Questions concerning 1992 Vette
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville Tennessee
Questions concerning 1992 Vette
I'm not new to the forum but am new to C4s. I had a '79 that I did some great mods to but found a '92 and brought it home! It is Polo Green, 300 HP, auto, power sport seats, 70,000 miles, and all the other creature comforts. I know C3s really good but I am lacking fundamental knowledge of the C4. What should I look for concerning weak points, engine heat issues if any, and any general info that will get me off to a good start with this great car?! The cruise doesn't work and the heated electrically adjustable mirrors don't work. They are on the same circuit. The fuse blows when I try to use cruise. Any advice on any part of this car will be greatly appreciated!
Bernie
Bernie
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 908
Likes: 1
From: Colorado Springs Colorado
We must share similar taste in cars, I had a 78 and now drive a 92. For general info, start with the FAQ http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...00&forum_id=48
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville Tennessee
Thanks for the reply. The info is great. My sister-in-law and her family live in Colorado Springs on the mtn. that houses NORAD. Her husband was a Lt. Colonel in the Army.
Bernie
Bernie
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
These cars are much more complex than a C3, I would advise getting the Helm Factory Service Manual, www.helminc.com, for it.
It will have trouble shooting and such to held debug these problems.
It will have trouble shooting and such to held debug these problems.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville Tennessee
Bogus,
I am ordering books to help with possible future problems. I was just wondering what areas of concern I might be aware of on this particular model. I really don't have any glaring issues with the car. Future upgrades are, possibly a better exhaust system, but other than that, all I want to do is get all the components functioning properly and just enjoy driving it. We took the C3 on a 1,240 mile trip a few weeks ago and it performed flawlessly. The 5 speed manul I installed last winter made a huge difference in performance and comfort. I got the '92 to use as a touring car. Weekend trips will be its primary function with a few mild modifications for performance and reliability.
Bernie
I am ordering books to help with possible future problems. I was just wondering what areas of concern I might be aware of on this particular model. I really don't have any glaring issues with the car. Future upgrades are, possibly a better exhaust system, but other than that, all I want to do is get all the components functioning properly and just enjoy driving it. We took the C3 on a 1,240 mile trip a few weeks ago and it performed flawlessly. The 5 speed manul I installed last winter made a huge difference in performance and comfort. I got the '92 to use as a touring car. Weekend trips will be its primary function with a few mild modifications for performance and reliability.
Bernie
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 7,999
Likes: 14
From: Life is just one big track event. Everything before and after is prep and warm-up and cool-down laps
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
St. Jude Donor '12
Originally Posted by BerniesVette
Bogus,
I am ordering books to help with possible future problems. I was just wondering what areas of concern I might be aware of on this particular model. I really don't have any glaring issues with the car. Future upgrades are, possibly a better exhaust system, but other than that, all I want to do is get all the components functioning properly and just enjoy driving it. We took the C3 on a 1,240 mile trip a few weeks ago and it performed flawlessly. The 5 speed manul I installed last winter made a huge difference in performance and comfort. I got the '92 to use as a touring car. Weekend trips will be its primary function with a few mild modifications for performance and reliability.
Bernie
I am ordering books to help with possible future problems. I was just wondering what areas of concern I might be aware of on this particular model. I really don't have any glaring issues with the car. Future upgrades are, possibly a better exhaust system, but other than that, all I want to do is get all the components functioning properly and just enjoy driving it. We took the C3 on a 1,240 mile trip a few weeks ago and it performed flawlessly. The 5 speed manul I installed last winter made a huge difference in performance and comfort. I got the '92 to use as a touring car. Weekend trips will be its primary function with a few mild modifications for performance and reliability.
Bernie
The C4's are designed to run a lot hotter than your C3. Do not be alarmed with coolant temperatures unless they regularly go over 240. First thing to check if they get that hot is between the radiator and condensor. The C4 is a vaccum cleaner, it picks all kinds of road trash and puts it right in that area.
Great car!!! I have a 92 as well.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 908
Likes: 1
From: Colorado Springs Colorado
My 92 is also a cross country car. You'll love the mileage compared to your C3, as well as all the neat goodies that come with the later technology. Keep an eye out for a line of coolant slung on the inside of the hood in front above the serp belt, it's a sure sign the water pump is history and leaking coolant on that opti-spark.
When it's time to replace, do the simple active vent mod and it will be fine for many years. I wash my engine as do many other LTx owners. Actively vented opti's do just fine. Hell, my original passivly vented opti lasted for 114K before I replaced it just because I was heading out on a 5K mile trip and didn't want to take a chance. And it still looked pretty clean inside after all those miles.
When it's time to replace, do the simple active vent mod and it will be fine for many years. I wash my engine as do many other LTx owners. Actively vented opti's do just fine. Hell, my original passivly vented opti lasted for 114K before I replaced it just because I was heading out on a 5K mile trip and didn't want to take a chance. And it still looked pretty clean inside after all those miles.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 808
Likes: 0
From: Metairie Louisiana
Originally Posted by BerniesVette
Bogus,
I am ordering books to help with possible future problems. I was just wondering what areas of concern I might be aware of on this particular model. I really don't have any glaring issues with the car. Future upgrades are, possibly a better exhaust system, but other than that, all I want to do is get all the components functioning properly and just enjoy driving it. We took the C3 on a 1,240 mile trip a few weeks ago and it performed flawlessly. The 5 speed manul I installed last winter made a huge difference in performance and comfort. I got the '92 to use as a touring car. Weekend trips will be its primary function with a few mild modifications for performance and reliability.
Bernie
I am ordering books to help with possible future problems. I was just wondering what areas of concern I might be aware of on this particular model. I really don't have any glaring issues with the car. Future upgrades are, possibly a better exhaust system, but other than that, all I want to do is get all the components functioning properly and just enjoy driving it. We took the C3 on a 1,240 mile trip a few weeks ago and it performed flawlessly. The 5 speed manul I installed last winter made a huge difference in performance and comfort. I got the '92 to use as a touring car. Weekend trips will be its primary function with a few mild modifications for performance and reliability.
Bernie
Bernie, it's been my observation that mods may indeed improve performance,but the most consistently reliable state for a C-4 is stock.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,314
Likes: 3
From: In a van down by the river! Florida
Originally Posted by jaa1992
Number 1 - Your car has an opti-spark distrubutor. Its on the front of the engine under the waterpump. DO NOT WASH THE ENGINE! When the waterpump starts weeping it will most likely take the opti out with it. Replace them both at the same time.
The C4's are designed to run a lot hotter than your C3. Do not be alarmed with coolant temperatures unless they regularly go over 240. First thing to check if they get that hot is between the radiator and condensor. The C4 is a vaccum cleaner, it picks all kinds of road trash and puts it right in that area.
Great car!!! I have a 92 as well.
The C4's are designed to run a lot hotter than your C3. Do not be alarmed with coolant temperatures unless they regularly go over 240. First thing to check if they get that hot is between the radiator and condensor. The C4 is a vaccum cleaner, it picks all kinds of road trash and puts it right in that area.
Great car!!! I have a 92 as well.
Don't forget weatherstrip is the devil.
Cruise control can give you a headache at times.
I don't know if 92's get sagy door panel syndrome or not, I know my 96 has it.
luckily you don't have to worry about PKE lol.
ENJOY!
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,672
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
Another 92 owner here and I really enjoy it. Mine had 40K on it 6 years ago when I bought it. The first mod I did was wheels. I went with polished alum ZR1 5 spokers which to me looks great on a polo vert. Next, I replaced the stamped rocker arms with Crane roller rockers just to improve the efficency of the engine, it worked. Yep, I had an oil leak coming from the front of the motor, seal around the water pump drive. I replaced the opti and water pump, with a vented opti and an electric water pump. I did an article on how to do this in the TECH TIPS. I, too, wanted a different exhaust and went with the B&B Tri Flow S/S catback with shortie Hooker headers. Sounds nice to me. I know you said you had an auto, but my favorite mod was the Hurst shifter unit. And the list continues to grow
. Bottom line is you'll love this Vette and you must get the Helms Service manual to understand all the great features engineered in this Vette. Welcome to the C4 and the LT1.
. Bottom line is you'll love this Vette and you must get the Helms Service manual to understand all the great features engineered in this Vette. Welcome to the C4 and the LT1.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville Tennessee
Again, thanks for the responses! The opti spark was replaced just before I got the car. I don't know if it is the vented kind but can find out. Someone washed the engine and toasted it. I will keep it mostly stock as I do not want to ruin the reliability of it, but I like the sound of the cat back systems. I installed side exhausts on the C3 and they were a bit loud; drove me crazy on a trip to Nags Head a few weeks ago. I definately want to learn as much as possible about the car and will buy the books to help me. I washed and waxed it yesterday, the sun is shining right now and will get it out for a drive after another cup of coffee. I'm looking forward to all the posts from all of the C4 owners, getting to know you as I did the guys on the C3 forum. Thanks again for your posts! I hope I can get to the point that I can contribute on this forum as I did as a C3 owner.
Bernie
Bernie