From a 1993 Miata to a 1993 Corvette: An Owners Perspective

"Swayze Train GTi" (swayzetrain) 08/20/2015 at 15:33 • Filed to: Chevy, Chevrolet, Corvette, Mazda, Miata, Mx-5, mx5, Cars, bose, car audio, comparison, ownership comparison, c4, Corvette c4, jalopnik

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A photoshopped expression of frustration made for me by a member of a Facebook Miata Club, upon having seen my car post-wreck.

A little over a year ago, I bought my first car with my own money. I took the path most traveled by Jalops, ending up with a nice 93 Miata. It was a 1.6 in Crystal white with a wood trimmed interior, and obviously a manual transmission. My introduction to the sports car world, and highly recommended as such. But really there’s not much I can tell you about the MX-5 that hasn’t been endlessly drilled into your head through YouTube proselytizing or some VBulletin powered circle jerk on the virtues of that flyweight precision machine.

So, instead, I’ll be mostly talking today about a car which sows disagreement between gearheads, a car loved by many and hated by many. A car that stepped away from the straight-ticket voting safety of classic design, and into a future computerized landscape for a future computerized gearbox. A car that I bought to replace my crashed Miata.

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

Yes, I purchased a 1993 Corvette. The C4 generation is probably the least appreciated of all the generations of Corvette. The first two generations (and to some extent the first part of the 3rd) were claimed long ago by virtue of their looks, appreciable power, and a surplus of rose tinted glasses as a fashion accessory at the time. Even the later, emissions choked C3s retained lines almost as beautiful as the early years, and does the job of cruising in style quite well, even if the look, sound, name, and price weren’t backed up by anything more. But the C4 is the first one that performed like a jack of all trades, and the only fault in the aesthetics is that they aren’t as good as the other generations.

My Corvette outside a hotel in my town

A little history lesson first. When the government instituted the smog regulations, American car companies took it like a petulant child asked to do chores: rushing through with only the most basic compliance. This effort is symbolic of the inertia a large company like that can fall victim to, believing that the old ways will come back if you just ignore the new ones hard enough. Anyways, this led to half assed attempts to comply with the new regulations, items like the Cadillac V-8-6-4 and the Oldsmobile Diesel, both leaving their dark bloodstains on the carpet of automotive technology that has only recently started to fade. But by 1983 the manufacturers had grown more mature, and were ready to start actually trying again. GM decided to make a radical break in design with their new Corvette. While it may have always been known as “The American Sport’s Car”, for the first time it would be able to lay claim to that title truly, with a well rounded, exotic-fighting new design that was more than just straight line speed. Improvements were made in handling to compensate for the engines still struggling their way through emissions. It was given dual control arm suspension, which was easily exposed and worked on by opening the clamshell hood. Larger tires were added, which got wider as the car went through life, much like you and I will. Some models even got a cabin-adjustable suspension system, as seen on many modern cars. All these handling modifications made a difference, but the power didn’t return to an acceptable level of 300 until the introduction of the LT1 engine in 1992.

But the real question is how these 2 cars I’ve owned stack up against each other as a total ownership experience. At first, you might be confused as to my comparison, seeing as a comparing a Corvette and Miata makes as much sense as comparing an apple to a larger, juicier, faster, louder, more v8-ey, more luxurious orange. But I would tell you your fruit metaphor is cliche, and then inject price into the equation. For you see, anything that you buy for a Corvette is at least twice as much as a Miata, and I am being generous on that number. Also serious about it being everything. The Corvette has twice as many cylinders, so generally you have to buy twice as much of everything, plugs and wires, heads, headers, oil. The only thing you don’t have to buy two of is a camshaft. But don’t worry, even if you don’t have to buy twice as many parts as a Miata, you’ll still probably pay twice as much. The cheapest brake rotors you can get at your local parts store are still slotted. While struts don’t seem to be a bad deal at 95 dollars for Bilstein, you then realize it’s only a single instead of a pair, as it generally is for most cars.

The Miata during a private day at Springport Motor Speedway short track, with a friends Grand Prix GTP in the background.

