Found A 91 Cheap
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: Visalia CA
Found A 91 Cheap
Hey guys,
I have an 80 vette and i usually post on the c3 forum but i have a question about a 91 c4. I found it semi-local, the car is on jack-stands and is trashed, the owner has someone already that wants to purchase the front and rear end fiberglass as he is parting it out. He said it does run and the frame has no rust, plus all of the suspension is there. I have a 63 chevy truck project and i was thinking about buying the frame, suspension, and drivetrain to use on it. I'm wondering, how much power do the 91's have? What tranny did they come with?
He said $3000 for the whole car and he feels like that's on the high side. I was thinking $800-$1000 for whats left when the other picks up his body pieces. Is that too high? I'm not sure. I'm thinking- use engine and tranny and if possible-brakes on my 63. Sell the frame for $200 and remaining interior. Maybe adapt front end suspension to c3 way on down the road unless i sell it (probably not).
all opinions welcome. thanks.
I have an 80 vette and i usually post on the c3 forum but i have a question about a 91 c4. I found it semi-local, the car is on jack-stands and is trashed, the owner has someone already that wants to purchase the front and rear end fiberglass as he is parting it out. He said it does run and the frame has no rust, plus all of the suspension is there. I have a 63 chevy truck project and i was thinking about buying the frame, suspension, and drivetrain to use on it. I'm wondering, how much power do the 91's have? What tranny did they come with?
He said $3000 for the whole car and he feels like that's on the high side. I was thinking $800-$1000 for whats left when the other picks up his body pieces. Is that too high? I'm not sure. I'm thinking- use engine and tranny and if possible-brakes on my 63. Sell the frame for $200 and remaining interior. Maybe adapt front end suspension to c3 way on down the road unless i sell it (probably not).
all opinions welcome. thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 35,065
Likes: 0
From: Bergen County, NJ Democrats, doing for the country what they did for Michigan
The 91 was a L98. it had 250 HP, about 350 FT LBs of torque.
Since it's an L98. It's easy enough to work on, especialy with all the "stuff" removed.
Is it too high? I don't know, what are the options? Meaning what would it cost to buy an engine, trans, and suspension?
how much work does it need? does it run? does it run well? are all the bushings dry rotted?
Since it's an L98. It's easy enough to work on, especialy with all the "stuff" removed.
Is it too high? I don't know, what are the options? Meaning what would it cost to buy an engine, trans, and suspension?
how much work does it need? does it run? does it run well? are all the bushings dry rotted?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,202
Likes: 3
From: MD
3000 for the car is on the high side. 1000 for the drivetrain and suspension, though, is pretty cheap. If you're up for the work to swap it over onto your truck, pick up the suspension and drivetrain.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
Likes: 7
From: sw Ohio
Why would you use vette suspension on a truck? 
Personally I dont its a good idea. The engine isnt bad but you can build something carbed and it would be a lot easier and probably more powerful. The 700R4 might not last hauling around a big truck, it was designed for cars and small trucks. A Turbo 350 seams like a better option to me. If your planning on using the rest of the drivetrain, you'll need a new drive shaft since it wont fit and the rear axle isnt all that strong for a truck either.
In the end I would recommend taking a trip to the junkyard to get some of these parts like the rear axle and putting in a new ring and pinion.
Personally I dont its a good idea. The engine isnt bad but you can build something carbed and it would be a lot easier and probably more powerful. The 700R4 might not last hauling around a big truck, it was designed for cars and small trucks. A Turbo 350 seams like a better option to me. If your planning on using the rest of the drivetrain, you'll need a new drive shaft since it wont fit and the rear axle isnt all that strong for a truck either.
In the end I would recommend taking a trip to the junkyard to get some of these parts like the rear axle and putting in a new ring and pinion.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 605
Likes: 0
From: Outer Banks NC FIRST IN FLIGHT
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,014
Likes: 18
From: Raleigh, NC
You didn't say, but if the transmission is the 6 speed, it's worth $1000 by itself.
The L98 would make a great truck motor, if you plan on using the truck to haul stuff around or tow. The engine makes killer low end torque, but really runs out of breath at 4500 RPM's or so.
My car is a 91, and with some minor mods (rockers, exhaust, Fearless Performance dyno tune) I am making 270 RWHP and 370 RWTQ.
If you decide to go for it, good luck!
The L98 would make a great truck motor, if you plan on using the truck to haul stuff around or tow. The engine makes killer low end torque, but really runs out of breath at 4500 RPM's or so.
My car is a 91, and with some minor mods (rockers, exhaust, Fearless Performance dyno tune) I am making 270 RWHP and 370 RWTQ.
If you decide to go for it, good luck!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: Visalia CA
thanks for the replys guys! I emailed him again last night to see if it's an auto or manual. As far as the engine goes, the 327 i have is pretty tired and I just stumbled upon this. Fuel injection and 350lbs. of torque sounds good to me for starters. I did plan to put a new driveshaft in anyways as i also plan to shorten the frame, z, and some other modifications. I probably won't use the vette suspension but i am interested in adapting the brakes to it even though i'm sure it wont be super easy. I'd consider the vette suspension but like you said, it is a truck-i plan to use it to haul the occasional engine,etc., also, the stock suspension on it really lends itself to bags and I don't want to complicate that any further. Thanks for the opinions guys. I'll let you know if it goes through.
Is there anything major i should be checking for other then the usual engine stuff-oil, coolant, runs smooth, etc.?
Is there anything major i should be checking for other then the usual engine stuff-oil, coolant, runs smooth, etc.?
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: Visalia CA
coolness has it's price though
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 2,830
Likes: 20
From: Las Vegas Nevada
Good luck with your project,
Last edited by VtVette; Oct 17, 2007 at 10:38 PM.