The Least Loved Corvette Ever Built.

"Flavien Vidal" (flyingfrenchy) 03/09/2014 at 19:28 • Filed to: None

16

95

A year ago, I decided to buy one. A 1995 Corvette with a ZF6 manual gearbox. I never really cared, nor knew about its reputation. All I saw was a car that had pretty good specs on paper, that was apparently realiable and pretty cheap. Quickly, I noticed, mostly here, that lots of people don't seem to like the C4, but I have yet to understand what is there point and why that is. I will try to go over this and mostly due an honest list of how this car is and how it evolved.

1 - Performances.

The number one reason I read for hating the C4, is its performance. How fast it goes. Accelerate. The slowest Corvette C4, from 1984, would do 0 to 60 in 7.1s (road and track stats, not GM). The fastest, non-ZR1, one would do it in 4.8s (1996 with the LT4 engine.)... So sure the 1984 version is not exactly fast, but let's go back in time a little and compare with other cars from the same era.

http://www.sportscarstandings.com/Top-10-Fastest…

Number one, Ferrari 288 GTO, number two Porsche 911 Carrera, number three.... Corvette. Yup the Corvette is the third fastest car in the world produced in 1984 (0 to 60 time). So is it slow compared to todays standard? Well, it's not fast, Slow? No! It's faster in every way compared to a soooo loved miata, it's faster than most "sporty" hatchbacks that people drool onto and it's got an engine that can be modified easily to over "ALOT"hp for a very small amount of money. That and torque, which make the 1984 Corvette a loved car among auto-crosser.

Now let's go over the next generations. In 85 the L98 arrived and got a 0 to 60 time of 6.6s, for a 1/4 miles of about 15s... Stock, it could handle 0.88g of lateral force. As much as 2009 SL63 AMG.

Then the l98 engine evolved, with 0 to 60 times dropping to 6.2s in 89, and 5.6s in 1991. Lateral G's now at 0.9 or as much as a Testarossa. Finally the LT1 and LT4 engine got there, kicking butts everywhere in its time (bye bye 300Zx twin-turbo!! Note: the 91' less powerful L98 was already faster in every way: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ), with respective 0 to 60 times of 5.1s and 4.8s, all the way to 16Xmph, limited by gearing on the manual. Note that I'm not talking about HP figures here, JUST about performances.

2 - Interior design.

American cars. Absolute rubbish, like Jeremy Clarkson would say... Well, not so much. Sure you might be desappointed if you comapre it to a 2014 Audi S6, but C4 interior, depending on the model, go all the way from "lol WTF is that, awesome!!" to "hum... ok, could have been worse". The 1984 Corvette dashboard is in everyone's memory. The NYC Christmas tree has NOTHING on it!! It screams "future!" like nothing else and has its charms... Typical 80's dash and I have to say I love it. Just wish it had been a bit more reliable. Then it got a bit duller and normal in later years. Its got a whole bunch of options and hidden tricks (Hey, do you know the code to have your speed shown live on the AC controller's LCD??), but overall it's a bit banal. Seats are pretty confortable with enough customization to make you feel just right. The rest is made out of plastic like everything in this time. Oh yeah and it's got a huge trunk too!! (I slept in mine and I'm 6'1 lol)

3 - Exterior Design.

Personnal opinion here, but ask ANYONE to draw a Corvette and see which one they will be drawing.

So yes, I'm most likely on a lost cause here, but I have a hard time understanding why people bring down a realiable, two seater, manual, RWD sports car, capable of 0 to 60 in 5s and 0.9g lateral, all that for less than 10k$. My guess is that most people have never put a foot in it, let alone driven one. Go check one out, try one. Unless you find it just waaaaay too ugly for you, which I can understand (everyone has different tastes), go and give one a try. If you are in Montreal's area, contact me and I will gladly make you discover mine and even try it out if you seem nice :) (as soon as I change my clutch and release bearing... lol)

Thanks for reading me trying to convince you!

Flavien Vidal

jkm7680 > Flavien Vidal 03/09/2014 at 19:31

0

There really was nothing wrong with them. Manual, Fast enough, Lots of aftermarket parts, reliable, enough that is, and easy to work on. Just make sure to pick up some Fiske wheels, because those are sexy as hell. I've got two in the family right now.

vdub_nut: scooter snob > Flavien Vidal 03/09/2014 at 19:32

1

I never got the C4 hate. I sorta... like them. IMO there are no "ugly" vette's.

Montalvo > vdub_nut: scooter snob 03/09/2014 at 19:37

1

I know what you mean but I can't resist.

http://jalopnik.com/tag/dragon-cor…

vdub_nut: scooter snob > Montalvo 03/09/2014 at 19:39

0

I see that Dragon 'vette has made a resurgence in the past several days. I love it almost as much as I hate it.

