To mod or not to mod?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,426
Likes: 0
From: Louisville KY
Will the C4 ever be a collector grade vehicle? Set aside the few that already are, Grand Sport being the one that really comes to mind. The answer is yes, at some point. But that point is years beyond our reasonable life expectancy.
So the question then is what do I prefer? What can I afford?
It has been said here many times;
1, fast
2, reliable
3, cheap
pick two
As far as resale, in the collector NCRS world, stock editions will retain a certain resale which will decline with every mile driven. However, as Gregg pointed out that will come with it's own cost. My research at times has been that it is even more expensive to retain factory specs than to modify. For example, when a lifter failure damaged my stock LT4 camshaft, the direct GM replacement was around $400. However, the GMPP Hotcam was $240. But, that Hotcam caused my cats to burn up, some of that my fault. If I had that to do over, I would have gone with the stock cam.
Gregg is right that the resale value declines rapidly when modified...if the potential buyer is looking for a stock C4. But, if the buyer is a mod and drive minded individual, you are more likely to get a better price, because you've done all the lifting for them. While you will not get your investment in full return, you could still get about the same return as you might in the stock form. It's all about what the buyer is willing to pay really. So actually resale, is moot point when it comes to modification.
But, a stock vehicle is going to be easier, overall, to maintain. Yes, parts will need to be replaced. But, the factory specs are right there. Just maintain those and all is well. A modified car, involves more research, more guess work, and always the chance that you will not get what you hoped for. Just read exhaust threads, and you'll see what I mean.
So the real answer is...what ever you want. Ask yourself, how am I going to use this car? Do I want to Auto X, Track days, drag race? If so, than modified is what you want. Do you want to show and shine, cruise around town, and maybe a spirited jaunt on some twisties? Well, then you may prefer stock. It's your car, your money.
As for mine, I'm really looking toward taking back to stock. Which isn't a long road at this point.
So the question then is what do I prefer? What can I afford?
It has been said here many times;
1, fast
2, reliable
3, cheap
pick two
As far as resale, in the collector NCRS world, stock editions will retain a certain resale which will decline with every mile driven. However, as Gregg pointed out that will come with it's own cost. My research at times has been that it is even more expensive to retain factory specs than to modify. For example, when a lifter failure damaged my stock LT4 camshaft, the direct GM replacement was around $400. However, the GMPP Hotcam was $240. But, that Hotcam caused my cats to burn up, some of that my fault. If I had that to do over, I would have gone with the stock cam.
Gregg is right that the resale value declines rapidly when modified...if the potential buyer is looking for a stock C4. But, if the buyer is a mod and drive minded individual, you are more likely to get a better price, because you've done all the lifting for them. While you will not get your investment in full return, you could still get about the same return as you might in the stock form. It's all about what the buyer is willing to pay really. So actually resale, is moot point when it comes to modification.
But, a stock vehicle is going to be easier, overall, to maintain. Yes, parts will need to be replaced. But, the factory specs are right there. Just maintain those and all is well. A modified car, involves more research, more guess work, and always the chance that you will not get what you hoped for. Just read exhaust threads, and you'll see what I mean.
So the real answer is...what ever you want. Ask yourself, how am I going to use this car? Do I want to Auto X, Track days, drag race? If so, than modified is what you want. Do you want to show and shine, cruise around town, and maybe a spirited jaunt on some twisties? Well, then you may prefer stock. It's your car, your money.
As for mine, I'm really looking toward taking back to stock. Which isn't a long road at this point.
I will do a few mods but nothing that can't be undone. I really want to do the stereo though. I will keep it maintained well. I won't be putting many miles on it though so hopefully I will get years of enjoyment out of it.
I can't wait to see the 2014 and what changes they make. Before I bought mine I drove a 2000 with 56k and it was a rattlle trap mine seems a lot tighter that that one did (no offense to those owners) maybe it was just that particular car.
Instructor
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 103
Likes: 2
Mod it, just hold on to the parts you take off, in case you want to put it back on or sell it.
I modded my 87, but stayed with period correct parts like 17" A-mold wheels, LT1 style magnaflow mufflers, right now I am installing J55 brakes with Grand Sport calipers. That is what I like.