I want to take a particular moment to focus on the audio systems, an oft overlooked every day aspect of a car. The Mazda Sensory Sound System in the Miata was a sharp looking good unit, which only had the drawback of skipping more than a truant Senior, a problem fixed with the proper application of a surgically modified sponge. Other than that, the Miata has terrible speaker layout, with the headrests being too far away from the door coaxials, which especially becomes a problem with treble screeching at highway speeds with the top down. But the company behind the Corvette’s sound engineering really should have known better. “Bose” is a four letter word, literally and figuratively. The pretentiously named “Gold” audio system was bragged to be so tuned to the Corvette’s interior that it would have to be changed if a different type of carpet fiber was used in the car, because if you’re gonna make claims that no one is seriously going to test you can just write about whatever. 22 years later, and we now know the engineers should have been less concerned with nylon and more concerned with the way their amplifiers are made. For it is certain that one day every C4 owner will be cruising around, probably listening to Steely Dan in some type of Hawaiian shirt with a few too many buttons open. Disaster will be imminent, with the only warning of impending doom being the slight smell of burning fish as the amplifiers cook themselves. Unfortunately, the scent will go unnoticed as the inevitably male driver returns from another meal at Hooters with a take away container filled with wings and the waitresses’ repressed loathing for all he represents. Suddenly, an amplifier will fail, and the soothing tones of Ricky Don’t Lose That Number will be augmented by a cacophony of hums, buzzes, crackles and pops that will emanate from the speaker at an unbelievably loud volume, causing him to crash ironically through the Drive Thru window of a Dairy Queen. I managed to avoid this fate, mostly because of the lack of Dairy Queen in my town, but both of my amplifiers have blown. And my CD player doesn’t work. (please inform me if you have old Steely Dan cassette tapes you don’t use)

But it’s not that big of a deal to replace a stereo, you might be thinking. And you’d generally be right, if not for the inexplicable factory wiring setup. Firstly, you can’t replace any of the factory speakers without completely rewiring the entire audio system due to some weird resistance Bose used. You’ll obviously need a new stereo to go with that, but the unit mounted in the dash of your Corvette is just a controller, not the real stereo, which is actually hidden behind the seats underneath the safe in the trunk, which generally contains a pint of liquor. This further complicates the wiring process, especially since you’re now drunk. You also may need to modify (read: break/dremel) the housing in the dashboard to fit your new two DIN. Finally, after all of that is in, you’ll need to change the carpets so the fibers match whatever your new speakers are.
Even maintenance is significantly more expensive, and required more often. The engine holds the same 5w-30 the Miata runs, but 5 quarts instead of a bit over 3. The transmission fluid is incredibly specific, only a GM brand, AMSOIL, or a specific high performance BMW oil, all of which are over 15 dollars a quart. GM and ZF (the manufacture of the transmission) disagree completely on change interval. ZF says 30k miles, GM doesn’t give you one because they know you won’t do it anyways. A similar approach is taken to the differential housing in the back, there’s a fill plug because there has to be, but no drain. Did GM used to think that oils didn’t shear? Anyways that’s annoying because you have to suck the old fluid out, and it tastes horrible. The tires are directional and staggered, larger in the back than the rear. Due to this, they cannot be rotated, reducing their overall life to something like 30000 miles, if you’re easy on them. They also cost $300 at the cheapest for the smaller axle up front. The upside is, whatever you buy you’ll be on good rubber relative to your cheaper all seasons.

I feel like I’m forgetting about one regular cost... Oh right.

All in, I think the Corvette is the more fun car that will ultimately lead to my financial, or perhaps fiery, demise. And therein lies the danger. I find the Corvette to be a slightly more enjoyable car on a daily basis. But it’s more destructive. As I’ve stated, the pricing is quite significant, but the worst thing is the power. When I had my Miata, I wasn’t always wanting for more power. Certainly, it was always in the back of my mind, to slap a turbo on the mad little roadster, but it wasn’t an obsessive thing as it is now. Now that I’ve had a real taste of straight line speed, I need more of it. The best comparison would be switching from a daily Tylenol to Dilaudid. You’re going to get addicted. The Corvette must be louder. The cam will be aggressive enough when it’s got more lift than a bro trucks and duration resembling a Senate filibuster. The supercharger will whine all it wants but I’ll still demand more power of it. Then I will know I have truly joined the pursuit of the Almighty Speed.


(Hope everyone enjoyed my first write up here, all judgement is appreciated)

deekster_caddy > Swayze Train GTi 08/20/2015 at 15:44

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Nice writeup, but you forgot an important note:

But by 1983 the manufacturers had grown more mature, and were ready to start actually trying again. GM decided to make a radical break in design with their new Corvette.

What about the 1984 crossfire injection? Ewwwwwww!

