Start off Monday with a colorful question. After an article regarding Hydrogen powered C4's was emailed to me, a few co workers and I started BS'ing about Corvettes then some pros and cons to the C4.

So what you all think? What is the best year of the C4 line Corvette?

Start off Monday with a colorful question. After an article regarding Hydrogen powered C4's was emailed to me, a few co workers and I started BS'ing about Corvettes then some pros and cons to the C4.

So what you all think? What is the best year of the C4 line Corvette?
That all depends on the eye of the beholder! I think that my Corvette is the nicest corvette around because it is mine! But then again, I like them all!:cheers:

Would it be the latest and greatest? Thats a tough question we all going to think our year is the best?!:lol:

'96 was the best year for the C4. That year had the Grand Sport, and the collectors ed.

I have an 89 vert, I'm partial to the round taillights, but then again I like the interiors of the 90 and up. Therefore I like them all. :)

The year of the one you own lol

'96 was the best year for the C4. That year had the Grand Sport, and the collectors ed.

:cheers: Totally agree,,,collectors edition here!

Handling wise, critics will say the 84, but it does ride like a truck!

I love my '84, and yes it is a firm ride, it makes all the more the reason you want a Corvette. Having owned many of the older generation Vets I really think the "gurus" in Bowling Green got this one correct for its day and especially for what you can purchase a nice vintage unit for these days, (sleeper bargain). Granted the later generation Corvette has superior neck wrenching torque and quick stopping. $$$$=hp. Retired in Fl. and hav'n a hoot.

The year of the one you own lol

:iagree: 1987 Of course! :cheers:

I'm partial to the 1983 model year. Heh, Heh.:wtf:

1996 of course by this time the C-4 was as good as it can get.:woowoo:

Any year is great,and the one you own is best.
Given my choice though I would take a 96 Grandsport or a 95 ZR1.

The 84 crossfire vette!

Super reliable. Great handling. Cool door handles.

L98 & LTx:
ABS screws up
MAF quits so does your car
opti! needs no comment
later autos had a crappy high rear gear on most
to many buttons on the 91-96 vettes(whats with that)


:worship: crossfire:worship:

1990 Why would you ask?:burnout:

i love my 85 but i think all vettes are top notch they are like art work to me:thumbsup3:

I vote for the 84.

Getting alot of votes for the crossfire, I think its in the lead.:duel:

:doh: :catfight: had to be the 86 pace car convertible??? ,,,but i am a little prejudice ,,, predjudise ,,/ predues,, ah whatever :fight: first c4 vert and a pace car to boot ,::woowoo: :sm_party:

All years for the C4"s :iagree: To me My C/Y 96, but if it was the Bronze 85 I once had it would be it. Remember the C4's paved the way for the Vette's of today. :iagree: :patriot:

1996, it is my first and definitely a keeper.

You do realise that this is a LOADED question???
87 had the highest skid pad numbers.
93 actually had the highest hp numbers (the last ZR-1) with 95 being the highest base model hp... the 96 lost 5 but the colector ed and GS were higher than the rest??? The 93 was chosen (by who i don't remember) as being the most dependable (least recalls and complaints). The 95 pace car was the rarest production C4...I don't know how that number was compared to the Calloway and ZR-1 though???
So given the major confussion and incosistancy in just these numbers how are you wanting the question answered????????:catfight: :doh: :rofl: :smilielol5:

'96 LT4 collector edition
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/2vettes/ce03.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/2vettes/ce01.jpg

:iagree:

:iagree: 1987 Of course! :cheers:

:iagree: 87's for sure!!

:sm_party: :beerbang: :sm_party::beerbang:

:huh: Tough question :iagree: Feel a :fight: coming :hehehe: Keeping my answer a:secret: :tapedshut: for now :seeya: :beer-fresh:

Start off Monday with a colorful question. After an article regarding Hydrogen powered C4's was emailed to me, a few co workers and I started BS'ing about Corvettes then some pros and cons to the C4.

So what you all think? What is the best year of the C4 line Corvette?
my first (now) is an 84 ... but the early stingrays 50 and early 60s were the best ever

You do realise that this is a LOADED question???
87 had the highest skid pad numbers.
93 actually had the highest hp numbers (the last ZR-1) with 95 being the highest base model hp... the 96 lost 5 but the colector ed and GS were higher than the rest??? The 93 was chosen (by who i don't remember) as being the most dependable (least recalls and complaints). The 95 pace car was the rarest production C4...I don't know how that number was compared to the Calloway and ZR-1 though???
So given the major confussion and incosistancy in just these numbers how are you wanting the question answered????????:catfight: :doh: :rofl: :smilielol5:

87 had the best skid pad #'s???????
84 had best numbers with the stiff Z51:wtf:

Where are you getting your info from??????

my first (now) is an 84 ... but the early stingrays 50 and early 60s were the best ever

Stay on topic we are talkin C4's here, If you want to go best of all corvettes, then it is obvious the 58-60 vettes are the best, then the 84 crossfire.

87 had the best skid pad #'s???????
84 had best numbers with the stiff Z51:wtf:

Where are you getting your info from??????

Even though I own an 87, I'll have to disagree with the skid pad numbers. These are the numbers put out by Road & Track when they were tested new from the factory:

1984: .95g (Z51)
.90g (base)

1987: .89g

BUT... the 87 has been shown by numerous tests to have the best OVERALL suspension between the two. Skidpad numbers are just a small part of the equation.

Well, I like all years of Corvettes. Without the earlier ones...we wouldn't have the later ones. And nearly all years of Corvettes have been at or near the cutting edge of technology. That being said it would be obvious that the 96's are the most "Refined" C4s. But I like my 94. Why? Because it is the one I own. But I would love to have a ZR1.:drool5: I got one spotted......someone want to give me an unworldly price for my 94 so I can buy the Z?:catfight: Or how about this one? The legendary Callaway SLEDGEHAMMER
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/toms94/VOTR039.jpg

:iagree: :sm_party: Well said Toms :sm_party:

Toms94, Great VOTR pic!:thumbsup:

I got the skid pad number from a Corvette Fever article that had the it at 1g lateral...but i also said that all of these numbers are conflicting. Depending on sources they can go any which dirrection the author seems to choose. I don't hold much faith in any of them.

And i dont know where my head was at on the 93 ZR-1...I KNOW that wasn't the last......

Toms94, Great VOTR pic!:thumbsup:

I got the skid pad number from a Corvette Fever article that had the it at 1g lateral...but i also said that all of these numbers are conflicting. Depending on sources they can go any which dirrection the author seems to choose. I don't hold much faith in any of them.

And i dont know where my head was at on the 93 ZR-1...I KNOW that wasn't the last......

Yup... skid pad numbers can be thrown off by a number of things. One of the biggest is the composition and surface condition of the pad.

Skidpad Smidpad The best c4 is the one you own right now:thumbsup3: .I plan to get another c4 this summer but I will always keep my 87 :thumbsup: it is such a trouble free fun car. Take care Later B.A.

We like our 85. As several have said, it's the one that we own and enjoy (also our first). However that don't mean that down the road we won't get another (newer or older), but for now we're (especially me) waiting for spring to get it out of hibernation. My son can't wait to get the money together to buy this one, if we decide to move on. :patriot:

:beer-fresh: OWNING A BLACK 87. CONV. I HAVE TO AGREE WITH 87PIMP. I HAD A94 CONV. AND IT WAS JUST AS NICE,

I like the 92, because it was the first year out with the new (now old news) LT1 motor- a lot of power and cool reverse flow cooling:kngt: ...I guess I'm just old school SB chevy, but gotta love that design...but if you were to put me into ANY Vette- I would love that one too...DDBS:woowoo: :Banane08: :happy0045:

Thanks guys for the thumbs up and the kudos on the picture. It just appalls me to hear the owners of one generation Corvette berate another generation Corvette. Or someone saying one year is better than another. To me, a Corvette is a Corvette, each and every one is special in my mind. Each one a contributing factor in the improvements of the one after. A true Corvette enthusiast, would never belittle another year.

Yes, the Corvette may have had some low points, but even then it was a Corvette, something not everyone could attain. In our Generation of cars the 84 seems to be the "ugly stepchild", but just look back in the car mags of the time and see the rave reviews it received, how everyone thought it was the greatest thing since sliced bread...and it was. Leaps and bounds ahead of the previous generation. It never would have been though, without the previous generation. Every year is built on from the last and, hopefully improved, so that the next year can be a little bit better.

