Buying another Vette

[jrizz1]

I am considering buying another car to use as a daily driver. I am interested in a 1992-1996 convertible. Due to the difference in price, are there any big advantages or disadvantages in any certain year? Any big differences in ride or performance? Thanks for any advice, Joe.

 

[vette-dude]

I traded my "in not such good condition" 94 LT1 coupe with 54K for a 91 L98 Conv with 73K and have never been happier. It has the three level suspension control feature, the power seats with lumbar support, a CD player and it was a one owner never driven in the rain always garaged car. It is alot easier to work on as far as tune-up (no opti-spark) and it handles alot better I think. Besides it is RED as all vettes should be ( I'll get flamed for that one I'm sure)! It does not have the HP the 94 had but I sure don't notice it when I'm cruising. If you could find a well cared for 91 or 92 Vert. you might be happier than owning a newer one with the opti-spark (read prone to go out on you when you least expect it) ignition. Of course the 94 I had was not well cared for and that is what made me decide to trade. I also love the top down drives. One disadvantage to owning the vert is the lack of stowage area. If you are going to cruise in one of these for a long trip you will be limited to essential items only. You could always put a luggage rack on one but --naaaaaaaaaaaa! Well that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Randy

 

[c4cruiser]

With C4's, look for the best overall car and latest year for the money you have to spend. The 95's and 96 cars with the base suspension are the softest riding but have the larger 13" brakes. The seats in 94's and later are wider at the base and back so the fit is (IMHO) not as good as the 92-93 or the sport seats. Outside of the LT4 motor (96 only and only with 6-speed), the LT-1 performance is pretty close to the same for all years.

The FX3 Selectable Ride Control suspension is a very good system but can be expensive to repair. Shocks can run to $200 each for new and each shock has its own electric actuator that can run upwards of $140. I like the C68 Electronic Climate Control system as you can just set a temp and forget it.

The Opti-Spark distributor on the 92-94 cars can be troublesome especially if you get it wet. DON"T wash the front of the motor!! If the water pump goes, it will kill the opti at the same time. This can be an expensive fix as Opti's run over $400-450 for the part. The opti in the 95-6 cars has a sealed system that uses vacuum to draw out any moisture and this can be retro-fitted to the earlier cars.

Some people hate the Bose Gold audio system but the one I have sounds OK to me. In a roadster with the top down you don't really hear the benefits of a superfine audio system especially with a good exhaust system!!

Transmission is your preference but both the MN6 and A4 deliver good acceleration and top speeds approaching 160MPH. I was able to get my 92 roadster to just flash 160 on the digital speedo on a trip to Montana.

If you can find a roadster with the optional hardtop, consider that car or find one separately for it. Once the hardtop is installed, the car is actually stiffer than the coupe with its fiberglass top installed and NHRA will allow you to run up to 13.0 with it installed as it has an integral roll bar. I put mine on in the winter and the soft top hasn't been damaged by keeping it folded.

Like any car, it's a good idea to have it checked by a Corvette speciality shop or even a dealer before you buy.

 

[Tuna]

Due to the difference in price, are there any big advantages or disadvantages in any certain year? Any big differences in ride or performance?

The newer the car, the softer/better the ride - generally. Otherwise, I can't think of much else to separate them.
There is the LT4 option in 96, otherwise you're looking at an LT1.

Since you're looking for a vert, you can't get the Z07/Z51 option so you'll be looking at the base suspension or the FX3 (or F45 in 96) adjustable suspension. 94-96 seems to ride a little softer. I think they reduced the spring rates.

Each Vette seems to have a personality of its own, so I'd advise driving every vert you can find. Then buy the one that suits you the best.

 

[Gorgon]

In '94 they went to a glass window in the top. This is a nice improvement over the plastic window IMO.

Check the model year highlights in the model center. They list improvements made in each model year.

And like was already stated, drive them. I couldn't be happier with the vert I picked up last year.

Leon

 

[JohnnyC]

Air bags

When was the passenger side air bag first in the C4? That might be something to consider.

 

[Vettelt193]

dual air bags started in '94, which is actually a negative because you lose the glove box (but gain the little door compartments).

Some like the '93 and earlier seats, some like the '94-'96 seats... I think the leather is better on my '96 than it was on my '93.

The glass rear window is great, but also negative because the glass is prone to falling out, and they are costly to replace ($1000+).

1992 was the last year of the 9.5 inch wheels on all 4 corners, which is nice for tire rotation (the exceptions to the rule are ZO7 and Z51 equipped cars)

The dash was changed from orange lettering to white in '94. I think that is a matter of preference. the white still glows orange at night.

Mechanically the '92 and '93 cars use the older style computer (with a chip). they use batch fire injection. The '94 -'96 cars use OBD1 and OBD2 computers (depending on year) with no chip. they updated the injection system as well.

1996 LT4 is the ultimate if you can get it. They are fun to drive slow or fast, great torque curve (flat) and good horsepower. LT1's are fun, but I don't think I will go back to one unless I get a great deal. I like the low end torque feel of the LT4 and L98 cars better.... again, this is a personal preference and driving style thing.