C4 advice, opinions
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 345
Likes: 2
From: Arlington Wa
C4 advice, opinions
At this time I own a 64 which is the "least desirable midyear". I am looking to purchase a 90 to 95 C4 to use as a daily driver. Any one of these years more desirable than the other? Is there signifigant differences as you move up in these C4 model years?
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
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From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Well '91 was the last year of the L98, with 245chp; '95 had the LT1 (among others) at 300chp. In either year you could find a 6-speed or an A4 gear box and there were targas and verts in both years.
I think the interiors were the same between '90 & '95 (the change came from '89 to '90), except maybe for a PS air bag on the '95, with a little change in the front parking lights from '90 to '95.
A lot of people suggest the newest as the best choice. I prefer to think of the one that really strikes a cord when you see/drive it is the best choice. Look to find one that has been well cared for with paint, interior and weather stripping in good condition. Verify that ALL accessories function properly.
I think the interiors were the same between '90 & '95 (the change came from '89 to '90), except maybe for a PS air bag on the '95, with a little change in the front parking lights from '90 to '95.
A lot of people suggest the newest as the best choice. I prefer to think of the one that really strikes a cord when you see/drive it is the best choice. Look to find one that has been well cared for with paint, interior and weather stripping in good condition. Verify that ALL accessories function properly.
Elite Torch Red Member
Joined: Sep 1999
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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
Later the better.
My '95 has been my daily driver for the last 5 years. It's a great car, 30+mpg on road trips, 22 around town and 8 when I'm racing it.
Great looks, parts are still available(most major stuff anyway) and currently they are the best bargain on the used car market(as far as Corvettes are concerned).
My '95 has been my daily driver for the last 5 years. It's a great car, 30+mpg on road trips, 22 around town and 8 when I'm racing it.
Great looks, parts are still available(most major stuff anyway) and currently they are the best bargain on the used car market(as far as Corvettes are concerned).
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
Yep as Mojo sez, except I can't vouch for the racing mpg!!!
I've been using my 93' as a daily driver (only vehicle) for over three years now. No issues just normal wear and tear maintenance. And there's nothing like driving a vette to work every day!
I've been using my 93' as a daily driver (only vehicle) for over three years now. No issues just normal wear and tear maintenance. And there's nothing like driving a vette to work every day!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 345
Likes: 2
From: Arlington Wa
I am not complaining about the 64. I have invested too much time and money in it and have no plans to sell. I was looking for an early C3 to restore but have decided put that plan on hold and get a C4 that I can drive daily. Thanks for the info.
Keith
Keith
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,496
Likes: 1
From: alaska
92 was the 1st lt1 year and that was the only major change.if you just want a driver go for the lt1 cars since the hp is already there.the l98 cars will run just as good if you want to do some modding like dual exhaust etc.the lt1 cars arent as fun to mod (cheaply) since they already breathe darn good stock.(pipes and k/n pretty much just add noise to em)
there doesnt really seem to be any "least desireable" year in the c4 series.at least ive never read that.the earliest ones had a lot of little problems like displays going out etc but the folks that run them have sorted out fixes for anything that ever happens to em and they are fine cars too.
and the early ones can be found for $5k+ too! heck of a bargain for a buildup car that looks and runs like a 20k car.
buy the newest/cleanest one you can find is the general consensus.
good luck
(wish i had a 64 too)
there doesnt really seem to be any "least desireable" year in the c4 series.at least ive never read that.the earliest ones had a lot of little problems like displays going out etc but the folks that run them have sorted out fixes for anything that ever happens to em and they are fine cars too.
and the early ones can be found for $5k+ too! heck of a bargain for a buildup car that looks and runs like a 20k car.
buy the newest/cleanest one you can find is the general consensus.
good luck
(wish i had a 64 too)
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Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
My '85 has been my daily driver for the past 2 years... I never intended it that way, but she hasn't let me down. And still is my escape vehicle on weekends.
