86 vette
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
86 vette
I am looking for a c4 and have found a fewer good deals on mid 80s ones. I would prefer a 6spd from the early 90s but am having trouble. Could the 4+3 tranny be replaced easily for a 5 or 6spd? Are engine mods just like any small block chevy? I am new to vettes but have owned other GM V8s any advice on what to look for and to expect would be appreciated.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,477
Likes: 80
From: Hawaii
I am looking for a c4 and have found a fewer good deals on mid 80s ones. I would prefer a 6spd from the early 90s but am having trouble. Could the 4+3 tranny be replaced easily for a 5 or 6spd? Are engine mods just like any small block chevy? I am new to vettes but have owned other GM V8s any advice on what to look for and to expect would be appreciated.
Motor department you have the gen 1 L98 in 85-91, Gen 2 LT1's in the 92 to 96, and the LT4 in the 96.
Here is my opnion. Upgrading a early model will cost you a great deal of money to bring it up to the newer C4 performance. The C4s are going for real cheap now days. Save up for the newest that you can find, it is not going to cost you much more... you will save on the long run.
Last edited by James93LT1; Jan 1, 2009 at 03:31 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,043
Likes: 8
From: Tampa Florida
No doubt an '80 car would be cheaper/less expensive than a '90s car. As with most things....you get what you pay for. Most '80s & '90s will all need "some" work. If your not all about working on cars then buy as "new" of a vette as you can afford. If your looking for specific tranny or year model don't be impatient take your time looking at cars and wait for the right one to surface. There are tons of these cars still on the road....lots to choose from. The C4 bottom end of these engines (gen I & II)are basically the same from '87 on up (factory roller cam) an '86 would be a pre roller cam. The top ends of these engines are very similar from '85-'92....but there are some differences. As far a trannys swaps I'm sure it has all been done before. Here are some corvette (C4) buying tips you may want to check out:http://www.corvettebuyers.com/c4vettes/prepurchase.htm
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 31
From: Australia
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: Prescott AZ
Max G’s
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,751
Likes: 78
From: Monroe OH
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Here is my preference, hopefully nobody will take this the wrong way and get the red -ss. I would prefer the 86L to 91 with the tpi and would get a 6spd if manual is your preference. I feel that the HEI distributor is easier to work with than the opti spark. If you decide to go with an auto, try to find a 88 or later. What I would like to have in a 92 - 96 would be the traction control that isn't available in prior years. If I didn't have a C4 and found any year that was clean and well taken care of, I'd take it. Good luck in your search. 
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Thanks for the input. I dont mind wrenching on my own cars but it seems like the cars I want are way more that my 6k spending limit. I would prefer an early 90s with the 6spd any color but red or white and prefer black or tan interior. I found an 86 for around 4k that runs but needs work so thats why I was asking. I guess ill just be patient and see what happens.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
Likes: 7
From: sw Ohio
I would avoid the C4 generation altogether. They're nothing but trouble. The first generation fuel injection is crappy and unreliable. Mechanically they're just as sturdy as any other small block chevy but the wiring will drive you nuts. If you do decide to get one, go with the newest one you can afford. If you do get an '80s model have some cash saved up for the inevitable repairs. I would recommend replacing the entire wiring harness and giving it a complete tune up.
There is of course the LSx swap to consider but its not for those on a budget.
There is of course the LSx swap to consider but its not for those on a budget.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski