Here’s Why EVERYONE Should Drive A C4 Chevrolet Corvette

[@spinedoc893]

The LT1 was a significant power increase over the L98 but most of that power was at higher RPM and certainly raised top speed but in real world day to day use the L98 was arguably nicer with its better low end torque. But both great engines that have lots of punch, sound great, will run forever if properly maintained and get relatively good mileage and are very reliable. You'd be hard pressed to find a better bang for your buck fun car than a C4

[@alexl9334]

The lt1 needs the hot cam and rear pumpkin swap too come to life easier. I swapped my standard gear to 3.07 and it's way more peppy. Looking for a dana 44 and swap to a proper 3.54 though

[@Meinstein]

I agree. I have a '91 with the L98 and used to have a '97 Camaro SS with the iron LT1. I had to work the SS to perform but the L98 seems gutsier none the less. The SS has a six speed manual and the C4 an automatic.. so performance was more important in the Camaro even if it took more effort. but I love my C4. I put 10K. on it the first year I got her.. and smiled through all of them.

[@MrBilards]

I would buy c4, but only in america, in europe thhey ara 15 grand for stick

[@Road2redemtion]

@@MrBilards same in USA. You'll pay a premium for manual transmission.

[@joeheater7303]

I am here for all of the C4 love! I bought a 1990 in June and absolutely love it.

[@loiswhipkey8840]

Me too!

[@VroodenTheGreat]

I have a 1994 that I didn't drive for 2 years. I jumpstarted it, changed the gas and it's not even mad at me for leaving it sit there for 2 years.

[@deltanine2468]

C4 is a very underrated sports car. I love them!

[@sws5833]

The C4s are a great car, best bang for the buck out there, ive had my 86 convertable for three years now and have never regretted my decision, I also own a 1974 camaro and the difference in handling, braking, fuel consumption and just all around enjoyment to drive is night and day, greetings to all you C4 owners out there

[@TamasKalman]

haha 1985 c4 & 1979 camaro owner here. agree with everything you said :) corvette handles like a sport car, camaro handles like a sport boat :) (i love both though)

[@DR.P3RKY]

I snagged a 92 6sp with a 383 stroker motor for $3k in December 2020. What a fuxing bargain. Mind you, I had to replace the struts, suspension bushings and take care of some questionable work but now it’s a daily driver that hauls ass!

[@DriveSteady]

Awesome find

[@sws5833]

@@DR.P3RKY Good going on your 92, thats a killer deal, a stroker is on my to do list for my 86, should make a huge difference

[@sws5833]

@@TamasKalman Sport boat sounds about right haha, I use my vette for travelling or longer trips and just drive the old Camaro down town and back once in a while, love em both just in different ways I guess you could say, The second gen Camaros were a beautiful car and going up in value now so there a pretty good investment. Its pretty cool to own both though👍

[@randallmason9687]

I worked at a Chevy dealer in the mid 90s. I loved these cars! A C4 will scoot around a race track pretty good. Bang for the buck!

[@alaneasterday8327]

Just came across your channel. I own a 1992 convertible with the optional 6 speed and bright aqua color. They are fun to drive and give you the best bang for the buck in performance. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@scottedwards8220]

Power isn't much today, but they were kind of a big deal in 1992. That was when the horsepower was finally starting to recover in a meaningful way.

[@tomtom72]

The C4 calipers were sliding calipers at all wheels. Fronts had two pistons, and the rear had one. Also, parking brake was integral to the rear caliper. Didn't matter std brake pkg or J55 pkg. The C4 was the only generation that got banned from SCCA racing. That is a distinction that no other corvette has had, to be banned from a racing series. Save the Wave!

[@jonathanmorrisey5771]

I have to respectfully disagree with you. On the sliding calipers, you are correct. 1984-87 are single-piston calipers and the parking brake is a drum-in-hat design inside the rear rotor using two small brake shoes.

[@tomtom72]

@@jonathanmorrisey5771 No kidding?! I didn't know that about the C4's. Wow! I had a '90 so I just figured that they left the C2/C3 parking brake system behind when the C4 was started. Peace brother!

[@robstagehandny]

I have C4 convertible in Polo Green with only 8,700miles. Love this vet.

