C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

To mod or not to mod?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 31, 2012 | 06:55 PM
  #1  
87C4_4spd's Avatar
87C4_4spd
Thread Starter
Drifting
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,426
Likes: 0
From: Louisville KY
Default To mod or not to mod?

I bought my 1987 Vette this month and it only has 12800 miles.

I'm wondering if I should leave it original or go ahead and do whatever mods I want (e.g. exhaust, and other mods).

I guess it will be sometime before these C4's really increase in value?
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2012 | 07:11 PM
  #2  
ScottMA64's Avatar
ScottMA64
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 252
Likes: 18
From: Austin TX
Default

I just bought an '86 with 53k on it. Its totally stock with the exception of the wheels (im looking for a stock set). Im going to keep mine as stock as possible.

Scott
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2012 | 07:19 PM
  #3  
COPO's Avatar
COPO
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
Liked
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,125
Likes: 8
From: Taft TN
Default

Mod it!!!
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2012 | 07:31 PM
  #4  
BGZQ8's Avatar
BGZQ8
Pro
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 622
Likes: 13
From: UNION CITY TENNESSEE
Default

Keep stock !
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2012 | 07:34 PM
  #5  
vetteoz's Avatar
vetteoz
Safety Car
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,556
Likes: 13
Default

Originally Posted by COPO
Mod it!!!


http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-g...mbo-doors.html



Reply
Old Oct 31, 2012 | 07:58 PM
  #6  
92ragtop's Avatar
92ragtop
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,351
Likes: 222
From: Delta B.C. Canada
2023 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
2015 C4 of Year Finalist
Default

These cars are not an investment, so mod it to suit what you like. That said, certain body mods will kill the value if everyone else hates the mod. Being unique is cool...being ugly isn't.
Performance and brake mods seem to be the most popular.
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2012 | 08:08 PM
  #7  
Matatk's Avatar
Matatk
Drifting
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,440
Likes: 19
From: SW Chicago Burbs IL
Default

Once the "mod bug" bites you it will never end. Ever. And it is a constant cycle because once you change one thing (usually speed related) you have to change three more. Leave it stock and enjoy it. Get another one already modified (for 1/2 the price of parts alone) if you really want it modified.
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2012 | 08:34 PM
  #8  
87C4_4spd's Avatar
87C4_4spd
Thread Starter
Drifting
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,426
Likes: 0
From: Louisville KY
Default

Thanks for the input!

I will probably do some minor mods like some mufflers, a double din stereo and go from there. Nothing too rad...

I was a mechanic for 16 years so that helps on the labor. Now I am just concentrating on maintenance. I replaced belt, hoses, plugs, fluids, filters and tires. It had the original 1987 VR50's on it. I replaced with BFG's.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Oct 31, 2012 | 08:35 PM
  #9  
cv67's Avatar
cv67
Team Owner
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Default

Youve been thinking about it just do it!
Like new modded C4 heck yeah
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2012 | 08:42 PM
  #10  
1984crossfirefuelie's Avatar
1984crossfirefuelie
Racer
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: Spokane WA
Default

I would do exhaust make it sound and feel faster. And a k&n. chrome wheels.
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2012 | 08:51 PM
  #11  
87C4_4spd's Avatar
87C4_4spd
Thread Starter
Drifting
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,426
Likes: 0
From: Louisville KY
Default

Originally Posted by 1984crossfirefuelie
I would do exhaust make it sound and feel faster. And a k&n. chrome wheels.
Just put new tires on the stock wheels but once I go through those I may go up to 17 or 18 inch wheels.

Mufflers are first on my list. Also a K&N filter in my stock air intake.

Thanks,
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2012 | 09:29 PM
  #12  
383vett's Avatar
383vett
Race Director
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,700
Likes: 1,667
From: moraga ca
Default

Mod it and don't look back.

Reply
Old Oct 31, 2012 | 09:59 PM
  #13  
AirForceOne!'s Avatar
AirForceOne!
Drifting
 
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,796
Likes: 14
From: Nampa Idaho
Default

Mod it!
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2012 | 10:46 PM
  #14  
slickfx3's Avatar
slickfx3
Safety Car
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 30
From: Los Angeles CA
Default

leave it alone, you'll regret it.
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2012 | 10:47 PM
  #15  
lt4obsesses's Avatar
lt4obsesses
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,139
Likes: 482
From: H-Town Texas
Default

It's your car, make it to be what you want. However, my suggestion is to take a moment before you do. Figure out what you want, and develop a vision for the finished product, then develop a plan to get there. This will save you time, money, and the lessen the chance of dissapointment.
Reply
Old Nov 1, 2012 | 07:57 AM
  #16  
TA's Avatar
TA
Team Owner
25 Year Member
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 21,094
Likes: 282
From: Phila., PA burbs
Default

If the only thing holding you back is potential value down the road, I'd say mod it. You're correct in thinking it will be a longggggggg time before C4s start to appreciate in value.
Reply
Old Nov 1, 2012 | 08:25 AM
  #17  
Muffin's Avatar
Muffin
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime Gold
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 14,924
Likes: 9
From: Merritt Ils Fl
Default

Originally Posted by lt4obsesses
It's your car, make it to be what you want. However, my suggestion is to take a moment before you do. Figure out what you want, and develop a vision for the finished product, then develop a plan to get there. This will save you time, money, and the lessen the chance of dissapointment.
BINGO, a well thought out reply. I wish I had done that.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To To mod or not to mod?

Old Nov 1, 2012 | 09:54 AM
  #18  
cv67's Avatar
cv67
Team Owner
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Default

You're correct in thinking it will be a longggggggg time before C4s start to appreciate in value.

The mid/late C3s are still struggling with that....once they are untouchable price wise then people miiiight look at the C4. That could be a long way off dont even give thought to it at this point; youd be cheating yourself the opportunity to enjoy the car.
Reply
Old Nov 1, 2012 | 11:59 AM
  #19  
pmihaltian's Avatar
pmihaltian
Slingshot
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 24
From: Charlotte NC
Default

You have a very low mileage completely stock early C4. Believe it or not, cars like this are getting pretty hard to find and will become even more difficult to find over time.

Accordingly, I suggest that you keep it stock. Purchase a set of wheels for it and put your new BFG's on the new wheels for daily driving. Install the original tires on the original wheels and put them up in your garage for shows and NCRS judging.

Once you modify this car, it will be very expensive and time consuming to bring it back to original condition with the correct date coded parts. Ask me how I know .
Reply
Old Nov 1, 2012 | 06:56 PM
  #20  
j-wireman's Avatar
j-wireman
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 897
Likes: 12
From: Land of Whiskey Rebels, PA
Default

Originally Posted by pmihaltian
You have a very low mileage completely stock early C4. Believe it or not, cars like this are getting pretty hard to find and will become even more difficult to find over time.

Accordingly, I suggest that you keep it stock. Purchase a set of wheels for it and put your new BFG's on the new wheels for daily driving. Install the original tires on the original wheels and put them up in your garage for shows and NCRS judging.

Once you modify this car, it will be very expensive and time consuming to bring it back to original condition with the correct date coded parts. Ask me how I know .
12,800 miles? That's almost a time capsule! Keep it stock.

However, in the interest of preserving the car, go ahead and get another set of wheels. You can pick up a set of stock rims on this forum cheaper than some fancy ones. Change back to the originals for judged shows and trailer the car. CAUTION: Those originals should not be driven on the road. They are dangerous.

It makes no difference whether it's an Autocar or a Zephyr, it's only original once. People love barn-find originals--no matter what make or model it is. Please keep it original.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:15 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE