quote:

Originally posted by VBVAGUY:
Watch out for the distributor as if I remember correctly the water pump leaked into this. Digital dash is expensive to repair.
God Bless !!!

The optispark was an issue with the LT1, which didn't come about until 1992, IIRC. Good motor, stupid distributor design and placement. The 1990 Vette should have an L98 in it, which has a more traditional distributor located behind the intake.

quote:

Thanks. I printed out a RPO list as well and will be giving the car as thorough an inspection as I can manage.

Also calling my insurance guy today to see how big a hit that will be.

Tires appear to be in the $200/per range as I won't be needing Z-rated tires. Owner says mileage is in the 22,000 range and that makes me suspect the tires are 35 year old originals.

Besides calling your insurance guy contact one of the classic car insurance companies such as Hagerty or Grundy. Their policies are usually alot less expensive and geared toward the limited usage this car will get.

https://ibb.co/mFWTYt1

I picked up this 84 few years ago for a steal ($2300),
30 year garage queen, 83k on the original engine heavily modified yet still had the Crossfire with the mods done. it was built in 83 and was 8379 to roll out of the Bowling Green plant.
I believe the original paint, hand sprayed before the robots were perfected.
Tires were the biggest expense of getting it on the road. Electrical gremlins were 2nd problem.
After pumping out old gas and replacing some rotted vaccume lines it drove on the trailer.
https://ibb.co/1ZDtZYm

I drove an 85 Vette for 4 years and I bought a 90 Vette in 94 and sold it in 98 after we had our baby.

Both were used as daily drivers and the 90 Vette was a dream. Wish I had it back.

Best of luck and let me know if you need any oil filters. I still have 2-3 Fram filters that are yours if you want.

Big $$ but the only C4 I'd want would be a ZR1

Drove a few when I was working at Chevrolet in college, they're definitely a fall in/climb out, compared to the C5 & newer.

I don't know if the 1990 model would use a "tape drive" window regulator, but earlier years of this generation did.

My sister-in-law had a 1984 (first year of this generation) model. It had a racetrack-oriented suspension (Z-something) that was even stiffer than the already firm standard. It had an absolutely bone-jarring ride which exacerbated the squeaks and rattles that these early years were known for. I also had a repair shop client for a time who owned an '84 and was a librarian. She even looked the part of the stereotype.

quote:

Originally posted by VBVAGUY:
Watch out for the distributor as if I remember correctly the water pump leaked into this. Digital dash is expensive to repair.
God Bless !!!

Not an issue on this model, it has the L98 and the distributor in is the normal back of the intake position you are thinking of the later LT series of engines produced by GM.

The L98 is a good platform and well tested and it responds well to performance upgrades as well, I ran a 150 shot of NOS on my 86, changed rear gears, exhaust, chip, and it ran like a champ.

Getting in and out can be problematic for taller and bulkier individuals, so get in and out of it a few times, the frame is up in the door sill so it's a step over and into vehicle.

Parts are basic GM stuff for the engine and drive train, the rear transleaf suspension has been around since 84 on that platform, it's tested.

They handle like on rails, fun to cruise or take a trip in.

I would caution against putting Flowmasters or any loud performance exhaust, the mufflers sit right behind the rear storage compartment and can drone heavily in there, I took them off.

Not a great winter car but a great summer car up there, you can pop the top off, and have a great drive.

quote:

Originally posted by PHPaul:

Also calling my insurance guy today to see how big a hit that will be.

Great advice on insurance above for a classic corvette only driven a few thousand a year to call Hagerty or Grundy and get a declared value policy.

quote:

Originally posted by egregore:
I don't know if the 1990 model would use a "tape drive" window regulator, but earlier years of this generation did.

My sister-in-law had a 1984 (first year of this generation) model. It had a racetrack-oriented suspension (Z-something) that was even stiffer than the already firm standard. It had an absolutely bone-jarring ride which exacerbated the squeaks and rattles that these early years were known for. I also had a repair shop client for a time who owned an '84 and was a librarian. She even looked the part of the stereotype.

Z51 $600 option, they softened it up in 85 because it was so stiff for street use, the 84 z51 had a skidpad .90g and bested the Porche 928 of the era's .82 which I am sure was their goal.
Cant remember what year they upgraded the "tape drive" but easy upgrade to new style drilling 1 hole.

I think they also introduced the Z52 suspension which was between stock and Z51.

Personally I loved the digital dashes on the C4s. I also liked the breadbox dash on the passenger side and the window switches between the driver and passenger.

quote:

Originally posted by airbubba:
i looked at one, actually fell into the seat, which is lower than door sill, which made it very difficult to get out.

i ended up get on '04 c5, which which was easier to get in/out.

Ha! This is a feature not a bug.

My Dad had a 1984 for awhile. Felt like my butt was scraping the asphalt when I drove it. Loved that thing.

Just found out it's a ragtop. From discussion/pics I was under the impression it was a coupe.

Damn. Don't really want a convertible, but I'll still go look at it.

Damnit, yes you do. You are only going to drive that thing in the summer in Maine, and you're a motorcycle guy. Wind in the hair and all that.

I'm with Artie, but T tops are ok too.
1 of 7630 ragtops made in '90, 32.27% of production.
I would hold out for a C5, they are much better than the C4 in my opinion.
And easier to resell.

Got it bought. Exactly as advertised, 20,435 on the odometer, spotless inside and out, only flaw (which he mentioned when we were texting) is some paint chipping around the driver's side flip up headlight.

Arranging insurance and registration now, daughter will take me back down Saturday to pick it up.

Test drive was short as it didn't have much gas in it and it was raining. Guy said as far as he knows, that's the first time it's ever had rain on it...

Getting in/out IS going to be a challenge, but it's perfectly comfy once seated. Even if it tickles my fancy for a couple of years and moves on, I feel it will have been worth it.

Congrats!!!

My 90 was a glass targa top in the metallic red.

You have the "come catch me" red so be careful!

Again, I have a few "vintage" brand new Fram PH8a oil filters that I will never use if you want them. They date back to ~1997. Be sure to double-check if your Vette has the same size.

quote:

Originally posted by h2oys:
Congrats!!!

My 90 was a glass targa top in the metallic red.

You have the "come catch me" red so be careful!

Again, I have a few "vintage" brand new Fram PH8a oil filters that I will never use if you want them. They date back to ~1997. Be sure to double-check if your Vette has the same size.

Thanks, I'll check on that. Looking at the dipstick I think the oil is brand new. If I can get it up high enough, I'll have a peek at the filter.

Congratulations!
Enjoy the C4, top down!
"come catch me" red
We always called it arrest me red.
I have a red truck and must admit, more people see you.

Congrats, P.
Enjoy it & get that top down.

quote:

If I can get it up high enough,

There is ONLY 4 jack points on a C4, any others may cause damage.

Nice, The convertible will be fun and easier to deal with than the removable top.

Keep it stock, don't mess with the exhaust, chip, and all the go fast goodies, and it should be a fun car to have. Since it's a convertible getting in and out will be a lot easier, top down, than the coupe.

C4 ran many years so there are lots of parts for them out there should you need anything.

Ecklers Corvette Parts in Titusville was a normal trip for me when I had the C4, spent a lot of money with them.

https://www.ecklers.com/corvet...ries-parts-1984.html

Find out if there is a local Corvette club in your area, be a good place for tips on things to keep up on, help, etc.

Don't forget to order some gold chains, and Puma tennis shoes....