Flavien Vidal > Montalvo 03/09/2014 at 19:46

1

Oh my... WTF is that thing?????

interrogator-chaplain > Flavien Vidal 03/09/2014 at 19:47

1

Nope. It's fast, sure. Interesting interior? Yeah, I'll give it that, but sweet mercy it is Fugly. With a capital F.

offroadkarter > Flavien Vidal 03/09/2014 at 19:48

0

The saving grace of the C4 was the ZR-1 and Grand Sport. On the other end of the ladder we have the TPI engined car. Didn't they even sell a TBI corvette one year?

Thats why C4's get so much hate, because GM built one with a truck engine.

JR1 > Flavien Vidal 03/09/2014 at 19:52

0

If there is one make of car that I will always love the Corvette is it. I always loved the American sports car. They are a little on the slow side compared to modern day stats but if you find yourself driving one on a Sunday you can't tell me you wouldn't have fun. I also love that the Corvette is a targa top, best of both worlds. Hopefully there will come a day when I can own a Corvette maybe it'll be a C4.

Flavien Vidal > interrogator-chaplain 03/09/2014 at 19:53

0

As I said, to each his own... I find it "pretty good". The more I get in every day, the more I like its look. Sure there are better looking cars out there, but I find it very far from "fugly". And how a car look is not much of a problem for me... I personnally find the Mx5 a bit ugly, but I would still LOVE to have one :)

Flavien Vidal > offroadkarter 03/09/2014 at 19:55

0

Well, I don't look under my hood every day, so I don't see it as a problem. I would not exchange my LT1 against one, that's for sure, but as long as it performs well, I don't have a problem with that.

offroadkarter > Flavien Vidal 03/09/2014 at 19:57

0

Are you familiar with the TBI 350?

Dusty Ventures > Flavien Vidal 03/09/2014 at 19:57

1

When I was nine years old I got a ride in a C4 ZR-1. Up to that point the most exciting car I'd been in was dad's Lincoln Town Car. I've loved them ever since the moment that acceleration first hit me.

interrogator-chaplain > Flavien Vidal 03/09/2014 at 19:58

0

Well, you own one, so there's no way I'd convince you otherwise. Nor would I try, but I just think that it's mostly angles and not in a good Lamborghini Countach way. More like in a Plymouth Sundance way.

Flavien Vidal > offroadkarter 03/09/2014 at 19:59

0

Not at all, what is bad about it?

Takuro Spirit > Flavien Vidal 03/09/2014 at 20:01

0

Since I was a teenager in the 90's, the C4 always was a favorite of mine. Later, when the C5 Z06 came out, it inda stole my heart. But now that C4's are well within my budget, its an attainable dream car, moreso than the Z06. Plus, the TPI 350 is just cool looking to me, always liked the intake manifold design.

offroadkarter > Flavien Vidal 03/09/2014 at 20:02

0

Well technically, the 82 (and found on earlier C3's) used "Cross-fire injection" which was really throttle body injection. Imagine a carburetor, now instead of getting fuel from a float bowl and jets you just jam 2 big injectors on top. The injectors spray through and travel down the intake with the air charge. Congrats, you now have "throttle body injection"

The crossfire vette made 200hp, remnants of the earlier C4 era are why people disrespect those cars. Even the later LT powered cars that are still respectable performance wise are hampered by the reputation of the 80's cars.

Flavien Vidal > interrogator-chaplain 03/09/2014 at 20:03

0

hahaha it's alright no worries, as I said, I understand. ;)

JR1 > Dusty Ventures 03/09/2014 at 20:06

0

I had the same experience only in the C6 Zr1. Been hooked on Corvettes ever since

Flavien Vidal > offroadkarter 03/09/2014 at 20:07

0

Which is why I avoided talking about "hps" in my article. Sure it's only 200hp, but it's also more than enough torque... As I said it's also the third fastest car produced in 1984... You have to put everthing back post oil crisis perpective.

Flavien Vidal > Dusty Ventures 03/09/2014 at 20:08

2

The Zr1 is FAST. it's also a lot more expensive to buy and to maintain, which is why I did not include it in this article. Fantastic machine, just quite a bit different and not on the same budget.

Flavien Vidal > Takuro Spirit 03/09/2014 at 20:09

0

I wanted to get a C5 Z06 at first, but had to deal with budget limitations so I got a C4 Lt1 instead :)

offroadkarter > Flavien Vidal 03/09/2014 at 20:10

1

the 84 was TPI. Which is what was used in the 3rd gen F body cars. I think they put out a little more than 200.

