Chevy C4 Corvette ULTIMATE Buyers Guide

[@hydroplaneconvoy8130]

I rescued a beater 92’ stick shift and she was down for a couple years till I invested 4-5 grand. New ECM & tune up etc. Now it is rolling around pretty dirty. Easily my favorite car of all time to drive. Can’t put it into words.

[@DouglasMartin-p8r]

DO NOT REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT GEARS WITH BRASS. If they bind, you will burnout the headlight motor. 95% of the time it’s only the pellets that are worn. Opti spark, is a pain but a replacement is doable. Obviously the vlogger on this video does not do his own work. I am 73, own 4 C4’s and been wrenching on them for years.

[@adventureswithbuckarugh3682]

Exactly. Not a difficult job. It took me about 2 hrs for the first one and an hour for the second one. Lots of videos out there to show you how it is done. I would suggest only buying the replacement pellets. Most likely that is all you need. There is a video out there that shows you how to make your own pellets. I'm curious as to why they are there they don't do anything but connect the drive gear to the light bucket rotating mechanism.

[@flo5771]

Yep, they’re made from plastic so incase anything goes wrong the gears break and the rest of the headlight assembly stays fine.

[@MrJz97ss]

The C4’s are quite awesome. Coming from C5, C6’s, kept the C4 and getting hard to find clean ones at good prices though.

[@danielfair4675]

Owned an '88 back in the early 1990's .... rode like an old log wagon & the targa top had a hideous fit. There's absolutely no comparison to the c6 GS manual convertible I've had now for 7+ years.

[@autk]

Yes properly maintained they are, particularly the 94-96, I've owned numerous of them in every color but yellow lol. My fav was a 95 Admiral Blue, 319 from the factory on the dyno, these cars can vary wildly on HP. My 04 C5 was much better in build quality and raw speed, but it lacked something in panache that the Admiral did have, many of my friends agreed about that Admiral, beautiful car. I have a C6 black Zo6 now that is amazing, and it's clearly miles better than the C4 and 5's, but a well kept 94-96 with the chrome ZR1 wheels, lots of fun and beautiful style.

[@EVLVET]

Just purchased a 96 manual 6sp LT4 with Z51 suspension that has 20K miles. It’s definitely a head turner and I get lots of compliments every time I drive it. Absolutely love the excellent design and unique characteristics this car brings to the table. Starting with the clamshell hood, rotating headlights, tight cockpit and 90s retro styling, it’s one of the best corvettes overall. I’m saying this even after owning 3 C5s, 1 C6, 2 C7s with one being a ZO6, and 1 convertible C8.

[@mariocooldude9092]

The simple clean wedge shape is aging up well...ill drive my '85 until the commies make gasoline ⛽ vehicles illegal 😂

[@Nahkalenkki658]

The ZR1 did not come out in 1989. It came out in 1990 and the interior also got a major overhaul during 1990 and the outer appearance changed just like you said in 1991. Of course you might have meant that the development of the ZR1 was ongoing in 1989

[@rubyred93chev]

_Something important to remember: the 1996 Collectors Edition did not come standard with an LT4, only the 1000 Grand Sports did. Simple oversight. I think it's most important to remember the ZF-6 speed was mated to the LT4 as an option across the standard Corvette for '96 as well as the Collectors Edition lines. Having owned both '96 engines, the LT1, and the LT4, I would definitely go for the LT4 6-speed over the LT1 automatic. (And those red stripes on the GS are called hash marks). Great insight though on your attempt to showcase a generation that most assuredly doesn't get enough love._

[@frankpavan7865]

Nice review ! I have a 1996 coupe with auto transmission and Z51 handling package. Just love it !! The Z51 package was not available for many years but came back in 1996.

[@vikingtrad3r]

true however from 91-95 it was called zo7

[@stimpacat]

Mine is an 87' Z-52 Red/Graphite, 92k miles. I have fixed this car from a crack head kid since 2004. I know the kid, we went to school together. You did a great job with the Z-52 package. Kinda rare option but make the car unique. I also encourage keeping the car stock and original. LS swap is not practical for anyone. Want an LS buy a C-5 then. Not much difference in price anymore. Great Video.

[@kylebolt1951]

So stoked, recently picked up a 96 collectors edition with a lingenfelter 383 and a rossler transmission. 160 degree radiator install with the paperwork from the shop, also the grand sport rear end with 315s. Only needs paint, and sum weather strips. 5 Gs. 😅 feel like i stole it, everything works. Can't wait to bring her back to prime.

[@pawsnpistons]

9:18 No replacing the gears with metal gears doesnt change anything because its usually not the gears failing its the 3 small pellets turning to dust.

[@jaypioh]

^^^

[@richparisi8697]

Exactly this

[@drjohnsonhungwell5115]

Love the C4 I have a 94 Artic white ,red leather , both tops , original paint like new it had 65,000 miles on it when I bought it has 73 and some change now

[@nunyabeeswax3061]

nice detailed video! have a 95 auto convertible black c6 rims.if you have the optispark stay away from car washes that spray water from underneath or dont select that option.

[@stevent7944]

What an awesome video. Super fun to watch. My ears purked up when u mentioned the transmission problems. There are 3 really nice ones for sale around the Seattle area with listing that it needs a new tramsmission. Oddly your video did not mention the cost of replacing one. I wish that it did!

[@codename_wind_official]

They're actually pretty striking when they're clean. To me they always looked good in burgundy or dark green. The early cars with that tan in this video look good. They look good with the original wheels, stock

[@volt101x]

Get one with the L98 Engines and you wont have to worry about Optispark issues.

[@toddbartholomew7486]

Very entertaining. Great information & your delivery has Good flow. Keep up the excellent content. -TrashyTodd

[@MountainBlade]

Shhhhh, gotta get these things on the somewhat down low for a bit longer! I need mine before they start fetching what they’re worth!

[@kobewoolum248]

fr

[@hydroplaneconvoy8130]

You getting one fam?

[@deucefilmz5884]

Factsss

[@JCMusicwriter]

Not a bad video and pretty accurate. I own a 40th Anniversary car and they're a little more sought after than you say glossing over them as "here's another boring one". But you like those older two tone ones? hmmm. Personal taste I suppose. The 40th car you showed didn't have the correct wheels either. That dark ruby red metallic was a one year only color. It had matching dark ruby leather which in my opinion is the best looking C4 interior. The emblems were all chrome which make it stand out next to base C4s with black plastic emblems. The wheels had ruby red center caps which add a depth to the wheels IMO. I think they did a great job of making that car stand out without being over the top like a pace car which coincidentally people have a hard time selling those because not everyone wants to drive a Corvette with wild graphics all over it. And unlike those Automatic only pace cars you could get performance optioned 40th cars with manual transmission, selective ride control and they made a few ZR1 40th Anniversary cars which are basically two special editions in one. Very sought after. And I believe there were a few Callaway ZR1 40th Anniversary cars made which would be like 3 special editions in one. Very expensive if you can find one. Another fun fact is the "40th" embroidery on the seats was supposed to only go on the Anniversary cars but the seat manufacturer made a mistake and put it on all of them. So now some people will advertise their 1993 Corvettes as 40th Anniversary cars and even buy aftermarket badges. The real cars have RPO Z25 and pricing guides list them as +$2000 over a regular 1993. In 1993 they also made internal improvements to the LT1 and torque went from 330 ft/lbs to 340 ft/lbs. When you drive a 40th around people know what it is right away and you hear stories constantly from guys that wanted to get one new back in the day but they were hard to get new at dealers. It was the most sought after anniversary C4 when new at dealers. Back in the day a Corvette dealer I worked for loved the 40th but said the "Collector's Edition" was a joke. His opinion was the collector's Edition was just a money grab from Chevy for no real reason. The LT4 versions were cool, but most were Auto/LT1 with gray interior that didn't age well. I also think the 1988 Anniversary edition is a very sharp car. The white steering wheel really stands out with black interior.

[@metal_mechanic5444]

I own a Ruby as well with the 6 speed and I agree that these cars have been slept on but I’m seeing prices on them start to climb into the 20k range for 6 speed ones as they are more Rare and the $12-$15k range for the Auto. They are started to get the notoriety slowly.

[@keng3230]

Awesome video! A good no nonsense video for enthusiasts.

[@SirPierreSe]

Very good video, I'll share it

[@hakosan86]

Thanks!

[@SirPierreSe]

@@hakosan86 I would like to see a video about the Mercedes SL R129 :)

[@tonysteppan8495]

Nice to see some love and enjoyment with C4's THANKS for sharing. CHEERS

[@RT10Viperman]

I got an 89 coupe auto for $2,000 because he took the motor out took it apart and couldnt get it back together. I got it running a month later..!!

[@GSXSF1k]

The C4 is one of the best-handling cars in racing circuits. It's beaten a lot of big names costing five times more.

[@trcythmpsn]

Plastic headlight gears were used so they wear out instead of expensive motors.

[@georgelavelle2097]

Forgot one of the best corvette advocates and pro corvette racers. GREENWOOD.

[@Slowgroovin]

C4s are the best deal for performance and fun. Prices will go up drastically in the future.

[@douglasthompson9482]

I love the C-4 series. I presently own a gorgeous Mercedes Benz convertible that is extremely reliable. What makes me question ,is the constant change each year. As a car collector, I will get a 1996.

[@guycourtney736]

Have a red 6 speed for sale. It has 59k miles on it. Very clean and gets tons of compliments. I'll let it go for $15k.

[@BlickolasCage]

I did EXTENSIVE research before i bought my C4, and coming from a chevy hater, i was scrutinizing every detail. Luckily, i was able to get my hands on a aqua blue '95 C4 LT-1 :( all for 7K. Luckily it seems all my research left me alot more informed about the car than the previous owner and i was able to knock off some bucks from his asking price. All the way from 9K to 7.5K. She drives fine, transmission rebuilt before i bought her, weather stripping definitely needs to be repaired but aside from the cosmetic stuff, i got her for a bargain.

[@tylerfabish5578]

Anything to look for? I'm looking at a 94 coupe on Sunday that at least in photos looks sharp but he mentioned needing to replace the fuel pump fuse

[@jimbetche7864]

You forgot to mention the notorious vat system. What a pain they are but at least it's a very cheap fix if you have the knowledge to do it.

[@danieldelgado3008]

C4 ZR-1s are some really badass cars

[@kingchristopherpaul477hutc8]

I bought an 87 from a guy that said it was a Hollywood Edition. Two tone Silver-Gold on top of a very dark Brownish grey??? color, but not a black. Found out there was only 400+ made. Do you know anything, still trying to research it. Had an aftermarket 3 speed auto tranny which is being overhauled as we speak.

[@RandallsRestRelaxation]

Awesome video. I subbed.

[@jacksonfive5478]

I own a 94 c4 this is a great video 👍

[@quakerome4594]

1996 Is my favorite.

[@24theMoney]

That 40th anniversary convertible in the video has a hardtop. Aftermarket or factory option?

[@autk]

Factory option

[@KarlBerlin]

U forgot about the 1990. Interior upgrade

[@larrymclain]

U didn’t say anything about the D.O.H.C engine in the C4..😢

[@jacobasuncion3132]

Lately I’ve been seeing some really clean built C4 from LS swapped to some on airbags with widebodys 🔥

[@jonbrighton9288]

Can you tell me the name of the shin-Etsu window seal product?

[@CyripaxNeoPrime]

Oh yeah. The 35th is just soo boring. They made 2050 with the z01 package. (Only 180 manuals) They only hold they're value like no other regular production c4 when taken care of or with low mileage. I get it though. You either love em or hate em.

[@alucardtherealvampire6470]

You missed the 1990 C4

[@Everatti]

ZR1 was introduced in 90, not 89.

[@dapper_gent]

90's parts car

[@559jgs]

The Market is flooded with overpriced C4's $6500.00 is top dollar! imo a 29k mi will leak from sitting as bad as a 129k mi daily driver. Specialty factory equipped prices may vary. Base model= base price. IMO only

[@topjimmy2929]

They didn't make many copper metallic

[@crazyone3494]

In a nutshell: Get the 1995 Corvette C4 ZR1 in red

[@Fokkerc1]

I just traded my C4 for an 8 year newer C5. This isn't my first C5. I had sn 02 a number of years ago. Then there was 2 C7s, both new and my wife's nagging made the 2nd, a 16 ZO6, go away after 2 years. Enter my 92 C4 Black Rose coupe with glass roof. I kept it 6 years, making sure my wife knew it wasn't going to stay. A C3 78 L82 4spd slipped in but wasn't counted as my driver car. I was at Carlisle laat week and saw a 2004 ZO6 for sale. Unfortunately i had a nature call which caused me to arive 10 minutes too late, sold. I asked if they had another C5. They had a 2000 coupe that just came in. No info available. The next day I went in and my duty to flag traffic wasn't on the schedule as I thought. I contacted the dealer to find out that several people were on the list for it. I left the show in my C4 and scurried over to take a look. Our club president called saying she found where I was supposed to be. I got to the dealer and a few hours later, it was mine. I will NEVER buy another C4.

[@topjimmy2929]

Don't buy an LT5 ZR1 unless u got $$$$$ to repair.i got a 90 parts are almost non existent

[@robmunger922]

You skipped 1990

[@taproom113]

"STATIC" ... Bro, you misspelled STUPID! 🤣

[@njp6756]

Lol it’s not that hard to replace 🙄 (opti)