[@melvinrobinson4493]

HAVE A 93 SAME, WITH C7 ZO6 GUNMETAL WHEELS!!

[@rodri.2415]

I didnt know about this channel, (because I'm from Spain) but it has a lot of great content quality and its sad that the views are low, I hope u guys take like a BOOM of views, gl

[@JG-wu6rx]

Good review with lots of facts that were clearly articulated and to the point. Back in the day this was the hottest thing on wheels!

[@tomstrickland6002]

I have had my 92 for almost 30 years. In 2005 I took first place in SCCA solo II championship in B street prepared class in our region. The C4 can handle very well. Now I just drive it only when there are no clouds east of the Mississippi River.😎

[@darcysilva2619]

FYI, 1953 thru 1957 Corvettes had single head lights. I bought my first Corvette a 1956 in 1965. I have had also 1968, 2004, 2006 and currently a 2018. There are all great in different ways. Someday I would be fun to get a C4 to toy with.

[@brunothepug8807]

As the owner of a '94 coupe with just 31K miles I really enjoyed your review. I would say if you find an LT1 with the performance axle ratio, which I have, it makes the Vette much quicker off the line. I still occasionally have difficulty with a smooth start instead of jumping off the line, LOL. C4's in great condition are finally getting there recognition and prices are rising.

[@paulmoss7940]

I have a bone stock 96 LT4. It has a GS drive train , a lot of differences from an LT1, 49k when I got it. Has been a good car so far ,lotsa fun manual and it sticks like glue. I specifically searched this car out when I retired, a nice one is hard to find.

[@michaelthebarbarian3380]

I have a 1996 LT4 car with 12k miles... I wouldn't trade it for anything.... What a driver's car...

[@craigthescott5074]

I had 2 C4’s 1985 coup Z51. And a 1986 Indy pace car convertible. They are ok for the price but they have there problems. Personally I would save more money and buy a C5 especially the Z06. I own a C5 Z06, a C6 Z06, a C7 Z06 and a C8 Z51.

[@sprezzatura8755]

C5 much better car.

[@craigthescott5074]

@@sprezzatura8755 yep

[@billbagwell1105]

Just bought a 96 Polo Green with a beige soft top. Good car and fun to drive

[@DriveSteady]

My favorite color on these. Enjoy

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

Let's not forget about those excellent GM authorized Callaway Corvettes.

[@joschmit]

B2K for ever

[@jetcity7156]

I remember when these cars were state of the art. I always wanted one. I just passed up on an 95 admiral blue coupe with 40k miles in May. Everything worked and still looked and drove like new. Only 12k dollars usd. I knew the owner. He was the 2nd owner, and had it for 15yrs. Totally my loss...

[@donwhitlock3216]

Enjoyed your video. I think you were the first video. I watched completely all the way through. Good job. Best of luck to you.

[@peterbellini6102]

Owned a '92 and I used to say "you fall into it and climb out of it". Of course the benefit is if you have a long-legged date, you have a wonderful incentive to help her out! But the secret weapon? SCV or Speed Control Volume aka the faster you go, the louder it gets...epic!

[@CorvettesandCassicCars]

Well done video love your delivery great accurate information well edit video joy to watch. I am a fan of your content well done!

[@ronniepoorterman4358]

Polo green is the best ;-)

[@alexl9334]

I had a zf6 in pgII Convertible style. Got t boned though. Now I have a 92 with an A4 same color. Polo green II is 👍

[@rubyred93chev]

_Glad you did the C4 justice by a decent review. I couldn't agree with you more on the second best color next to red, Polo Green Metallic(guess that's why I drive a 1996 Corvette convertible in this color). I know it's too late to augment your video, but after 1990(and not after 1991), the rear tail lamps were freshened in the standard Corvette(as they were in the '90 ZR1). Totally agree with you on the 'twister' style rims(they're appropriately called 'sawblades'). Another key point here, the C4 was introduced as a coupe with a removal top(homage to all the t-top Corvettes since '68), but in '86 Chevrolet did something that made the C4 buyers even more elated. (The 1986 Corvette convertible was introduced...and the lines of this already stunning car became even sharper). Just revisiting an already great video._

[@DriveSteady]

Thanks for the info!