It was "good at the time" is about it. Now isn't the time. C3's still look good enough and the earlier ones with big motors are worth some money, and C5's are a performance bargain with the LSx engines.

I hate to say it dude, but every long lasting car has a bastard generation, and the C4 is the bastard generation vette.

Dusty Ventures > Flavien Vidal 03/09/2014 at 20:11

0

No argument here, but that moment made me love the entire C4 line

vdub_nut: scooter snob > Flavien Vidal 03/09/2014 at 20:13

0

The "Dragon Vette", and on-and-off oppo meme. Pretty sure the paint was put on with a wall roller.

Flavien Vidal > offroadkarter 03/09/2014 at 20:14

0

Not really... the most powerful Camaro in 1985 was 218hp... with a TPI engine. Before that the previous TBI engine in it was in the 82 to 84 Camaro, producing 167hp (177hp from 1983)... The indy pacecar was 250hp but not sold to the public so... Sure it got modified over the years, but just like the Corvette up to 250hp in 1991.

PardonMyFlemish16 > Flavien Vidal 03/09/2014 at 20:20

0

I've heard the C4 rides unacceptably rough. Plus with the leaf springs the suspension is a little hard to address. I'd imagine the roads in Montreal are absolutely destroyed thanks to frost heaves. Any truth to those rumors?

I have respect for the C4 because it helped us get from the C3, which IMO was just awful, to the C5, which wasn't world class, but enough to get an honorable mention and get the ball rolling. It's not a bad car. But I just can't get past the look.

Kailand09 > Flavien Vidal 03/09/2014 at 20:22

1

As a corvette fanatic, my only qualms is the exterior. Aesthetically it is the worst corvette design to me. Now, I didn't say it's bad, I actually don't mind it especially in black or red.

I find the interior quite interesting. I would definitely own one though, but I also understand why some don't like them

TheStraightSixKid > Flavien Vidal 03/09/2014 at 20:26

1

I think they're the best looking corvettes. (Bring the hate)

BeaterGT > Flavien Vidal 03/09/2014 at 20:27

0

People hate on the C4 here because they are too in love with their precious brown miatas or wagons or some other really sad vehicle. Having said that, I wish i was near Montreal because I love C4s!!!

Nerd-Vol > Flavien Vidal 03/09/2014 at 20:28

0

My favorite corvette of all time! Congrats on the purchase! I want to own a c4 and a c5.

Flavien Vidal > PardonMyFlemish16 03/09/2014 at 20:28

0

It's a rough ride indeed. Acceptable to me though... Rough nonetheless... I'm amazed at the confort of a "normal car" when drive in one every time now :)

PardonMyFlemish16 > Flavien Vidal 03/09/2014 at 20:43

0

I'm a little put off by the softness of normal cars. It's a tradeoff. Speed bumps and potholes in my Z are rough and sometimes the ride can get busy. But when I'm on the right road, whew. It's magic. Thankfully I live in the south so roads are pretty smooth. My Z was hell up in NYC.

Skif6996 > Flavien Vidal 03/09/2014 at 21:18

1

Great post! I really enjoyed reading this. Keep it up, my friend.

The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123 > Flavien Vidal 03/09/2014 at 21:25

0

I like the C4. I think the later half has aged very well. Never cared for the C5.

Flavien Vidal > Skif6996 03/09/2014 at 21:29

0

Thx :)

Flavien Vidal > The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123 03/09/2014 at 21:30

0

I don't like the C5... On the other hand, the C5 Z06... grrrrrrrr

The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123 > offroadkarter 03/09/2014 at 21:31

2

But the C4 only got better. The C3 is the one that started off good and ended up kinda pathetic. Looked good, but sad.

offroadkarter > The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123 03/09/2014 at 22:09

0

#thanksobama

shop-teacher > The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123 03/09/2014 at 22:48

0

That is very well put. I think the later ones have aged particularly well. I'll always have w soft spot in my heart for the "gold chain" 'Vettes.

JasonStern911 > Flavien Vidal 03/09/2014 at 23:08

0

Number one, Ferrari 288 GTO, number two Porsche 911 Carrera, number three.... Corvette. Yup the Corvette is the third fastest car in the world produced in 1984 (0 to 60 time).

hate to break it to you, but the 911 Carrera mentioned isn't even the turbocharged 930. the Corvette was far from the third fastest car in the world in 1984. not that any of the cars faster had a MSRP of $26k.

Flavien Vidal > JasonStern911 03/09/2014 at 23:36

0

I think they are implying "new car designs"... The GTO came out in 1984 also and if you look at 1995, my corvette is not listed as it was not a "new" car

JasonStern911 > Flavien Vidal 03/09/2014 at 23:43

0

that still doesn't make any sense. the 911 wasn't redesigned until the 964 in 1989.

more than likely, it's the third fastest car of the cars with 0-60 times that website was able to find performance metrics for. I highly doubt there were only 39 cars made that year...

and, again, not hating. your article made me go check craigslist to see just what was available locally. :)

Flavien Vidal > JasonStern911 03/09/2014 at 23:59

0

yeah I'm trying to justify the way this thing was made... The Alpine GTA is not listed either for exemple... started in 1984...

Flavien Vidal > JasonStern911 03/10/2014 at 00:31

0

And actually the 911 was not redesigned but it got a new engine with the 3.2 could be considered as a redesign. Which would explain why the 1995 corvette is not listed but the 1984, 1985, 1992 and 1996 Corvettes are (engine changes)... Once again jsut trying to find a explanation to how this site works hehe :)

As you said it's most likely "missing" quite a few cars...

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > Flavien Vidal 03/10/2014 at 09:01

0

I actually really really like the C4. The C3 is by far my least favorite.

With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username > Flavien Vidal 03/10/2014 at 13:21

0

ask ANYONE to draw a Corvette and see which one they will be drawing.

This is rather insightful, and a point worth thinking about.

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > Flavien Vidal 03/10/2014 at 18:26

0

I rather like the C4, although from this side of the pond it's a bit exotic. I do know that they put a lot of technology into the chassis' of these things. I think they filled it with a solid foam to increase stiffness or something like that.

Very clever :)

tobythesandwich > offroadkarter 03/10/2014 at 22:15

0

Crossfire injection engines were TBI, but never found their way into trucks. Way different engines. They are both SBC. That's about it. Might be able to swap the block alone and oil pan. Outside of that, nothing similar.

It was an awful engine. But to be fair it wasn't as anemic as the 350ci engines we had come from in 77-81. I think 82 was the first year for Crossifres.

thebigbossyboss > Flavien Vidal 03/11/2014 at 00:10

0

I live in Ottawa. I would love to come for a ride someday!

Flavien Vidal > thebigbossyboss 03/11/2014 at 00:16

0

You're more than welcome... I love to share my passion for cars... I also regulary go to track ddays when my budget allows it (incovenient of the car... I can't go as often as before... Tires, gas, and so on are not exactly the same as they used to be on my mustang... Rear tires are 295 and well, they're not cheap). So if you wanna join. It does not matter the car you have, it's all in good fun and it's dirt cheap :) (100$ a day on an empty track)

JasonStern911 > Flavien Vidal 03/11/2014 at 00:24

0

while I agree that the C4 is a better performance bargain, I do find myself seriously resisting the urge to pick up a neglected C3 and swap in a built motor for it. even the late models seem to be picking up in price, and while I would feel bad bastardizing a number matching C3 in good shape, I'd have no qualms restoring a neglected one to my taste.

but, ultimately, I lack the garage space, and can find a better use for my spare cash. plus, the only real rationale behind it is the feeling of raw horsepower while gas is still affordable. but even then, dollar for dollar, rush for rush, a built small block Chevy would have a hard time competing against a sport bike.

my baby is a Porsche 996, so I feel for you as far as having the irrationally hated generation of a classic sports car. but respect for having a sports car. you could have bought a high mileage Honda Camry or Toyota Accord, but instead you wanted something you actually enjoy driving. and that's awesome. life is too short for beige.

Flavien Vidal > JasonStern911 03/11/2014 at 00:58

0

Almost went for a 996... Settled for the C4 LT1 as I found it to be a better bang for the buck, cheaper/easier to repair in case of a problem and I just don't like the 996 plasticky interior, not in pair of what to expect from a Porsche. From a Chevy, yeah, but not from a Porsche :)

The 996 might still be my next car, but I might end up going for a 964 or a 911 SC as they are about the same price and more "classic" without the "more than average" interior :)

JasonStern911 > Flavien Vidal 03/11/2014 at 01:12

0

if you hate the interior on a 996, I hate to break it to you - the interior on the Carreras pre-996 are borderline kit car:

Carreras are interesting. if I could only have one car, then I probably wouldn't own one. but being in a position where I can have multiple cars, they're awesome regardless of generation. yes, repairs can be expensive, but they are a lot less infrequent than their European equivalents. and any well-maintained Carrera will appreciate in value. it might take a while, especially in the 996's case - not because it is a bad car but because of the high production numbers.

and in the 996's defense, a well maintained 996 looks much less dated, which helps if have some intent to impress shallow, superficial women. they also make more horsepower and handle better than their "more pure" counterparts, and the early models mark the last time you could get a Carrera without traction control, drive-by-wire throttle bodies, and electric power steering.