Today the 84 is looked down on, by some, as not worth a hill of beans. Personally I'd take all the 84s nobody wants (or 85s, 86s, 87s, 79s, 76s, heck anybody that wants to give me ANY Corvette) bring them by and drop them off, I'll take them.

35 years ago I bought my first Corvette, a 1964 Coupe, gave $1800 for it. It wasn't anything special, many looked down on it saying what a hunk of junk, but it was mine and I loved it. Life got in the way and I had to sell it, but I vowed that someday I'd have another. When that time came, I really wanted another mid-year, but as everyone knows they have gone through the roof. I decided to buy the best car my money could get me. After careful searching I bought the 94 that I own now. Is it the nicest 94 out there? No. Is it the nicest C4? Obviously not, but it is what I could afford, at the time, and I have loved it and pampered it as if it was the nicest one around.

The debate goes on and will go on as to "best year, or generation", but the fact remains, all Corvettes are special. Whether they are stock, modded to the hilt, have wings or body kits, Autos or standard shifts. They are the original all American Sports Car. There have been many comers over the years; Avanti, AC Cobra, AMX, Bricklin, DeLorean, Stealth, and Viper to name a few, and where are they now? I'm not going to say that the aforementioned cars weren't/aren't good quality cars or that they weren't/didn't have what it takes as sports cars, it's just they haven't the longevity of the Corvette. The only cars that have been able to compete with the Corvette over the years were special built or cost twice as much (or more), than the Corvette.

We all ought to be proud of where the Corvette has been and where it is now and where it will be in the future.

Please excuse the novel, but I felt it just had to be said.

Dont get too upset, I think the question was posted in the spirit of good fun.


But, your post was well said and :iagree: completely


As long as you're driving a Vette, THAT'S what matters!!:sm_party:

Dont get too upset, I think the question was posted in the spirit of good fun.


But, your post was well said and :iagree: completely


As long as you're driving a Vette, THAT'S what matters!!:sm_party:

I understand that, and I just think that anyone who drives a Vette should be proud of the one or ones that they own and drive. However, there are those who don't take it so much in fun and feel that they have to berate or belittle someone else car, because it is older, slower, wrong color, has a wing or body kit, blah, blah, blah. It really gets old, and as I said earlier, every Corvette is special and I can appreciate all of them.

Hey lets just let everyone be happy with what we've got and get on with it.:cheers:

Even though I own an 87, I'll have to disagree with the skid pad numbers. These are the numbers put out by Road & Track when they were tested new from the factory:

1984: .95g (Z51)
.90g (base)

1987: .89g

BUT... the 87 has been shown by numerous tests to have the best OVERALL suspension between the two. Skidpad numbers are just a small part of the equation.

I have driven both and the 84 vette is superior in all handling catergories. Braking would be a little better in the 87.

Thanks guys for the thumbs up and the kudos on the picture. It just appalls me to hear the owners of one generation Corvette berate another generation Corvette. Or someone saying one year is better than another. To me, a Corvette is a Corvette, each and every one is special in my mind. Each one a contributing factor in the improvements of the one after. A true Corvette enthusiast, would never belittle another year.

Yes, the Corvette may have had some low points, but even then it was a Corvette, something not everyone could attain. In our Generation of cars the 84 seems to be the "ugly stepchild", but just look back in the car mags of the time and see the rave reviews it received, how everyone thought it was the greatest thing since sliced bread...and it was. Leaps and bounds ahead of the previous generation. It never would have been though, without the previous generation. Every year is built on from the last and, hopefully improved, so that the next year can be a little bit better.

Today the 84 is looked down on, by some, as not worth a hill of beans. Personally I'd take all the 84s nobody wants (or 85s, 86s, 87s, 79s, 76s, heck anybody that wants to give me ANY Corvette) bring them by and drop them off, I'll take them.

35 years ago I bought my first Corvette, a 1964 Coupe, gave $1800 for it. It wasn't anything special, many looked down on it saying what a hunk of junk, but it was mine and I loved it. Life got in the way and I had to sell it, but I vowed that someday I'd have another. When that time came, I really wanted another mid-year, but as everyone knows they have gone through the roof. I decided to buy the best car my money could get me. After careful searching I bought the 94 that I own now. Is it the nicest 94 out there? No. Is it the nicest C4? Obviously not, but it is what I could afford, at the time, and I have loved it and pampered it as if it was the nicest one around.

The debate goes on and will go on as to "best year, or generation", but the fact remains, all Corvettes are special. Whether they are stock, modded to the hilt, have wings or body kits, Autos or standard shifts. They are the original all American Sports Car. There have been many comers over the years; Avanti, AC Cobra, AMX, Bricklin, DeLorean, Stealth, and Viper to name a few, and where are they now? I'm not going to say that the aforementioned cars weren't/aren't good quality cars or that they weren't/didn't have what it takes as sports cars, it's just they haven't the longevity of the Corvette. The only cars that have been able to compete with the Corvette over the years were special built or cost twice as much (or more), than the Corvette.

We all ought to be proud of where the Corvette has been and where it is now and where it will be in the future.

Please excuse the novel, but I felt it just had to be said.


What makes it the ugly stepchild?

1984...the first and the best...CFI still runs great...rides as a sports car should.

They got better every year so I would have to say 1996.

What makes it the ugly stepchild?

I personally don't think it is, but there seems to be that state of mind that the 84s aren't as good as the 85 and up. I can only imagine they are talking about the Crossfire engine.

if anybody wants to talk bad about cars save it for fords vettes are great in all colors and years we are all lucky to be in one:cheers:

I personally don't think it is, but there seems to be that state of mind that the 84s aren't as good as the 85 and up. I can only imagine they are talking about the Crossfire engine.

The crossfire was designed to make the TPI look good. GM detuned the crossfire to make sure every year vette has improvements:
85 TPI
86 ABS

after that they raise the HP by a few horses. In reality the crossfire had mor HP until the LT1 showed up.:wtf:

I think my 96 lt4 is.

The crossfire was designed to make the TPI look good. GM detuned the crossfire to make sure every year vette has improvements:
85 TPI
86 ABS

after that they raise the HP by a few horses. In reality the crossfire had more HP until the LT1 showed up.:wtf:

1984 C4- 230hp, 290 ft lbs torque

1987 C4- 245hp, 345 ft lbs torque
(I use the 87 because I'm familiar with the numbers)

Where are you getting your numbers from?

Oh hell, it dont matter, ALL of them are good in my book! I'm just proud to finally own one!:happy0045: :burnout:

1984 C4- 230hp, 290 ft lbs torque

1987 C4- 245hp, 345 ft lbs torque
(I use the 87 because I'm familiar with the numbers)

Where are you getting your numbers from?

Oh hell, it dont matter, ALL of them are good in my book! I'm just proud to finally own one!:happy0045: :burnout:

:iagree: Well said :sm_party: :seeya: :beer-fresh:

I love my 93 convertible. It is low mileage and looks and runs like a new car. I love having the glove box, but wish it had a solid glass rear window. I love the colour combination of my car, but wish it had the FX3 ride control feature. My point is- they are all great cars. I wanted a corvette ever since I was a little kid sitting in my Dad's car on a winters day at a red light. A C3 was in the traffic lane ahead of us and I was in awe of the cars profile, the wide tires and the rumbling dual exhaust. I remember asking my Dad what kind of car it was. As of that moment I was hooked! Hmm- I can feel a new thread coming on...

PS: I stole my signature tag from a line in a movie. Bragging rights to the first person that names the movie...

