85 vs 96

[tunedportvette]

I have an 85 vette and I found a 96 for sale How much has the 96 improved over the 85? Is there any issues with the 96 I need to be aware of before I buy one? Thanks for the help!

 

[CROOZ1N]

Each and every year of Vette gets better and better, Thats the nature of technology. Horsepower increases,Braking distances decrease. I think its been said before Buy the newest Vette you can afford and drive it like you stole it.
I asked Gordon Killebrew last weekend which C4 was best. He said the 96 was as it was the apex of C4 construction.

 

[B17Crew]

There is quite a difference from the ’85s to the 96’s in the way of refinement. You are comparing almost the beginning of the C4 generation with the last of the series.

One thing that’s tangible is a ’96 rides noticeably smoother than an ’85. My ’96 is FE1 suspensioned, it’s a pretty decent ride. Only on rough roads does the car lose some of its composure. The ’96’s don’t seem to have as many rattles as the early generation C4s, another plus is that the ’96’s have antilock brakes (antilock brakes became standard in ’86). The L98 is a great engine, mine was an auto and it was a blast to get the car rolling along. My L98 was reliable and could corner like it was on rails.

Looking over ’96s, I would make sure the optispark is in proper working order. I think the opti has received a bad wrap, but, the opti seems to be mentioned frequently when it comes to “what to look out for” on ’92-’96 cars. I’ve put over 65,000 miles on a 94 LT1 and 53,000 on my ’96 LT4. That’s 118,000 miles with no optispark issues (I just knocked on a piece of wood).

Here’s a link from the Specs section, it might come in handy as you look over Corvette’s that have potential.
Corvette Action Center | Tech Center | Buying a Corvette

This site lists a breakdown of options and production numbers.
1996 Corvette Registry

Going over a ’96 will be a lot like looking over an ’85. You want to go over all of the major mechanicals/electrical to make sure everything is in proper working order. Also take time to look for any signs of previous body work or damage.

If you want a manual and you’re looking at 96’s, your only choice will be the LT4. If you looking at an auto, it will be the 300 HP LT1 engined car.

B17Crew

 

[XLR8]

I'd echo the advice these guys offer and in addition, provide a few links you may find interesting and helpful:

CAC | Tech Center

CAC | Tech Center | Model Center

CAC | Tech Center | Model Center | 1996 Model Center

Jane Ann

 

[GS Diva]

I used to have an '85 coupe and then a '96 convertible. The differences are so noticeable that they are like two different Corvette generations. The '96 was the most improved of the C4 era. All the C4 glitches were worked out by the time they got to the '96. And if you like a stick shift, the '96 LT4 is for you. Go for it!!!

Elaine