Several Questions Re: C4's

[Rogue]

New to this board and have recently been Corvette shopping. I know very little about the C4 and I thought I might post some questions.

I noticed that not all 1991 to 1996 C4's did NOT come with the 300 bhp V8. When was the first year this engine was used?

What is the performance specs of the early 1990's C4 with the 245 bhp automatic gearbox? 0-60? 1/4 time? Topspeed?

What is the difference between the 245 bhp vs the 300 bhp V8 besides the obvious power difference?

How much long term maintenance does the 1991-1996 C4 require? Like how often major service is required and how often the 4-speed autobox must be serviced? Spark plug replacement? Ignition Service? How expensive are these major service items when performed by a Chevrolet dealer?

I also noticed some C4's come with Acrylic top in dark smoke and some came with body colored tops. Was the Acrylic top in dark smoke an option?

How many miles can a well maintained C4 with the 245 bhp V8 and 300 bhp V8 go before needing a rebuild? Assuming normal maintenance (ie by the book).

So many questions. Thanks for all your responses.

 

[Jeffvette]

1990 L98 245-250 hp
1990 LT5 375 Hp 6 speed only
1991 L98 245-250 hp
1991 LT5 375 hp 6 speed only
1992 LT1 300 hp
1992 LT5 375 hp 6 speed only
1993 LT1 300 hp
1993 LT5 405 hp 6 speed only
1994 LT1 300 hp
1994 LT5 405 hp 6 speed only
1995 LT1 300 hp
1995 LT5 405 hp 6 speed only
1996 LT1 300 hp Auto only
1996 LT4 330 hp 6 speed only

The roof panels were an option. Body color was stock, so you had a choice to buy a glass one or buy both.

 

[Edmond]

I would say that you can easily achieve 150,000 miles without a rebuild. That is, if the car has been taken care of.

Honestly, any work done at a dealer will cost you some major cash. I do my own work so I can't give you specifics. But you can expect somewhere around $80 an hour for labor.

Tires are an issue that you didn't bring up. They're kind of expensive.

 

[vader86]

The 90 engine is called the L98, available options in exhaust and such changed its HP output from 245-250 depending.

There are three possible tops, Bronze clear, blue clear, and body color. The one you are looking at is a blue tint clear.

0-60 should be in the mid 5s. (5.4-5.6) on average.
1/4 is a high 13 if you can launch it, but most people turn anywhere from 13.8-14.2 or thereabouts.

The 300hp engine you speak of is the 92-96 standard LT1 engine, introduced in 92. (96 6-speed has the optional 330hp LT4, which actually puts out 350hp) It is a GEN II SBC, the L98 is a GEN I, just like the thousands of small block chevys built in the old days. The LT1 is a totally different engine, different cooling, different ignition system. Different intake, different exhaust routing, etc.

a 90-91 usually needs things like alternators and wheel bearings at the 100k range, basically anything any other car needs

92-96 needs those plus you have the different ignition system to take care of (the optispark distributor CANNOT be allowed to get wet, and the water pump sits right on top of it "GM Geniuses"). This itself is a MAJOR repair bill, upwards of $600-800, simply because you should replace the WP at the same time as the Optispark. Wheel bearings are also $150-250 each, dependin on where you get them and who the manuf. is.

the automatic doesnt need anything really, a fluid and filter change every 30K and it should be just fine for well over 100K

The engine itself lasts around 150K if maintained properly. But there are a few people with 200K+.

 

[Rogue]

Thanks guys. This info has helped me a great deal in choosing a 'Vette. See my next post!