Hello all,
I'm looking at buying a C4 for a toy. Possibly a rag top. Is any year better than another? Engine type, horsepower,ride,etc. I knew that way back the 88's were a huge improvement for that time. Also, what to look for when purchasing one of these babies. I'm no novice. Rebuilt a 71 Riviera, and 71 Monte Carlo from the ground up to be show winners. I'm just looking to buy something nice and drive for pleasure. Thanks for your help in advance.

P.S. What is a L-4? and why would I want one???

 

well, in 85 they changed to the TPI...
86 was the first ragtop since the 75 model..
87 had the Twin turbo callaway model debut, which ran until 1991
88 had the anniversary edition..but only 2000 or so were made..
90 was the first ZR-1..
1991 had a minor change in appearance
92 had a bump in power


by L-4 did you mean LT-4? LT-4 was an engine option in 1996 which was the base engine for the Grand Sport...and could be ordered in non GS models, but only with a 6 speed. it made 330hp

 

Hello,

I have owned a '90 L98 245hp - Great Car and Good Power (can still smoke MANY new cars on the road today), but I suggest a '92 - '96 LT1 car (300hp). Great Cars with Excellent Power and Rock Solid Transmissions. These were $40,000+ new cars, that now by the power of depreciation are about 12-$18,000 for an awesome car.

Don't let a previous owner pass these problems on to you. A properly maintained car will be 100% operable.

What to look for on these cars:

- Head Light Operation - A MUST CHECK. Look for a lazy or non working headlight. A gear replacement is inexpensive. Motor Replacement - Rediculous!

- Radio and Antenae Operation. If an antenae is stuck in the upright position, it could just need a mast replacement (low cost fix) or a full replacement (not pleasant). Radio and/or Bose speakers not working, big bucks.

- Air Bag light on the warning cluster. 1 New airbag sensor, $xxx.00 installed.

- Big Oil Leaks.

- Power Seats. Make sure the driver and passenger power controls work.

I'm sure everybody can add to this checklist. I owned my C4 for 10 years and loved every mile driven in it!

 

I own a 96 LT-4 with the 6 speed and I would strongly recommend it if you want a lot of bang for your buck. Lt-4`s were rated at 330 hp but in reality the horse power range is between 345 to 390 hp. This info was gotten from a site called LT-4.com The horse power was measured on a dyno by mechanics who have tested hundreds of bone stock LT-4 motors. As some added info, with the LT-4 option a 96 Vette with the 6 speed ( the only trans you could get ) is worth $6500.00 to $7000.00 more then a regular 96Vette. There were approximate 6300 LT-4 motors made, 1000 went into the Grand Sport Corvette. You could also get the LT-4 in a regular Corvette if you knew the code for that option. You could also get the LT-4 with the 6spd in the collector edition Vette. 300 LT-4`s were put into SS Camaros and Firebird Firehawks.

 

I own a 1994 convertible black with a saddle ragtop black and saddle interior LT-1 .68,000k Awesome car added yokohama tires 58mm throttle body K&N triple take air filters. Just changed the shocks the car is so much fun! I love it Looking to do more mods in the near future. I can't get enough of this car!!

 

I like the '89 model. Last year for disco or atari dash , first year for 6 speed , standard 17 inch wheels, still had round tail lights which i like better than post 90 tail.

 

By far the best year is 96. The LT4 was the 335 HP version of the Lt1. It was the last and best version of the old, pre -LS cast iron block V8s, goingback to the 50s. But it was good: ported and polished heads and rated at 335 HP. Supposedly polishing $$$ don't last as the engine ages, but I think the LT4 is the only way to go. There were versions with 11 inch wide rear wheels and 315 sectin rear tires. I have a lot of other pretty good machiney (02 ZO6 with a C%R 427 that makes 635 HP, new zprosche Carrera, son has a 408 cubic inch 98 Camaro that does the quater in the low tens) but I have been looking for a good 96 convertible.

 

i like my 95 it is pretty fast and it handles good. but i was thinking about selling it to get a newer one. if your interested send me a message.

 

I have a 94. The 92-96 were great years. Very fast and well build. Like one person said they were $42,000 plus cars which can be had for around $13-18,000. Just my 2 cents !!

 

The later years (95-96) are the best. However, the C4s offer lots of choices and prices. In used performance cars one of the best values around. The ZR-1 is a C4. It is a great engine. Just looking at it is fun. However, the are costly.
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