anyone have exp with C4 vettes? [Archive] - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

ronmcdon

04-01-2009, 04:41 PM

Anyone here had any direct experience with the C4's in general? I'd like to know how they compare to 240's. Contemplating replacing my 240 later this year with something else rwd. Either that, or just get a vette in addition to the 240.

This would just be a fun daily w/ occasional autoX here and there. Maybe an hpde event once or twice a year.

I'd like to know mostly how it drives compared to the 240. more specifically, i'd like to know if the car gives good steering feedback (light or hard/quick or slow), are the brakes easy to predict, is it easy to rotate and so forth? is it an easy car to push to it's limits overall?

As far as trim goes, I'm looking more for the 90-96 w/ the LT-1. don't want to be bothered with any swaps or extensive modifications.

The ZR-1 models are most appealing, but are questionably priced considering they aren't all that cheaper than a C5 Z06. I've seen many for the 17-30k range, plus they seem more difficult to find than C5's.

Cars For Sale: Car Details - AutoTrader.com (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=257311903&dealer_id=1364943&car_year=1990&rdm=1238624559349&model=CORV&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1990&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&only_price=1&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=200&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=CHEV&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=90077&advanced=y&only_photo=1&end_year=1995&doors=&transmission=Manual&max_price=&cardist=58&standard=false)

it's probably an obscure question, but can't hurt to ask.

wiki article; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Corvette_C4

S14DB

04-01-2009, 04:49 PM

I think a 32V DOHC is very "different."

Chevrolet Corvette - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Corvette)

I would stay away from anything older then '85. Going to the LT-1 will keep you away from the TPI's EGR and other issues.

BustedS13

04-01-2009, 04:51 PM

The ZR-1 models are most appealing, but are questionably priced considering they aren't all that different from a C5 Z06.

do you mean pricing isn't all that different? because that's true. but if you mean a c4 zr-1 and c5 z06 are similar cars, you're way off.
if you're willing to spend upper teens, get a c5... the c4 zr-1 is a frail old collector car, not something you should be beating on.

ronmcdon

04-01-2009, 04:53 PM

yes, pricing isn't that different. sorry about the typo!

BustedS13

04-01-2009, 04:58 PM

word.

i like c4's but it's the same as how i like Risky Business and Wham. the c5 is a modern car, get one instead

VROOOM

04-01-2009, 05:19 PM

LT4 is a rare engine, it has 32 valves, 4 cams and was built by a Mercury Marine. think about the rarity of the motor and then think about the aftermarket. im sure the aftermarket is tiny compared to an LT1 or an LS1.

also its an old car, 1990. unless you are paying cash for it i doubt many banks would give you a loan for a 1990 vehicle.

lucky7

04-01-2009, 07:06 PM

C5 or bust.

HyperTek

04-01-2009, 07:26 PM

SHIFT_*grind*

04-01-2009, 11:15 PM

LT4 is a rare engine, it has 32 valves, 4 cams and was built by a Mercury Marine.

I thought the LT4 was the mildly more powerful version of the LT1 in the '96 Gran Sport, and the LT5 was the 32V ZR1 motor?

VROOOM

04-01-2009, 11:42 PM

I thought the LT4 was the mildly more powerful version of the LT1 in the '96 Gran Sport, and the LT5 was the 32V ZR1 motor?

looked it up, you are right. it is an LT5.

ronmcdon

04-02-2009, 02:06 AM

Thanks for the replies!
lol, not much love for the poor C4 here :(

looking more at ads & comparing with the C5 it doesn't look too favorable.
only the pre-'90 models are cheaper (6-7k), but the L83 & L98 (200-250hp) engines are not very manly for 5.8l V8's.
just goes to show how far chevy has come developing the Ls-X engines in the last 19yrs.

90 & up C4 models are not bad per say running at the 10-12k ish range,
it just isn't so great when the market seems so flooded w/ cheap C5's.
non Z06 C5's w/ decent mileage can be had for 15k or so.
Z06 prices are approaching 20k.
A another poster mentioned, it prob easier to secure a loan for a newer 20k car than an old ass 10k car.
also, it's amazing how quick C5 depreciate, yet C4's retain their value.

