92 Lt-1

[TKellarB]

Looking at a purchase of a 92 coupe. In general most cars have their quirks or even some years/models have particular issues.

Anything in particular that we should be looking for in terms of issues or maintenance?

As a side note, this would be an internet purchase from Fla so we would also be purchasing the car via photos and the seller's info.

 

[BarryK]

I know on LT-1's the optispark tends to go.
I believe most of the problem with that is the seals on the waterpump start to go and leak causing the optispark to get wet. If the optispark gets wet it will fry itself and you have to replace it.
Especially if the car is a little higher milage car see if the waterpump and optispark has already been replaced - if not you can figure on expecting to have to do it yourself at some point.

 

[lbitp37]

I have a 92 LT1 w/ 25600 miles on it and the only problem I had so far was a bad shock actuator, but I knew that when I bought it.

Other than that no problems and I have one trophy out of 2 shows.

Good Luck.

 

[SKIP780]

i bought an e-bay vette.looked good but had many problems. i fixed them myself and enjoy doing it so no big deal to me.but if you dont like to do the work yourself buy local. heres some problems you may not see in photos.seat bolsters worn,A/C its r12,brake lines where they come out of the ABS unit,brake pads&rotors,window stops,scraped windows,weatherstripping,the key fob thingie not working. like i said,better to buy local. if it sounds too good it probably is.

 

[grapeknutz]

My 92 has 119000 on it and has the original opti on it and still runs strong. It really depends on how it was maintained by the selling owners. so dont let others scare you on the ignition system on the LT1s

 

[o2bnkc]

I also bought an ebay vette. No major problems and I love this car. I bought it from a place in Scottsdale, Az. which dealt in high end automobiles, so I felt a little easier about wheeling and dealing online. I don't think I would have felt as comfortable buying from an individual if not face to face. I drove it back and took it to my local Chevy dealer to have it checked over and a 45,000 service done on it. They were pretty impressed about the great shape it was in. Maybe I just got lucky, but I am very happy with the deal. Just my two cents worth.

 

[Tuna]

I'm with grapeknutz here - I bought an early production 92 in 91 and had the OptiSpark failures that they were recalled for. Chevy replaced 2 in the first 5 months (second one was bad also). After that, the OptiSpark worked for 11.5 more years before it was replaced but not because it broke - I updated the motor with new heads, cam, etc and had a 96 style OptiSpark installed.

The 92 LT1 is a little different from the 93-96 LT1's:
1. They have magnesium valve covers vice composite ones
- this makes this slightly noisier due to the increased valve train noise
2. They have a double grooved belt - it will cost more to replace but not much more
3. The fuel lines are not isolated from the body as well and you may experience some fuel line 'hammer'. It is not a problem and it only occurs on cold days during the first minute or so of warm up.

If you get this car:
1. check the water pump seal for any leaks - it leaks right on the OptiSpark and that is not a good thing
2. check for oil leaks from the front and rear of the intake manifold - this is a common issue with the LT1.

You didn't mention whether it is auto or manual, or if it has the FX3 or ZO7 option. Do you know?

Later,

 

[UB2 SLOW]

Everyone pretty much covered the basics. I would find a member of CAC that lives close by and ask if they can physically check the car out for you.

 

[pokervette]

Buying on Line

I bought a 92 Coupe on line about a year ago May. I live in Michigan and my vette is also from Florida. I would have flew down to see the vette but couldn't because of spring break. (No available flights) I had to make a decision or lose the vette to someone else. The dealer let me talk to the previous owner, who had nothing to lose in talking to me. The previous owner had the car since new and even offered to send me all the receipts and maintenance records. I was lucky and had the Vette delivered by enclosed car carrier. Only problem I've had so far is the power brake booster cracked while it was stored in the winter.
I also asked the dealer to e-mail me certain pictures such as the engine compartment, close pictures of the seats, tires. I think if you do your homework you'll be able to make the right decision. Good Luck

 

[Randy Eads]

"As a side note, this would be an internet purchase from Fla so we would also be purchasing the car via photos and the seller's info."

If you really think your interested in this car then plop down the $19.00 or so for CarFax privledges ... go for the thirty day membership instead of the "one time only" plan ..... alot of info is provided specific to that car (you must have VIN) and plus some stuff peculiar to that model year.

When you finally work a deal with the seller by phone then DONT show up with a cashiers check for the full amount ... get it in differing amounts so you can "hold back" if it is not the car the seller represented it be. But, I assume, you made it clear to the seller that you expect him to be forth-coming with any drawbacks of the car.

..... and during that final phone conversation, make it understood that you expect it to be totally serviced and the fluids checked so that you will have one less thing to worry about on the drive home ...... and what a fun drive that should be!!!

Good luck .... books could be written on this stuff!!!