Corvette C4 help

ramirez

ramirez

ramirez

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Joined
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Altrincham
Hi guys

Seen a 1992 C4 Corvette that i'm interested in - I know there was a guy on here who had/has one - any things to look out for?

are they actually properly fast or just cruisers?
 
If you ask "is diz properly fast bruv", I'd ask is a 90's american car right for you?

Nearly 1500kgs and 300bhp over 20 years ago isnt going to break any records is it? Parts for my C5 where quite hard to source in the UK and oftern ment waiting for a couple of weeks from the US
 
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C3 or C5, tbh: the C4s were pretty woeful in the grand scheme of things (C3 wasn't much better, IIRC, but it looks a lot more awesome).
 
5.7l engines that only produce 300-400bhp, I'm amazed that they managed to create an engine so big but produce so little.
I can appreciate the moon mileage between servicing but it still such a waste of capacity
 
LizardKing said:
5.7l engines that only produce 300-400bhp, I'm amazed that they managed to create an engine so big but produce so little.
I can appreciate the moon mileage between servicing but it still such a waste of capacity
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Oh no i'm used to that - my AMG 5.5 "only" makes 360 bhp.

Just fancy something noisy and loud.

Seems this has a 300bhp LT1 so it gets to 60 in less than 6 seconds, which is quick enough.
 
Make sure to get an lt1 the tpi engine was pants.
They are not as slow as people make out once you get going either, a stock lt1 will run mid 13's (less for a manual)
(not owned one myself, my brother has, however i've had both engines in camaro's)
 
LizardKing said:
5.7l engines that only produce 300-400bhp, I'm amazed that they managed to create an engine so big but produce so little.
I can appreciate the moon mileage between servicing but it still such a waste of capacity
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400bhp from a naturally aspirated 5.7L engine is not bad at all. 70bhp/litre is as good or better than many European engines.

If you want bad, then take a look at the mid-70s Pontiac Firebird. A 400 cubic inch (~6.6 litres) that made 180bhp.
 
tbh for me it's more about the show rather than the go :)

I've always loved these since face had one in the a-team....

I don't even mind autoboxes - and from what I understand you can even get 30mpg on a run.
 
They are pretty swift, yea. The later you go in the C4 generation they better get, although I prefer the earlier TPI cars because of their sharper styling, digital dashes and more interesting engine.

The LT1's a stout motor, the only real issue tends to be the Optispark distributor so make sure it's been replaced or budget about £150-odd for a new one. Again, I prefer the earlier L98 because it's easier to tune and get bits for (the LT1 has its own block/heads etc and a reverse-flow cooling system, only interchangeable bit is the crank IIRC). It's still a good engine though.

Autoboxes are good, six-speed manual transmissions are hefty but tough. Buy on condition not mileage, although a clean low-mileage car is ideal.

300bhp and 330lb ft standard from the LT1. Weigh just over 1500kg. 0-60mph in about 5.7sec, 14sec @ 100mph 1/4, top speed of about 160mph, 0.89g in the slalom standard. Those are for the six-speed manual.

Easily improved upon as well. Lots of kit as standard, climate, cruise, electric seats/windows/mirrors, heated rear hatch glass, ASR traction control (great), limited-slip diff, etc. Generally very reliable too, it's only really the VATS key security system that can be a pain as well (all provided you buy a good one, mind).

I used to do about 28-odd mpg on a long run in my auto LT1.

Just look for crash damage, worn weather seals, signs of neglect, listen for odd knocks or rattles. Should feel tight, lively and eager. Engine should run smooth and idle quietly too (within reason, if it's got an aftermarket exhaust). Keep an eye out for botched wiring and dubious aftermarket kit too.

Really good cars the later ones, do miss my '95 but at the time I still preferred the earlier models.

People who rave on about bhp/litre need to get out more, unless we're talking about something truly exceptional. Most of the time you're missing the point, and there's a reason why the figure's low.

C4's a really good car in general too. Great cruisers and very practical to boot. Go some and good fun to drive when in fine fettle too, although the auto versions obviously lean more towards being outright GTs rather than the more sporting manual models (especially if they've got factory uprated brakes etc).

You looking at the blue one on eBay? Looks pretty honest. See if you can get them to send you the RPO codes so you can see if it's got any nice options, like heavy-duty brakes or uprated cooling.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-general-discussion/956104-c4-rpo-faq.html

Bits are cheap too, so shouldn't break the bank to run - even if you have to import them. There's a fair few suppliers here for parts and odds and sods as well.

My old 1995 C4 (had an '86 and an '88 too):

 
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Born_2_Kill_83 said:
I'd like to see that :p
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Mine did it in 5.5 on some timing gear once, so yea, you can do it.

I think the later versions were rated at about 5.2sec to 60. Think C&D got 5.1 out of a stock one (again on timing gear).

ZR1s or ones with the LT4 were all sub 5sec cars (when shiny and new), but the real differences were in the midrange and 100+ onwards acceleration.

... and boy, do those ZR1s love to rev :D

 
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Lashout_UK said:
Mine did it in 5.5 on some timing gear once, so yea, you can do it.

I think the later versions were rated at about 5.2sec to 60. Think C&D got 5.1 out of a stock one (again on timing gear).

ZR1s or ones with the LT4 were all sub 5sec cars (when shiny and new), but the real differences were in the midrange and 100+ onwards acceleration.
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you got an email addy i can contact you on sir?
 
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