So, any of you 240 owners driven a C4 or C5?

ronmcdon

04-02-2009, 02:16 AM

redneck c4
http://i39.tinypic.com/fo2nt2.jpg

redneck c4 with volks
http://i41.tinypic.com/a330hg.jpg

do some LED tail lights and hid in it. Im not sure what headlights they use , but try to retrofit some NSX pop up headlights in there for a more exotic look.
man that would be sick

thing looks so damn primitive!
seriously, hill-billy would be the first thing that to come mind.
that's exactly the look i want.
I even kinda like the pinstripes or whatever corny graphics you removed.

C5's look too sleek, posh and sophisticated imo.
i prefer more crude looking automobiles, kinda like what you have.
there's something about 80's auto designs that are growing on me.

of course, I would not complain about driving a C5 if i could afford one now.

S14DB

04-02-2009, 02:29 AM

Unless you are over 35. It just wouldn't look right driving a C4. Unless your pimp hand is strong or something...

As far as power the LT1 intake mani and some respects the head doesn't flow that great. The later models and the LT4 improved it but still no compare to the LS1.

I would get a C5 or a '98-2002 Camaro Z28/SS Before I would get a C4. Ridden in all 3 and the C4 is a dog in comparison. The suspension was not perfected till in the c5. It is stiff and twitchy. I would try and drive all three. Take them around corners and HW on and off ramps. It was impressive for it's day. But the C5 is a much better car.

svensko

04-02-2009, 02:30 AM

I've heard (from Corvette owners) that they flex quite a bit under hard driving.

A&M Boy

04-02-2009, 08:25 AM

the prez of our campus car club has a 96 with the LT1. Its mainly just for HPDE's and auto-x but its pretty intense.

http://www.mowhineracing.com/ch27/BMW_AX1.jpg
http://www.mowhineracing.com/ch27/battle.jpg

his website for the build
96 LT4 Track Car Project (http://www.mowhineracing.com/)

WanganRunner

04-02-2009, 09:27 AM

VROOOM

04-02-2009, 03:55 PM

on ebay i found STOCK LT5 ZR-1 heads for $2871.77 a head. thats over 5k for new old stock heads and that appears to be with out the 4 cams you need(it says complete but doesnt show the cams as included).

that alone would make me cringe.

eBay Motors: Corvette ZR-1 LT5 Head, Cylinder Birmal Complete L/H (item 110369244544 end time Apr-25-09 09:05:04 PDT) (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Corvette-ZR-1-LT5-Head-Cylinder-Birmal-Complete-L-H_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a317Q7c66Q3a2Q7c 65Q3a12Q7c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a1Q7c293Q3a7Q 7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem110 369244544QQitemZ110369244544QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTr uckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories)

stock cams $789.99 a cam
you need 4.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Corvette-ZR-1-LT5-Camshaft-Exhaust-L-H-10199077_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a317Q7c66 Q3a2Q7c65Q3a12Q7c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a0Q7c2 93Q3a6Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZ item110369243783QQitemZ110369243783QQptZMotorsQ5fC arQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

that scares me.

IIIXziuR

04-02-2009, 04:04 PM

C4s are sweet but I know the LT1 power doesn't compare to C5's LS1.

I like them, with super clean paint and a nice set of wheels/tires.

Ray Ban Aviator Shades are required.

http://www.coolc4.com/images/wallpaper1/exotic-car-241.jpg

WanganRunner

04-03-2009, 08:20 AM

http://www.coolc4.com/images/wallpaper1/exotic-car-241.jpg

That's no ordinary C4, that's a factory Callaway turbo car (i.e. the "B2k" RPO or regular production option) with the super-rare Dymag wheels. Those aren't cheap, the Callaway package was the rarest special-edition C4 (2nd rarest was 1988 35th ann "white" package). That looks like a later B2k, the RPO first showed up in '87.

What was with all-white anniversary packages in 1988 anyway? Shiro Z, C4 Corvette, 10th Ann RX-7, and wasn't there an all-white MkIII Supra also?

I almost pulled the trigger on a 35th Ann C4 a few months ago but then I got there and it was knocking pretty bad. I don't need that headache. A Callaway is way outside of my means though, but it'd be a FUN car. Apparently a ZR1 will outrun a Callaway in the low end but over about 120mph the TT C4 will destroy it. Both were about the same price at inception, or roughly double the cost of a base car.

I'm a HUGE C4 nut. Rare options, rare color combinations, et cetera. It's the Corvette I grew up looking at, and so I have a big soft spot for them.

The LS1 is indeed a better engine than any C4 powerplant except potentially the LT5, but C5's are also still depreciating. Alternatively, you can go pick up a 6-speed L98 or LT1/4 car for $6-10k and be reasonably confident that you'll be able to sell it someday for the same that you paid. They're savings accounts with V8's, tires, and turn signals. What's not to like?

