This is an old thread and a revisit of a topic that can touch some nerves.
I have had my '84 since '85; #5 Vette, for me. #6, an '05 came and went quickly. The '85 had a one-year-only ECM, BTW.
The '84 was recognized as a huge step onto the world stage with a car that could, off the showroom floor, humble some exotics at a fraction of the cost. Sure, the beancounters forced it to be made it cheaper and the cars were and still are snootily berated, but the car kicks many butts! Imagine what a $150k Corvette could do!
The Crossfire and Doug Nash were misunderstood; a topic thrashed to death. Actually, the O/D was NOT the problem, but control issues and the T-10's minimal strength (and limited upgrade options) grew out of proportion to reality. Today, I put over 500 ft.lbs. thru the 4+3, albeit rather as gently as possible.
With the TPI modified 409 engine, I quickly realized the superb AMERICAN engineering that is in the car, delivering world class handling if limited raw grunt, while reliable enough for milk runs. It was the only production car capable of 1G lateral. Stock, my Z-51 '84 could make by eyeballs bounce from lateral G loading and also reach 150mph; or deliver 23-24 mpg on the highway!
Sure, the TBI had little pull above about 4200 rpm because it was the first engine that delivered big torque numbers down low, while eschewing the hyped peak HP numbers that many drivers lusted after. The smallish intake ports below the glorified-carburetor, solenoid-squirting TB gave a high velocity intake charge at low RPM and great torque due to those small ports, but also restricted airflow at high RPM. ECM computing capability was limited and quite new, so latter model years 'improved' some aspects, as tech allowed. Chevy responded to the rattle and squeak complaints with a big push to reduce them in the '87s onward, just as they responded to dealers' lack of knowledge on the advanced car by sending factory trainers to train 'the field'.
Most of the Corvette community is welcoming and supportive of all Corvettes.
I embrace the 'there is NO bad Corvette' philosophy, but caution against trying to 'best' one '84 that can, and has embarrassed some Jap sport bikes!