As a current owner of both an 84 and an 87...As well as past owning a couple of other years and another 84...pluss having driven and worked on a lot of others... I can't keep quiet any-more.
The 84 was the one Corvette that GM would have been better off not having let loose.
82, 84 and 85 were crippled to the point of laughing stock by the 700R4 that hadn't been engineered worth 2 cents, the small pump meant that there was no consistency and so much loss of power that it feels like it is slipping to the point of not even being there most of the time.
The geometry of the front control arms was just off on the 84...period. It was changed to the better by 85 along with the bearings...compare the originals to the replacements before you say they have the same #s... The replacements are the same but not what was actually on the assembly line in 84. Some-where i have a small book that lists ALL of the service tech notes on 84 to 91...the 84 had more than all the other years combined.
They are still a Corvette and look way cool. i enjoy the one i have as well as the 84 i got rid of. They are nice and cheep on the markets (have been for over 10 years for a good reason). Most of the problems can be dealt with or ignored but you are kidding your self if you even start to think that they handle, brake, or have power like other C4s. Sorry but i know the truth and can't handle seeing the comparison... there is none.
By late 86 GM had solved most of the problems, introduced the roller cam and aluminum heads. Started getting some of the engine managements in line (didn't have close to right untill sequential though), fixed the majority of the suspension short comings (great general design just wasn't engineered in the details well), and introduced a much better transmission for the auto and standard alike.
i think it is insane to even think the 84 was the best C4...it was just the introduction of the new design that led to the better ones later.
Sorry i will now get off my :soapbox:
And as was posted before...enjoy the one you have. Remember that although there is always one better out there, yours is your greatest because it is yours, and remember to save the wave since you are lucky enough to belong to a group that most others seem to envy... Corvette owner and driver. They all beat most other cars on the road.

PS: I stole my signature tag from a line in a movie. Bragging rights to the first person that names the movie...

Was it True Lies

Was it True Lies

You sir, are absolutely correct.:goodpost:

I agree to all the above! I used to have a c2 '67 327-350 that was my pride and joy along with a 69 427 w/ factory sides. I miss those two. I currently have an 80 L82, 92 coupe and a 03 50th. I like them all for different reasons. After losing the first two above after a divorce, it does not matter what year you have as long as you like it. My 92 is my pride and joy as I completely restored it after it had been slightly neglected. I drive my 03 as it is rather low miles and I want to drive some vette on a daily basis. My 80 is my project that I spend fifteen hours a week on. In 9 months, hopefully it will be close to done. I am tired of breaking parts and having to replace.

I love my three for different reasons but, a vette owner is a PROUD owner no matter what year. Driving a vette is the "most fun you can have with your pants on"!!

Thanks for all the posts...for whatever reason....I enjoy it here!

1984 C4- 230hp, 290 ft lbs torque

1987 C4- 245hp, 345 ft lbs torque
(I use the 87 because I'm familiar with the numbers)

Where are you getting your numbers from?

Oh hell, it dont matter, ALL of them are good in my book! I'm just proud to finally own one!:happy0045: :burnout:

My numbers???????? I will correct you again.
84 vette 205 hp 290 ft lbs
85 vette 230 hp 330 ft lbs
87 vette 240 hp 345 ft lbs
88 vette 240 hp 345 ft lbs convertible
88 vette 245 hp 340 ft lbs coupe
89 same as 88 vette
90 vette 250 hp 350 ft lbs coupe
:Irule:

I was saying the 84 vette was detuned from 270 hp down to 205 hp because GM casted the intake with tiny ports to slow it down enough to make the TPI cars look faster. If you look at an 84 intake the original casting had full ports and you can visually see where they added metal to make them smaller. It is a known fact if you port your intake you will lower your 1/4 mile time by .7 seconds and that will bring your ET down to equal or a little faster than a 85 TPI car. Some have even gone faster with this modification.:soapbox:

My numbers???????? I will correct you again.
84 vette 205 hp 290 ft lbs
85 vette 230 hp 330 ft lbs
87 vette 240 hp 345 ft lbs
88 vette 240 hp 345 ft lbs convertible
88 vette 245 hp 340 ft lbs coupe
89 same as 88 vette
90 vette 250 hp 350 ft lbs coupe
:Irule:

I was saying the 84 vette was detuned from 270 hp down to 205 hp because GM casted the intake with tiny ports to slow it down enough to make the TPI cars look faster. If you look at an 84 intake the original casting had full ports and you can visually see where they added metal to make them smaller. It is a known fact if you port your intake you will lower your 1/4 mile time by .7 seconds and that will bring your ET down to equal or a little faster than a 85 TPI car. Some have even gone faster with this modification.:soapbox:

My apologies, I see I added 5 hp to the 87 specs. Had a "pre senior" moment!

Well heck, if you want to talk about MODIFIED engines, we can debate all day about what makes which one faster. I can do ALOT of things to my engine to up the hp, torque, and lower the 1/4 mile ET's. Sure, if you port your intake, the hp will go up... that's a given on ANY engine (as long as you open up the exhaust to take advantage of the increased airflow coming IN). If I port the TPI plenum and runners on my engine... same effect. But, if you stick with the FACTORY numbers, the crossfire engine is the lowest number of the pack, period. Doesnt matter WHY GM did it, the fact is they DID it. And, I'd like to see some info to back up what you're saying about GM "purposefully" detuning the crossfire engines by installing a small ported intake manifold. I dont know of many engines that come from the factory with the intakes port matched to the heads, so I dont think that's strictly a GM "power play". Hey, I'm not slamming your 84 at all, so dont get me wrong. I almost bought one right before I found the 87' I've got. But let's talk facts here, about what the engines are straight out of the box... NOT what they could be with some aftermarket tweaking.:duel: :sm_party:

I've got a 1990. It has a ton of miles. The transmission need some work. I have had a bunch of problems with the starter. The worst is the radio needs to be fixed. But you know what, I can't wait for spring to pull that car out of storage because I just love that car. That car just makes me feel alive. So 84, 87, 90, 96, it doesn't matter, when we turn that key and hear that motor fire what ever one we are sitting in is the best.

My apologies, I see I added 5 hp to the 87 specs. Had a "pre senior" moment!

Well heck, if you want to talk about MODIFIED engines, we can debate all day about what makes which one faster. I can do ALOT of things to my engine to up the hp, torque, and lower the 1/4 mile ET's. Sure, if you port your intake, the hp will go up... that's a given on ANY engine (as long as you open up the exhaust to take advantage of the increased airflow coming IN). If I port the TPI plenum and runners on my engine... same effect. But, if you stick with the FACTORY numbers, the crossfire engine is the lowest number of the pack, period. Doesnt matter WHY GM did it, the fact is they DID it. And, I'd like to see some info to back up what you're saying about GM "purposefully" detuning the crossfire engines by installing a small ported intake manifold. I dont know of many engines that come from the factory with the intakes port matched to the heads, so I dont think that's strictly a GM "power play". Hey, I'm not slamming your 84 at all, so dont get me wrong. I almost bought one right before I found the 87' I've got. But let's talk facts here, about what the engines are straight out of the box... NOT what they could be with some aftermarket tweaking.:duel: :sm_party:

Here is what GM did to the ports on the 84 vette with the crossfire intake, as you can see the casted it larger and then added metal to the ports to reduce power on the top end of the RPM.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w80/shermannelson/DSCF4404.jpg
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w80/shermannelson/DSCF4405.jpg
With the ports closed up like this reduced HP by 40-60hp, depending on how much you open them back up. The point I am trying to make is GM had more horsepower if they would have left the ports alone, but they went out of their way to slow the crossfire down. By porting the crossfire intake you are bring it back up to stock specs at about 260-270 hp. The tpi intake comes stock with the ports open.

Here is what GM did to the ports on the 84 vette with the crossfire intake, as you can see the casted it larger and then added metal to the ports to reduce power on the top end of the RPM.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w80/shermannelson/DSCF4404.jpg
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w80/shermannelson/DSCF4405.jpg
With the ports closed up like this reduced HP by 40-60hp, depending on how much you open them back up. The point I am trying to make is GM had more horsepower if they would have left the ports alone, but they went out of their way to slow the crossfire down. By porting the crossfire intake you are bring it back up to stock specs at about 260-270 hp. The tpi intake comes stock with the ports open.

Hmm, funky way to cast an intake, I'll give you that!

I've got a 1990. It has a ton of miles. The transmission need some work. I have had a bunch of problems with the starter. The worst is the radio needs to be fixed. But you know what, I can't wait for spring to pull that car out of storage because I just love that car. That car just makes me feel alive. So 84, 87, 90, 96, it doesn't matter, when we turn that key and hear that motor fire what ever one we are sitting in is the best.

:iagree: Damn skippy!:sm_party: :beerbang: :sm_party: :beerbang:

For me it is the 90. The interior was improved and of course the debut of the ZR-1. The 90 ZR-1 also looked the most different then the base vette with the square tailights. After 90 it was alot tougher to distinguish them.