EDIT:

I thought the LT4 was the mildly more powerful version of the LT1 in the '96 Gran Sport, and the LT5 was the 32V ZR1 motor?

^^
This is almost correct. The LT4 was standard in ALL 1996 6-speed Corvettes, GS or no. Automatic cars in '96 still had LT1's. The LT1 ran from 92-96, with the L98 TPI in 85-91 and the L83 w/Crossfire injection in 1984.

ronmcdon

04-03-2009, 04:40 PM

The C4 is a great car. Anyone who's ever driven a ZR1 knows it's a hell of a lot more than a "frail collectors car".

The LT5 is an incredible engine, but I'd go with an LT1/LT4/L98 TPI just due to lower maintenance costs.

C4's make fantastic auto-x platforms and are very rewarding to drive/own. It's about the most fun STOCK car you can buy for $8k or so.

I definitely recommend it. I've owned a couple and I want a 96 LT4 Collector's Edition for this summer.

can you elaborate on the way the C4 drives?
can you compare with a 240 or a miata?
how's the steering?
hopefully it is NOT quick & light.
would also be great to know whether or not they're forgiving at the limit,
especially at autoX and hpde's.

good to know it's fun car to drive around.
just because something performs well, does not mean it's enjoyable daily.
my prior gd8 sti was one of the most god-awful boring cars ever imo.
for a daily i'd rather have something slow and fun, than fast and boring.

thanks in advance!

Matej

04-03-2009, 04:52 PM

H-BEDL9wcoY

Ithical

04-03-2009, 05:05 PM

can you elaborate on the way the C4 drives?
can you compare with a 240 or a miata?
how's the steering?
hopefully it is NOT quick & light.
would also be great to know whether or not they're forgiving at the limit,
especially at autoX and hpde's.

good to know it's fun car to drive around.
just because something performs well, does not mean it's enjoyable daily.
my prior gd8 sti was one of the most god-awful boring cars ever imo.
for a daily i'd rather have something slow and fun, than fast and boring.

thanks in advance!

I own a 94 corvette the rare Bronze-ish color, I'm not much of a techy but in lamens terms, the gas pedal is super sensitive, steering is very heavy, bad turning radius. Compared to my 240 it's a beast, you're also looking at about 16mpg without a lead foot, mine right now is at 16.4mpg average.

0100

04-04-2009, 04:33 PM

Cars For Sale: Car Details - AutoTrader.com (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=257311903&dealer_id=1364943&car_year=1990&rdm=1238624559349&model=CORV&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1990&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&only_price=1&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=200&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=CHEV&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=90077&advanced=y&only_photo=1&end_year=1995&doors=&transmission=Manual&max_price=&cardist=58&standard=false)

it's probably an obscure question, but can't hurt to ask.

wiki article; Chevrolet Corvette C4 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Corvette_C4)

Damn for that money go with this and spend the rest of the $7k on strippers.

Supercharged 500hp Corvette (http://boston.craigslist.org/nos/cto/1104665359.html)

HyperTek

04-04-2009, 05:13 PM

dam that 500hp one is sick, worth every penny imo.. Vettes are still high on the sports car food chain imo

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/cto/1107264650.html

I say dont get the ZR1, if you get a virgin zr1 you might not want to play with it,.. get one thats not soo precious so you can play and mod/beat on it.

ronmcdon

04-04-2009, 05:34 PM

I own a 94 corvette the rare Bronze-ish color, I'm not much of a techy but in lamens terms, the gas pedal is super sensitive, steering is very heavy, bad turning radius. Compared to my 240 it's a beast, you're also looking at about 16mpg without a lead foot, mine right now is at 16.4mpg average.

I love a car with heavy steering, so that's great to hear.
it's one of those things that are difficult to redeem, if not set up right from the factory.

poor turning radius is a bit of bummer, but not a deal killer at all.
i've owned an sti in the past and drive an evo now, so that's something i'm used to.
the 16-18mpg is also what i'm getting on my 240 and evo.
:wan:

thanks for the reponse.

HyperTek

04-04-2009, 05:40 PM

this looks great
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a136/FLYTYM/IMG_0103.jpg

ronmcdon

04-04-2009, 05:48 PM

Damn for that money go with this and spend the rest of the $7k on strippers.

Supercharged 500hp Corvette (http://boston.craigslist.org/nos/cto/1104665359.html)

That looks great!

