92 or later...I need advice!

[Zman13]

Okay, I've made a decision on the tranny...I'd like an automatic. Now the question is which year?

I want the LT1 so 92 is the oldest I can go. I've read a bunch about them lately, but I'm still not up on all the changes over subsequent years which may or may not have improved upon the 92.

One report I read said that the 92 was the best of the C4's with respect to all out performance. Once again, I have no idea if this is a true statement.

Can anyone help with my Corvette education? I've got it pretty bad, I find myself surfing the web constantly looking at Vette's. Please help! :confused

 

[rw24]

The best way to go would be to get the newest Corvette that you can afford. Every year Corvette's kept getting better and fixing problems that a previous year may have had. Has far as performance all the LT1 engines are pretty much the same regardless of which year you get. Me personally I like the L98 engine because of the torque the engine has and because there are more aftermarket parts for the L98.

 

[6 Shooter]

Best C4 Performance . . .

LT5 . . . LT4 . . . LT1 . . . in that order.

Sorry . . . don't forget the Calloway's !

The best interior in the C4's were 94 & later . . . 94 is when they made the last upgrade.

Later . . . . . .
6 Shooter

 

[Robertwav1]

I like the LT1 ... never had a problem with it. Of course this is my own experience with it, never owning anything other. I like the fact that the 93 does not have a passenger side air bag. You might want to read up on the LT1 and other in the tech center or learning center of this forum .. very interesting stuff.

 

[Tuna]

92 quirks
1. double grooved belt - costs more to replace
2. magnesium valve covers instead of the black composite ones used on later LT1
3. more valve train noise - later LT1's have a slightly different cam grind and the composite valve covers which act like mufflers for valve train noise
4. fuel line hammer in the winter - 93 and later have different fuel lines mounts
5. first ASR cars - more intrusive than later versions as the programming changed - the 92 will clamp down on power sooner and keep it from you longer

None of that stops me from keeping my 92.

 

[Randy Eads]

The search is almost as exciting as the results .... enjoy!

You didnt mention coupe or convert but, keep in mind each year (92-96) has its individual nuances and knowing the nature of the beast is necessary.

Low milage, repairs and replacements made, options that you might not want that can get pricey to maintain (FX3), ..... you got alot of homewook to do!! LOL

When you narrow down your choices to a specific car, don't forget to do the CarFax .... its worth the thiry bucks and you can do it on more than one car.


By the way, there is a sweet lo-mile convert w/Aux Hardtop at one of the dealers in SJ while your looking!

 

[FX GS]

LT5 . . . LT4 . . . LT1 . . . in that order.
Sorry . . . don't forget the Calloway's !
The best interior in the C4's were 94 & later . . . 94 is when they made the last upgrade.Later . . . . . .6 Shooter

Zman13 mentioned in his post that he wanted an automatic................so you can scratch the LT5 and LT4 off the list.
What's a Calloway?

 

[redc4corvette]

The main thing to consider is how many $$$$$$$$$$ do you have??

94 to 97 has a flashable computer and is more fun to play with.
You can play with the trans and engine and other car functions.
Draw back is asr abs system you have to learn how to drive the car,I love my 94
convert auto Lt1 .but I also like my 86 easier to race not as much to play with and I put an LT4 in it with the up grades that the lt1 needs to be a great engine.
No opti spark no water pump leak s and a few other up grades.

 

[SSTibet]

Go to the latest model with lowest miles (and best care) you can afford. I agree with the folks that every year they improved that car. I have 95 with black leather seats and it is like a cockpit - wonderfully surrounding the driver.

 

[Edmond]

IMO, see how much $ you're willing to spend. That will eliminate some cars from the picture. Then go through the list and check em' out. Drive em and see how they are, check the histories of the cars, talk to the owners. Doing those will eliminate some more cars.

Pretty soon, you'll have a short list and then go from there.

 

[Toms007]

When I was looking I bought "Corvette Specs 1984-1996" http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0933534515/qid=1098366597/sr=8-7/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i7_xgl14/002-0043911-9618400?v=glance&s=books&n=507846 The author covers the changes very carefully from year to year.

 

[timotheous]

92 Interior

The 92 interior has some nice features that were removed in later C4s.

- classy white embroidered "CORVETTE" lettering on seats (sport)
- separate console controls for passenger and driver seat (shared after 1993)
- seat style rare (93-96 seats were all the same)
- no airbag on passenger side allowed for cockpit divider between driver and passenger section
- unique driver and passenger door panels (the latter has a courtesy handle)

I've owned two 1992s - the first was a fluke, I was just looking for a second generation C4. The second one was purchased deliberately - I wanted a 1992 because of its unique appeal, more closed-in cockpit, etc. I fly 1500 miles to get it. Drove it all the way home, stopping in Arkansas, Memphis, Bowling Green (of course), then on to Toronto. What an adventure!

(Oh, and the first vette? It was stolen, never saw it again. Interestingly, it was sitting right beside a 1999 vette when it was taken - go figure).

 

[50thvert]

I suggest 94 or later

A few points. Early 93's had the double grooved belts also. In 94 the optispark was improved with a vent, this is a major failure point of the 93 C4s. I had a 93 40th Anniv and always dreaded having an optispark problem.

The damn thing is located just below the water pump on the front of the engine.

Bob

 

[Edmond]

The damn thing is located just below the water pump on the front of the engine.

Bob

Gotta love that rational GM engineering! :L

 

[lov-n-life]

I had a 96 LT1 (96 all LT1s were automatics, all LT4s were manuals) and it was a great car. I prefered the 92/93 dash (extra piece on the side completly wrapped the dash down and around the driver, like a cockpit) and the seats which were a little narrower and to me gave better lateral support. The 94-96 had a wider seat, in order to fit a wider range of drivers, but I'm skinny guy and so they allowed to much lateral movement for my liking. Other than that, as has been previously stated, go with the latest year you can afford. Even the 96's are practically being given away at this point. You should find a huge market available for you to choose from.

 

[Randy Eads]

" I had a 93 40th Anniv and always dreaded having an optispark problem."

Vee haf our vays to make it work!!

 

[warren s]

The 95 and 96 had the vented opti spark, updated programming for the auto trans and the ZR1 brake package was standard. The base suspension on the 95 was smoother riding than previous years while still producing the same corning numbers.