Swayze Train GTi > deekster_caddy 08/20/2015 at 15:49

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Hahaha very true. I know someone with an 84, and that system is a bitch and a half. This goes back to what I was saying about corporate inertia. It would be significantly harder for GM to engineer a true high performance engine in that short of a time with all the restrictions, considering they hadn’t tried throughout the Malaise era. It was far easier to engineer a superior handling platform and then have the engines catch up later.

Baeromez > Swayze Train GTi 08/20/2015 at 15:58

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Great writeup. Congrats on the Corvette, that’s probably the direction I’m headed for a replacement for the Firebird.

Swayze Train GTi > Baeromez 08/20/2015 at 16:02

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Thanks! I’ve found it fantastic thus far. I test drove a few Firebirds, and while they drive better than people give them credit for, I just couldn’t deal with the interior. The Corvette still feels a little cheap inside, but the layout is overall better looking. Definitely would recommend the purchase.

Danimalk - Drives a Slow Car Fast > Swayze Train GTi 08/20/2015 at 16:26

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Great write up! Love the C4. It was one of the last Vettes to feel like a supercar when you climbed over the large-ish door sill and slid down into the seat.

I actually learned to drive manual in a ‘93, Ruby Red.

...It had a few more camshafts though...

...and yes, I’m serious. ;)

mr2gud2u > Swayze Train GTi 08/20/2015 at 16:29

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Good stuff. I love that you have the balls to write that there are actually cars that are more fun to drive than a Miata. It's not always the answer.

Tohru > deekster_caddy 08/20/2015 at 17:09

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*1984 ceasefire injection

Swayze Train GTi > Danimalk - Drives a Slow Car Fast 08/20/2015 at 17:15

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Zr1? The quad cam small block is something i need to drive before i die

Swayze Train GTi > mr2gud2u 08/20/2015 at 17:18

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Dont get me wrong, i loved that car, and i would have kept it forever if not for a careless jeep driver. But the corvette overall is just the better package.

CaptDale - is secretly British > Swayze Train GTi 08/20/2015 at 17:40

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A similar approach is taken to the differential housing in the back, there’s a fill plug because there has to be, but no drain. Did GM used to think that oils didn’t shear? Anyways that’s annoying because you have to suck the old fluid out, and it tastes horrible.

Interesting factoid: Most GM vehicles do not have a drain hole thus requiring us at the dealership to remove the rear cover, replace the gasket (if it isn’t a reusable type) and then slap it back on and fill with fluid. This is nice though because then we are able to clean out any old goo and do a quick diff inspection.

RallyWrench > Swayze Train GTi 08/20/2015 at 19:19

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Nice contrast between the two cars. Interesting bit about the Bose stereo, some Audis of the era had combustible Bose amps as well.

Danimalk - Drives a Slow Car Fast > Swayze Train GTi 08/20/2015 at 19:47

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Yup. I was a lucky kid, and my dad is an awesome dad. :)

I’m 30 now, so I was < 10 when the LT5 was in its prime. I still remember being in the parking lot of the drag strip and being able to hear the difference when the ZR-1s made passes vs the LT-1.

It’s the induction noise - Oh God the induction noise. It’s not the exhaust that sounds so good. It’s the entire planet’s worth of air that incredible motor inhaled when you put your foot down.

Also the power key ;) nearly 20 years before the Veyron, you needed a special key to get full power.

If you ever get the chance in one and are able to flex it a bit, don’t let up too soon. It pulls hardest ABOVE 5500-6000ish.

Incredible car and I’m sure future classic... someday.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Swayze Train GTi 08/20/2015 at 20:39

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That’s neat.

Swayze Train GTi > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 08/20/2015 at 22:04

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Yeah, its nice to not worry which side to pull up to the pump on

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Swayze Train GTi 08/20/2015 at 22:27

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Trust me, I’d be looking all over the car for it had I not seen this picture.

Flavien Vidal > Swayze Train GTi 08/20/2015 at 22:56

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Nice write up man! I miss mine terribly!!

You forgot to mention how precise and nice the 6-speed feels like. A ZF6 in a 90’s american muscle car was unhead of and it’s probably the smoothest transmission I’ve ever owned. It genuinely feels great shifting through all the gears.

As for the cost of ownership, don’t worry, appart from the tire, it’s a cheap car to own. You will most likely get some distribution problems at one point like I did (see google: C4 LT1 optispark :) ), but it will be annoying the first time only. After it’s a 4 hour job you can easily do alone. It’s solely annoying the first time.