However, I'm looking for something as close to stock as possible.
because i'm using it for a daily, I prefer a good compromise between performance, reliability, and mpg above 15's.
when looking at a car's power, my standards are aren't too high.
a stock LT-1 should be more than adequate.

$7k is a lot of $$$ though.

ronmcdon

04-04-2009, 05:59 PM

dam that 500hp one is sick, worth every penny imo.. Vettes are still high on the sports car food chain imo

Corvette for sale or Trade (http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/cto/1107264650.html)

I say dont get the ZR1, if you get a virgin zr1 you might not want to play with it,.. get one thats not soo precious so you can play and mod/beat on it.

yeah, i think i know what you mean. however, if you're looking to spend $10-$15k on a car, then that's a lot of $ no matter how you look at it (to me at least). ZR-1 or not, I wouldn't want to be too rough on the vehicle, save for a handful of driving events here & there.

honestly though, I am not too inclined towards the ZR-1. the specialty parts alone might drive up the premium in repair/parts cost. its one of those things that are amusing to contemplate and fantasize, but impractical as an actual purchase.

right now i'm trying to see if i can get a loan. see what amount I can secure, and consider the long term costs, and then go on from there. apr & insurance are what concern me most. If I can get away paying $400/month, or less, then it should be something I can afford.

I was able to finance a $22k civic last year w/ the salesman saying i make more $$$ than I did, so a $25k C5 Z06 might be a possibility. getting a smaller $10-15k loan for a C4 might be more difficult to secure.

0100

04-04-2009, 06:04 PM

this looks great

That does look good. In the right hands the c4 can look pretty clean.

ThatGuy

04-04-2009, 06:24 PM

Vettamino is where it's at!

http://www.corvetteblogger.com/images/content/050808_3.jpg
http://www.corvetteblogger.com/images/content/050808_2.jpg
http://www.corvetteblogger.com/images/content/050808_1.jpg

:ddog:

In all seriousness though, I like the Grand Sport and ZR-1. I've seen some tasefully built and nicely performing versions at the Carlisle Corvette shows.

Ithical

04-04-2009, 06:39 PM

I love a car with heavy steering, so that's great to hear.
it's one of those things that are difficult to redeem, if not set up right from the factory.

poor turning radius is a bit of bummer, but not a deal killer at all.
i've owned an sti in the past and drive an evo now, so that's something i'm used to.
the 16-18mpg is also what i'm getting on my 240 and evo.
:wan:

thanks for the reponse.

Np hope i was of help

SexPanda

04-04-2009, 08:20 PM

stay away from crossfire injection aka shittiness. my friend sam has one... yay 12mpg and 205hp!

S14DB

04-05-2009, 05:43 AM

stay away from crossfire injection aka shittiness. my friend sam has one... yay 12mpg and 205hp!

That was only the 82+84. It would be rare to get one. I would be more worried about a Doug Nash "4+3" transmission up to '88 then a Cross-Fire with Auto. You can swap out the Cross-Fire to the TPI.

napaKAliboog

04-05-2009, 03:58 PM

hahaha i had a c4 once... black on black with concave te37s... if uget 84,85 itll be super cheap but with shity xfire engine just transfer to tpi and u should be good i tried everything naturally with the xfire..ihad xram madvet tuning and everything its a peice of shit even comoared to a ka24de [btw im on my wii 4 the grammar ones]

HyperTek

04-05-2009, 04:42 PM

post pictures or you didnt have one on te37s

GSXRJJordan

04-05-2009, 06:35 PM

My Dad had an '84 with that super lame 4spd OD tranny (OD went out every week it seemed), with a Lingenfelter roller block 383ci... made about 400whp/450ft-lbs, but it was 'creaky' as shit, and NEVER cornered well.

Save up another couple thousand, and get a C5 with a 6spd. SOOOOO much more car, for not that much more money. ESPECIALLY if you're DD'ing it, much nicer interior, believe it or not.

SexPanda

04-05-2009, 06:56 PM

That was only the 82+84. It would be rare to get one. I would be more worried about a Doug Nash "4+3" transmission up to '88 then a Cross-Fire with Auto. You can swap out the Cross-Fire to the TPI.

lol he has both crossfire and the 4+3 tranny. His car is a boatload of fail... but damnit if it doesnt do a mean donut...

napaKAliboog

04-05-2009, 07:15 PM

I was J/K... about the concave as you guys should know backspacing is a bitch on vettes... but it did have te-37s
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v465/quiffy/mihara.jpg

WanganRunner

04-05-2009, 08:42 PM

GSXRJJordan

04-05-2009, 10:10 PM

Yeah, I'll second staying away from both Crossfire injection and the Doug Nash 4+3.