[@rubyred93chev]

@@DriveSteady _of course. This particular 1992 Corvette seems to shift pretty hard? Another cool fact, by 1994, the automatic transmission received upgrades making the shift points much more seamless. (4L60-E). I've driven fourth-generation cars since '91, (with some being almost new, and some brand new). You're right about the car aging pretty well. (C4 owners know of their interiors aging in dog years unless super well taken care of). Also, newer C4s are better overall in quality and workmanship. (Yes, many of the power steering units get sleepy, and have dead spots). Great point about exiting/entering a C4, and not holding onto the steering wheel(total GM design flaw). You did some amazing research about the car cost in '92 and the equation to 2021 dollars. One thing to note though, the car did not get off to a rocky start in '84. Granted there being no 1983 model, had some consistency to CAFE emission standards or lack thereof. The 1984 model was available for sale in January 1983 as an '84. (Chevrolet ended up selling three times as many as planned). And the car won every single award in the automotive industry, to say the least. (Amen, history & heritage define the cache of the Corvette namesake). _*_Subscribed._*

[@mychaelhouck2404]

@@rubyred93chev 4L60-E*

[@VroodenTheGreat]

At the time of the C4, they were required by law to use either the square or round sealed beam headlight. The headlight mechanism in the C4 allowed them to make them as streamlined as the car.

[@kimadams7632]

I have a 92 A4 that I bought in 05, I fell in love with autocrossing and needed that start off power so I put in 3:07 gears and turned it into a monster.

[@11147575]

I own a 96 Collectors edition Silver with gray interior I've been receiving much more compliments lately when im out and about I believe there's a newer appreciation for the C4 model Lotsa car for a very reasonable amount of $$$

[@mikecorlett1305]

Excellent review! Very articulate and honest description of a 30-year-old C4.

[@johnperales5431]

A base 1996 Corvette came with staggered wheels 8.5 in front and 9.5 in the rear. (255/285 tires) The Z51 suspension package added the larger 9.5 wheels in the front (275 all 4 corners)...this car you are showing has the Z51 package ..there were only 1,869 made in 1996

[@michaeldragone4826]

C4 was the only half year model corvette launching in 1983.5

[@steveo3947]

I love my Nassau blue 88! My first Corvette and my first nice car! Tons of fun

[@moodberry]

I own a 92 coupe. I have always wondered what kinds of cups the designers had in mind with the "cupholders". They won't hold a cup of anything without tipping over - they are so shallow!

[@boster8368]

the only thing for the cup holder is coins.. the desingner at gm was fired over that cup holder.

[@jeffmullis2859]

I have a 95 black convertible 61k and I love it,fun to drive and it turns a lot of heads.

[@stevelovescars]

I had a 1994 coupe (LT1 manual). The engine note was really great. We had a tunnel at the entrance to our town and my son always rolled down the window to hear it better. The coupe was a lot more useful than the convertible, obviously, but taking off the targa top made the whole structure of the car flea and shake. I did it twice and then just left it on.

[@E.T.GARAGE]

If your hood is heavy to lift on a C4 Corvette it's time for a fresh hood strut.

[@jemidyette]

As somebody that’s owned 3 C4s I can say without a doubt that if you ever come across a ZR-1 you will never want an LT1 again. I’ve had 4 different LT1 cars and man that LT5 just sings with the dual overhead cams. Definitely has the borderline exotic vibe.

[@sprezzatura8755]

Last two years of the C4 had the optispark vented which was a vast improvement.

[@davidghost2913]

You've put out a superb video,lots of good tips👌looking at a 93.many thanks

[@pascalmorel2069]

Je suis français et j'ai une Corvette C4 L98 de 1991 de 349 hp en boite auto elle a 170 000 kms elle a un couple énorme elle est très rapide et les reprises sont démoniaques et je n'ai jamais été emmerdé avec jamais de pannes et pour moi question design c'est la plus réussi des CORVETTES. Je l'adore ...

[@rlmach1]

I grew up in the 80s. When the new 84 Corvette came out I knew that Ferrari and Lamboughini were in trouble!! and they were. A lot of people say that c4 was unattractive but it had to be to break 150 mph especially in 1984 whith that weak 70s 350. C4 brought the Corvette to the podium as the first world champion, american sports car.

