92 175k miles... keep fixing and driving it?
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
92 175k miles... keep fixing and driving it?
I bought this auto C4 in '94 with 25K miles and it was showroom condition, and I love it still (too much maybe, an old friend now...). But at 175k miles and two recent head gasket issues, it's time I either dump it in a trade or a lowball sale, or, keep fixing it. At this point, I've got the tools, time and a garage to fix it myself.
Is it crazy at this point? If I pull the heads and do head gaskets, and for sure a new FIC injectors, plug wires, clean the top end stuff ... what will blow next? I am up for nursing her through another 20k miles by making this next investment in time and money but, what (expensive thing) will blow next?
How long can a '92 C4 run do you think?
Is it crazy at this point? If I pull the heads and do head gaskets, and for sure a new FIC injectors, plug wires, clean the top end stuff ... what will blow next? I am up for nursing her through another 20k miles by making this next investment in time and money but, what (expensive thing) will blow next?
How long can a '92 C4 run do you think?
#2
Safety Car
If you keep taking care of it it'll keep on running, probably for quite a while. But you're right, at some point it's just not worth it. I think this really comes down to a personal choice. Do you want to keep spending time and money to keep this car running? One thing is for sure: it'll cost money to keep it running but it'll cost more to buy a new one.
What would you replace it with? If you're thinking about a C6 or even a C5, you're going to be spending a lot more money. But if you really like the C4, you could replace it with a nice lower mile late C4 for not too much.
Sounds like you have the means to keep fixing it. Money for a newer one is another question. In the end it's up to you, but if it were me I'd sell it and get something newer. I went through the same thing... I spent a lot of money on my '92 with 150,000 miles that had been my daily driver for 10 years. I was a really nice car, but in the end I decided to sell it and move on, and I'm happy with that decision. I now have a '90 ZR-1 that I drive occasionally and a C6 as a daily driver.
What would you replace it with? If you're thinking about a C6 or even a C5, you're going to be spending a lot more money. But if you really like the C4, you could replace it with a nice lower mile late C4 for not too much.
Sounds like you have the means to keep fixing it. Money for a newer one is another question. In the end it's up to you, but if it were me I'd sell it and get something newer. I went through the same thing... I spent a lot of money on my '92 with 150,000 miles that had been my daily driver for 10 years. I was a really nice car, but in the end I decided to sell it and move on, and I'm happy with that decision. I now have a '90 ZR-1 that I drive occasionally and a C6 as a daily driver.
#5
If you like the car and are happy w/it, then I'd recommend paying to fix it. I'm a big advocate of keeping them running. They're machines and at some point, all machines will wear out/break or become obsolete. I think they'll still be refining crude oil for gasoline for another 40-50 years, or so.
#8
Race Director
If you want to keep why not do a complete engine trans upgrade ? Now you have a new combo that should last for years.
LS1 or 3 conversion perhaps depending on your budget
LS1 or 3 conversion perhaps depending on your budget
#10
Racer
Thread Starter
In February, a previous head gasket leak that alumaseal fixed for over a year, got a lot worse; in the end, coolant blew out the exhaust pipes. Sold it to a great corvette lover who'll fix her up for $2K. It was like losing an old friend but she's in a good home and he'll have her running and looking good someday soon which makes me smile. Thanks all, it's a great forum, the best.
#11
Drifting
In February, a previous head gasket leak that alumaseal fixed for over a year, got a lot worse; in the end, coolant blew out the exhaust pipes. Sold it to a great corvette lover who'll fix her up for $2K. It was like losing an old friend but she's in a good home and he'll have her running and looking good someday soon which makes me smile. Thanks all, it's a great forum, the best.