Enjoy it, it’s a VERY VERY fun car... And it’s great in the snow too :)

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/living-with-a-…

Swayze Train GTi > Flavien Vidal 08/20/2015 at 23:05

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Ah, so true on that ZF box. The mechanical whirr of the straight cut gears, the little “click-click” between gears, the tight rectangular profile of the shifting action, all combined with how fast it lets you shift when you’re really caning it makes for a fantastic experience shifting gears. I daresay it’s even better than the Miata, which is high praise.

Great article yourself, by the way. I don’t know if I’ll be using mine in the winter, as I have an Oldsmobile Aurora to accomplish that task. But I salute you for having the bravery I lack!

Flavien Vidal > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 03:40

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The traction control does marvel in the snow really... it’s WAY too strong for wet driving, but it actually works really well in the snow and helps a lot “being nice” wit hthe throttle.

The gear box feels as good as the one in the Fiat Dino to me... except that the one in the Corvette is not set with stupidly short gears lol :)

Sweet Trav > deekster_caddy 08/21/2015 at 06:46

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*1984 Misfire Inejection

Matt Hardigree > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 07:56

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I very much enjoyed this.

Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 08:14

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I can make you a Steely Dan cassette from my LP.

FlimFlamMan > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 08:15

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“For it is certain that one day every C4 owner will be cruising around, probably listening to Steely Dan in some type of Hawaiian shirt with a few too many buttons open”.

LMFAO!

Great read!

FlimFlamMan > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 08:18

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I’m okay with less-than-stellar interiors in sports coupes or driver’s cars. I’m seriously considering a C6 as my next DD.

greenagain > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 08:19

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Good timing. I sold my NA last summer, and lately I’ve been on CL looking at C4s. I have to say you just put a damper on it for me with your tire mention. I spent about $240 for a set of 4 tires on the Miata. At $300 per corner minimum, I think I’ll pass, and just start motorcycling again

SeventhScorchedEarth > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 08:23

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I will give you a warning that many sports car drivers fail to realize; the most dangerous part of your car is now the brakes, not the big V8. With those tires and good brakes, you can out-stop 95% of what’s on the road. Generally, this is a good thing, you’d think. Except when you see stopped traffic in front of you, you’ll hit the brakes and come to a safe calm reasonable stop - for you. The guy in the minivan behind you will come to a screeching halt weaving side-to-side and with smoke pouring out from under his wheel wells as he bails into the shoulder to avoid hitting you. Large commercial trucks and 18 wheelers won’t avoid hitting you. Tri-dem dump trucks loaded with dirt to the riser boards on the dump body? Goodbye. Nice knowing you.

Your rear-view mirror is now the most terrifying thing in your car. Never lose sight of it.

Big Block I-4 > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 08:29

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Fun write up, just watch out for those turns.

Blair > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 08:31

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I would love to have a C4 ZR-1 or Grabd Sport. I like Miatias but I feel people go overboard when talking about them.

theart > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 08/21/2015 at 08:32

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I remember taking a C5 out to be gassed up when they first came out. They went back to a regular side placed filler door, but no discernible way to open it. I spent ten minutes circling that car like a dumbass until I found the release button inside the center console.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 08:35

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Very interested to see how a Grand Prix and a Miata ended up on a race track together

David Tracy > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 08:36

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This was excellent.

Gary Yogurt > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 08:36

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Great write-up. If you have the Miata’s wheel center caps, I can assure that they will live on, on another ‘93. :) I never want more power than the 1.6 can give me, because I’ve had it in other cars and I know it keeps me out of trouble and on the road if I don’t have it.

Also, did your Miata’s airbag go off? I often wonder what mine will do.

litespud > CaptDale - is secretly British 08/21/2015 at 08:36

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TR6 diff doesn't have a drain hole. You change the oil by sucking it out through the filler plug. A lot of folks add a drain the first time they pull the diff (which happens to most people at least once, as cracking diff mounts are a common TR6 problem)

eurotrash > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 08/21/2015 at 08:37

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Especially when the water drain clogs and the puddle that develops starts leaking into your gas tank....

Freeze > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 08:40

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Now that I’ve had a real taste of straight line speed, I need more of it.

All Day I Dream About Speed :)

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > Matt Hardigree 08/21/2015 at 08:45

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does this mean we can be oppositelock.jalopnik.com again?

James May is my spirit animal > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 08:47

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SO FAWNCEH! #RCR

whateverfarmanimalofwarlana > deekster_caddy 08/21/2015 at 08:49

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Corssfire appeared first in C3s, and it was still catastrophic one generation later...

David E. Davis > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 08:49

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OrphanCarsR-Us > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 08:49

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Double DIN, the bane of an installer’s existence. Alright, maybe double isn’t that bad but it seems like GM in particular liked to toss funky/annoying stereo systems into it’s cars. My sister has an ‘02 GP and is dying for the ability to play MP3s. Knowing local radio stations in our area, her desire is completely warranted. The General installed one of their more annoying units in this car, DIN 1.5. I know some folks have managed to fit in a 2 or fit a plate for a 1 but I abhor the look of either in this car. I’ve looked at units for a company that still supplies a 1.5 with modern features and boy is it ugly AND expensive. One of these days I’m going to have to track down another factory head and perform some modifications to try to fit an AUX input. I think that is about the only option for getting better music into a car that I don’t want to have her (or I) invest any more money then possible. Have fun with the ‘vette, I sure would.

RayKen > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 08:50

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You know, I would argue that the malaise era lasted a lot longer than people think. I’d go so far as to say that GM and to a lesser extent, Chrysler are still in the throes of malaise. Admittedly though, GM’s throes seems weaker by comparison.

VAEngineer > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 08:50

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Did GM used to think that oils didn’t shear? Anyways that’s annoying because you have to suck the old fluid out, and it tastes horrible.

Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 08:52

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This is the most Jalop thing I’ve read on this site in a long, long time.

Also, Ricky Don’t Lost That Number is now stuck in my head.

Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 08:54

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This is the most Jalop thing I’ve read on this site in a long, long time.

Also, Ricky Don’t Lost That Number is now stuck in my head.

2 Wheels awesome! > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 09:01

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I like these C3s... and their salad shooter wheels... and if you disagree with a 350v8 coupe with a pop top then you can go back to the soviet union from whence you came.

CompletelyLegitimateUserName > FlimFlamMan 08/21/2015 at 09:02

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Do it.

I replaced my 1/4Mile’d out Mustang (as in I built it too much for the drag strip and was annoying as hell to drive around town)... with a 2005 C6. Love this Vette.

CompletelyLegitimateUserName > James May is my spirit animal 08/21/2015 at 09:05

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SEAUX PHAWNSHE!!

Prophet of hoon > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 09:06

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I’d rather a C3 over a C4 - that sill height on the C4 will always make it a difficult-to-love car. That said, you didn’t mention mpg.... come on... it’s my favorite comparison against a Miata.

The C4 was an evolutionary change over the C3. The rear suspension (while tuned in 87 and 92ish) is a carryover from the 80-81 Corvette. It does have rack and pinion - which is what makes it such a cool car - it handles with precision. The C5, with the blandest of all Corvette styles, gave you a better V8, 350 then 400 then amazing power and far better balance.

A last bit about the 1993 C4 - I’d never buy one. You have the ubiquitous 350 Chevy that shares almost no parts with the 40 years of prior motors. Bore/stroke/crank/pistons are the same - but everything else changed. The motor lasted for 3 years, then poof - it’s gone. The aftermarket ignores it and the distributorless ignition system was designed by the devil himself. You are right, everything costs more with it - because it’s a relatively rare bird that didn’t get enough of a performance boost for the needlessly complex and terribly expensive parts. Even the coolant flows in the opposite direction in that motor.

With that said, the fix is a LS3 crate motor - it pretty much bolts up and gets you another 130 hp and change... all for the price of a Miata ;-)

Prophet of hoon > deekster_caddy 08/21/2015 at 09:07

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cease fire.... funny part is it wasn’t the fuel injection that was the problem, it was the intake manifold and the egr port.

moetop > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 09:09

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It’s not that I don’t like the C4, but it is one of the weakest style wise. I have been looking at rebodies. Either a Cobra, or 63 split. . Except for the rims the body proportions look good. It’s the closest I would ever get to one, and it is easy to work on and get more performance out of.

David Komendanchik > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 08/21/2015 at 09:10

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Wow, would have never known about that if it wasn’t for this pic.

James May is my spirit animal > CompletelyLegitimateUserName 08/21/2015 at 09:12

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SOOOOOUGH FAHNSAYYY

Have Jeep, will travel. > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 09:23

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The C4 had always been under appreciated. Great read.

MC20 > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 09:24

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I ALWAYS, without fail, accidentally refer to the “salad shredder” wheels as the “salad tosser” wheels.

My.Fucking.Bad

Alex C > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 09:24

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Great writeup. Nice to see you have left the Cyclone wheels on

It's pronounced "Deer-Tay" > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 09:25

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I approve that photoshop.

Fiesta_Charles > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 09:25

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I have a 1996 with the upgraded LT4. Tires are expensive I guess but Continental DW’s are worth it, good in the dry and possibly even better in the wet. You can definitely feel the extra fire in the LT4 over the LT1, or at least my dad could. It’s one hell of a practical car too. I go grocery shopping in it. Last year I drove from Columbus to Indianapolis for the Indy GP. Two guys, an emergency bag, two overnight bags, cooler full of craft cold ones, and two lawn chairs fit fine in the back and I averaged 28.6 mpg for the entire weekend trip. Gas isn’t cheap either but its the most fun car I’ve owned so far. Also fun at Mid-Ohio on track. Best purchase I’ve ever made!

PS - Corsa makes a fiiiiiiiiiiine exhaust system for it. Sounds like a RACE CAR, yet tame around town.

Pending Approval > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 09:26

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ow my eye!

MC20 > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 09:26

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People actually go to Springport?

I thought it was a myth. Like the female orgasm

shop-teacher > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 09:27

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“as the inevitably male driver returns from another meal at Hooters with a take away container filled with wings and the waitresses’ repressed loathing for all he represents.”

Dude, that is some fantastic writing! Welcome!!

MC20 > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 08/21/2015 at 09:27

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I cant imagine a GTP did anything but torque steer halfway down the straightaway.

Dill-Ag13 > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 09:32

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i had no idea...

SaveTheClassics > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 09:35

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Something I have observed that is quite interesting, I see less C4 Corvettes on the road than any other generation. Seriously, I see a C1 at least once a month, a C2/3 at least once a week, and a C5/6/7 at least every couple of days. Perhaps it’s just the area that I live (Seattle) but I just don’t see C4’s around at all. It’s not like I’m blind to them, my dad raised me as a Corvette guy, and we even had a couple C4’s over the years, so I always notice them. What gives? I know they sold quite a few, so where did they all go?

Kirk Black > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 08/21/2015 at 09:37

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Until you encounter a malfunction pump and it pours gas all over your trunk.

SlowpokeTexas > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 09:38

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“This effort is symbolic of the inertia a large company like that can fall victim to, believing that the old ways will come back if you just ignore the new ones hard enough.”

Loved that line, so sad but true. But then...

“Cadillac V-8-6-4”

While it’s hard to argue it wasn’t a crappy implementation, it was a brilliant idea, one reaffirmed by all of the cars that currently (or will soon) feature cylinder deactivation.

RWD_Volvo > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 09:41

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The C4 generation is probably the least appreciated of all the generations of Corvette.

Least appreciated as in most over looked? Sure. They are good cars lost in time.

The C3, however, is least appreciated because it’s the ugliest, slowist, and worst Corvette generation!

Justin Hughes > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 09:44

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That was a very entertaining read! Please write more about your adventures with the Vette. I don’t know much about the C4 because, like most people, I’ve pretty much ignored it.

Josh > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 09:45

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This sounds nuts, but I switched from owning a 1990 Miata (mostly just an autocross/trackday car) to a 2014 Corvette for a summer driver last month. I have never been an Corvette guy in any capacity as I’m 26 and missed the golden years of American muscle, but I can say I was pleasantly surprised when I actually “enjoyed” driving the Corvette more being that I did not necessarily dislike the Miata in any capacity.

tl;dr MANY TORQUE MOAR FUN

OmerCarrothers333 > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 09:46

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I do not need to be reading this. Especially since a co-worker was trying to talk me into buying his C4.

I need room for booster-seats in the back and if I’m losing my mind on a sporty-car, I’m getting a Mustang convertable.

VoltRon > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 09:46

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Concave but is far superior to angled-in early C4 butt.

ResidentPony > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 09:47

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Slow clap for your description of the typical old Vette owner, although I note that you missed the gold chains tangled in chest hair.

I had a Bose system in my first car, a 300ZX Z32. Bose, if you’re listening, I hate you. I hate you regardless, but I hope you’re listening.

And the C4 reminds me of the “wedge” approach in Battlebots. (image credit The Internet)

Miller335 > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 09:54

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Welcome to the next level of car enthusiasm. The Miata is a good stepping stone but IMO thats all it is and will ever be.

