I could use some help
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 951
Likes: 0
I could use some help
A friend of mine has asked me to look at a '91 with him. I have owned my '74 for 20 years. I know C3's but I sure don't know C4's. I would appreciate any information that any of you can offer as to things I should look for. The car is a automatic coupe with 73,000 miles.
I hang out in the C3 section and don't get over here very often.
I hang out in the C3 section and don't get over here very often.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,203
Likes: 63
From: Staten Island NY
Re: I could use some help (Steve Grodin)
Steve
Some things I would check are-
The alinghtment of the hood and frond body panels, if it was wrecked or not
The monoleaf springs, look for peeling or cracks
The front of the engine from under the car, for oil leaks around the manifold and opti spark
The strut rods, that they are not bent from improper towing
And the obvious stuff like hoses under the hood
I could go on and on...
Good luck
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c4/c4s4ever/
Some things I would check are-
The alinghtment of the hood and frond body panels, if it was wrecked or not
The monoleaf springs, look for peeling or cracks
The front of the engine from under the car, for oil leaks around the manifold and opti spark
The strut rods, that they are not bent from improper towing
And the obvious stuff like hoses under the hood
I could go on and on...
Good luck
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c4/c4s4ever/
Racer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
From: South Bend, IN 46628 Indiana
Re: I could use some help (Steve Grodin)
I went from an’80 C3 to a ’91 C4, the reason I chose both cars was basically the same. The ‘80 have the same rounded front and rear body and interior as the ’81 and 82 but do not have a computer or crossfire injection. ’91 has the same rounded front and rear body and interior as the ’92 –’96 but with no Opty-spark and both the ’80 and ’91 can be built to go really fast.
As far as what to look for, I was in your friend’s shoes about two years ago and I did the very same thing that you are doing, I came to the C4 section and asked for help. I had over 150 people view my post and maybe three answered. (It was kind of disheartening when you compare it to the “Babes” section where some guys will make a hundred posts begging for a link to a naked 18 year old).
As far as I know the ’91 does not have any design problems like the ’84 crossfire or the Opti-spark on the ’92, ’93 and I think ’94. Some people say that you should look for leaks around the intake but I am not sure how big of an issue that is on the ’91.
So I would advise you to look at the ’91 the same way that you would look at a C3 and one more thing, have someone in the C3 section do a Carfax for you.
If I can be of any assistance, feel free to e-mail me.
As far as what to look for, I was in your friend’s shoes about two years ago and I did the very same thing that you are doing, I came to the C4 section and asked for help. I had over 150 people view my post and maybe three answered. (It was kind of disheartening when you compare it to the “Babes” section where some guys will make a hundred posts begging for a link to a naked 18 year old).
As far as I know the ’91 does not have any design problems like the ’84 crossfire or the Opti-spark on the ’92, ’93 and I think ’94. Some people say that you should look for leaks around the intake but I am not sure how big of an issue that is on the ’91.
So I would advise you to look at the ’91 the same way that you would look at a C3 and one more thing, have someone in the C3 section do a Carfax for you.
If I can be of any assistance, feel free to e-mail me.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,581
Likes: 1
From: Springfield VA
Re: I could use some help (Steve Grodin)
A few minor things to check for... if nothing else then to haggle the price with
Arrange to view/drive the car when it is cold (hasn't been started in the last 24 hours).
1. When you turn the ignition on don't start the car. Listen for the fuel pump, is it cycling up?
2. While waiting for the fuel pump to cycle, check all the dash lights (DIC) to make sure they aren't burnt out or removed.
3. When you first move the car (25' or so) listen for the ABS. You should hear it cycle.
4. Do the electric seats move through their entire range?
5. Look at the wear indicators on the lower ball joints.
6.Check the air conditioner and the cruise control.
7. Check the hood release mechanism. Have someone operate the release while you watch the hood pin releases. Are the cables stretched?
8. Check the parking brake. Does it hold the car?
9. Look for water stains on the carpet just beneath the corners of the hatch (bad weather stripping)
[Modified by 96LT1, 2:29 PM 5/8/2002]
Arrange to view/drive the car when it is cold (hasn't been started in the last 24 hours).
