I do too but don't tell him I said that...
C4 buying advice
- Thread starter Puddincorvette
- Start date
Hey there Puddincorvette! Best advice is to carefully check for what modifications have been done to the vehicle. I prefer to find a car that no one has messed with...camshafts, heads, high stall converters, headers, the stuff that enhances horsepower and performance...which equals abuse. Burnouts, powershifting, hard launches off the line type racing are all quite fun, but lead to heavy loads on all components, high wear on just about everything. A stock, well taken care of vehicle with reasonable mileage is usually a safe bet, those type of owners take pride in their Vette, and this leads to a high value vehicle. Paying a couple of bucks more for a great car is long term insurance for a good return on your investment...should you sell it off down the road. I personally have owned three (85,85,93) Vettes....and have almost doubled my money of two of them. Not bad! Doug Nash four speeds with overdrive have mixed reviews, read up on those problems. Six speed ZF transmission(my 93 had one) was absolutely remarkable, smooth as silk, slick shifts, remarkable performance. Available in the later models of the C4 series. Higher mileage cars will require more replacement of parts,but RockAuto has a reasonable supply. There are also parts specialists in the US, but always weigh the cost with the exchange rate, customs charges, shipping, etc., against the price of Canadian suppliers. Also be parts-smart! I fixed the automatic climate control system on my '86 for only $15 from Kenny Auto Parts, while the new part (the motor control relay)was over $200. I researched the part, and discovered the Cadillac Sevilles of the same year range used the same system. Located the car in the yard in Laval Quebec, and it was the identical part...right down to the part number. Good Luck!
- Thread starter
- #23
Should I go with the 92 and newer corvette lt1 engine ?
Is there a noticeable difference in power torque reliability between the LT1 and older engines ?
Is there a noticeable difference in power torque reliability between the LT1 and older engines ?
Nothing wrong with the LT-1, strong motor and 300HP is quite enough for the street. Just look out for Opti-spark ignition, placed under the water pump and gets destroyed if you have a seal leak. Make sure it has been attended to, usually there is a small hose that allows any water to drain out of the cap, that's a indication that it has been replaced. Also, there are a whole bunch of aftermarket replacements...and the ones from China are questionable. Cheapos cost $150...good ones cost $600. I personally can't complain about my '93, and I got a great deal when i traded it for a cherry '85. Really miss the ZF 6 speed...sweet transmission!
Weren't they rated at 340? Or am I thinking of the LS1 in the first C5.
A variety were available. Of course I found this , lol ......
C4 Corvette Engines Overview
The C4 Corvette (1984-1996) primarily used 5.7L (350 cubic inch) V8 engines, evolving from carbureted and throttle-body designs to advanced tuned-port and DOHC variants. All were pushrod small-blocks except the ZR-1's LT5, with power ranging from 205 to 405 horsepower stock. Production Engines by Year1984: L83 5.7L V8 (205 hp, 290 lb-ft) with throttle-body injection (Cross-Fire). 1985-1991: L98 5.7L V8 (230-250 hp, 330-345 lb-ft) with tuned-port injection; detuned versions for automatics. 1990-1995 (ZR-1): LT5 5.7L DOHC V8 (375 hp in 1990-1992, 405 hp in 1993-1995, 370-385 lb-ft). 1992-1996: LT1 5.7L V8 (300 hp, 330-340 lb-ft) with reverse-flow cooling. 1996 (Grand Sport/Collector Edition): LT4 5.7L V8 (330 hp, 340 lb-ft) with upgraded heads and intake. Special Variants Callaway B2K twin-turbo versions of the L98 boosted output to 345-403 hp across 1987-1991, available through GM dealers as a factory-sanctioned option
I was talking about the LT1. The Camaro LT1 was virtually identical to the C4 one. I believe the C4 had a slightly higher cam. In retrospect I was thinking of the LS1 where the Camaro was rated 320 and the Corvette LS1 was rated at 345 again because of a different cam.
- Thread starter
- #28
You traded a 93 for a 85 ?
Did you feel a decline in performance and handling / comfort going from a 93 to 85 ?
Ah.....
Handling was darn good for both, performance was obviously better for the LT-1, but I was quite happy with the L-98's. I drive my cars for pleasure...not to beat the crap out of them. Trips from Montreal to Ottawa (my kids live there) are a blast every time.
Buying a C4 I would buy any zr-1 or a 96 grand sport.
Hey Nelson. Long time no hear from you. Hope all is well. Thanks for chiming in with advice.
The '84 Crossfire Injection system was okay...but it had some issues with the injectors failing due to poor design. Some cured the problem by junking the whole system along with the intake and going with an aftermarket intake and carb. One good fix is to install an Edelbrock Electronic fuel injection. A bit expensive but totally reliable and adjustable. I have seen some 84 Vettes with a well maintained Crossfire system...but they were also diligent about storing their vehicles with fuel stabilizer in the fuel tank. Prevents the gummy breakdown of gasoline that blocks injectors.
- Thread starter
- #34
Seems like they were a bit problematic and looked down upon
Dave91TM
Power User
The 84 Vettes were typical GM 1st year of production. They had the lowest HP, very rough suspension, either 4spd auto or the Doug Nash 4spd with overdrive and the old crossfire fuel injection and the "christmas tree digital dash". In addition they had 16 inch rims (from 84 to 87)and tires have become difficult to get. Not saying there are no good ones but , as noted before ,the newer you can afford ,the better.
Until 2020 at least.
Can someone say "DCT" and keep a straight face...
- Thread starter
- #39
Great advice
Thank you
I said "at least" because I have no idea about C7's first year. Or any other model year for that matter. My 2020 has been flawless.View attachment 137888 Peanut Gallery comment at best...
