85 C-4

[TriTown]

I don't get the chance to check in on the site much but this time I noticed your post on getting a C4. They are an easy car to come accross. I have a 85 that I paid 3000.00 for. And it has 59,000 miles on it. It needed a minor body repair, some dash work to repair and after market radio install and some engine running issues resolved. It's in the body shop now for a paint job. With an alignment and a set of tires it will be my daily driver in the spring .

My point is if you keep the search going, are willing and can do the yourself you can find yourself a nice ride. Above all buy what you can afford.

 

[Mad-Mic]

Some people attempt to dazzle others with lists of upgrades costing thousands of dollars, that have little practical use for everyday driving. I think the guy who is looking for an older C4 for a pleasure car with a few mods isn't interested in reading some poster's claim to fame.

and your point is?

 

[Hot Rod Roy]

I would like to think others here will agree with me, there really isn't a bad vette, some are just better then others. A lot of people dog on the 84, but 20 years ago it was way ahead of its time.
Craig

I like my '84! It's got an '86 rear spring, though. '84 rear spring too stiff for me. But what's nice is that it's easy to change! Still handles good (but I'm not racing the car). I've improved the Cross-Fire intake manifold, and have done a few other things to the engine, and it runs fine. Not a match for the late model 'vette's, but definitely a fun car!

Almost always get a wave from other 'vette drivers, C-5 and C-6 included!

 

[Vettefan87]

Mic knows his stuff, and I have come to believe anything he says. He does know how to mod L98's. Anything he suggests is dead on in my concern for things to do to our cars to make them faster. Good luck with your search.

 

[speedmaster4]

crossfire is cool...got maligned by "journalists" who always proclaim 'newer' stuff makes 'older' look like junk...lots of 350/454 engines run good with ONE throttlebody--imagine TWO...lightly modded x-fires kill tpis

add some cubes and squeeze to a c4 and c5s are toast..proven..havent tried a c6 yet, might need more motor but $40k still in my pocket instead of gm's ought to do the trick if and when.

 

[black85vette]

Yep.The 85 is a pretty good choice.

One thing you must remember,the 85 is 21 years old so EXPECT something to leak,hum,rattle & buzz and break! It's part of the JOY of owning an older car.

I've had several Vettes and the early C4 bodystyle is one of my favorites.

\db2
carolina

I agree. My '85 has been great (with 102K). Doesn't have the finesse or power of the C5s or C6s, but oh, what fun to drive! Just have it checked out. Also make sure all interior mechanics work. Power windows, seats, radio, AC, lights, ect. It's easy to think, I can have that fixed. But as an earlier post stated, fix too much, and that $6000 car can easily turn into a $9000 car.

 

[I_R_DA_ONE]

My suggestion is to decide what body style you want and buy the cheapest thing you can find... Don't spend more than $3,500 at the start and build it and paint it back the way you want... you will find a lot of enjoyment in building your own just the way you want... and still have spent a minimal amount of money on the car
Mike R