Flavien Vidal > JasonStern911 03/11/2014 at 01:20

0

964 steering wheels were ugly, but easy to change... I like the rest though. I like the simplicity of it. Fushia interior, you really choose that color haha :)

CobraJoe > Flavien Vidal 03/11/2014 at 01:55

0

I'd happily rock a C4.

Probably not going to happen now, I need a rear seat for the kid to be buckled in, but maybe someday...

Axial > offroadkarter 03/11/2014 at 03:15

0

Only the misinformed knock the TPI.

1. The torque in the TPI matches (actually exceeds) the torque output of the later LT-engined cars

2. It's not terribly difficult to get a TPI to 300 HP if you have one

3. The TPI in the Corvette was tuned to between 230 and 240 HP, depending on the year; this is better than what it was in the Camaro

4. It will kick you back in your seat.

It's not an LS-series motor, but it is more than most people know how to safely handle without any sort of traction control.

You also incorrectly identified the '84 Corvette as a TPI car; it is not. It uses the Crossfire TBI L83 engine, producing 205 HP. The L83 was previously used in 1982, the last year of the C3, but never before then.

As for the Corvette's bastard child, well, the C3 is it. The C3 was only good during the first five years of what would become a 14-year production run. Corvette performance was the absolute worst during the late 70s. The C4, even the least powerful 1984 model, is a far better handling car than any Corvette that preceded it and is more comfortable and practical to boot. People bought the hell out of the C4.

Axial > Flavien Vidal 03/11/2014 at 03:18

0

$16,000 buys you into the ZR-1 game if you look around.

Axial > PardonMyFlemish16 03/11/2014 at 03:28

0

Depends on the year. The 1984 model year had the harshest suspension of the bunch, especially if equipped with the Z51 package that effectively made it into a fancy go-kart. It got progressively softer from there. By the time you get to 1996, the Z51 suspension is so soft that the base suspension from the 1984 is harder.

My 1996 is equipped with the stock FE1 suspension. It rides rougher than your average car, but it's not unacceptable and it's about what you'd expect from a vehicle in its class. There are also C4s with adjustable suspensions, called FX3 or F45 (you don't want F45...it is literally impossible to obtain new replacement shocks today and it's not the same F45 as what's found on C5).

Axial > Flavien Vidal 03/11/2014 at 03:32

0

Cheers from a fellow C4 owner! Black-on-black LT4. Congratulations on the purchase, and don't forget to wave!

Flavien Vidal > CobraJoe 03/11/2014 at 09:08

1

Oh, the truck is huge, I'm sure you could fit him there :)

Flavien Vidal > Axial 03/11/2014 at 09:12

0

That changed a lot in the past 2 years... ZR1 now sell for 30.000$ on average. If you find a 16000$ one chances are that it will have been neglected and a neglected ZR1 = nightmares and empty wallet :)

Sure you can be extremely lucky and find one at this price, but you most likely won't (20 persons will have jumped on it before you lol)

thebigbossyboss > Flavien Vidal 03/11/2014 at 10:18

0

Wow, I am really glad to hear that. Currently I am out of comission due to knee surgery, but once I am a bit better, I will be sure to let you know so we could work something out. I don't mind coming down there, it's not that far.

Which track do you go to? The tracks around here are like $600 / day.

Flavien Vidal > thebigbossyboss 03/11/2014 at 10:37

0

Sanair is the cheapest one at 100$ a day, but meca-glisse, saint eustache and ICAR are all at less than 200$ a day. If I'm feeling rich, Mont Tremblant is about 4 to 500$ a day with a club. Good luck with your knee ;)

offroadkarter > Axial 03/11/2014 at 13:21

0

I have had the joy of driving a TPI equipped vehicle before. It has low end torque and nothing at all when you get the revs up thanks to that long runner intake.

Its also easy to upgrade ANY 350SBC, thats just the nature of the engine. If the TPI was so fantastic, it wouldn't have been replaced by the 350vortec.

Also anyone who can't handle a TPI engine should probably stick to a camry. Although that might not be a good thing since a V6 camry is faster than a TPI vette. So maybe the world needs a TPI camry to keep everyone safe.

Danimalk - Drives a Slow Car Fast > Dusty Ventures 03/11/2014 at 15:42

1

I know this is hard to believe, but I learned to drive stick in a 1993 Ruby Red 40th anniversary ZR-1.

My Dad was pretty cool. :)

Axial > Flavien Vidal 03/11/2014 at 18:54

0

Eh, no they don't. Most go for around $22,000. I've recently seen many go for $15,000 to $18,000. Only the '95 versions regularly command $30,000 price tags.

Remember that list price is not the same as what it can actually fetch.

As for maintenance, ZR-1s aren't really that bad. Sure, if you want to replace your flywheel with an OEM one it's going to cost oodles. Otherwise? It's not bad if you can turn your own wrenches. Which I can and do.