NotLawReview > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 10:00

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I made a similar change a couple of years ago when I went from an ‘05 s2000 to an ‘04 C5Z06. However, I found the costs to be about the same, with a slight edge to the C5Z as it actually ate tires at a *slower* rate than the s2k, and got better gas mileage to boot.

But you’re absolutely right about the power bug, as when my C5Z got flooded in the memorial day floods down here in Houston a few months back, I picked up another C5Z with a whole lot more work done to it, and due to the big cam it has, that gas mileage advantage that it had over the s2k is long gone.

Brad Landers > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 10:01

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Great write-up! When I was a senior in high school, one of my dad’s clients — who, in hindsight, was clearly suffering from senile dementia — loaned me his 35th Anniversary, triple-white C4 to drive to homecoming. Driving that car, I was a fucking king.

-408- > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 10:03

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While struts don’t seem to be a bad deal at 95 dollars for Bilstein, you then realize it’s only a single instead of a pair, as it generally is for most cars.

Struts sold in pairs? I have never seen such a thing.

Stygian Blue > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 10:04

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I hated the C4, until I met a fellow at an autocross that did a few minor suspension mods that made his ‘Vette perform admirably.

The solution to your tire problem is to go to a square setup (same size wheels and tires up front) and run assymetric (NOT directional) tires that will allow you to perform regular rotations.

MRtwo > Matt Hardigree 08/21/2015 at 10:07

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As did I, good work OP

rUDy Flyer 41 > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 10:16

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This was excellent and has reignited my stalled interest in the C4.

tapzz > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 10:16

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It’s funny: my first response was to reach for the pitchfork, but then I remembered how almost every US jalop joneses for moar powah from their MX-5, which is understandable for a place with many long, straight roads and cheap fuel. Why not skip that phase and go straight to a machine that already has that powah and the wherewithal to handle it?

Since some of the Brit car journalists’ favourite playgrounds are right on my doorstep, your story just validated how much better an MX-5 would suit me...

loki03xlh > Baeromez 08/21/2015 at 10:16

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I've been thinking about replacing my Firechicken with a late model c4 or a c5.

Chasaboo > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 10:17

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I wouldn’t want to pass judgment on your first offering. BT dubs are you from England?

ATLskydiver > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 10:17

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Honest feedback:
First of all the writing was good enough to keep my attention throughout the entire article - kudos for that. The content is very relevant to me, as I drive a 97 NA Miata. That said, I do think you should pare down your paragraphs a bit, or just split them up into a pair of smaller ones, and possibly intersperse a few more photos. There were some big blocks of text.

I felt like there wasn’t a good conclusion...almost like it trailed off at the end. Or maybe that it came on a bit suddenly? I was expecting more than just the cost of all the components - you made it clear that that would be your focus, but I was still hoping to see some side-by-side personal emotive comparisons. How did it feel having all the extra space? Did you miss any agility? How good was it to be free of the thought that, despite the handling, universal acclaim, and general track-i-ness of your little vehicle, you still have that redneck cousin who insists you drive a Barbie-car?

space_captain_steve > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 10:21

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I really think sometimes less power is a blessing in disguise. Yeah I’d probably lie if I said I didn’t want forced induction on my RX8 but at the same time... deep down I know I’d end up wrapped around a tree or underneath a Range Rover. I already hoon the living shit out of my car, I don’t know it would be healthy for me to go above 237 hp. Rotary ownership is already pretty YOLO though

Panhead > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 10:21

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Great journalism here. Also, remember you can always swap in a crate motor when you really need to scratch the power itch. A time honored tradition.

Dpanzerman > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 10:25

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Congratulations! Welcome to Corvette ownership! Wait until you get her in the turns...you won’t miss the Miata at all. These cars are great...haters be damned. It is on a whole different level, and your driving style will improve, take it easy and explore the capabilities!

A Corvette (or any other very fast car) is like a high powered sport bike...respect it..and it will reward you...get too cocky and overdrive yourself...it will bite you.

I have had 2 C4’s....and loved every second with them.

Crackerjacktype0 > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 10:35

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Supercharger? Huh? IIRC the LT1 is pure NA, and any form of SC did not come until the C6 ZR1. Unless of course this was a CARB(your plate shows CA) exempt SC...

mstrjon32 > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 10:37

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If it makes you feel any better, the amplifier in my Saab 9-3 can’t be easily replaced because some Swede decided that all of the audio components needed to be interconnected with a fiber optic bus. Then they decided to put the fragile, expensive amplifier under the front left seat, where it’s highly prone to getting wet and failing.