[@codydrummer]

Awesome video. I own a red 92 convertible myself with the 6 speed and a few aftermarket goodies.

[@DriveSteady]

Would have liked to drive the 6 speed!

[@codydrummer]

@@DriveSteady come to Ohio.

[@samuraijutsu8876]

I've own 4 of those cars, all LT1 powered. They run 13.7 in the 1/4 mile. I know they say 14.1 but mine ran in the mid to upper 13's, and that was every one that i owned, with the exception of the 91 zr1 that i had and it ran a flat 13sec 1/4. I raced at 980ft ASL

[@darrenbuttery3527]

From 84-88 the C4 corvette had a really crappy Doug Nash 4 + 3 manual transmission option which pulled worse 0-60 and 1/4 mile times than the automatic. So back then the automatic was the preferred transmission. However, from 89-96 the manual option was a ZF 6 speed which was a huge upgrade. In fact, the manuals from that era pulled better 0-60's, better 1/4 miles times (with a good driver) and got better fuel economy. The cars even had a lower curb weight with the manuals. IMO, the only way to go with a C4 is a 95 or 96 with a manual transmission. This gives you best performance with the best suspension, brakes and vented optisparks.

[@imaprinta]

I must be the only guy in the world that liked the 4+3. I had my '88 for 30 years with 130,000 miles and never had a problem with it. I did have the engine beefed up quite a bit, so for me when driving on the highway you could use it as a manual. In the city I would just leave it in second gear. You could start from a dead stop in that gear, then just hit the button when you needed to go to a higher speed. Also, I had to double-check this because I thought I read this. The L98's with a 4+3 we're actually quicker from 0 -60 than the ZF6, because the Doug Nash could do it in 2 shifts, where as the ZF needed three. This according to a Road and Track review of the day.

[@stevecarey5918]

I've had 2 C4's, first was a used '85 and then a new '89. My 89 was dark red metallic, 6 speed, FX3, Z51, loved that car. I put 100k miles on it in 3 years. Wish I still had it.

[@Lavaman3682]

Great video. Well filmed, intelligent commentary without the cheesy music or attempts at being (someone else). One thing about a c4, it is LOW! you will spend your time in traffic looking up at nearly everything. BTW period Jag XJS had same hand brake operation

[@Andoniscars]

great video, enjoyed it, thanks

[@rontruocchio5744]

before you bring the top on the convertible back up bring your windows down a couple of inches, if not you will tear up the weather stripping.i learned the hard way. great ride, good on fuel. downside is the temp gauge climbs to about 230 when in heavy traffic.

[@BlacKnightRising]

the Red is of course the default setting on these but The Aqua Blue is stunning on the C4

[@DriveSteady]

Yes it is!

[@jamesflames9930]

Nice performer for the money ton of low end torque.

[@CaseTheCorvetteMan]

The brakes are the JL9 12" on this car, optional were J55 13" brakes, thicker rotors and larger diameter were only on the front, and only available with certain other options in some years. Rears were single piston, and not the same as fronts. I stopped watching there because it was at the 4th lot of ads.

[@DriveSteady]

Thanks for the info!

[@CaseTheCorvetteMan]

@@DriveSteady no problem at all

[@leeprice2849]

It's to bad they are so cramped inside. I can fold myself into the C5 and C6 but the C4 is a no go.

[@henrytsai590]

Yes, I remember Chevrolet made a big deal about the reverse flow in the engine cooling system, enabling the big jump in horse power. but recently I heard the optispark is a troublesome spot on the LT-1.

[@Lavaman3682]

It can be because it's located at front of the block, below the water pump drain.

[@scottedwards8220]

optispark is not great. Any work on the engine like radiator, thermostat or the water pump requires careful prep to protect the opti. Strangely enough, mine was actually submerged in water when it was stolen, and is still running my car 60,000 miles later. Also, DO NOT spray your engine with a water hose or especially a pressure washer.

[@flo5771]

The 95 and 96 optisparks are vented which reduced the risk by a ton.

[@tomstrickland6002]

I went with an electric water pump and this mod did away with the chance of a water pump leak onto the opti.

