I currently have a 25th anniversary vette and am looking for another vette. I would like a c4 and have found a 87 model that is in great shape with 70,000 miles. Is this a good year for the c4? I know that the early ones ,84 and 85, had alot of trouble. Please give me your thoughts on the subject.

Thanks

medic

 

87 was a good year....it can have just as many problems as the 84-86 did. 87's got aluminum heads and were rated at 240 horse.

 

Indeed '87 was a good year, but I think the best year for L98s was '89: D-ported #113 heads, no 9th injector, last L98 with a MAF, last year w/o air bag (so with a tele wheel), 1st year with 17" wheels std. It also had improved steering over '87.

 

I love my '87.... :yesnod: :yesnod:

 

As you can see from my signature, I am partial to 87's. I perfer the Z-52 option with the faster steering, dual fans, etc. I have had mine since 92 (23K miles on it when I purchased it), and can list the following problems:

1. Brakes are weak & I updated mine with 13" rotors and the later C4 dual piston calipers (much better but the calipers are very close to the inside of the 16" rims.

2. Had a loose Bell housing (evidently from the factory) which caused a Flex Plate to crack and break. Luckily it happened in my garage.

3. Replaced the wiper switch.

4. Intake manifold leaked Anti-Freeze (which is typical @ about 40K) and did a head rebuild at the same time (also did some porting of the heads and intake tracts).

5. Just replaced the injectors with Lucas versions to stop a leak down problem (but this is also typical of any of the early ones with the Bosch injectors).

6. Have done a few cosmetic items (seat covers, paint, etc.). Also install a B&M shift kit plus other minor items plus normal maintenance (new Bilsteins, tires, etc.).

7. My electronic AC/heat temp. controller went on the blink (readout would start showing odd digits), and I found an internal poor connection that I fixed.

8. Bose radio also would occasionally not play on the front left speaker. Found an internal short between a PCB and the case - a little insulation fixed that one.

I looked at trading it in for a 96 C4 last year, and after driving the C4, I liked my 87 better!

I had a 70 T-Top that I drove daily for 15 years (put on 150K). Wish I had gone to a C4 a lot sooner!

 

I am very pleased with my 87 roadster. It provides me with a lot of enjoyment and is still a head turner. I was able to find one with no evidence of "BUBBA" work and with the knowledge available on this forum have been able to maintain it myself. regards, Jim

 

Love my 87, but the brakes do suck.

 

I have owned lots of Corvettes (still own several). I must say that the '87 in my sig is my favorite, as I have kept it the longest. I have owned since late '89 when I purchased it totalled. The car now has 33K original miles. I have updated what I feel to be the deficiencies; brakes (upgrade to '96 GS), suspension ('96 GS suspension), tranny (upgrade to ZF), and obviously the motorvation (a bit of engine mods).

I have rebuilt so many Corvettes through my college years, that I feel I have pretty much covered all aspects of these C4s. I have an easy comparison to the C5, and still enjoy working on the C4 better.

Best of Luck in your decision,
Aaron

 

I went to take a look at the car and it turned out to be in alot worse shape than I expected. Turns out that it had been wrecked. IT looks good to the eye, but a closer look revealed alot of possible problems. Someone who doesn't know much about cars will probably pay alot for it and end up with trouble. I will be looking at a 89' convertable on wensday. :D

 

I would never say 87s were bad, I love all the C4s.. But they did some nice changes on the 89... 6spd ZF tranny and the 17" wheels jumped out at me, but be patient and find the one that is right for you, I went from a 76 L-82 to my present 89... You won't regret it, they are 100% more comfortable both in ride and creature comforts...... Plus the power and handling is great!! Good Luck in your search!!

 

What trouble did the 85 have? My car runs great! :smash:

 

AKS, I can see why you are pleased. great looks and performance to back it up :cool: I'm sure that a lot of 50K-70K$ "exotic" car drivers have had a rude awakening when they crossed paths with you. regards, jim

 

Jim,
Thanks for the compliment. I would say that it would definitely run with some of the faster cars. I have had the new combo in the car for a couple of months now, and am very pleased. If you are interested to see a pic of the new engine, search under C4 Tech for "Finally pics of the new motor" or something like that. I had a lot of compliments on the combo.

Thanks again,
Aaron

 

As you can tell, '87 is great... just ask Scorp! :yesnod: