Hey Oppo, I Need Help/Opinions

"Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage" (Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage) 10/08/2014 at 20:19 • Filed to: HELP AND OPINIONS

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Hey Oppo. What's goin' on? So, I've had Christine for a little over a year now. I am loving every minute of owning her, but an opportunity has arose. I have the chance to buy a Bright Aqua Metallic '92 Corvette for $6500 from a distant family friend. This car only has 68,000 original miles, and is in near mint condition. The guy bought it for his father as a surprise gift, but his father didn't want it. So now he just wants to get back the money he paid. We checked with my grandfather, and he is not in the correct financial position to buy it right now. So, the opportunity has been given to me. The car would look identical to this. Bright Aqua Metallic with white interior.

We are going to look at it tomorrow. We'll run a Carfax on it and get it checked by a mechanic. In all honesty, it seems like a great deal. More HP, less things to go wrong, and a higher resale value if I need to sell it in the future. What's not to love? Thing is, I'm madly in love with my '86. My heart is aching right now just thinking about getting rid of her. But, if everything is as nice as it sounds, I know the '92 will be the better car, and that I'll end up loving it just as much. So, what do you guys think? Should I upgrade to the '92 if it is nice, or should I stick with my beloved '86?

TL;DR: I have an opportunity to buy a '92 Corvette. Even though it is most likely better car, I am deeply in love with my current Corvette. So I'm having troubles deciding, and am asking for some opinions.

Kailand09 > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/08/2014 at 20:22

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Are you going to sell the '86 then?

Given you can get a decent amount for the '86 and are financially sound to grab the '92, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

*EDIT* Also, I don't like silver cars much so that blue is pretty sweet. I like color in life!

Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast. > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/08/2014 at 20:22

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White seats are one of those things that are good in theory only. Other than that, I like it.

bob and john > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/08/2014 at 20:24

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id go with the newer one.
nicer, newer, and it looks better.
everything you love about your car is go right over, so dont worry about that

WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/08/2014 at 20:28

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Man, that's a tough call. It's a shame his father didn't want it, that's depressing. I don't know anyone that would turn down a nice 'Vette. Now, we have cars we get attached to, you seem very attached to your Corvette. You probably know the ins and outs of it altogether, know how it drives, and even named her. Yes, you will get attached to this one if you buy it, but it may not be the same. Would you leave your girlfriend for her cousin, who still resembles her, but is hotter and more successful, or would you stay loyal? Different scenario, clearly, but you get my point, I'm sure. If you will be happier in the long run keeping your current car, keep it. If your desire for this other one outweighs your love for the current one, buy it. It's a choice only you can make. I don't know if I could choose, myself.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/08/2014 at 20:29

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Go with what your gut tells you. No matter what condition, mechanically and aesthetic, only you can decide what's best for you. As cheesy as this sounds, drive with your heart, and see where the road takes you. :)

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Kailand09 10/08/2014 at 20:31

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Yep, I'd sell the '86. I am all good to the '92, so long as its nice.

That's what I thought. I agree, its just that I am so attached to my '86. I know I'll get to be just as attached to the '92, but it will be tough to get rid of the'86.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast. 10/08/2014 at 20:33

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I would agree, the white seats kinda aren't that great. Otherwise, it sounds really damn promising.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/08/2014 at 20:33

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I always preferred the harder lines of the early C4s. And I definitely prefer silver to aqua. But then there's the small matter of that LT1...tough choice, man. Can you buy the 92 without selling the 86, keep em both long enough to see if it's worth the upgrade?

Boxer_4 > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/08/2014 at 20:33

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That Bright Aqua Metallic is nice...

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > bob and john 10/08/2014 at 20:35

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Its definitely nicer, for sure. I like the earlier C4's a bit more, personally, but I love these quite a lot too.

Kailand09 > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/08/2014 at 20:36

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Yeah I can understand that. But look at it this way... You're moving up from 230hp and 330 lb*ft to 300hp and 330 lb*ft of torque. That's a pretty big leap,

Not to mention the LT gen engines were pretty freakin great compared to the L98 through the rev range. It will almost be a whole new, better vehicle with similar characteristics.

You'll still feel at home, just a faster home :)

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe 10/08/2014 at 20:41

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Yeah. I really wish my grandfather wanted it, but that's not the case. I'm having an immensely hard time choosing right now. The '92 will almost undoubtedly be the better car. But, as you said, I am ridiculously attached to my car. The positives outweigh the negatives on the '92, but the '86 is more special. It's like my gut is telling me to get the '92, but my heart is telling me to stay with the '86. ARGH CHOICES

Dsscats > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/08/2014 at 20:42

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Get the 92. A vette is a vette and it'll be a better time every time you drive it. You'll forget Christine in no time

Dsscats > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/08/2014 at 20:43

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Think about it this way. I love my Z32, but if I was in the position to get a TT, I'd jump on it. Think of it as Christine Pt. 2

DoYouEvenShift > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/08/2014 at 20:44

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Pros: LT1, 17" wheels offer better tire selection.

Cons: I prefer the dash cluster of the early C4.

Is yours an auto or manual?

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/08/2014 at 20:46

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While I find early C4s to be cooler (Last 1st gen SBC, digital dash, etc.), that color on the '92 is definitely cool. Had the '92 been a 6 speed, I'd say that would be my choice. I prefer the classic quality of earlier cars but in the end you should do what your gut tells you. Don't discount the fact of it being your first car and having an attachment, though!

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 10/08/2014 at 20:47

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I'm torn. My heart says to stay with Christine, but everything else is saying to go with the '92. The '92 will be more reliable, faster, and safer. But the '86 has infinite amounts of attachment to it. Decisions, decisions :/

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 10/08/2014 at 20:50

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I would agree with you on both counts. I love the early C4's, but the LT1 is just great. I will probably keep them both for a week or two, so I guess I'll see.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Boxer_4 10/08/2014 at 20:51

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Hells yeah it is. Is that yours?

Conan > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/08/2014 at 20:56

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If both manual 92. If 86 manual 92 auto 86. If both auto 92.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Kailand09 10/08/2014 at 20:58

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Yeah, I know. The numbers definitely speak for themselves, and I've known that before this deal even came up. Its a damn nice leap, for sure.

Yeah, the L98 definitely runs out of puff higher in the Rev Range. The LT beats the crap out of it in that aspect.

I'm sure I will, and I'm leaning towards the '92. It's just like the '86 is grabbing me by the coattails, begging me not to leave.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Dsscats 10/08/2014 at 21:00

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That's what I'm leaning towards. I know it will, undoubtedly, be the better car. I don't think I'll ever forget Christine, though. She was my first.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Dsscats 10/08/2014 at 21:01

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Yeah, I gotcha. I'm leaning towards the '92 right now, for sure. I guess I'll see tomorrow.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > DoYouEvenShift 10/08/2014 at 21:04

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The mechanical aspect is better in every way on the '92, honestly. Tires are a pain for the '86, but they are available (just got them replaced in spring). I like the early C4 more in the looks department, though.

Mine is an auto.

Boxer_4 > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/08/2014 at 21:09

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I wish. I found this parked outside our local Cruise Nights at one point this summer.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 10/08/2014 at 21:09

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I would agree on the early C4's, as I too like them a bit more. The '92 is definitely the better car, though. And they only made like 5,733 in that color from '92 to '96. Yet, mine is also a Z51. They're both autos, so that doesn't really affect me too much. I'm leaning a bit towards the '92, but, damn, I love the '86, and nothing is really going to change that. DAMN CHOICES

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Conan 10/08/2014 at 21:11

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They're both autos. As I said to others, I'm leaning towards the '92, but the '86 just keeps coming back. My gut says '92, and my heart says '86.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Boxer_4 10/08/2014 at 21:13

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Ah, I gotcha. Looks pretty darn nice.

Conan > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/08/2014 at 21:14

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You know what's coming.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/08/2014 at 21:15

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Okay, let's break this down man!

Looks: tie (color vs body style)

Coolness: early. They are the last classic vettes, have a more cohesive and corvette-like design, and loads of character

Engine: Tie. Power vs torque, usability, reliability, historical significance, parts availability,modifiability

Trans: Tie

Handling: '86 wins

Interior: '86 more spacious, time capsule, timeless

Sentimentality: '86

TOTALLY NOT MAKING DECISIONS FOR YOU

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Conan 10/08/2014 at 21:15

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Damn, I wish I was in the financial position for that. Trust me, if I could, I would.

Kailand09 > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/08/2014 at 21:22

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To be fair though, if you're planning on moving up, I would look out around the market to see how good a deal that would be / see if you could do better for your moneys.

Honestly, I'm pretty current on some gen corvette pricing, just not C4. So I can't help off the top of my head with that.

JR1 > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/08/2014 at 21:22

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Go with the new one. If you want your first car back one day I suggest taking a picture of the vin to keep it to track down later in life also make sure you sell the 86 to a respectful person and keep in contact

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 10/08/2014 at 21:29

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LOL. These are all good points. I guess I'll see tomorrow after I see it in person and drive it. Then I'll know.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Kailand09 10/08/2014 at 21:33

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This is about as good as it is going to get for the money. Good condition LT1 C4's are probably starting around $7,500 to $8,000, and they are steadily increasing.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/08/2014 at 21:38

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Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > JR1 10/08/2014 at 21:42

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That's what I was thinking. And good idea! I'll be sure to do that. And don't worry, I refuse to sell it to anyone who won't thoroughly respect it.

StingrayJake > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/08/2014 at 21:43

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I like the blue. Really fits the era. I'd go for it.

JR1 > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/08/2014 at 21:46

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Smart man you might have to change your name though

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > StingrayJake 10/08/2014 at 21:48

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That's what I'm thinking. And, yeah, it looks pretty damn good.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time 10/08/2014 at 21:53

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Trust me, if I could, I would.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/08/2014 at 21:55

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Dang. Not enough moneys?

