Desirable C4

[Michael W.]

Hi,

I have been looking around for an "early" C4 (1984-1990) for a while.

Some weeks ago I saw on CorvetteBlogger website list of most desirable Corvettes, but did not include any C4s. I do not believe they are not desirable, I believe this depends on the generation of the person in question.

Anyhow, what will be for sure the most desirable options and models for the C4?

My guess would be:
- 1984
- 1988 ann model
- 1990 ZR1
- RPO / 4+3 gear box
- RPO / z51

what do you think? This could help me in my search.

[Paul H.]

Re: Desirable C4

I have a low mileage 85 with Z51 and the 4 plus 3 and really enjoy it's handling capabilities. They ride rough but really handle well. They feel like a sports car. The 4 plus 3 was problematic. Once they are rebuilt by someone who knows what they are doing they are fine.

As for what is most desirable in a C4. The consensus seems to be 1990-1995 ZR1's although parts availability can be challenging. 96 Grand Sports. Callaway Corvettes/ B2K cars are great cars. The early Z51 cars are great handling Vettes. I'm not a big fan of the 88 Anniversary cars and their white paint scheme. The 84's had crossfire fuel injection which really limited horsepower. 85 and up with Tuned Port Injection is a better engine.

Unfortunately, C4's don't seem to get the respect they deserve. They are the first of the modern Corvettes. Very complex cars for their era, but alot of bang for thhe buck right now.

[Michael W.]

Re: Desirable C4

I think recognition will come in time! I prefer the models up to 90 with the digital dash and square front and back.

I like all my vettes red, so my search query is always: coupe, red exterior, tan or red interior, manual, z51. The Lingenfelters and Guldstrand models are hard to find.

Would appreciate all your comments / ideas.

[William C.]

Re: Desirable C4

Having been in a position to watch the Corvette Group work during the early C-4 era, I can only say that in the '84-89 era each year brought improvements to the car. Unseen items like squeek and rattle control, and chassis stiffness for improved handling were constantly being upgraded, so if you want the best of the digital dash cars, I'd go for the '89 as being the best engineered and best-built of the series.

[Stephen B.]

Re: Desirable C4

I wonder if the 1986 Pace Cars could be considered desirable?

[Michael W.]

Re: Desirable C4

Stephen, that is a question that also in in my head. I understand that basically all 86 conv were indentified as the Pace Car.

[Don S.]

Re: Desirable C4

Michael--

I found a really nice 84 on craigs list recently. cost was 7k. really looks good. but yes it rattles. Also bought an 88 . not as many rattles and also a nice car.

[Chuck S.]

Re: Desirable C4

It depends on your purposes...Are you desiring a pristine collector 84-90 example, or are considering something rare that is likely to appreciate more? (Such an example will probably will also cost you more.)

For highest probability of a quality build specimen, I would go with Bill's "insider" recommendation.

The obvious choice for performance and collectibility from those years would be the ZR1, but unless it's in a museum, it will likely become even more difficult and expensive to get engine parts.

Another example of high collectibility in these years would be the 88 Calloway B2K twin turbo cars; Only 124 were built, and again unique parts may become problematic. I have never looked to see if the Calloways are even available, checked the pricing, or researched parts for availability, so WDIK.

In general, I would not expect pace cars or collector trim packages to demand much, if any, appreciation premium over other examples of a given model year, but that's is just my opinion...my apologies for any insult to those that cherish them. Even for novice buyers, it's hard to justify a lot of extra cash for what is essentially a special colors/special materials/special badges trim package.

For performance, I would probably look at C4s after 86. Starting in 87, they began using aluminum heads...horsepower grew pretty quickly thereafter as fuel induction and engine control systems improved.

But...For the affordable epitome of the C4 genre...My choice wouldn't be any of the year range you cite. I would find a pampered, pristine. NCRS one-owner, 1996 Collector Edition convertible or coupe with the LT4 engine option. This car has a nice tasteful color combination (silver/red), has unique ZR1 style wheels, and optionally, the LT4 engine of the Gran Sport.