1. When you turn the ignition on don't start the car. Listen for the fuel pump, is it cycling up?
2. While waiting for the fuel pump to cycle, check all the dash lights (DIC) to make sure they aren't burnt out or removed.
3. When you first move the car (25' or so) listen for the ABS. You should hear it cycle.
4. Do the electric seats move through their entire range?
5. Look at the wear indicators on the lower ball joints.
6.Check the air conditioner and the cruise control.
7. Check the hood release mechanism. Have someone operate the release while you watch the hood pin releases. Are the cables stretched?
8. Check the parking brake. Does it hold the car?
9. Look for water stains on the carpet just beneath the corners of the hatch (bad weather stripping)
[Modified by 96LT1, 2:29 PM 5/8/2002]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,516
Likes: 0
From: Lockport NY
Re: I could use some help (Mr. Sharky)
I had over 150 people view my post and maybe three answered.
Try searching the Archives. I've seen this question asked before.
For myself, I expected a "fixer-upper", and don't mind getting down & dirty to work on it...So I concentrated on a good looking body and interior; good top & rear window; and all accessories working...It could have had the engine & trans in the trunk; I wouldn't have minded... :D
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,351
Likes: 1
From: Kingwood TX
Re: I could use some help (Rich B.)
Make sure the gaskets on the intake manifold have been replaced or are in great shape. I had my gasket between the manifold and the head go bad at the coolant line and its about a $750 job. Also check all weather stripping and if you care about music make sure the amps are not making sizzling or popping noises (or else you will soon spend $400 or so just on 4 little amps).
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: I could use some help (Steve Grodin)
Some additional checks:
-Try the headlights. They should raise and close smoothly with no hesitation.
-Check the rear hatch seal at the corners by the bow. They often split and separate here.
-Check under the rear of the engine for oil. It's a 1-piece rear seal ($$$).
-Turn the A/C on/off several times. Verify the outside/inside temp works.
-Of course feel & smell the main fluieds for signs of problems.
-While someone else starts the engine check the exhaust for blue smoke.
-Take a small mirror & flashlight to check behind the dist and along the valve covers for signs of oil/coolant.
-Try all the controls; watch the antenna to be sure it fully extends/retracts.
-Take a tape/CD; those Bose are $$ to repair.
-Notice excesssive cowl shake over rough roads.
-Take a copy of the Corvette Black took to check out RPOs posted under the consol lid.
-Listen for clicks/grinding from the rear. These could indicate issues with the U-joints/bearings.
-Ask about service records.
For reference, a '91 A4 coupe goes for (add $1k for a 6-speed):
Average......Good.......Excellent
$10.5.........$13.5.......$17.5
-Try the headlights. They should raise and close smoothly with no hesitation.
-Check the rear hatch seal at the corners by the bow. They often split and separate here.
-Check under the rear of the engine for oil. It's a 1-piece rear seal ($$$).
-Turn the A/C on/off several times. Verify the outside/inside temp works.
-Of course feel & smell the main fluieds for signs of problems.
-While someone else starts the engine check the exhaust for blue smoke.
-Take a small mirror & flashlight to check behind the dist and along the valve covers for signs of oil/coolant.
-Try all the controls; watch the antenna to be sure it fully extends/retracts.
-Take a tape/CD; those Bose are $$ to repair.
-Notice excesssive cowl shake over rough roads.
-Take a copy of the Corvette Black took to check out RPOs posted under the consol lid.
-Listen for clicks/grinding from the rear. These could indicate issues with the U-joints/bearings.
-Ask about service records.
For reference, a '91 A4 coupe goes for (add $1k for a 6-speed):
Average......Good.......Excellent
$10.5.........$13.5.......$17.5
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,351
Likes: 1
From: Kingwood TX
Re: I could use some help (Steve Grodin)
Oh trust me on the intake manifold. I have heard many people on this forum with the same problem. My leak was barely noticable for a year (had to fill the coolant about once a month). But then all of a sudden...once a day! :eek: