'92 - '96 Vettes.... your thoughts
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
'92 - '96 Vettes.... your thoughts
I'm new to this board and fairy new to the Vette world. I have many Trans Ams in the past and I currently own a '95 LT-1 Trans Am and a '89 Turbo Trans Am.
Anyhoot I have an itch for a Vette and ideally a C5 would be nice I really don't want to spend more than 17k or so. I've always liked C4's so that is why I came here. Everyone here is very knoledgable so I want to pick your brains and see what you guys think about purchasing a C4. Below I listed some parameters I want to work within, if you would please guide me in the right direction because I need all the help I can get when it comes to looking and hopefully purchasing a Vette.
Thanks in advance.
Some things I need to keep in mind when buying:
What is the best year for the C4 (being that the bugs are worked of the)?
Any known problems (optispark, U joints, suspension etc...)?
I'd like to keep it in the 30k-40k mile range.
Under $17k
Glass top
Anyhoot I have an itch for a Vette and ideally a C5 would be nice I really don't want to spend more than 17k or so. I've always liked C4's so that is why I came here. Everyone here is very knoledgable so I want to pick your brains and see what you guys think about purchasing a C4. Below I listed some parameters I want to work within, if you would please guide me in the right direction because I need all the help I can get when it comes to looking and hopefully purchasing a Vette.
Thanks in advance.
Some things I need to keep in mind when buying:
What is the best year for the C4 (being that the bugs are worked of the)?
Any known problems (optispark, U joints, suspension etc...)?
I'd like to keep it in the 30k-40k mile range.
Under $17k
Glass top
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,175
Likes: 56
From: Clarence N.Y.
As a good rule of thumb try to find the latest model you can afford. By the late 90's the C4's where really good. Have all the updates and the better optispark. I have a 96 Collector Edition that,to me anyway,is a fantastic vehicle. I also have a 89 Roadster that I too enjoy but it isn't quite the car the 96 is. Good luck on your quest.
Jimmy
Jimmy
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 18,484
Likes: 1
From: Everyday you must choose between the pain of discipline and the pain of regret. Fredericktown, OH
I agree, by 1996 most of the bugs had been worked and you should be able to get one for your price, and maybe even an LT-4 version.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,789
Likes: 8
From: Myrtle Beach SC
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Originally Posted by LT-4 CE
I agree, by 1996 most of the bugs had been worked and you should be able to get one for your price, and maybe even an LT-4 version.
With that to spend I would make mine a LT4
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 2,535
Likes: 2
From: Rochester NY
I prefer 94-95 OBDI
96 OBDII
As for heavily mods and inspection wise. My OBDI car don't need to hook up the sniff test. If it a OBDII it will required to hook up the the scanner to send all the data your state goverment. According to a friend of mine work at the car dealership.
96 OBDII
As for heavily mods and inspection wise. My OBDI car don't need to hook up the sniff test. If it a OBDII it will required to hook up the the scanner to send all the data your state goverment. According to a friend of mine work at the car dealership.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,672
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
Are you going to mod it? If so don't worry about the opti as you can upgrade to the 95 version opti when you upgrade your cam. It is true that when you have a OBDII, the inspection is pretty much a real limiter as to what you can do as far as modding in those sensitive states. I would stay in the 92-95 range if you're going to mod. If not, go with a nice LT-4 from the 96 stable.
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10,641
Likes: 13
From: Slidell Louisiana
I bought a 95 so that I would get all of the C4s incremental improvements w/o OBDII. I am satisfied with my 95 however, I am starting to look at the C5s again. I have been impressed with the LS series of engines and the way that they take performance modifications.
Plus I love the rear quarter view of a C5.
Mike
Plus I love the rear quarter view of a C5.
Mike
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,472
Likes: 0
From: Toronto ONTARIO
My honest opinion.. If i was buying a car .. if i was going to mod the heck out of my car like my current one.. i would buy a c4. Other wise i would NEVER choose a c4 over a c5. the c5 is just simply a better car all around.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 143
Likes: 1
From: Oklahoma City Oklahoma
I know from buying a new 1995 that their were almost a hundred improvents made on that year. I would go with a 1996 anniversary model with the 5 spoke wheels. Probably going to be more than 17k though. Should get you really decent 1994 or possibly 1995. I sold my 1995 in 1999 and just purchased another 1995 last week. I've had a Grand National for 3 years. Nothing drives like them....as long as your on smooth road nothing is more comfortable and enjoyable with targe top off. Like relaxing in your recliner at home.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Well... if I was buying a C4 today, I would look for one of the following:
1996 LT4. You will love it and the amt of performance that comes with the LT4 is sweet.
ZR1. Pick a year. The older the cheaper... but these cars are so special. The downside, performance mods are not the cheapest of endevours.
I highly recommend a 6spd. They are so much more involving then an automatic.
A personal fave would be a 1992 ZR1, black rose with tan or grey interior.... drool.
1996 LT4. You will love it and the amt of performance that comes with the LT4 is sweet.
ZR1. Pick a year. The older the cheaper... but these cars are so special. The downside, performance mods are not the cheapest of endevours.
I highly recommend a 6spd. They are so much more involving then an automatic.
A personal fave would be a 1992 ZR1, black rose with tan or grey interior.... drool.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 0
From: Largo Florida
Originally Posted by 89TTA/95TA Vert
I'm new to this board and fairy new to the Vette world. I have many Trans Ams in the past and I currently own a '95 LT-1 Trans Am and a '89 Turbo Trans Am.
I have had many fbodies as well. It is a general rule to always go with the latest model year of any car. With the 95-96 you get the bigger/better brakes and opti design. An 96 LT4 is probably you best value but like stated here, if you plan to do engine mods you could save a few bucks and get a LT1 to mod.Once you own a Corvette you will see why it costs so much more than a fbody. I remember most everyone in the fbody community would say something like, "why should I pay $20k more for a Vette when the fbody has nearly the same performance?"
I went to another state to get what I wanted. I have a 96 LT4 Collector Edition with the Z51 handling package. This combination was hard to find. I would recommend the LT4 with the Z51 handling package. I have plenty of pictures on my website if you want to look. I have modded mine quite a bit so you may see non-stock items.
http://www.knology.net/~eac/
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 6,314
Likes: 508
From: South-central Missouri
'95 6-speed 4 me...
I wanted a C4 from the day they came out. I bought my first Vette, a '95 coupe 3 years ago after a couple years of research. These are the key things that tripped my trigger...
OBD-I
The '95 LT1 is a sweet place to start modifying
LT1's super flat torque curve (as you know)
Most of the "bugs" have been worked out of the '95/96s
cocoon fit - most comforatable car I ever took cross-country, bar none!
ZF 6-speed manual = shweeeeet!
Dash = "cockpit" feel to it; a real sports car "feel" to it.
The handling compared to F-bodies is something you have to experience to appreciate. (None of the Fs EVER keep up w/ me in a corner!)
Z51 package a real ++ (experienced it in a couple test drives, but alas my car doesn't have it. Still = fantastic handling! This coming from a former F-body fan!)
Special creature comforts: climate control, audio on BOSE system automatically increases and decreases w/ mph, hands free lock/un-lock feature, super seats!!, did I mention the cocoon feeling it gives when behind the wheel?
And, most important, a chick magnet !
Way better than Fs. (My fiance', Ami, told me it was the Vette that go her attention initially 
Ami has her own Vette, BTW - a '69 vert 4-speed. 
)
I could go on, but these are the main things. Someday, a C6 will come my way, I hope.
P.
OBD-I
The '95 LT1 is a sweet place to start modifying
LT1's super flat torque curve (as you know)
Most of the "bugs" have been worked out of the '95/96s
cocoon fit - most comforatable car I ever took cross-country, bar none!
ZF 6-speed manual = shweeeeet!
Dash = "cockpit" feel to it; a real sports car "feel" to it.
The handling compared to F-bodies is something you have to experience to appreciate. (None of the Fs EVER keep up w/ me in a corner!)
Z51 package a real ++ (experienced it in a couple test drives, but alas my car doesn't have it. Still = fantastic handling! This coming from a former F-body fan!)
Special creature comforts: climate control, audio on BOSE system automatically increases and decreases w/ mph, hands free lock/un-lock feature, super seats!!, did I mention the cocoon feeling it gives when behind the wheel?
And, most important, a chick magnet !
Way better than Fs. (My fiance', Ami, told me it was the Vette that go her attention initially Ami has her own Vette, BTW - a '69 vert 4-speed. )I could go on, but these are the main things. Someday, a C6 will come my way, I hope.