[@242HP]

Those wheels that you like are actually called "sawblade" wheels, for obvious reasons.

[@jamesalvarado8681]

The wheels are referred to as “sawblades” and are directional. I see a lot of them running around with the wheels on backwards.

[@aleksandera1956]

Great review

[@jeffcarchia]

I wouldn’t make too much fun of that interior, Buddy I saw a C8 the other day, and the whole dashboard was wrinkled like a dirty shirt. That interior lasted over 30 years and it still looked as good as the day it was made so I wouldn’t say it was cheap at all

[@dukeman7595]

Did you know there is a 'convertible Top Release Button' located on the lower portion of the drivers door and passengers door, so you don't have to lean into the vehicle to unlatch?

[@DriveSteady]

Yup 👍

[@dukeman7595]

@@DriveSteady Cool, how about the switch on the rearview mirror, that lights up the shifter? Forgot to mention it in the last post.

[@DriveSteady]

Didn't know about that one!

[@SGBassplayer]

You lose the “fighter jet cockpit” (as well as the more powerful LT1 engine) if you go back a few years further (1989 and earlier), but the digital “Atari dash” design has got personality for days and you don’t feel like you’re sitting so much in the GM parts bin that shaped the experience of the otherwise superior later C5. There is no “perfect” C4, but they’re fun cars that don’t cost a lot to own and maintain, but post-COVID they’re not as cheap to buy as they used to be. Get one soon if you’re thinking about it.

[@kimadams7632]

I have a 92 and probably the best color they ever made which is quasar blue beautiful metallic blue

[@LateNightCable]

Kind of a big oversight, but the very first C1’s had single headlight housings, from 1953-1957.

[@JohnRichardson-ny3jv]

C2 in 1963 had flip up head lights

[@Markbiker21]

Very nice Vette and this video 👍🏻 like cheers

[@jediturbodoc]

Enjoyable but the 53 to 55 Vettes had a single headlight on each side.

[@agoodbogey]

I was torn but i think im going to go with a C5

[@nunyabeeswax3061]

I have a 95 convertible my girlfriend has a 95 coupe.hers is faster and much better in the turns.its lighter and has the 13 inch rotors up front.rougher ride put more performance. She gets mad sometimes when I want to take hers out and beat it up! Cheap fun great bang for your buck.love the c4.

[@glennkamp4645]

How does the delco/ bose system sound? I don't wanna change out the radio because i love the nostalgia of the cassette player but, is it worth it to change out the speakers and could you recommend any

[@Dakotako]

Early c1 gen had single headlights and looked way better than the late ones

[@valf.4589]

7:48 Rear end was changed after 1990 and NOT 1991. I have a 1991 Convertible and it has the new rear end.

[@erneststyczen7071]

Im looking for the corvette c4 and c5. This vid is 16 hours for this actual car.

[@LynxStarAuto]

There are storage bins in the doors. The arm rests flip open

[@rachelblack3816]

The 'background' music is too loud, it's almost impossible for me to hear what the guy is saying-- super annoying.

[@loenigma69]

Thank you!

[@drobson8004]

04's still has pop ups

[@kenfernandes8950]

I think the C-5 in my opinion is one of the nicest looking Corvettes made even today

[@TamasKalman]

i prefer the early c4s with the unique/amazing arcade video game digital dashboard and f14 fighter jet interior :)

[@DriveSteady]

Yup those are pretty cool looking too

[@kimadams7632]

The 1996 LT four also had 330 hp

[@lauraoneal9490]

It does not it only has 300hp .

[@kimadams7632]

@@lauraoneal9490 The LT four has 330 hp the LT one has 300 the ZR one starter or 375 hp and then a 93 became 405 hp

[@jameswills9140]

I have a 187c4 convertable runs battery down in 3 days .help

[@peterpann9619]

Saw blade rims is their name.

[@tomstrickland6002]

I call them turbine wheels

[@geraldscott4302]

I have a 1976 Corvette. To me the Corvette is all about style, and the C4 just doesn't have any. When I see a C1, C2, or C3 Corvette go by, it immediately catches my attention. When I catch a glimpse of a C4 or newer Corvette, I don't even turn my head to look at it.

