Reliability

[Jedi86]

How reliable are the C4 Callaway Vettes? I was just curious and wanted to find out. Thanks!

 

[*89x2*]

It trully depends on the owner.
Callaway Corvettes can be divided into 2 groups... The Twin Turbo "B2K's" and the Supernatural's "SNAT's".
The twin turbo's are just that, 2 turbo's on an L98 based 350 w/ twin intercoolers and some other specific parts.
SNAT's are 383's and make their power w/ out boost...

So why does it depend on the driver? Well, if you beat on either, neither will last forever...

Turbo cars will need to be "cooled down" before shutting them off (or the hot oil "cokes" in the lines and housings...
SNAT's are tough cookies but like any engine, you have to know your limitations...

The B2K cars were made from 1987-1991 and the SNAT's, from 1992- Current.

hope this helps - *89x2*

 

[SurfnSun]

I think a good PM program on a turbo car will yield lots 'o super fun boosted miles

 

[supernatural400]

Never had a problem with mine from day one. I had her up to 172 and she ws good to go for more. I the only PM I do is change the oil every 2500 miles, of course she's a show car and get rarely driven. But we will have to see this year as she has seen her last show and is now going to used for what she was designed for...Driving and racing ..other than rotors, pads and hats (the pads wore out after some laps at lime rock) that's the only parts that needed replacing.

 

[EricVonHa]

The Callaways are like any other Vette. Basic maintenance intervals apply with the exception of oil (and maybe plugs). Granted, with any turbo car, there is a whole heck of a lot more that can go wrong the Twin Turbo setup as compared to a naturally aspirated motor. If cared for properly and basic operational features are maintained, these cars will run every bit as long as the standard C4's. Though, mind you, if there is any little hickup with timing, fuel delivery or boost control, the car will drive with very perceivable problems. I'm not saying that these things occur any more often than a n.a. car, it's just that when anything is out of whack within any turbo car, it's my experience that it's more easily noticed than it's n.a. brethren.

The outright performance on the highway of these Callaway Twin Turbos is astounding. Several of us can attest to the bullet like acceleration that's on tap when you're rollling on the highway doing 50mph or so! What a rush! They may not have had astounding factory quarter mile times, but get that thing on the highway and feel what ~500 ft/lbs of torque is like!

It's time to pick up one of these cars if you're in the market. The value of these cars is escalating as we spread the word about their rarity and collectibility (500 existed + or - a few). This section of the forum is a great place to get leads and great feedback and also mechanical advice.

 

[91callaway]

i believe they have a history of blowing rods. im sure callaway knows how many of the 500 or so did. anyone care to ask them?
i know of one for sure. i was driving mine when rod blew.