Hi All,

Miles here. We had a 1968 427 in the family way back. Lots of fun. Long gone.
Thinking about getting 1993-1996 convertible.
I came across a 1993 convertible that looks interesting with the 40 anniversary package. What are some of the issues i can expect with a 1993?What type of Freon was used in a stock 1993?

I do have some car restoration background. I have rebuilt 3 Oldsmobile's over the past 6 years (69-442, 70&71-Cutlass Supreme).Looking a something a bit different and newer.
Thanks.
Boston Mass.

 

Welcome to the forum. One thing that I know about the C4s is that the Optispark which is situated right below the water pump is susceptible to water damage especially when the water pump starts to fail.
Suggest you post your question in the C4 section of the forum for more views. Also look up Corvette Magazine online and see if they have any info that's still available for free. They periodically do reviews of the different generations and the common faults.

 

I discovered the 1993 only has a drivers side airbag. My wife also wants an airbag.
This helps narrow the range of c4's for me to year 1994-1996.
Thanks Miles

 

That's an interesting piece of information. Where did you come across that?

Good luck in your search.

 

It looks like they removed the glove box on the passenger side in 1994 to add in a new air bag. 1993 do not have a passenger side airbag.
As for the Freon switch between R-12 to R134, i read it somewhere but cant find the data any more. I think the 1992 had R-12 and 1993 R-134, but cant be sure.
My past experience with converting Oldsmobile from R-12 to R-134 did not work as planned. After a conversion you just get cool air and never cold air.
I do not trust "Conversions".
So for my next project toy:
Airbags to keep the wife happy.
Factory R-134 to keep "Me" cool.


1994 Corvette C4: Interior Upgrades, Passenger Air Bag, National Corvette Museum Opens[h1=center]1994 Corvette Updates:
Passenger Air Bag, Interior[/h1]

 

One reason converting R12 to R134a which is less than satisfactory is because R134a needed to operate at a higher pressure and required a larger condenser and a more efficient evaporator. Even some of the early manufacturers that use R134a did not have a very efficient system and the results were usually less than satisfactory in hot climates.

 

I am now looking at a 1994-C4.
New: water pump, leather seat covers, distributor, tires, door weather stripping, brake pads and rotors. Millage over 70k.
Also the 1994 was the First year of Freon 134. Maybe they put in a 134 rated condenser at the factory?

Test drive fair. Car looked good. Paint, interior, roof all good.
Engine had rough idle at 500 rpm. Above 1,000 rpm ok, No smoke, no noises. No wind sound or whistling on the highway.
Gage's moved and dash displays seems to work.

All heating switches worked and air came out the expected vents. Power windows ok, lights ok, forgot about the wipers.

Multiple warning lights during drive that never cleared during the 15 minute drive.
Service LTPWS, Service ASR, Low/Flat tire.

Underside ok, Chin spoiler cracked, but there was a spare in the trunk.
Looks like a rock hit the metal support near rear tire.
Rest of the underside looked ok.

Looks like a rock hit this bar.

 

If you post this in the C4 section, you'll get more views.

 

Hi all:
After reading hundreds of web reviews and test driving two cars, I settled on a 1995 Convertible.
Drove it 100 miles home last weekend.

All sock. Garaged most of its life.
Body and interior in great shape. New red leather about 5 years ago. White Canvas roof looks good.
Millage about 65k. LT1 300 HP.
Includes a Hardtop (According to the body tag, the Hardtop came with the car from the factory).
Runs well. No visible fluid leaks.
Starts first try, even when it is below freezing. I did notice a slight rough idle for the first 30 seconds when its below freezing, then is soothes out.

All the switches and **** work.
About the only thing that does not work are the Key FOB's.
The plastic cases are cracked and will not make reliable contact with the button.
The FOB's do work, just as long as you are squeezing the cases together while pressing the door button.
And the Alarm works too.
I have not tried the CD and Cassette yet (It has both).

Did you know that Black-Ice will activate the anti slip traction control?
I have never driven a Corvette on ice before.



Hardtop for Fall and Winter.

Canvas for Spring and Summer.

 

We have an an 84, 94 and a new C7. Love them all. Issues have been pretty minor. More work inside the old interiors than under the hoods!

Have fun!