P.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,474
Likes: 4
From: Tracy CA
If you have young kids, the 92 - 93 doesn't have a passenger airbag (hence my choice)
I did have to do the opti/waterpump and fix a bunch of oil leaks though. Don't buy this car if you can't do the work yourself - unless you're rich!
I did have to do the opti/waterpump and fix a bunch of oil leaks though. Don't buy this car if you can't do the work yourself - unless you're rich!
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Thanks everyone!
You guys pretty gave me info I was looking for - your honest opinions and expirience with the C4's.
I don't plan on modding anything really. I never mod or race my cars. I'm into detailing, showing and cruising my cars so modding them really isn't an option for me.
I have a '95 T/A w/ an LT-1 and I finished up the opti, water pump, seals, plugs and wires swap. It is a PITA but it was worth it. Im no mechanic but I'm not afraid to get dirty and take those kind of tasks on as a challenge. I'm hoping a vette is more accessible than the damn f-bodys. It is really tight going in from the top on these things!
Again thanks - I'm keeping my eyes open and I'm hoping to come across the right car.
One other thing.... what's your thought on the Copper Metallic color ('95?)I know they made very few of them. Was it a color that was limited because it wasn't like by the general public; hence, the limited production or was there another reason? I'd really like to get one!
I don't plan on modding anything really. I never mod or race my cars. I'm into detailing, showing and cruising my cars so modding them really isn't an option for me.
I have a '95 T/A w/ an LT-1 and I finished up the opti, water pump, seals, plugs and wires swap. It is a PITA but it was worth it. Im no mechanic but I'm not afraid to get dirty and take those kind of tasks on as a challenge. I'm hoping a vette is more accessible than the damn f-bodys. It is really tight going in from the top on these things!
Again thanks - I'm keeping my eyes open and I'm hoping to come across the right car.
One other thing.... what's your thought on the Copper Metallic color ('95?)I know they made very few of them. Was it a color that was limited because it wasn't like by the general public; hence, the limited production or was there another reason? I'd really like to get one!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,150
Likes: 6
From: NS
Since you are not going to mod it, try to find a '96 LT4. Although it will be very difficult to find one within your price range and target mileage. Within your specs will cost you more for an LT4. A good ZR1 is also outside your price specs unless you find a real good deal.
I personally wouldn't buy one older than '95. '95+ model years have the upgraded vented Optispark and pretty well all the bugs are worked out.
I like the 6-speeds, but be aware that these transmissions are expensive to repair, although they are tough as nails too. 6-speed cars also have the Dana 44 rear axle.
I personally wouldn't buy one older than '95. '95+ model years have the upgraded vented Optispark and pretty well all the bugs are worked out.
I like the 6-speeds, but be aware that these transmissions are expensive to repair, although they are tough as nails too. 6-speed cars also have the Dana 44 rear axle.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Originally Posted by 89TTA/95TA Vert
You guys pretty gave me info I was looking for - your honest opinions and expirience with the C4's.
I don't plan on modding anything really. I never mod or race my cars. I'm into detailing, showing and cruising my cars so modding them really isn't an option for me.
I have a '95 T/A w/ an LT-1 and I finished up the opti, water pump, seals, plugs and wires swap. It is a PITA but it was worth it. Im no mechanic but I'm not afraid to get dirty and take those kind of tasks on as a challenge. I'm hoping a vette is more accessible than the damn f-bodys. It is really tight going in from the top on these things!
Again thanks - I'm keeping my eyes open and I'm hoping to come across the right car.
One other thing.... what's your thought on the Copper Metallic color ('95?)I know they made very few of them. Was it a color that was limited because it wasn't like by the general public; hence, the limited production or was there another reason? I'd really like to get one!
I don't plan on modding anything really. I never mod or race my cars. I'm into detailing, showing and cruising my cars so modding them really isn't an option for me.
I have a '95 T/A w/ an LT-1 and I finished up the opti, water pump, seals, plugs and wires swap. It is a PITA but it was worth it. Im no mechanic but I'm not afraid to get dirty and take those kind of tasks on as a challenge. I'm hoping a vette is more accessible than the damn f-bodys. It is really tight going in from the top on these things!
Again thanks - I'm keeping my eyes open and I'm hoping to come across the right car.
One other thing.... what's your thought on the Copper Metallic color ('95?)I know they made very few of them. Was it a color that was limited because it wasn't like by the general public; hence, the limited production or was there another reason? I'd really like to get one!