Hey guys, a friend of mine told me his uncle owns a 1984 green C4 with 40,000 miles on the clock, in mint condition for around $9,000 negotiable. I have an insurance settlement for $18,000. I know the crossfire isin't an ideal motor, so I was kicking around the idea of buying the car and dropping in a 383 stroker or something to that effect. My questions are how hard is it to swap motors, and how much would it cost me? Would I be better off buying a 93-96 C4 and leaving it mostly as is?

 

This kind of opens a whole can of worms. There are tons of threads in the archives about which C4 to buy.

Swapping in a 383 is not very difficult. I don't know how tricky it is to go from Crossfire injection to TPI, but I'm sure it's been done. Perhaps just throwing a carburetor on there would be even easier.

I would base my decision on whether or not you want a 4+3 or a 6speed (or an auto). Like I said before there are plenty of other issues to worry about. The early cars like the '84 have digital gages and kind of quirky styling. Some people dig it, others don't.

I have an '86 myself. Knowing what I know now, I would rather have bought one of the later cars. Better performance, styling, and resale. That's my $.02.

 

I can deal with the quirky styling, theres an '87 in the garage and I love it to death. On the tranny, I do not care whether its 6-speed or auto, whatever would work better with the engine. Basically I am looking for mid-11 second 1/4 miles.

 

An 84 with 40K miles in mint to excellent condition is best to be bought and saved for the price of 9K.Its my opinion since they were the first C4's,they may have some collectors value or better resale later on down the roads then the newer styles since they made so many C4's since 84 and up.
You dont see many 84's in mint condition with low mileages these days.
Its just an opinion,but the 84 has been the underdog and I hate seeing them hacked up for alot of mods unless its done extremely professionally.

The car will still end up needing repairs as time itself takes its toll of various parts as well.
a 383 is basically a 350 engine but stroked internally.Theres no problems stroking your own motor or installing one.
However,if you want the 84,id suggest to go carb then bother with installing another TPI or other fuel injection when you can just buy a later model with all that and later stroke it out.
One may be able to work the cross fire to perform but im not knowldegeable about those units,except theres a bit of work and tuning to do.

With the money you have, buy the nicest Vette you can buy for the money.Personally,if you want fuel injected performance, buy an 85 or later if you plan to mod them out and build a hot rod.
18K can get you a really nice LT1 style as well.(92 and up)
:)

 

I guess this is what happens when you don't read somebody's sig!

I don't know if the ZF 6 speeds are tougher or faster than the autos, I just like driving the 6 speeds. Good luck!

 

I'd have to agree with the others. Buy a nice L98, or LT1 C4, and stroke that motor. There are many kits, and complete crate engines, and you won't have to swap out computers, wiring, etc. It will save you money in the long run. That's my plan for the future.

Good luck finding your car! :) Then you'll have to meet up with us Chicagoland guys.

 

Hey dummies, 84's don't have 6 speeds. Plan to spend 3000 on the swap, then consider an '89-'91. As the song goes "If I only knew now, what I didn't know then" :(

 

Boy do I have the car for you!!! How about low 11's and you don't even have to turn a wrench :D I even have the stock 17's if your into the sleeper look.

 

Hmmmm, how many miles on the car/motor? Any mechanical problems? That hood is MASSIVE! Theres no way I could pull that off as a sleeper! :cool:

 

Hmmmm. And you can PROMISE it's never been driver in the rain.

THERE ARE NO WINDSHIELD WIPERS!!!

 

Yeah I would wait for a L98/LT1 style car..

if your heart is set on the 84 I have a friend who has gotten his X-fire in the 13's on the stock short block.. still using Crossfire injection

 

Jeff, you are right. I should/will attempt to get an L98 or LT1. Thanks for everyones help!@\