Where is the car at? I might have to buy it for you until you get the funds lol

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/08/2014 at 22:00

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Do what you think is best, that's all I can say. But really, really think hard about this before you jump onto one side; the pros and cons of both.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time 10/08/2014 at 22:01

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Yeah. Monies is problem. I have enough money to buy the car, but not enough to keep and maintain both.

Kailand09 > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/08/2014 at 22:01

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sounds perfect then! DOOO EEEET! Then come give me a ride in it. pleeeeease

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/08/2014 at 22:02

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Oh gotcha. Put one in storage for a while and switch the plates every so often. Then you only have insurance on one car at once. Or buy the newer one and turn older one into race car.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/08/2014 at 22:03

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GET THAT 1992!!! :D DO IT!

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 10/08/2014 at 22:06

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Yeah, I gotcha. Trust me, I'll be doing that. And I still gotta see and drive the car, so its not a done deal just yet.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Kailand09 10/08/2014 at 22:09

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I'm really leaning towards it. Still gotta see it and drive it, though. And if you live in Michigan, sure! I'd be happy to.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time 10/08/2014 at 22:17

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I can only keep one :( My parents already don't like me having 2 cars, let alone 3. And I have to keep my Taurus for the winters. I would love to do the second choice:D

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 10/08/2014 at 22:18

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Lol trust me I'm deeply considering it :D

Kailand09 > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/08/2014 at 22:48

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Looks like I'll have to wait until I go visit my buddy in Michigan. Who will be inheriting a C5 soon.... I'm happy and sad at the same time.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/08/2014 at 22:49

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Sell me one of the vettes? lol

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Kailand09 10/08/2014 at 22:54

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Well, if you remember it, I'll be willing to. That C5 will probably be a lot better, though.

Kailand09 > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/08/2014 at 23:09

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I would totally take you up on that! I've only ever ridden in a C5 (so long ago I can't remember it) and a C3.

I bet I could get you a ride in that C5 though too!

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time 10/08/2014 at 23:10

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I'd be willing to! I'll see what I'm going to do after I check out the car tomorrow. I'll probably make a post about it.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Kailand09 10/08/2014 at 23:13

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Well, so be it! Just let me know when.

And SWEET! I'd totally be up for a ride in C5!

Axial > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/08/2014 at 23:18

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Personally? I'd keep the silver one. I'm not a fan of aqua, though white seats are actually a rare option on any C4 that isn't a 1988 35th Anniversary.

And, there are actually more things to go wrong on a '92 than an '86, especially if it has the adjustable suspension. Early opti-spark units are more prone to failure since they are not vented, and since this is a '92, it has the earliest unit unless it's been replaced already. There are also airbags and associated electronics to mess up.

Really, the '86 is a much simpler car. In general, parts for the pre-facelift vehicles are less expensive, and so even if something does break you are usually not out too much.

Also, early body style owns the later one any day. Want more power? Mod that L98.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/08/2014 at 23:26

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Sweet man! best of luck with your decision making. Just dont rush into it. Give it some thought and ask advice from wiser people you know

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Axial 10/08/2014 at 23:33

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She is the first. Nothing will change that. The aqua and the white are actually both pretty rare, as they made only approximately 5,377 in Aqua from '92-'96.

Wasn't the adjustable suspension an option, though? I'm not sure if the one I'm looking at has it. If it does, I'll keep that in mind. I knew about the opti-spark and misc. electronics, though. The earlier C4's seem like a bit more of an electronic nightmare to me, but I'm sure the later ones are decently bad too.

It is a more simple car, for sure. For parts, I've found them to be nearly the same in the catalog I have.

The earlier C4 does look better, and I can agree with that. I still like the later C4s, though. You have made me reconsider quite a lot, though. I'm back to about 50/50 now.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time 10/08/2014 at 23:51

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Thanks! Will do.

Axial > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/08/2014 at 23:57

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Adjustable suspension was indeed an option, but it showed up in '90. It's actually better to get a '90-95 adjustable suspension than it is a '96, because at least you can still get shocks for it.

As for electronics, it's only the stereo that's really any worse. Otherwise, it's more nightmarish for the later cars, i.e. there's a jungle of wires and/or airbags to sift through when changing heater cores. If you've got the standard Delco stereo instead of the Bose Gold, you're peachy. If you have Bose and it is working fine, just as well.

I've got a C4 in each body style. The later one is still nice looking, but the early one is what it was originally intended to look like and it just works better. Besides, what in the hell is the point of a rub strip if it's painted body color?

JGrabowMSt > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/09/2014 at 12:08

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1) Is it manual?

2) Can you cover the whole cost of the car by selling your current car, or more than 75%?

3) Can you find a good home for your current 'vette, where you know it will be equally cared for?

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > JGrabowMSt 10/09/2014 at 12:35

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1) Nope. But my current 'Vette is an auto too, so that doesn't really affect me.

2) Yes, I can cover all of the cost.

3) I hope I can. If I cannot, I won't be selling it.

JGrabowMSt > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/09/2014 at 12:59

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I dont see why not, as long as it doesnt cut into bill money or emergency repair funds.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > JGrabowMSt 10/09/2014 at 14:59

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That's what I'm thinking. Its just a tough decision.