Flavien Vidal > Axial 03/11/2014 at 19:31

0

1990/1991 zr1 go for cheaper slightly. Any of the 1992 to 1995 (405hp) don't really sell for less than 25k$... sure you can bring the price down a little but still very expensive. 1990 and 1991 are a bit cheaper indeed, not that much though.

As far as maintenance goes, I'm mostly worried about dealing with a British engine lol

Axial > offroadkarter 03/11/2014 at 19:44

0

I don't think you've had enough experience with them, judging by the way you're talking. Or have even done enough reading.

First, a V6 Camry doesn't have the low-end torque, or even equivalent peak torque. That's what's going to get you sideways if you just punch it without knowing what you're getting into. The V6 Camry also won't get you from 0-60 in less than 6 seconds while an L98-equipped Corvette will. Bad comparison.

Second, the L98 does run out of puff above 4400 RPM, however it's not like the engines that came before it were rev-monsters, generally red-lining out in the mid to low 5s (5200 to 5400) while producing less power. The L98 red-lines at 5500 RPM. I guess the L36 and L88 427 Big Blocks aren't sports car engines, either...whatever your subjective definition of a sports car engine is.

Finally, regarding being replaced: that's an awful argument because everything gets replaced by newer, better things. The LT got replaced by the LS. Does that make the LT a bad engine?

The L98 does its job, and it does it with little fuss. A well-kept L98-equipped Corvette is still faster than a great many things driving around.

Axial > Flavien Vidal 03/11/2014 at 19:50

0

405 HP came in '93. The reason the '95s go for so much is because many of them got revised heads that supposedly increase the power output over the factory rating. That, and there are less of them than any other model year. The ZR-1s, of any model year, that cost more than $25,000 tend to sit for months, if not years, in the listings. That should tell you that they aren't worth the asking price to the market.

As for the LT-5, the engine is one of the most reliable V8s, bar-none. The ZR-1 set endurance records because of it. Do not worry. Your electronics will frazzle before your engine has issues, and that's not something unique to the ZR-1.

offroadkarter > Axial 03/11/2014 at 20:23

0

240hp from a 5.7 V8 is not grounds for a good engine, the mid 70's to late 80's were not a good era of American automotive history for many reasons. One being horsepower and torque. I mean shit, my 85 bmw has a 3.4L I6 that makes 252hp and 280tq!

I'm sorry, but try as you might to spin this, the TPI is not impressive period. The only reason the C4 moves is because it was light, not because it was powerful. The TPI 350 in a 3rd gen F body was slower than a 302 in a fox body. Hell even the 305/Manual car was faster than the 350/auto according to motortrend. The LTx and Vortec engines that came after the TPI/TBI era were far more impressive, then the LSx came along in 1998 which changed the game and is still carrying on to this day. Being faster than a new kia rio isn't exactly impressive, being that a TPI vette is good for low 15's theirs a even greater list of things now that are faster than a TPI vette. 15's were fantastic back in the 80's because most cars struggled to do the 1/4 mile in under 19 seconds.

If they were as impressive as you try to make it sound, C4's would be A. worth something and B. respected more, but the only C4's worth owning are the ZR1 and Grand Sport. Period.

Axial > offroadkarter 03/11/2014 at 21:19

0

You really have no idea what you are talking about and are simply pulling numbers out of thin air at this point. A TPI Corvette does the quarter mile in the mid to low 14 second range, depending on the year. At no point did it do it in 15 seconds, that's the L83 Crossfire TBI (and that was 15.1 seconds). The zero to sixty times on the L98 are also far better than most modern cars at 5.7 seconds, the present national US average being 9 seconds. I also don't know why you are bringing up the Camaro in here, which had an L98 tuned to be worse than the one in the Corvette and has no relevance in an article and discussion talking about the merits of the C4 Corvette .

As for being impressive, it's not about being impressive. It's about being good at what it does. The L98 is great at what it does. An L98 C4 outruns a Focus ST, a BR-Z, a GTI, is just as fast as a 350Z...what do you want? Are you expecting a car built almost 30 years ago to perform as well as the same car built today? And in the same price tier, adjusted for inflation? That's completely asinine.

And to address the whole value thing, C4s aren't worth a lot or respected because A.) there are a lot of them, B.) most of them haven't been taken care of, and C.) barely-informed people like you speak nonsense and the even less informed believe it. Popular perception does not always equate to reality.

Please, go read before you come back to tell me how terrible the L98 TPI is.