Riley Schultz > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 10:44

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The wheels, while being kinda cool, are really what date this car.

dustynnguyendood > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 10:44

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“While struts don’t seem to be a bad deal at 95 dollars for Bilstein, you then realize it’s only a single instead of a pair, as it generally is for most cars.”

Way more struts are packaged and sold as singles than as pairs. Shocks too. Go to most parts houses anymore and the only ones sold in pairs are old school air shocks.

Great article BTW.

DMaculate > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 10:48

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I never thought a corvette would be an upgrade...

[hides from Miata loving jalops, aka everyone but me]

DMaculate > DMaculate 08/21/2015 at 10:48

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Side note, great write up!

rjc1629 > Prophet of hoon 08/21/2015 at 10:49

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I’m an unapologetic LT1 lover so here goes... :)

- The LT1 ran from 92 in the corvette to 97 in the f-bodies, so a 6 year run, not 3.

- It has a distributor, probably the most precise distributor ever made. It uses an optical sensor and reluctor wheel so it can make changes on the fly for every degree of crank rotation. Yes it has problems with moisture and the location is not ideal, but it is VERY accurate.

- While the aftermarket isn’t as strong as the LS1, there are a ton of performance parts out there for it. Even ported factory heads and a mild cam will net you over 400hp at the wheels.

- Reverse flow cooling makes perfect sense. Why not cool the hottest part of the motor first?

- An LS swap in a C4 is far from a “bolt-on” deal. With some AFR heads and a decent cam you can outperform the LS3 for half the cost of a swap.

Too many people give these motors crap. I’m not saying they are superior to the LS1, because they aren’t by a long shot. But they are not junk either. They have tons of potential.

Britt > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 10:53

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Did you read what you wrote????

I Quote, “The tires are directional and staggered, larger in the back than the rear.” Is there both a ‘back’ and a ‘rear’??? Does this monster have 6 tires?

Yes, buying a car with directional tires means you're fucked in a lot of ways. But buying a 22 year old car means it doesn't have the factory tires and you can buy any-damn-tire that fits.

Britt > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 10:57

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Also, I agree with the power thing. I have had a car with over 500 HP and guess what? It did not bother me in the least when a BMW would pass me through a corner, because I could ALWAYS Catch and Pass him in the straight. My friends used to road race (yes, we were evil) back in the day and when we’d be out racing fools at 2 am on the highways and byways of Massachusetts, when they’d be loosing to someone driving daddy’s Maserati, they’d get on the CB (yes, that long ago) and call out, “Britt, go get him!” and I would take them.

In a big block dodge charger, with a LOT of work done... Only lost one race, to a 396 Chevy, also with a lot of work done and racing tires.

Yes, I like Jukes > MC20 08/21/2015 at 10:59

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pretty sure it is salad tosser.

Cleavername > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 11:02

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“The tires are directional and staggered, larger in the back than the rear”

Ouch!

Yeah, I’m that guy.

Fun read, thanks.

TractionControlOff > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 11:21

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Fun read! I’ve never owned a Miata but I do have a C4 (mine is a ‘94, so basically the same as yours). Relative to most sports cars of the era, I find the C4 pretty affordable to own honestly. I feel your pain regarding the audio system - mine is a mess and I haven’t bothered fixing it. I did the water pump and opti-spark last summer (that’s a royal pain), but aside from that, I can’t complain at all.

The Powershift in Steve's '12 Ford Focus killed it's TCM (under warranty!) > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 11:39

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The only thing unattractive about these cars is the mass of questionably reliable electronics stuffed into the dashboard (pre-1990) and under the hood. This stuff is old, and everything under the hood was cooked by emissions-mandated high temperatures for 20+ years. I seriously question it’s future reliability.

obrohno > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 11:40

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listen to the royal scam

Apex Assassin > Swayze Train GTi 08/21/2015 at 11:40

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1. I very much enjoy anything that sees a Miata off the roads.

2. Faceman called, he wants his ‘vette and career back.

Brian > Flavien Vidal 08/21/2015 at 11:44

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Smooth? I guess mine isn’t good, 94 ZF6 and the tranny is really notchy, though it has 180k miles and was obviously abused. Still works, so will keep tracking it...