Get an L98 TPI car with the ZF 6-speed, or an LT1/4 or ZR1. You should be able to find a decent 89 or 90 6MT L98 car for $6-7k and it'll probably never depreciate another dime.

LT4 6MT cars will run high 12's stock, although there can be a lot of difference between individual cars.

I've never seen even a "bolt on" LT1/4 C4 turn a 12... not saying it's not possible, but just that all the ones I've seen run 13's when they're "stock".

C5, if you have the money.

ronmcdon

04-05-2009, 11:26 PM

C5's will be the new 240's, seeing how they continue to depreciate.
won't be surprised they'll be going for well under 10k in a few yrs.

but anyhow, it's interesting how difficult it is to find 90-96 C4's for sale.
doing a autotrader search within 100 miles outside of West Los Angeles i found maybe a dozen stick C4's.
same search with C5's yeilded like 6-7 pages of listings.
I guess supply & demand would account for the value retained by a C4.
knowing this, seems like a far better deal getting a corvette used rather than new.

HyperTek

04-05-2009, 11:33 PM

would you guys say these c4 is still sexy/iconic today? women still appreciate them? i know they where iconic back in the days while they where in production.. these and the testarossa where like the 80s decade icons. lol

ronmcdon

04-05-2009, 11:44 PM

well if you're purchasing them to be chick magnets, i doubt it would serve it's purpose well.
even you posted a pic of the C4 and mentioned it was hillbilly-esque
I think you answered your own question there.

if anything it's probably going to appeal to a select 'niche' of car enthusiasts.
lots of my friends who like cars absolutely hate the corvette.
personally, i think its one of the most obnoxious looking cars around.
kinda like the S14 in a way, but with a more 80's redneck flair (and i mean that in a good way)
to me, that only adds to the appeal.

svensko

04-05-2009, 11:51 PM

Matej

04-06-2009, 12:29 AM

http://www.h7.dion.ne.jp/~conv91/PHOTO/big/TS3H0051.JPG

napaKAliboog

04-06-2009, 04:20 AM

Shoot it all depends... I think the zr-1 will stay an international chick magnet forever...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3164/2805810619_25940c87b1.jpg?v=0
Just look at that ass! and look at the magnum protection! stock! >.<*!

S14DB

04-06-2009, 06:17 AM

lol he has both crossfire and the 4+3 tranny. His car is a boatload of fail... but damnit if it doesnt do a mean donut...
How did he get crossfire and the 4+3? Late model 84?

VROOOM

04-06-2009, 09:13 AM

Flicktitty

04-06-2009, 10:35 AM

My brother had a 96 6spd Corvette with 50K miles he got it for 12 and sold it for i believe 14 a year later.

the suspension isn't too bad on those cars, there is a reason that alot of older muscle car people when they "update" the suspension they always go with the c4 corvette stuff.

my .02 on the C4 idea. i would look into a EARLY C4 maybe one that has some motor problems rip out the Xfire bullshit and put a LS1/T56 in it and do the updated 94?+ rounded taillight/bumper area.

WanganRunner

04-06-2009, 10:55 AM

There's a lot of debate in here about C4 vs. C5.

There SHOULD BE a substantial price differential between the two. If you're looking and they're the same price, you're looking at either WAY overpriced C4's or cars that are very rare (i.e. rare colors, CE's, 88 35th Ann, ZR1, etc).

A nice 6MT L98 C4 should be about $6-8k, with an LT1 car maybe another $2k more expensive. A nice C5 tends to be more like $15k+. Most people are either going to be in one price bracket or the other and will not be cross-shopping. If you have the $15k, I'd buy the C5.

That said, C5's are still depreciating, often steeply. I could see having the $15k but still choosing the C4 just because you know the C4 is fully depreciated. It'll be a better investment over the next few years as it'll lose effectively ZERO value. If you don't care, and you're willing to deal with some additional depreciation, get the C5. The C5 is undeniably a better car, but it's also more expensive.

I have a particular attachment to C4's just because I like them and I grew up seeing them. I'd rather have a 96 CE LT4 convertible just because that's what I want, not because I somehow think it's objectively a better vehicle than a C5.