What one person thinks is cool, the next one won't
It is a matter of taste and what you like.
From everything I have read, C4's will not increase in value at least in my lifetime and I am 42.
No matter what you do, drive it and enjoy it, or you will regret it.
I modded my 87, but stayed with period correct parts like 17" A-mold wheels, LT1 style magnaflow mufflers, right now I am installing J55 brakes with Grand Sport calipers. That is what I like.
What one person thinks is cool, the next one won't
It is a matter of taste and what you like.
From everything I have read, C4's will not increase in value at least in my lifetime and I am 42.
No matter what you do, drive it and enjoy it, or you will regret it.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,221
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
I think you should look at the opportunity to own an ultra-low mile C4 Corvette as the means to start with a problem-free platform. If you want top-end (bolt-on) mods, you can proceed w/o worrying about the short-block's condition. (Obvious problems exempt).
Even if you build up the motor (like I did) and have a sound drive-train, you won't (or may not) need to worry about supporting mods. (This depends on auto vs. stick and what type of motor you build/mod.)
The main thing is -- after spending [potentially] lots of money on the engine/drivetrain, you don't have to [immediately] turn around and redo paint, wheel bearings, heater core, A/C, interior, weatherstrips, etc... It gives you time to save up for the "rest" of your "rest" - oration!
And, it the case of the C4, I can't see how you'd be shooting yourself in the foot -- by altering something potentially high in value in the future.
The C4 is the perfect platform to mod.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,616
Likes: 111
Little bit dated thread; C5 dude digging up old C4 threads.........window tint and speakers..........
Now the C5 is the new C4........mod those to death as well. No value in the future either. Early C5 values are heading south quicker than a rock dropped in a pond.
Now the C5 is the new C4........mod those to death as well. No value in the future either. Early C5 values are heading south quicker than a rock dropped in a pond.
Last edited by 856SPEED; Aug 17, 2019 at 01:26 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 600
From: Question Government
Dude! Your Vette is 32 years old with low mileage. As long as it doesn't look like a junker, its a classic that should remain stock. Find another deal on a 20 year old Vette (or newer) and mod that instead. Save your money, cause you'll need it to "maintain" your classic.
Last edited by RetroGuy; Aug 18, 2019 at 10:19 AM.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,616
Likes: 111
Dude! Your Vette is 32 years old with low mileage. As long as it doesn't look like a junker, its a classic that should remain stock. Find another deal on a 20 year old Vette (or newer) and mod that instead. Save your money, cause you'll need it to "maintain" your classic.
Dude, 87’s last post was nearly 5 years ago....dead thread....let it go....waste of time.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,700
Likes: 1,667
From: moraga ca
Dude! Your Vette is 32 years old with low mileage. As long as it doesn't look like a junker, its a classic that should remain stock. Find another deal on a 20 year old Vette (or newer) and mod that instead. Save your money, cause you'll need it to "maintain" your classic.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,616
Likes: 111
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,692
Likes: 349
From: Sacramento California
Drive it for at least 1 year stock, just as it is. You might enjoy it plenty in its original unmolested form. After 1 year, if you really feel the need to change it, go for it. Just know that you will never get this money back from the car. Also know that you may actually be decreasing the value of the car by putting non-factory parts on it... of course this depends on the parts and how properly they are installed. But if modifying the car will get you a lot more enjoyment from the car, I see no reason not to. It's your car.
The base models are definitely not highly valued // collectors cars, probably never will be. I bought mine because it's affordable, its is very fun to drive and easy to maintain... and it is staying 100% factory stock.
The base models are definitely not highly valued // collectors cars, probably never will be. I bought mine because it's affordable, its is very fun to drive and easy to maintain... and it is staying 100% factory stock.
Last edited by DGXR; Aug 19, 2019 at 06:40 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 306
Likes: 190
From: Fairhaven, mi/Hutchinson Is, Fl
hmmmmmm.. modding a car we've never driven... and none of us own... that goes near triple the speed limit.....and has a hundred million dollars ish in engineering in to get it where it is.... yea... let's mess with that ......
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 600
From: Question Government
