Hello, as the title says, I am a new member, from Spain. I bought my first Corvette, it's a C4 and It came with head gaskets problem.
So I need to change them but here comes the problem: what engine type it is?
I have read on wikipedia about the c4 and I am a bit confused.
On my cars paper it says first registration 01/01/1986, engine type LT1, 207kw, but I know that LT1 was introduced in 1992, right? I tend to believe that the papers are wrong, as this is common around here, even with domestic cars.
The car is a convertible one, with TPI logo on the wing, automatic transmission.
So if some one can help me identifying the engine type and has some links to buy the gaskets needed I would be so grateful.
Thanks in advance.

 

This might help you sort it out. If you can post some clear pictures of your car I am sure there are members here that can help you identify what you have. You can also use the VIN number to help ID your motor.

Model year changed and milestones

1984 - First year of the C4, introduced in March, 1983, as a 1984 model. This was done due to QC problems. USDOT gave GM permission to sell the car as a 1984, because all requirements for the model year had been met. The only engine available was the Crossfire, L83, 205hp.

1985 - Tuned Port Injection introduced. 230 hp.

1986 - Aluminum heads introduced mid way through the model year. Chassis modified to resist cracking problems at the firewall and b-pillar. ABS introduced. First year of 1-piece rear main seal. Aluminum heads introduced at roughly #18,000 on Coupes and all verts had it. If the car came with aluminum heads, it has 235hp.

1987 - Carry over of 1986. Beginning of the B2K, Callaway Twin-Turbo option. First year of the hydraulic roller cam. Introductrion of the Z52 option. Aluminum 128 heads were standard.

1988 - 35th Anniversary - two-toned white/black top/white wheels and interior. First year of the D-port 113 head, which carried over to 91. Two sets of wheels offered; a 16" wheel came with the base suspension and a 17" came with the Z51 and Z52 suspension. Five HP increase for coupes with 3:07 rear axle.

1989 - First year of the ZF sourced manual transmission. Last year of "Atari" digital dash.

1990 - Redesigned interior, drivers side airbag standard. Start of ZR1, 375hp, unique rear facia with squared tail lights and standard front end.

1991 - Redesigned exterior, ZR1 style back end, with new, rounded front end. Last year of B2K option. Stock L98 produced 250 hp.

1992 - LT1 introduced, 300 hp, 330 lb-ft torque. Interior revamped with new digital display in speedometer and finish changes (Dul-cote) on plastic surfaces. Introduction of ASR (traction control); standard on all Vettes.

1993 - 40th Anniversary, "ruby". Special Ruby coloured interior, exterior and on verts, top. ZR1 up to 405 hp. Cam change on LT1 added 10 lb-ft of torque. Midway through the year, ZF 6spd manufacturing move to USA.

1994 - Redesigned interior, passengers side airbag. New ECU, added sequencial fuel injection. GM changes the automatic transmission to become electronically controlled (4L60E).

1995 - Revised Optispark. J55 Heavy Duty Brakes made standard. No other major changes. Last year of ZR1. OBDII hardware installed, but not fuctional.

1996 - Last year of C4. Special editions: Collectors Edition, all silver with either grey, black or red interior; GrandSport, 1000 made, all came with Admiral Blue paint, white stripe, red hashmarks on front left fender, black ZR1 style wheels, rear fender flares (coupes only), interior black or red/black - All GrandSports were LT4/6spd cars. All manual cars came with LT4 (330hp), automatics came with LT1. ODBII fully functional.

 

as stated above , a picture of the engine would do wonders.

 

I can not take any photos at the moment. I found out the cylinder heads are from aluminum. will post photos when get home. Thanks guys

 

We can do better than that to help him guys.

If it looks something like this the engine is out of an 84.


If it looks something like this the engine is out of an 85-91.


If it looks something like this the engine is out of a 92-96.


And finally if it looks like this you need to pack it up and ship it to me immediately.

 

The lack of an '83 model year, and early intro of the '84 was not due
to QC problems, it was due to a spec change. The marketing folks
insisted on a targa top, not T top. That required redesigning the
chassis.

Chuck

 

Definatelly is the second one. I would love it to be the last one
Much appreciated, Nathan.
Can you suggest a place to buy the gaskets? I saw Eclers sells some kits:
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...late-1991.html
Would you buy this or metal ones from autopartswharehouse:
http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sk.../G123133G.html


Many thanks

 

If summit racing ships international you may check them out. The corvette specialty magazines sometimes charge a premium for something you can buy elsewhere cheaper.

Might be worth calling a parts store or two and just see what they have.

 

Do not buy anything from a Corvette specialist unless you absolutely have to have too.
Unfortunately they are the only suppliers of restoring parts but normal service items can be had at any US parts supplier
For international owners; Rockauto are one of the cheapest and use cheaper USPS to deliver parts , not expensive corier services


http://www.rockauto.com/

 

Thats funny

 

I use them all the time

 

your saying the 1983 corvette at the museum has t-tops

 

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/foru...s-or-more.html