What C4 Should I Get?

Ok, so the only C4 I actually have right now is a Hot Wheels among my collection of mainly C3 Hot Wheels (I do of course have my real C3!).  And according to the wife, that's the only one I'm going to have unless I get rid of the C3 (not going to happen).  Of course, she told me I'd never get a Corvette period, so I think I can butter her up eventually.  Regardless, my C4 ownership is probably at least 2-5 years off.

 

That said, what should I get?  My first thought was for a ZR-1.  While I love my C3, it just doesn't have much raw power.  However, when/if I get a C4, it will likely become a daily driver in the midwest, including through the winter (snow and salt).  Oh, and since the C3 will maintain its spot in the garage, and my wife is doubtful to give up her spot, this new car would have to live outside.  Can I really do that to a ZR-1?

 

Also, I really love my Convertible.  Although when I met Al Wagner of “An American Classic” who was an engineer for the C4 ZR-1, he told us that they were working on a convertible ZR-1, it never happened.  I’ve never driven a T-Top or a car with a “removable roof” like most of the C4’s (truth be told, I’ve never driven a C4!)

 

Add to that the idea that my knees aren’t getting any younger.  I love running through the gears in my 4-speed C3, but about a month after owning it, I started to wonder to myself why my knees had been hurting more as of late.  About then, I had to shift and it all came together.   A couple of Advil a day and I do ok for the most part, but I have thought that perhaps an automatic would make for a better long term car.  And while the wife can drive a stick, she might take better to an automatic that she would feel more comfortable driving if we caravanned to shows (she has driven the C3, but it makes her very nervous because she knows how much it means to me and is afraid of anything happening to it when she’s driving (another driver, or a door ding, etc).

Now that I’ve written a book on why I want what I may get, what does everyone think?  Early C4, late C4?  ZR-1 or LT-4?  Convertible or removable roof (not a fixed roof car – I’ve got to get some air!!)?

 

Looking for advice from the experts here at C4VR!!  I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts and advice!  Maybe you can tell me why you got the car you did.  Thanks in advance.

Well...all C4s had a removable roof of some sort....either the targa top, or convertible, so you can have the wind in yer hair anytime ya want.
ZR1? Gots lots of money, do ya? Repair costs can be really high, if ya need any heavy work done, especially if you don't/can't do it yourself.
I'd recommend a "mid-year" car, like a '92 or so, with the LT1. Most of those are still runnnin strong, and repair costs are not that bad if needed. The "opti-spark" ignition systems can cause some headaches, tho.
 The earlier cars with the L98s are still good cars, and a little cheaper to buy.
Just buy the best one you can, regardless of year model. The "special" cars, like the Grand Sports, Collector's Editions, Pace cars, ZR1s, Annys,  etc., will usually have a higher sale price, but they will usually always be valued higher than "normal" cars.
I'd suggest a '95 Pace Car, but...it prolly wouldn't be a realistic daily driver. How 'bout an '88 35th Anny? I like those cars, for some reason. They just look so kewl.

Any ZR-1 is an awesome car, but may be a bit much for a year-round daily driver.  Joel is right in regards to the maintenance cost being higher mostly because parts for the LT5 are a bit harder to come by.  And most of the Chevy garages have never seen one so you're looking at finding a mechanic who has some expertise with that engine.  That being said, from what I've read and experienced to date, the LT5 is a pretty solid engine and not any more prone to failure than any other 350.  Afterall, it was build by an outfit that puts out some pretty bullet-proof marine engines.

Yeah, get a 96....the most refined, all bugs worked out, and last year of the C4 body.

I'll sell you mine.
its automatic, I have the original engine as a spare...the engine in it is well modified, but looks stock except for the headers...will outrun LT4's, ZR1's and almost all stock reg. model C5's with no mods.

Add...I do have a spare diff, but I left the 2.59 diff in it so I can continue to get 30 to 33 MPG HWY.





Jim

I am only going to address one part of your thread. A C4 is a great DD but if you put performance tires on it and try to drive it on snow and ice you will have serious problems. When I lived in PA my two C3s had bias ply tires and when the winter came snow tires were necessary. Now I live in NH and the the 2 C4s were/are stored in the winter because the tires cannot handle the snow and ice with the torque of a l98, much less than a LTx.
I live on a dirt road and now we are in the "Mud Season" so the Vette stays home until the 12" ruts in the road from the 4WD trucks are graded smooth next month.

get the best c4 you can for the money you have. when you are ready to but search all around and you might find the deal of the year. i got my c3 first and was not expecting the c4. i got the wife looking at an 84 and got her kind of excited about it and she said to go and buy it. upon closer inspection i saw a few things that bothered me so i didn't get it and on the way home i found the 90 and wound up buying that one instead. the only other thing i can suggest is if you find one you are interested in, find out if that year has any known problems. better to go into something with a little knowledge than none at all.

If you get a 89 or newer, get one with the 6 speed in it and add 4.09 rear gears, that thing will rip.  Just my $0.02.

I'd look for a '92 thru '96. 300 HP LT-1. Lower restriction exhaust, higher compression ratio, better flowing heads, ASR, better insulation, thicker door gaskets,  The '95 and '96 had a much improved Opti and bigger brakes.    Plus in '96, the LT-4 (330 HP) was available on Grand Sport and CE models.  JMO.  Good luck, the search is half the fun. 

How about this, everybody will tell you what C4 to get , I"ll tell you the one's to stay away from.

The nicest car that you can afford to buy. Any C4 is going to be a compromise over what is your ideal C4. You'll have to pick the best compromise.  You'll know it when you find it, if you look at enough of them.

Good Luck,
Dave