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This post is not going to win me any C4 fans but...
Either keep your C3 and Restomod it or go directly to an '03-'04 C5.
I have a '96 LT1 with low mileage which has been very reliable. However, even though the C4 was supposed to be "leaps and bounds' beyond the C3, your C3 can easily become its equal with relatively little investment in power and suspension. And, a clean C3 will always be worth more than a C4 unless the C4 is a ZR1 or Grand Sport.
The C4 was an Evolutionary advance over the C3 (even though GM compromised on the frame when they decided to go from T-tops to a Targa top). However, the C5 is a Revolutionary advance over the C3. In stock trim, it's also faster, handles as well or better, is much "tighter" and roomier than a C4.
I like my '96 and for my budget when I bought it (3 years ago) it's a lot of car. However, I remember enjoying my old '75 more and, if I had it to do over again, I'd go the extra bucks for a C5.
Just my $ .02... not meant to make anyone else wrong.
I've owned many C3's and C4's even a C5 and driven all 7 generations. Each has its +s and -s. I would suggest you go drive a few and see how they feel to you. Personally I will never get rid of my C4's
This post is not going to win me any C4 fans but...
Either keep your C3 and Restomod it or go directly to an '03-'04 C5.
I have a '96 LT1 with low mileage which has been very reliable. However, even though the C4 was supposed to be "leaps and bounds' beyond the C3, your C3 can easily become its equal with relatively little investment in power and suspension. And, a clean C3 will always be worth more than a C4 unless the C4 is a ZR1 or Grand Sport.
Just my $ .02... not meant to make anyone else wrong.
I respect your honest opinion. Not sure I would agree with the statement " your C3 can easily become its equal with relatively little investment in power and suspension." From my experience the C3 has nowhere near the suspension of the C4 and that is to be expected since the C3 suspension was based on a early 1960's vette. I also do not agree with the notion that for little investment you can up the power of you later stock C3 to match that of a LT1 C4.
The only way any of us can figure out what is a good fit for us is to check out the different years to see what is your best fit. As was stated before each generation and often even year will have it's plus and minuses so best to sit in as many as you can and then drive as many as you can to narrow down what will fit you best with your budget and needs.
Highly recommend a C4 to go with your C3. I've had an 1984 Z51, 1988 4+3, 1990 Z51, 1982 Collector's Edition and a manual 1978 Silver Anniversary Edition, all at the same time. Recently trimmed the herd to the 1978 and 1990.
It's a great combination. They are different cars to be sure, but both are Corvettes through and through. The 78 is the classic Shark, great fender line, throaty carb L82 V8, and what can I say, it's a classic C3 in every sense. Wonderful car, total strangers start conversations with me, asking about it, telling me how much they love it, etc..
The 1990 is a sleek rocket, a car you wear as much as drive. Wonderful car, love it.
And I love the variety of one day a C3, another day a C4. Thinking of adding a C5 if the youngest ever gets done with college, lol.
Highly recommend a C4 to go with your 82. Great combination.
:Whatever you do, don't buy a fixer-upper C4. These cars will get in your wallet quick, Best to lay out some extra cash for a good one you can enjoy immediately and take cross country if you wanted to.
