Test drove a C4 Corvette today 

"Jayhawk Jake" (jayhawkjake) 01/26/2015 at 21:33 • Filed to: None

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Title says it all. Was an 89, auto, 80,000 miles. This is the oldest car I've ever driven

Thoughts? I love the way it feels to drive a C4. You sit crazy low. The high door sills feel like a lotus. The seat is very comfortable, and the cabin is plenty roomy for someone of my stature. The car itself feels much smaller than the C5 and C6, which makes sense because it is. You still sit pretty far away from the front of the car, but it doesn't feel too bad. The width is much more reasonable than in the C6.

How did it drive? Well, this one has seen better days. The transmission was on its way out. Very clunky, and at one point did something really weird that I can't even describe that scared me from really getting on it. Power felt...ok. Pretty disappointing if I'm honest. It's not slow by any means, but certainly not as fast as a C5 or C6. I really want to try a later LT1 as I suspect that would feel properly fast.

Handling seemed quite responsive but I didn't really throw it around many corners. This one probably could have used some new shocks, the back end felt a bit wobbly. The brakes sucked: there was a few inches of travel before they did anything and then they werent great. I blame this specific car, not the corvette in general. It also didn't help that the transmission was acting up.

The digital dash was super neat. Tons of cargo space under the glass. And appearance wise? Damn I love the C4. It's so small and from the side it looks like a proper sports car should.

Overall I came away intrigued. I wouldn't buy this one, and I fear that most Id find in good condition would be too expensive for what they are. I have to try a manual and I have to drive an LT1 unit. I prefer the way this felt to the C5: I can't really put it into words but this felt right.

I will still be considering a C5, and I'm actually going to go try and test drive another C5 with an auto later this week to compare, but I'm leaning heavily towards the C4.

My smile says it all, I love Corvettes

jkm7680 > Jayhawk Jake 01/26/2015 at 21:39

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They're good cars! I'd rather have a C5 though, But that's just me personally.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Jayhawk Jake 01/26/2015 at 21:41

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My one question is this:

Is the leg room really that bad?? Or is it blown out of proportions?

Kailand09 > Jayhawk Jake 01/26/2015 at 21:41

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Out of curiosity, you keep saying you want to test drive autos but also wanted to try the manual. Why are you learning towards auto as it seems?

Also congrats! I'm continuously jealous.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > jkm7680 01/26/2015 at 21:42

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I'd rather have a C3. :p

JGrabowMSt > Jayhawk Jake 01/26/2015 at 21:42

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Get a C5 FRC. They look so much better. The Targa is nice (and one of my friends has one with 200k on it), but the FRC has a much more badass look to it.

Slap on some C5R style lights (flip ups are cool, but so not reliable on anything), and it'll be good. I've seen people stick HIDs into the fog light area, but it really doesn't give you the same visibility.

If you bought a cheap enough C4 in "rough" shape, you could "repair" it in the form of big upgrades that don't really break the bank (better brakes, new suspension, poly bushings, etc), and then have a great DD that could autocross and track super well. It's not always about having the newest thing, but having a really slick sleeper is always fun.

And you can always pioneer the way to doing LS7 swaps into C4s.

Jayhawk Jake > JGrabowMSt 01/26/2015 at 21:46

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I wholeheartedly disagree that the C5 FRC looks better. I'm not a big fan of that body style.

C4 LS7 has been done:

One of the options I'm considering is exactly what you said: get a C4 for cheap, upgrade it, and boom: corvette for nothing. I also want my second car to be a bit of a learning tool for wrenching, so that's an appealing path.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 01/26/2015 at 21:46

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It's not that terrible. It's a 32+ year old interior in a sports car with a beefy transmission backing up a front-mid mounted 350, so there won't be Camry levels of spaciousness.

Jayhawk Jake > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 01/26/2015 at 21:47

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I was perfectly comfortable. It might be different with a clutch, but all 5' 8" of me fit fine

Jayhawk Jake > Kailand09 01/26/2015 at 21:49

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I'm not leaning auto per se, they're just more common. I'm seeing if I could settle for an auto and still be happy.

I've driven 2 C6s with manual and 2 C5s with manual. Now I'm curious how bad the auto in the C5 is

JGrabowMSt > Jayhawk Jake 01/26/2015 at 21:50

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That C4 looks like a huge bundle of fun right there. I think the only thing cooler would be retrofitting the digital dash.

I 100% support getting the car to learn how to wrench on it. Makes it mean something more to you once it's running well again.

505Turbeaux > Jayhawk Jake 01/26/2015 at 21:52

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Really? Me with the oldest car...swiggity swooty

Jayhawk Jake > JGrabowMSt 01/26/2015 at 21:52

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I don't want this one, it's way overpriced for its condition. I'd also rather have an LT1

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Jayhawk Jake 01/26/2015 at 21:52

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I don't know how the ABS is, but there might be a little more sponginess to the pedal despite it being a good system. The rear axle ratio of the manual cars paired with no slush makes the torque much more immediate, but there's nothing to be gained by exceeding 4500 RPM because of the TPI runners. That's easily remedied and LT1 power is easily achieved on a first-gen SBC. Despite my love of the 4+3, digital dash, and TPI, I think you'd be better off with an LT1 or LT4 as those can actually be cross-shopped with a C5 and the LT1 can easily be put in LT4 spec.

JGrabowMSt > Jayhawk Jake 01/26/2015 at 21:54

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I understand that. Whatever you do though, don't be stubborn like I was. I thought I would take my 143k Magnum way higher up into the mileage, and chose not to pull the heads off the motor. Then the valve seat dropped, and well, it cost me a lot more than a new set of heads would have....

When in doubt, at least take it apart to check....

Jayhawk Jake > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 01/26/2015 at 21:55

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Everything you said about the engines is my exact thought process. Get an LT1, get it to LT4 power, be C5 equivalent.

It wasn't ABS, I think the brakes needed work. Probably a bleed, maybe new pads. They were pretty terrible.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 01/26/2015 at 21:55

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It depends on how tall you are, really. My 5'11'' self has decent legroom. Now, I've had my friend who is 6'4'' ride in the passenger seat, and he could barely fit. Not to mention, it was uncomfortable.

Looking at that picture, it is way blown out of proportion. I wouldn't call it great, but it is nothing you wouldn't expect.

Sorry to hijack your post, Jayhawk Jake.

Kailand09 > Jayhawk Jake 01/26/2015 at 21:59

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You're keeping the RS right?

Esp if you have a daily (which is manual anywho), I think you will be severely disappointed if you settle for the auto. I can't even imagine losing manual for my DD :(

Just my opinion. But especially on your performance car.

Have you checked corvette forum for listings? There's a nice ZR1 listed for like $18.5

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 01/26/2015 at 22:01

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I have to try sitting in one when it warms up. My 5'10.5-11" self should be able to fit as well.

Jayhawk Jake > Kailand09 01/26/2015 at 22:02

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I don't think I'm ever getting rid of the Sonic.

I kinda miss automatic a bit...manual is better but for cruising auto is nice. I doubt I'll get an auto Vette and even if I did I'd probably sell it quickly to get a manual.

I have looked at the Corvette forum, and I've definitely thought about trying to find a ZR1. They're just a bit out of budget unfortunately, but I'll be looking and hoping to catch one at a lower price.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 01/26/2015 at 22:03

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I wouldn't expect there to be Camry levels of room, but that trans must be huge if that's the case. I thought the C4 had something bigger than a 350?

camaroboy68ss > Jayhawk Jake 01/26/2015 at 22:07

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The LT1 motor has torque, I had a 97 Z28 with one, but the opti spark and water pump on a lt1 is nothing but bad news. A guy at my old job had a lt1 vette and it was a huge pain in the butt without a lift to do plugs and wires on the car. if a shop estimate was anything like my old Z28 you were looking at $2-3k in parts and labor to do the work. the tuned port motors are like most small block chevy's and need to breathe to make some power. A intake, or heads/cam will do absolute wonders and is not that expensive since they are still traditional small blocks.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 01/26/2015 at 22:07

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You're more than welcome to give mine a shot if I can ever get some free time. You should have no issues at all.

Kailand09 > Jayhawk Jake 01/26/2015 at 22:07

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Yeah they are pricey. I still have a feeling my first 'vette will be a C5 coupe, unless I save longer for the Z06. Or even longer for the C6 Z.

Ugh. More Ugh haha.

I wish I liked the C4 as much as you do.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Jayhawk Jake 01/26/2015 at 22:13

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I just did a bleed and pads and it made a big difference. It'll be coming out of the shop for various things related to the new clutch soon, and I then plan to change diff oil and try out autocross/HPDE. The difference between an '84 and '96 is immense, but an '84 can really only be judged as a nostalgic car or "modern classic" (as wheeler dealers would describe it) with some performance capability while an LT4 is a more of a performance bargain. Such variety from the same basic car. I don't have ABS or climate control but there is the somewhat modern (or only somewhat archaic) engine which is a desirable middle ground for me. In the very long term, I feel that a good and very inexpensive swap when the bulletproof L98 is finished would be a 5.3L aluminum vortec with the 4.8 short crank, an LS6 intake, LS7 cam, and all that goes along with that. Very light and inexpensive (~$1,500 in parts) for a 7,500RPM 400whp motor.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 01/26/2015 at 22:14

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Are you driving it now? It has been pretty nice out without any snow.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 01/26/2015 at 22:18

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Oh god no. I'm a bit too much of a baby with that car. I won't let it see any salt. Its been in storage since November. Depending on the weather, It'll be back out in March or April.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 01/26/2015 at 22:20

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I'm taking mine out in March regardless of the weather. The only exception is snow storm or salt trucks.

*knocks on wood*

Jayhawk Jake > camaroboy68ss 01/26/2015 at 22:28

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I looked at a guide for replacing the optispark, it honestly doesn't look THAT bad. Time consuming, but spread out over a few evenings/weekends with some friends, beer, and pizza? Not a big deal.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 01/26/2015 at 22:30

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Haha, hopefully I can get it out earlier this year. Last year was brutal. I think I finally got it out right before May.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 01/26/2015 at 22:31

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The perspective exaggerates its obtrusiveness. There were four different 350s used, but those were the only engines. A. 205hp/290 lb ft L83 (cross-fire injection), a 230-250hp 330 lb ft L98 (Tuned Port Injection by Bosch), the ZR1's LT5 making 385 or 405 hp, and the LT1 making 300hp or an underrated 330 in LT4 guise. A vast array of performance but all 350s!

Flavien Vidal > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 01/26/2015 at 22:34

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You have tons of legroom no worries about that. I'm 6'2 and had no problem at all in my LT1 (manual)

Head room is more of a problem... I often hit the roof on bumps.

camaroboy68ss > Jayhawk Jake 01/26/2015 at 22:35

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yeah, just from experience be prepared to have the car down for a couple weeks doing this. also you really have to watch replacement water pumps since its recommended to replace them during this work. it is very time consuming and a lot of it is by feel. In the Camaro I had to drop the exhaust and starter to get to the passenger side plugs. I don't miss that car after going to a LS1 Camaro.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 01/26/2015 at 22:36

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We got the 911 out mid May, so that's pretty accurate. I'm hoping for March earliest.

http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/southfie…

I need this weather to change the week of March 9, I need to take my car to Ohio.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 01/26/2015 at 22:47

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That would be awesome. It will probably be late March for me if the weather is that way, since my car is 120 miles north. I have to wait until the salt and snow is gone up there to make the trip.

Yeah, for sure. Seeing how this winter is going, there is a decent chance it will shape up. Why Ohio? Family, I assume?

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 01/26/2015 at 23:06

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I'm actually going down there to have my timing belts and water pump replaced for free while I assist with the job. -_-

But I can only go if the roads are salt-free. Snow, ice nor slush or rain will slow me down. But salt will.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 01/26/2015 at 23:24

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Ah, gotcha. Fun! Except for the gas, at least its free. I'm sure maintenance charges are just as ridiculous on the 944 as they are on the 'Vette, so I'd take any opportunity for a free job, even if it requires some personal time. Hopefully the weather will shape up. Like I said, it seems decently probable.

gergey - Wishes vette was Datsun > Kailand09 01/26/2015 at 23:29

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Send it to Canada plz

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 01/26/2015 at 23:31

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The maintenance charges aren't actually as bad as you'd expect, so long as you do the serious work yourself or no someone who can and will help you for free(aka, another 944 owner :p).

I'm actually looking forwards to this if the weather is good.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 01/26/2015 at 23:50

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Really? That's nice. Any charges on mine are just ridiculous. Granted, like you, I do a lot of the work myself. But, when I have to let a shop do the job, it is quite expensive.

I don't blame you. Opportunities like that are pretty cool.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 01/27/2015 at 00:03

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What kinda charges do you incur on a regular basis?