[@242HP]

That's ridiculous. Sure, the C3 is unmistakable with its "coke bottle" design, but GM couldn't keep that design forever, and the car had to evolve into something else. Nevertheless, I think the C4, C5 and C6 generations have curves and interesting design that make them immediately recognizable as Corvettes.

[@JG-wu6rx]

Each Corvette generation has its own following. Of all of them, think the C-4 has the most understated design-not over the top but solid with nice lines. Personally I like it but understand it’s not for everyone.

[@geraldscott4302]

@@JG-wu6rx The understated design is what I don't like about it. I think my '76 is a bit over the top as far as most cars go, and that's what I love about it. As for power, if that were important, and it really isn't to me, as long as it has enough for normal driving, you can put anything you want under the hood. To me the 1968-1977 Corvette is a cruiser, and it's mostly about looks.

[@Xyklonikus]

I have a hard time figuring out how the LT affected performance. Most info sites have the same performance numbers between a 91 and 93 model. I'm thinking 0-60 and top speed.

[@alexl9334]

Lt1 from 92-93 had lower torque vs 94-96. Different cam as well

[@alreynolds7152]

They have been out of style for awhile but my 1992 is getting more thumbs up lately I think because less are seen now a days...

[@imaprinta]

The C4 were one of the best handling cars in the world in their day. The suspension was not at all melded with a Cadillac or even close. Even by today's standards, if you kept the car in good working order it will still hug the S curves nicely. Not anything like a new C8, but far from cushy.

[@kimadams7632]

The car you had his 259 years that’s why it doesn’t feel that fast change the gears in the back and you got a monster

[@lindyp38]

Love my 93 aqua teal color vet. 6 speed

[@richlewis86]

Red is definitely the best colour for a c4

[@takethel_op3608]

I’ve been looking for this car recently and wanted to know if you have the contact info of the owner, and know if there looking to sell it

[@oscarandrestoroobando9043]

Q belleza de corvett la linea siemore me encanto la mas bonita de los años 90 y 80 q hermoso auto nada q ver con la ultima generacion mucha tecn logia pero perdio la linea corvett nada q ver se parece mas a una ferrari o a un honda nsx q al corvett hermosos esos rines y llantas se ven igual de increibles al auto q joya saludos amigo desde colombia👍👍

[@ranbymonkeys2384]

Zr1 back ends are a lot wider than standard C$'s. Wider tires and wider body.

[@MidnightVibesMedia]

Almost bought one the other day, but I was too tall 😭

[@mikehill3203]

What engine will work on a 096 c4

[@billross6013]

I personally disagree. As an 80s teenager who was a big fan of the cars of the day, the early c4 was already a big player, giving porches and Ferrari fits in the mid 80s. Call me biased, but 84-89 c4 original.

[@JacksoNR26]

The early c1 vettes had a single headlight

[@ztwntyn8]

No, the manual isn’t a poor man’s thing it’s a young man’s thing who cares about driving the sports car. The auto is an old man’s thing and that’s who was buying those. I saw it all the time. Never a young guy in this era Vette lol I mean as kids we joked about it. Then smoked them when they rarely tried. 😂

[@dettespaghetti5412]

How did you not get copyrighted for voodoo child in the beginning

[@yesh3279]

Could’ve been a better video if you just would’ve decided to make it about the car or the music. Couldn’t hear much of the Exhaust you were talking about. Nice car though.

[@kimadams7632]

Closer to five seconds I’ve timed it

[@Dryloch]

Please less Music more hearing you talk. Everything does not need annoying music.

[@NativeMainer53]

C1’s had single headlights in the early models

[@spenceair1972]

From 53-57 corvettes had single headlights.

[@AndieBlack13]

I prefer the early versions, the first of the convertibles...the "updated" exterior styling seems "tacked on" & unfaithful to the original style...like someone trying to "update" the Mona Lisa ...Just give me some paint & I'll make it better! The design was a whole package...none of that giant wrap-around turn-signal/running lamp garbage ...The belt-line was integral to the front and rear bumpers, when the rear was "rounded off", the overall design as a whole fell apart....making it look like a child with a crayon was in charge.