Looking into buying a corvette

I've been doing some research but I'd figure I'd ask if anyone knows anything or has experience with corvettes from 85-95 because that's the range of years I'm looking at to get one. Are there certain years to avoid all together? Are there certain engines or transmissions that are known for being complete shit? I'd prefer to have a manual transmission but I'd also like what will hold up the best and will settle with an automatic if I have to.
Just wanted to hear input from some real people lol
Not planning on doing anything until next month when all my money gets lined up so I've got some time top browse and get info

 

Any particular reason why you’re wanting a C4 vs a C5? C5s are reasonably affordable (budget permitting of course) now and the performance and technological difference between the two is night and day.

I owned a 2000 C5 for 10 years and sold it back in 2012. I don’t get attached to material things but man that was an awesome car!

 

I would go c5 hands down just for the tech jump alone, c4s just feel sluggish to me. Every c5 I’ve drove has the corvette snap your neck feel to em. Word of caution, c5 era is when guys started heavily nodding then, make sure you know what’s done to the car and it’s not best to hell.

 

I know you’re looking at C4s, but I’ve got to agree with both guys above me. C5 is the way to go. The LS2 is a beast of a power plant. I have a 2006 GTO manual tranny with the same motor and it’ll fly. I really think you’d get a lot more band for your buck with the C5.

How much are you looking to spend?

 

Get an older manual ZR1 FTW

http://www.motortrend.com/news/chevrolet-corvette-zr-1/

 

KIN

KING OF THE HILL BABY! Still holds ten national/international performance records, or something like that.

 

My father just sold his '93 40th anniversary. Lt1 automatic, 40k on it. Feel free to ask any questions.

 

I'm mainly looking into how well the cars hold up and their reliability of them because when I try to search online it only tells about it can go this fast and the 0 to 60 is x seconds and so forth I just wanna know if they will hold up good or if there's any models that fall apart more than others

The main reason I'm looking into a 90's model is because that's what's in my price range and I personally like the way they look

 

I’d go with a late model C4 then like a ZR-1 or LT4. The early C4s with the crossfire injected 350s were gutless.

 

I'd say go with a 91+

Ours was reliable until it broke, get a Zr1 if you can afford it. Otherwise you can get plenty of parts for them and they're solid cars.

They're super cramped though so keep that in mind.

 

The one I have in mind and that's close to me is a 94 manual. I've read that new tires can be pretty expensive is that still true or do you think the websites were talking about some top quality luxury bullshit

 

C4 'Vette wise I'd get a last production year ZR1 or no C4 at all.

Honestly though for a great number of reasons you should hold out for a well priced C5.

It is going to be significantly more reliable, more powerful, and easier as well as cheaper to maintain.

There's a reason the LS1 is the most commonly swapped motor in existence.

I would also avoid anything with an LS2, not bad motors per-say, but if an LS2 isn't leaking oil it's because there's no oil in it and that gets old fast.

 

Even LS3 Grand Sport C6's can be had in the low 20's if your patient.


It boggles my mind but you can actually jump from forum to forum and it goes like this...


Want a pure drivers sports car what get?
-Miata
v
Have miata want more what get?
S2K
v
Have S2K want more what get?
C5/C6
v
Have Vette want more pure connected driving experience what get?
v
-Miata
v
(Return to top of flow chart.)



But having either owned or at least driven each I get it.

Really the only solution to leave the loop then is a LS swapped Monster Miata!

 

I didn’t read any of this other than your initial post, but don’t settle for anything other than a manual when purchasing a 80-90’s sports car.

 

I'd extend that to say if you don't get a manual you're not buying a sports car.

Shifting your own gears really connects you to the car and to the road, it really gives you that sports car feeling and is very rewarding when you perfect rev matching left foot breaking heel toeing etc.

But that's just me, I don't get along with auto transmission anything.

 

I had a 1990 corvette in High school. Got it cheap. They were and still are very cheap considering.
Absolute nightmare.
Never again.
Have to repeat the save your money for a c5 or something else.
We’re talking about cars almost 30 years old.

 

The zf stick shift in the c5s are built extremely well too, you can add power to those cars and surprisingly the stock clutch will take a good bit. Crazy reliable transmission with cheap aftermarket upgrades if ya wanna make real big power.
You will buy it stock. Get bored a year or two if ya last that long. Then cam it, bore it, injectors, yada yada. Just remember, the more ya add the more unreliable you’re making the car in a sense. There is a limit and most guys don’t take that into consideration. A fully built track car often times isn’t fun to street drive.

 

Check some Corvette forums.

 

Truth.

And for the skeptics who don't think it will fit............




The specification is typical for an FM-built NB. The engine is a 430 hp with the EROD engine management which makes it easy to get through an emissions check. The AFCO suspension gives fantastic body control over all surfaces. Naturally, the car retains Miata steering, suspension geometry and all the parts that make the Miata such a fun car to drive - no solid axles here!

Specification:

• GM Performance Parts LS3 EROD crate engine
• Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission
• Getrag differential with 3.73 ratio
• FM aluminum driveshaft and upgraded halfshafts
• FM cold air intake
• Air conditioning and cruise control
• Custom FM crossflow radiator for LS3 applications
• FM V8 dual exhaust
• FM AFCO suspension, professionally cornerweighted
• FM swaybars
• Kosei K4R 15x8 wheels with brand new 225/45-15 Nexen N FERA tires
• FM four wheel big brake kit
• aluminum hood louvers, colormatched to the hood
• Aerocatch hood latches, colormatched to the hood

The car is currently in Lexington, KY. Asking price is $38,000.