I Am The Walrus
| Good luck getting parts for the LT4 and C4 these days. They're just terribly outdated. The C5 is outdated, too. I believe they fixed the problem with the weeping water pump so it won't fry the distributor. The LT4, I believe, was an LT1 but with a hot cam. I think the LT4 was underrated in terms of power as I've read multiple stories of drives in an LT4 outrunning the early versions of LS1 powered Corvettes.
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| Should not be a problem to get parts. There are many aftermarket parts companies making them for the C4. Recommend you go to the www.corvetteforum.com and check out the C4 section. have to register to post but no cost to do that. From my experience, the people on the corvette forum are a lot like us on the SF, very helpful. I have an 87 and no issues getting parts of any kind.
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“If in winning a race, you lose the respect of your fellow competitors, then you have won nothing” - Paul Elvstrom "The Great Dane" 1928 - 2016 |
| | | Posts: 3816 | Location: Wichita, Kansas | Registered: March 27, 2011 | 
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| I had a 96 Grand Sport convertible (#583), one of the 190 that were built. It was a great car that attracted attention and was easy to enter but difficult to exit after double knee replacement. The frame rail next to the seat is quite high and the steering wheel is in the wrong place if you are 6'2". The LT4-4 is a powerful engine and was underated. It would give first year LS1's a real tussle and in most cases outrun them. The Optispark was an issue but better replacements have been developed. The water pump is driven off the front of the camshaft and if you see any antifreeze on the floor or on the hood liner, be prompt about replacing the pump before further damage ensues. There are also likely better seals on the waterpump now and if all else fails go to an electric pump that removes all issues from the area.
The “POLICE"
Their job Is To Save Your Ass,
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| | | Posts: 3007 | Location: See der Rabbits, Iowa | Registered: June 12, 2007 |
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| quote: Originally posted by Gene Hillman:
This isn't a comment on the engine but make sure you can comfortably get in and out of that model. Depending on your age and health a lot of people have trouble doing that as they get older if they are less nimble. Try one on for size then try a C5. Both may work for you but there is a huge difference between the two models in many ways.
Thank you. I have considered the C5 and even higher mileage C6's as I know they are better, newer, have a little more room, etc. However for some reason I like the looks of the older C4 generation. Maybe because when I was younger it was what I defined and considered a excellent sports car. This car would not be a daily driver as I have another vehicle for that. This would just be more for pleasure and to keep to hopefully appreciate in value in the future. God Bless 
"Always legally conceal carry. At the right place and time, one person can make a positive difference."
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| | | Posts: 3126 | Location: Sector 001 | Registered: October 30, 2009 |
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| quote: Originally posted by Gene Hillman:
I've owned Corvettes continuously since 1965 including all models through the C-6. I really like the 1962 (C-1) and have owned several of them but it is a brutal, primitive and unsafe ride by today's standards. I love the looks of that model but if I had my choice between getting beat up or driving one 300 continuous miles, I'd have to think about it. I owned a couple of C-4's and they are a huge improvement over the 1962's and I like their looks too. Whether or not they will appreciate is anybody's guess. There is one that looks nice from the street on a local car lot for about $7000 which is an inexpensive way to get into a Corvette. When shopping, either know the cars or take someone who does. I think they are a tricky car to buy used and a very easy one to inherit a lot of someone else's problems. Best of luck in your decision and search!
Thank you Gene for sharing your insight and experience. Several of the 1996 C4 LT4 Vettes I am looking at are all under $10K and under 100K miles which like you in my opinion a good deal to get into the Vette ownership. Just like Porsches I believe that all Vettes appreciate in time. I have read and researched that the LT1 / LT4 engines are pretty robust with many lasting hundreds of thousands of miles. The only major problem I have read about the C4's are concerning the Optispark distributor system. The way it is designed it will eventually go bad and need replacement, however it gives you warning signs before that happens. God Bless
"Always legally conceal carry. At the right place and time, one person can make a positive difference."
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| | | Posts: 3126 | Location: Sector 001 | Registered: October 30, 2009 |
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