Personally, I'd rather have a C4 Grand Sport, 96 Collector's Edition Convertible, Torch Red late-model ZR1, or Quasar Blue LT1 vert more than any C5, including a Z06. Not because they're better cars, but just because I happen to have a personal soft spot for them and I like them. Just like I'd rather have a 1955 300SL Gullwing more than a new McLaren SLR 722. The new McLaren is 10x the car, but I like the '55 better.

SexPanda

04-06-2009, 02:00 PM

How did he get crossfire and the 4+3? Late model 84?

IDK much about corvettes... But I've seen the dual TBI's and the weird ass transmission in person... He bouht the car used when he was 16, maybe the previous owner wanted a 7 speed for more top end? lol

S14DB

04-06-2009, 02:43 PM

my .02 on the C4 idea. i would look into a EARLY C4 maybe one that has some motor problems rip out the Xfire bullshit and put a LS1/T56 in it and do the updated 94?+ rounded taillight/bumper area.
You do know how the motor and transmission is mounted in the Corvette? Dropping a LS1+T56 is not an easy task. I think one company sells an overpriced hard to get kit.

IDK much about corvettes... But I've seen the dual TBI's and the weird ass transmission in person... He bouht the car used when he was 16, maybe the previous owner wanted a 7 speed for more top end? lol
Possibly that the other owner took the Auto out and put the 4+3 in. It's a 4speed. Then the computer controls the 3 speed overdrive. So like a big rig, 12 gears are possible. But the annoying thing is that it acts like the 1-4 skip shift in the T-56's. Up shifting for Economy and Emissions.

GSXRJJordan

04-06-2009, 04:29 PM

Possibly that the other owner took the Auto out and put the 4+3 in. It's a 4speed. Then the computer controls the 3 speed overdrive. So like a big rig, 12 gears are possible. But the annoying thing is that it acts like the 1-4 skip shift in the T-56's. Up shifting for Economy and Emissions.

That's when it works at all - and overdrive's only on 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, hence "7 speeds". Problem is, it never fucking works, and the overdrive can't handle the same power as the tranny. Not to mention the seals are shit, and it leaks.

dan_t

04-07-2009, 04:06 AM

Hey Guys -

Dan in England UK here, just trawling the net and found this thread.

Having own'ed several S14's with SR20DETs (the only flavour over here) and now a C4 Vette I thought I would post comment on my feeling towards to two cars.

With regards the handling and the steering feel of the early C4, in comparison to the S14 it'll feel very nervous and twitchy. The amount of steering feel means you can feel every little bump or rutt in the road. Initially it worried me as it feels like the car is going to step out at any moment, what I've learned though is you can almost ignore some of the steering feel.

The C4 loves to be put in hard, and the harder you turn in the more it rewards you. Get some weight transfer and load up the suspension early and it'll only be stepping out "IF" you make it. Act nervous with the steering and it'll feel nervous.

With regards power - its anyones game here.

I had a SR20DET with a TD06 turbo, full greddy management and 1.8bar of boost which should have been around 400hp.

In the Vette I've got an L98 stroked to 383ci (6.3l) with an LT1 intake retro fitted, AFR performance heads and a lairy cam. Power is expected to be around 485hp/450ftlb

The one thing I would say is the Vettes power is more usable. Your throttle control defines the power directly rather than boost, spool time, lag etc.

Stying has to be personal taste - I've always had a soft spot for the S14's and always will but over here there so common and every tom, dick and harry has one. I got fed up of turning up at events to blend into the crowd. Now I turn up, get frowned apon which makes me evern quicker out on track lol

here is a ZR1 being driven properly - YouTube - Corvette ZR1 vs. Kbaumi vs. DTM Mercedes Touristenfahrten hockenheim 19.10.2008 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbqDS78zeQw)

WanganRunner

04-07-2009, 07:38 AM

Initially it worried me as it feels like the car is going to step out at any moment, what I've learned though is you can almost ignore some of the steering feel.

The C4 loves to be put in hard, and the harder you turn in the more it rewards you. Get some weight transfer and load up the suspension early and it'll only be stepping out "IF" you make it. Act nervous with the steering and it'll feel nervous.

This is about the best description of C4 steering/handling that I've ever seen. Honestly, the same rings true to a lesser extent even in modern Corvettes. A new C6 Z51 will lap faster than a 997, but the 997 FEELS better. C4's feel twitchy, but aren't as twitchy as they feel. It isn't the most fun car to drive fast, but it is very capable of being driven very fast.