Since you have the money and want a C4, I would encourage you to look into a low mileage 1994-1996. A couple of reasons ... first - it will have the newer LT-1 engine that uses the reverse flow aluminum heads. Second - if it is an automatic, it will have the update 4L60E transmission which is vastly superior to the older 700R4 model which was built with the problematic 27 spline input shafts. Third - Beginning in 94, GM discontinued using the original 32K EPROM (Eraseable Programmable Read Only Memory) and switched to a 256K EEPROM (note the extra "E" - Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). The redesigned cylinder heads and sturdier transmissions were certainly major changes which further improved an already great car, but the third item (the EEPROM) might well be the key to extracting maximum performance from the later model LT-1 motors. Unlike the earlier EPROM chips which needed to be physically removed from the car, deprogrammed, then reprogrammed with new tuning parameters, the EEPROM chips can be reprogrammed by any experienced tuner using a laptop computer. Also, the 1996 cars were equipped with LT-4 motors which use upgraded (bigger valves, ports, etc) reverse-flow heads along with a slightly stronger cam. I could go on, but I'm sure you understand where I'm going with this. Like you, I was somewhat uninformed when I bought my car (a 92). If I was buying one today, it would definitely be a 94 to 96. Good luck and let us know how it all plays out for you.

 

nelson1230285. I am the proud owner, most of time, of a 88 35th anniversary model. The 88 does not have the get up and go of a LT1 or LT4 92 and up Corvette. Gas mileage is decent with the automatic. Sure beats a mid 70's model. About your mods. Do exhaust first. Headers for this car are not cheap because of the EGR tube but will at least give you some HP and a nice sound. Add some mufflers that have low drone noise, around 1500 RPM’s. I put on side pipes that I am not sure are still available. Check the coolant system also if you haven’t. Also keep reading the C4 forum to see what others do to make their C4 a better car. This car is 35 years old. Rubber seals and weather stripping go bad after all these years regardless of the miles.
And welcome to the forum.

 

Depends how wild you want to get and how much you want to spend. A header-back will produce great results. Gears would produce wicked results (3.55's or somewhere in there for all-around... lower for only city driving). Heads/cam/exhaust makes for one nasty l98.

 

Nelson,
If you like the 88 and have the funds then buy it. Drive it for 6 months, get out your manuals and read, study and learn and then, if you have the desire, you can do some upgrades. Money will buy you horsepower and speed and you can spend tons of it. In thinking ahead, you would be much better saving your $$$ for later on as you have college in front of you and I am sure it could be better spent on an education rather than a car. My grandpa told me that a car is the worst investment in the world: gas, insurance, payments if you have them, repairs and the list goes on. Let your education go on and then one day buy the C-7 or whatever you choose. Just my humble opinion!
Tommy

 

I agree entirely with Wheel Stander. If you have the money you should definitely get a 94-96. I have a heads/cam 93 and am constantly kicking myself for not doing the proper research and buying a 94 or newer simply because of the fact that the computers are able to be flash tuned rather than having to mail the chip off to your tuner and let the car sit for a week while you wait for it to get tuned and shipped back to you.

96 manual would obviously be the best choice because of the LT4 which has more potential later on down the road with mods. The heads and intake flow better and respond better to porting.

If you want a manual C4 get a 89 or newer because the ZF6 6 speed trans is far superior to the older 5 speed manual. You will also get far better fuel economy with the ZF6 than with the automatic. I get 28-30mpg on the highway even with the cam.

 

What is a realistic expectation for a heads/streetable-cam/exhaust L98 build in terms of quarter mile trap speed or RWHP? I'm also trying to get up to speed with the various C4 options that exist.

Thanks guys!

 

I think the OP is full of it , but I'll answer your question....go to Vader86's website....it will tell you what options work/ how well and usually how much.....it will answer all your questions about a L98

 

Thanks, I'll check it out!

 

Depends on how wild you want to go.. you can go 'wild', to full-blown retarded. A properly done heads/cam/intake/exhaust l98 can easily make 350-420hp (namely depending on intake and tuning), which is good for bottom 12second to high 11 second time slips.

This is my cold idle. Sounds excellent, but is a REAL bitch to drive @ 40*f and colder until coolant temp hits 170*. I'm sure better tuning could fix that though.



This is my car w/ mods in signature doing a 2nd gear flat pull when cold out (roughly ~40*f)... notice the rear coming out until let-off @ 70mph:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ctg9wyd3a2...nd%20.mp4?dl=0

 

Sorry, I can't get that cold idle link to work, and I wanted to hear it!

 

Dude if you're 18 don't buy a C7.

 

Damn, I'll fix it when I get home

 

Cold cam idle video:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/qz8cnxeftp...92129.mp4?dl=0


it was probably 50* this day. The further below 40*f you go, the pissier she gets until coolant temp hits 170*. Again, I'm POSITIVE that some dyno-tune time would fix this.

 

If you're as smart as you think you are, you will wake up and realize that you need to learn a lot about cars before you start throwing money down the drain, just to get bragging rights! If you're not even sure whether the '88 has an automatic or a stick, you need to find some help . . . fast! How can you evaluate the condition of the car if you don't even know that? Just because you've inherited some money doesn't mean that you've inherited the brains!

It's okay to buy the car (if it's decent), but enjoy it like it is until you finish college!! College expenses will bite you big time, and a radical car can get you killed!! Wake up!

Is this Dad talking? I'm sorry you lost your mom, though.

 

Um, what? Lol.... Either there's a misundertanding, or this place is... "Odd" Haha

 

ATTENTION!!! We have an ******* on deck.

 

Thanks for this by the way!

 

No problem

 

I bought my 93 when I was 18 or 19. It got good gas (mileage 28ish on the highway) being a 6 speed. Is plenty fast after the heads/cam swap and insurance is cheap (less than 100 a month). It is entirely possible to have all of those things.

 

Yep. A misunderstanding. Where did you come from, tjabo? I thought I was talking to Nelson.