I have read this thread for the simple reason that i plan to buy a c4 corvette by the spring, So if the best is unable to be determined how about the best for the buck? :thumbsup3:
I do not have a large sum of money (or i would buy a c5)
But of the average c4 what do you guys think?

Ps the best is a 90 ZR! :hump:
I just cant afford something that beautiful!

I have read this thread for the simple reason that i plan to buy a c4 corvette by the spring, So if the best is unable to be determined how about the best for the buck?
I do not have a large sum of money (or i would buy a c5)
But of the average c4 what do you guys think?
As i stated before the 84 is going to be the cheapest to buy, but you will be spending a lot of time spinning wrenches to get it up to par. Or worst...a lot of money having it worked on.
But almost any budget C4 is going to have issues so you really need to answer a question before getting steered in any direction... Just what is your level of mechanic's skill? If you are not extremely experienced then you should get more money for your initial purchase and find one with low miles in great shape.
What is your maintenance budget going to be? After 87 they went to more costly 17" tires...but the 255-50-16s are starting to get rarer also for the 84-87.
The 91 up LT-1s are a lot more expensive on the tune-up parts (look up distributor woes). 88 up also cost more on brakes and shocks....It is all relative to what your budget is and what you can fix vs. what you will pay another to work on.
So just don't be too quick to pick one out...look around for a while.

In my opinion 96 was the best year for the C4.

They are all good, just personal preference.
Start by price? Do you want to spend $20,000, then get a low miles ZR-1 or twin turbo calloway, or a lingenfelter prepped car.

Next step, $3000-$10000, which body style do you like? 84-90 has a more muscular look with sharp cut lines, or do you like the smooth more aero dynamic look 91-96.

Next step: auto or manual, In 1989-96 they came with a 6-speed early models 84-88 had the wretched 4+3 4-speed doug nash.

Next step engine power, TPI vettes85-91 run about the same low 14 second,

:i agree: 1987 Of course! :cheers:
I may be a little biased but I like my 87 vert.with its Z 52 pkg.and the truck moter.
Regards: TGR

86 corvette with 4+3 coupe Z51 PACKAGE

84 were one of the worst with the cross fire injection and any corvette with automatic transmission automatics are for girls sports cars have sticks

86 corvette with 4+3 coupe Z51 PACKAGE

84 were one of the worst with the cross fire injection and any corvette with automatic transmission automatics are for girls sports cars have sticks

Easy there Tex... There is no such thing as a worst Corvette.

If you want reliable C4, get an 84, for power go ZR-1 or twin turbo, you want a headache get a LT-1(optispark failure).

I like all of them!

I like all of them!

Even the crossfire:spank:

Well im looking for a standard model, No ZR1 or Z51 nothing like that.
I do like the interior or the 90 and newer, much more sleek:hehehe:
And yes i have a pretty low price rang, looking for 10k +- a couple K
And from looking at alot of local posting it should not be a problem
I have found a 90 with 57k miles in great condition, But does anyone have any things i might not notice that would be wrong with the car. :1zhelp: :help:
I know many things about the C3 but when it comes to the C4 i know very little about factoring issues
for instance never buy a C3 with wheels that seem to lean cost about 4k to fix, just things like that for the C4 group

86 corvette with 4+3 coupe Z51 PACKAGE

84 were one of the worst with the cross fire injection and any corvette with automatic transmission automatics are for girls sports cars have sticks

Easy now, remarks like that WILL get you smoked at the stoplight, at least by THIS automatic driver, anyway!:cheers:

if anybody wants to talk bad about cars save it for fords vettes are great in all colors and years we are all lucky to be in one:cheers:

does this not say it all?

The best year for a C-4 was 96. No question. If every year is not better than the one before it. Something is really wrong. Who would want a car that did not improve with each year. The best every year ---so far---is 2009

I'm pretty hooked on 94s. But I like all c4s when it comes down to it.

does this not say it all?:iagree: there are no bad vetts
:fight:

New member here but on my 12th Vette, a '96 Lt4 and the best todate. Of course I haven't driven a C6 Zo6, let alone a new ZR !
Great to be on board.
tvett68

I Have A 85 And Love It