
Originally Posted by Perfusion
You won't always win, and there's *always* a faster car out there. Win the lottery and go by the most expensive, fastest car you can find. Take it to an "exotic" track day, and I can almost guarantee you somebody will put a whoopin' on ya' with a car that "should" be slower... Just my 2 cents.
It's bound to happen...no matter what you drive. You can get caught up in the game of more power, more speed. It can be fun, rewarding and most of all...expensive. But, there is always someone that is going to be faster than you.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,043
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From: San Jose Pat Tillman - American Hero
Originally Posted by loiq
I hear ya. A month ago a supercharged Pontiac Grand Prix gave me a run for my money.
But, at the end of the race he was still in the four-door Grand Prix and I was in a Corvette, so it made me feel a little better.
But, at the end of the race he was still in the four-door Grand Prix and I was in a Corvette, so it made me feel a little better.
I think that pretty much applies here, too - especially for that Matrix.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,833
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From: Orange County California
Thanks guys,
Ive decided to first fix my power steering and then give her a tune-up and a compression test and go from there. I havent changed the spark plugs in 70K miles and I know it needs it. I am also strongly considering higher gears... Ive been thinking about swapping to a manual trans if my tranny ever goes out so that might affect my decisions. I doubt it will for some time. Got that done 50K miles ago and my tranny guy says its clean (I get concerned, since I race and sometimes use auto like a MT). Ive looked at brakes before, and decided that I would put it off for a while... They seem pretty expensive, I dont have the right wheels and the running cost of the stock brake set-up is cheap!
There are all kinds of things I would like to do, but $$$ is a huge factor. I hope there isnt much need for parts for the power steering. Im going to need to get my 5th set of tires very soon (they might be good for a couple of autoX events but probably not good for a track event). After I get the tune-up and the compression test, I will think about dropping about 2 grand into her. BTW, how much is a rebuild?
Ive decided to first fix my power steering and then give her a tune-up and a compression test and go from there. I havent changed the spark plugs in 70K miles and I know it needs it. I am also strongly considering higher gears... Ive been thinking about swapping to a manual trans if my tranny ever goes out so that might affect my decisions. I doubt it will for some time. Got that done 50K miles ago and my tranny guy says its clean (I get concerned, since I race and sometimes use auto like a MT). Ive looked at brakes before, and decided that I would put it off for a while... They seem pretty expensive, I dont have the right wheels and the running cost of the stock brake set-up is cheap!
There are all kinds of things I would like to do, but $$$ is a huge factor. I hope there isnt much need for parts for the power steering. Im going to need to get my 5th set of tires very soon (they might be good for a couple of autoX events but probably not good for a track event). After I get the tune-up and the compression test, I will think about dropping about 2 grand into her. BTW, how much is a rebuild?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,175
Likes: 237
From: Philadelphia Burbs
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by Glasman66
Even if a Matrix burns you, It is a Matrix! I've seen all kinds of cars haul butt, all it takes is money and you can make any car haul.
There's only one Corvette - in 49 years, I doubt there will be a 50th Anniversary Matrix.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 6,470
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From: levittown pa. usa Even a bad day with my `Vette, is better than a good day at work
St. Jude Donor '10
Right: The idea is; no matter what other brand beats you, its still not a Corvette. These cars are like the Harley Davidson brand name. Its not just a vehicle--- its a life style--- . When i`m out either driving the `vette, or riding the Harley, I often get passed by the latest Zoommobile, or crotch rocket at high speed. At the end of the day, it don`t matter. Whatever the car is it ain`t a `Vette, & whatever the bike is, it ain`t a Harley. See who gets the last laugh 
in years to come when it comes time to sell either the car or the bike. With a few exceptions, these two brand names will come out on top.
Just my .02 Ken
. When i`m out either driving the `vette, or riding the Harley, I often get passed by the latest Zoommobile, or crotch rocket at high speed. At the end of the day, it don`t matter. Whatever the car is it ain`t a `Vette, & whatever the bike is, it ain`t a Harley. See who gets the last laugh in years to come when it comes time to sell either the car or the bike. With a few exceptions, these two brand names will come out on top.Just my .02 Ken