Reliability and mileage
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 31
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From: Chandler az
Reliability and mileage
Looking around for my 92+ C4 I am finding 50,000 miles up to 150,000 miles. What is the reliability of the LT1 after 100,000? 75,000? I know a lot has to do with how well it was maintained during it's life, but in general? What mileage should I stop looking at? Thanks!!
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 32,782
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From: Former NCM Drag Racing coordinator, National director Corvette Challenge Spring Hill, Tennessee: Whiting, New Jersey
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Re: Reliability and mileage (azc4)
It all depends on the car but 100,000 miles is nothing. I wouls suggest you get the BEST car you can afford.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 304
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From: Spartanburg s.c.
Re: Reliability and mileage (azc4)
Miles really don't mean alot....was in the car business for over 15 years......If a car has 30,000 on it and was maintained....great, so it is with a car that has over a hundred thousand that you can buy alot cheaper...just check the car good whether it be low or high.....Have saw low mileage cars develop severe problems as high mileage>>>>>depends on previous owners maintenace......I bought a 96 Lt-1 with 90,000 on it back in july for 13,700 with a 1988 RX-7 to boot that had a 130,000 miles.....Its been a good one...Had some preventitive work done on it and maintenance>>>plugs,wires, tranny fluid and filter changed, even had valve lash adjusted but that just the perfectionist in me....would have done all this had it been a 30,000 car too....Just installed 160 stat. along with hypertech lll to keep it cooler>>>would have done that also if it had been brand new...Just check it out good...door jambs...undercarrriage, hood and rear window jambs along with all the most obvious things.....GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!Wrap your butt in fiberglass...Drive a VETTE!!!!!!!! :yesnod: :yesnod: :yesnod:
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
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From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Reliability and mileage (azc4)
Though low mileage is nice the main issue is to get the package and condition that you need. After that whatever maintenance arises won't be an issue.
If you're not looking for a "queen" mileage is not such an issue, concentrate on the overall condition.
If you're not looking for a "queen" mileage is not such an issue, concentrate on the overall condition.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,405
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From: Whippany NJ
CI 6-7-8-9 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Re: Reliability and mileage (azc4)
I bought mine at 21K. Just look for leaks and road test the car. The car should run smooth on acceleration and no misfires. Check if its blowing smoke. Especially when you gun it. Other than that, you should be just fine!
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,632
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Re: Reliability and mileage (azc4)
for what it is worth i have an '86 l-98 that i torture and it is wonderful at 120000 miles . granted i am always fixing something , but that is my nature .i can't imagine why an lt-1 or an lt-4 would be any different .
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 14,165
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Re: Reliability and mileage (azc4)
I thought it was cool when I bought my car and it only had 52k miles on it. Now it's got 63k plus and rising. The way I see it, the more miles, the less you feel bad about modding it and making it non stock. Every vehicle will break down eventually, but proper maintanence will make it last a VERY long time.
My dad bought a 95 F-150 about 2 years ago, it had 99000 or so. He was kinda afraid of buying something with miles that high, but we drove it and everything was fine. Now the truck has 125k and is still running strong. In that time he's changed the fluid in the tranny and done a basic tune up, plugs wires, cap, rotor. As far as I know this thing still has the original clutch and is still running strong.
I guess what I'm getting at is get the car you want. Miles shouldn't concern you that much, you are going to spend money on the car eventually. Just make sure everything is in good shape and it runs good.
My dad bought a 95 F-150 about 2 years ago, it had 99000 or so. He was kinda afraid of buying something with miles that high, but we drove it and everything was fine. Now the truck has 125k and is still running strong. In that time he's changed the fluid in the tranny and done a basic tune up, plugs wires, cap, rotor. As far as I know this thing still has the original clutch and is still running strong.
I guess what I'm getting at is get the car you want. Miles shouldn't concern you that much, you are going to spend money on the car eventually. Just make sure everything is in good shape and it runs good.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,143
Likes: 7
From: San Diego CA
Re: Reliability and mileage (azc4)
My 94 LT1 has about 135K miles. Typical stuff replaced, water pump, opti-spark. Oil pan, manifolds, heads, trans, diff never touched just serviced regularily.
If the car is in good condition (compression test, no leaks) and serviced (paperwork available) go for it.
Waterpump & Opti seem to go between 60K-80K. It it hasn't been done, you might avoid cars in that range (or at least have them knock off $1000-1500 to get the job done).
Cheers,
If the car is in good condition (compression test, no leaks) and serviced (paperwork available) go for it.
Waterpump & Opti seem to go between 60K-80K. It it hasn't been done, you might avoid cars in that range (or at least have them knock off $1000-1500 to get the job done).
Cheers,
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