JasonStern911 > Flavien Vidal 03/11/2014 at 23:32

0

here's an ugly 996 interior to make up for fuschia:

but honestly, I like the 996's interior. the important gauges are easily visible and it's fairly simple to work on.

compare it to a contemporary Mercedes:

holy shit balls. why does the radio need 47 buttons? four steering wheel yolks, dial within a dial for each climate zone, etc. and each button attached to something expensive that will eventually break. :O

offroadkarter > Axial 03/12/2014 at 08:54

0

A TPI vette, according to the internet, is good for a 0-60 of 6.0 to 6.2

A Focus ST is good for a 5.9

There is nothing impressive anymore about a TPI car, any TPI car, which is why nobody uses them. Its old outdated tech that was superseded twice by EFI systems that were much better.

Axial > offroadkarter 03/12/2014 at 16:35

0

Nope.

Not a single TPI Corvette time in there is at or above 6 seconds.

If you want a solitary source, here's Road & Track , which does have a few over 6 seconds but the fact that the weaker cars display a faster time tells me that confounding factors were at play (likely the suspension compliance, different gearing in the back, and wheel size, all of which changed regularly over the generation).

Here's another source.

The bottom line is that an L98-equipped Corvette is faster than most of its predecessors, including many of the big-block-equipped models. The L98 Corvette was so competitive that it got banned from racing in regular SCCA events and had to have its own series for a few years. What all of that does for this discussion is make you look silly by calling the C4 the bastard child of the model line because they put a "truck engine" in it. And to rub some salt into your self-inflicted wound, here's some trivia to munch on: the TPI was designed for performance cars. There are no factory TPI trucks.

JEM > Kailand09 03/12/2014 at 17:56

1

I agree, I think the first half of the C4 is the worst looking Corvette. The update helped quite a bit, but still not as pretty at the C5 which I think will wind up looking more "classic" in year to come.

JEM > Flavien Vidal 03/12/2014 at 18:00

0

I've always kind of shat on C4's (well Corvettes in general but that's a longer story involving being a punk kid in a mostly GM family and dreaming of Mustangs) but recently I've come around to at least the refreshed ones. The initial ones just look too 80s dated, and not in the fun digital dash way.

A lot of the reason I've been coming around to them is the price. This spring I plan on picking up a fun, rear drive, commuting car. Something with 25 or better MPG is fine. Been thinking Miata, Mustang of course, M3, and Corvette lately even though it doesn't have an M in it.

If you don't mind me asking, how many miles has it got/have you put on? How reliable has it been? And how pricey are parts?

Kailand09 > JEM 03/12/2014 at 18:00

1

Hopefully when I land a job, I'll be able to save up and grab a C5 Z. That's my dream car, and I also expect it to keep that classic look.

JEM > Dusty Ventures 03/12/2014 at 21:32

1

I had the same experience almost exactly - except it was my uncle's 1986 Toyota Supra. He still has the car, it's in near mint condition, and I still want it.

Flavien Vidal > JEM 03/13/2014 at 00:10

1

If possible, avoid any model before 1994. Explanation: The C4 is famous for having the water pump leak a little... Problem is that it leaks on the optispark. It's annoying, as it's something that occurs regulary and it kills the optispark. You end up having to change both the water pump AND the optispark everytime. Pre-1994, it's something that can happen every months, or every 10 years. It depends on how lucky you are lol

From 1994 they changed the design of it and the optispark is a lot more protected against humidity.

As far as I'm concerned, my C4 has A LOT of miles for such a car. 165000 of them. I've put about 10000miles on it myself. It's proven to be very reliable as far as I'm concerned and, as you can read here , I drive it hard, in terrible conditions all year long and it sleeps outside for now. I have to change the clutch right now, but it was something to be expected as I bought the car with no history whatsoever and the clutch release bearing is giving up on me. I ordered a complete clutch kit for 400$ and I will do the work myself. If you don't work on the car yourself, expect about a 1500$ bill for such a job in a garage. Pretty much the same as in any car.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

I would strongly advise to take a very good insurance on the car as bodywork cost a fortune if you have a problem. 6 months ago, a bike fell on the car while I was parked. The woman hurt herself falling down, and police came knowking at my door to let me know... I did not pay a single cent, but total cost for a big scratch and a destroyed side miror was 1600$, with the rental car included.

Then 1 month ago, a car understeered into my parked car (yes I'm that unlucky) and destroyed my rear bumper... 1000$ (hit and run this time so I had to pay a 500$ deductible).

Tires cost more than on a normal car too... I have C5 Z06 wheels... 295 in the back, 265 in the front. And they last at best 15000 miles.

So all in all, it's a very reliable car, but the fiberglass body makes it a bit more fragile than usual, it's economical on the freeway (29mpg) and horrible in the city (15mpg). Mechanical parts are pretty cheap and readily available. Body panels are more expensive. 91 gas minimum only and of course full synthetic oil change only too...