I put over 5,000 miles on her the past two months alone. Last weekend I got myself a pickup though to give her a rest. Lots of plans I've had, and parts bought, and need a chance to get them all on without having to walk to work.
I put over 5,000 miles on her the past two months alone. Last weekend I got myself a pickup though to give her a rest. Lots of plans I've had, and parts bought, and need a chance to get them all on without having to walk to work.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
You should look at the L98, cheaper engine parts in general (except 85, has lots of single year parts).
The L98 is perfect for daily driving, with 330+ ftlbs of torque under you. You won't feel the difference between that and the higher RPM power band of the LT1 until you floor it at 90mph. Get a 3.07 rear gear, muffler elims, and vent your anger on a day-to-day basis.
The L98 is perfect for daily driving, with 330+ ftlbs of torque under you. You won't feel the difference between that and the higher RPM power band of the LT1 until you floor it at 90mph. Get a 3.07 rear gear, muffler elims, and vent your anger on a day-to-day basis.
Le Mans Master
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From: DrunkDefender
CI 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 Veteran
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St. Jude Donor '07-'10
I've owned a 90 and currently own a 96. I work as a tech at a chevy dealer and I gert all the vettes to work on. Nothing wrong with a well cared for 91 but for the same money I'd go for a 95 or 96. The 96 has been the most trouble free C4.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
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From: Philadelphia Burbs
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by elefkow
Buy the latest model, the 1995. They usually have made more refinements, adjustments, corrections i.e. the vented opti. etc.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 412
Likes: 21
From: Franklin TN
I think in 95 they started putting in the vented opti. I have heard a lot a people say they had trouble out of the earlier onres. You might check other threads about the opti. I own a 95 and other than having to replace the leaking radiator it has been trouble free.
Goose
Goose
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
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From: seattle WA
Newer the better-is the general response. Funny, I had a 64 roadster, loved it and miss it terribly-and I found it sooooo much nicer than my 62. I now have an 87 and it's second to my 64. By the way-I'm in Seattle.What color is your 64? 
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Originally Posted by j3studio
Of course, with an L98 you can avoid the opti completely...
Kinda like the forum here. The more gadgets they add to it, the more they have problems with it. It has been smooth for the past 2 weeks or so, have to give credit for that.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 345
Likes: 2
From: Arlington Wa
Originally Posted by rick lambert
Newer the better-is the general response. Funny, I had a 64 roadster, loved it and miss it terribly-and I found it sooooo much nicer than my 62. I now have an 87 and it's second to my 64. By the way-I'm in Seattle.What color is your 64?
It is a Coupe, Riverside Red.
Keith
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,183
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From: MidOhio
I spent over two years studying C2's and came to the conclusion that the '64 was the one to buy. It doesn't have that stupid split rear window or the phoney hood vents, the door panels are rebuildable, the horizontal fender "vents" look much better than the later gills (opinion), it has the interior exhaust fan for better ventilation, and the gages are almost as good looking as '63 (way better than the cheap/ flat later ones). GM cheapened-up the C2's each year- why do you think there's no emblems on the '67? I didn't buy one because they're absurdly overpriced for all the car they are. I'm looking for an '89 at present-expect to have the "right" one this fall- 3 times the car for 1/3 the money. I think you got the best of the bunch !!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,947
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From: North Aurora Il
Three words: ZR1
You can find 90-91 ZR1s with ~20kmiles in the low 20s. You're not going to loose much with a zr1.
I use 96 lt4 as a daily driver. That would be my second choice. 92 and later they had the ASR, which is convienent. It comes on corners and I find it usefull for learning how much your car can do.
You can find 90-91 ZR1s with ~20kmiles in the low 20s. You're not going to loose much with a zr1.
I use 96 lt4 as a daily driver. That would be my second choice. 92 and later they had the ASR, which is convienent. It comes on corners and I find it usefull for learning how much your car can do.