This car has more appreciation potential than other "collector editions" IMO, and I'm thinking one will cost more than other 96s now. Just looking at your collection, such an acquisition would make you heavy in 96-99 examples...frankly speaking and no insult intended, I would probably sell a 99 convertible, if necessary, to acquire 96 Collector Edition.

[William C.]

Re: Desirable C4

Keep in mind that an '84 is a 15.4 second car in the 1/4 mile, an '85 is a 14.6 second 1/4 mule car based on my experience in 1984 and 1985 with otherwise similar cars. That is a huge difference in the "seat of the pants" feel. At one time I had an entire technical presentation from 1989 regarding squeak and rattle upgrades made over the years, but I have lost track of it over the years.

[James W.]

Re: Desirable C4

Michael,

My vote would be a 1996 Collectors Edition convertible equipped with the LT4 engine, 6-speed, hardtop and the very rare red interior option.

Just my 2 cents.


Best Regards,

James West

[Jeremy D.]

Re: Desirable C4

I have NO IDEA if this is true, but a bud of mine who races autocross a lot says if you take the '91-96 computer or chip or whatever it has and hook it up to the '86-90 harness, your early, cheaper C4 will haul serious butt. Like I said, I dunno the whole truth, but I do know his car hauls butt. my 2.213765 cents worth.

[Joe L.]

Re: Desirable C4

Hi,

I have been looking around for an "early" C4 (1984-1990) for a while.

Some weeks ago I saw on CorvetteBlogger website list of most desirable Corvettes, but did not include any C4s. I do not believe they are not desirable, I believe this depends on the generation of the person in question.

Anyhow, what will be for sure the most desirable options and models for the C4?

My guess would be:
- 1984
- 1988 ann model
- 1990 ZR1
- RPO / 4+3 gear box
- RPO / z51

what do you think? This could help me in my search.

Michael-----


C4's were upgraded and improved continually over the term of C4 production. So, the best, most refined C4 is the 1996. Leaving out ZR-1's, the 1996 LT-4 is also the most powerful of C4's. However, all of the 92-96 LT-1's run very well, too, and are the second most powerful non ZR-1 C4's.

So, if you want the best, most refined C4, 1996 is the way to go. What's the second best year? 1995. What's the third best year? 1994. Get the picture?

The BIG problem with C4's is this: they are the most complex Corvettes ever built, right up to the present day. They are extremely "rich" in parts content. MANY of the parts are discontinued, including those for the newest of the C4's (i.e. 1996). Very few of the parts are reproduced and I really doubt if many ever will be reproduced.

[Joe L.]

Re: Desirable C4

I have NO IDEA if this is true, but a bud of mine who races autocross a lot says if you take the '91-96 computer or chip or whatever it has and hook it up to the '86-90 harness, your early, cheaper C4 will haul serious butt. Like I said, I dunno the whole truth, but I do know his car hauls butt. my 2.213765 cents worth.

Utter nonsense. I'd like to see someone "hook up" a 1991-96 ECM or PCM to the harness of an earlier C4, let alone get it to work.

[Jim T.]

Re: Desirable C4

I have an 85 and a 96 LT4 coupe. I don't think you will be disappointed with the 96 LT4 in a coupe or convertible. If my wife would drive a manual, I would sell the 85 and buy a 96 LT4 convertible. The CE would be nice. I am partial to black interiors because with black interior the complete interior is only one color. One part you will never have to replace on a 96 LT4 is a EGR Valve. The LT4 engine does not have one. The best gas mileage of my LT4 when driven only on the highway was 30 mpg. At 70 mph in sixth gear, rpms are low.

[Michael W.]

Re: Desirable C4

Thanks for all the input and feedback! I understand that more or less what I have in mind is seen as "desirable".

My personal preference is still at the models till 1990, so I will target my search on that despite the fact that the 1993 ann and 1996 GSP are definately worth considering.

Meanwhile if you know something then please drop me a mail!

PS i will not sell any of the two vettes I have in the stable!