That's pretty much it. Here is a picture of my car without snow everywhere (yes it's yellow, did not care much about the color lol):

RotaryLover > Flavien Vidal 03/13/2014 at 01:38

0

You take my NC, I take your C4 hahahahaha. We gotta meet one day!

Flavien Vidal > RotaryLover 03/13/2014 at 11:30

0

haha, yeah why not... Would not mind trying a NC on a local track :)

JEM > Flavien Vidal 03/13/2014 at 11:43

0

Thanks!! This is all good info to know. Yeah, I figured the tires would be expensive which is fine, and I always use full synthetic oil in every car anyhow. The body thing is big consideration because I inevitably ding every vehicle I own, somewhere, somehow.

RotaryLover > Flavien Vidal 03/13/2014 at 12:02

0

Got a subscription to the iCar circuit?

Flavien Vidal > RotaryLover 03/13/2014 at 12:04

0

Nope not yet, but I probably will this year... The 30$ for 20 minutes on tuesday night seems nice... 90$ gets you one hour of lapping. Even at Sanair, you rarely drive more than two hours in a whole day

RotaryLover > Flavien Vidal 03/13/2014 at 12:29

0

I gotta check, last time I asked they said that you had to pay 200$ first to get a course and get your racing driver license. Then you have 3 stages to pass before you can drive with no holds barred.

Flavien Vidal > RotaryLover 03/13/2014 at 12:46

1

It takes 3 hours only... With that you get a one year license for ICAR that you have to pay anyway (60$), classes (including 30 minutes on the track) and 3 20 minutes sessions... So it's definitly worth it and not much if you think of it...1 hour on track with my car on track will cost me more than that in tires and gas anyway lol

RotaryLover > Flavien Vidal 03/13/2014 at 12:57

0

See you at iCar this summer then! :D

Flavien Vidal > RotaryLover 03/13/2014 at 16:51

1

hehe, come and say hi if you see me... The advantage of having a yellow Corvette... I'm easy to find lol

RotaryLover > Flavien Vidal 03/13/2014 at 17:12

0

In which area do you drive?

Flavien Vidal > RotaryLover 03/13/2014 at 19:25

0

What do you mean? Where I live? Middle of the plateau, in Montreal. Rachel/St Hubert. But I work in Ville St Pierre/Montreal Ouest.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Flavien Vidal 03/22/2014 at 11:46

0

I've long lusted over this exact car. I remember seeing it in "worlds fastest car chases" or what ever the show was called as an 8 year old and fell in love with it.

BigIkeDiesel > interrogator-chaplain 12/05/2014 at 00:40

0

Countach looks like a bag of smashed butholes with all the good ones picked out. Sure it's a Lambo so it's cool, cool and ugly... With those WTF bumpers... C4 all the way!

BigIkeDiesel > offroadkarter 12/05/2014 at 00:44

0

Ding dong... all First Gen SBC's were "Truck Engines" not until the second gen LT1-4 came out was there a difference. 84' Vettes had a neat dual TBI with an intake more suited for a 305 CID engine. Car had 35 odd less HP than a 91 TPI engine. And were easily modifiable to get all the EPA HP sucking garbage off the engine...

Craigh > Flavien Vidal 05/30/2016 at 01:55

1

I had an 87 never had one problem with the digital dash or anything else! I absolutely loved that car I’m 41 now I bought it for 16,800 in 94 I almost bought the then new LT-1 but did not because it would have taken all of my money, back in 94 it was still relatively quick I raced a 300zx turbo and got waxed! So that was it! It was time to buy some mods I did some research and with some help from a friend I got my quarter mile times down to a then quick 13.9 @101 for an 87 at the time it really shocked every 300z TT and Z28 SS I dusted em all! So yeah I miss the hell outa it every day and regret selling her, so now that I’m old lol I’m looking at a 02-04 C5 Z06 cheap and relatively cheap to mod the Corvette fever never goes away and they’res no cure for it so enjoy!

Flavien Vidal > Craigh 05/30/2016 at 03:49

0

Digital dashboards tend to die after a little while, but they mostly died after 15 years or more as the car got older. So if you sold it a while ago, that might have saved you the trouble :)

Car and driver did a review, comparing the L98 Corvette to the 300ZX TT and on the track, the L98, which was 50hp less than the LT1 ran a second per lap faster than the 300ZX on their test track. The LT1 and the 300ZX TT were not even in the same class of cars in term of performance... But people don’t like the LT1 Corvette, calling it slow because “not LT5" lol, and love the 300ZX TT, which is in reality much slower and a mechanic’s nightmare!

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/19…

I won’t complain, I love to see LT1 C4 remain as cheap as possible :)