ajcajc

I am thinking of purchasing the C4 1996 model but have a few questions. I will use the vette 8 months out of the year.

- Does the car require premium fuel?
- Are there any issues with the car I should know about?
- What maintenance is required?
- I can't find any crash test results?
- What the cost to replace the tires and approx how often?

Relic

Crash test?
The data is out there using google, but honestly, I have never worried about crash data for my Corvette. I view my C4 as if it were a safer motorcycle. Four wheels and a cage, but I keep my eyes and ears open when driving it. I figure if I crash it, it will suck to be me.

Elephanthead

1. yes it does, but I run mine without it, produces less power as the computer retards the timing. In hotter weather I run premium.

2. Best year for the C4, as with most cars, when they get it right, they stop making them.

3. Normal maintenance is required yes, if you owned a car, this on is no different, being a chevy, maintenance is cheap, beside the corvette tax some places try to charge, don't go to these places. Painting and body work is the only more expensive part of owning a corvette. It takes more work to fix, and usually higher quality is demanded as compared to grandmas 1984 buick.

4. Depends on the tires and driving habits, tire rack seems a popular place to get online prices. Soft tires grip better and wear out faster.

Y-ME

IBTOPTISPARKKISSOFDEATH.

Y-ME

Tires can run 500 for a set of Kuhmos to 1200+ for goodyear eagles.

StealthLT4

-Premium is 'recommended,' but the car can run without it. You will simply have diminished power.
-Only real issue is the Opti-Spark, but the '95 and '96 cars are much more reliable than earlier ones. Just don't spray the engine compartment with a hose/power washer, and you should be fine.
-Normal maintenance for a 13 year old car. Most of the stuff is standard GM garb. The 'Corvette Tax' is when you get charged extra for a part/service just because it's for a Corvette. It happens, and can be avoided sometimes. But other times, you'll just have to suck it up.
-It's got a frame. I'm willing to bet it'll hold up better than most compacts out there today. Just don't roll a vert!
-Assuming the car has 8.5" front wheels and 9.5" rear, which is typical on '96 cars, you're looking at a range of $300 - $1000 for performance summer tires, depending on the quality of tire. Mileage depends entirely on your driving style, and will be no different than any other car. Those prices are for Sumitomo HTR Z on the low end to Goodyear Eagle GS-D3 on the high end. Sizes are 255/45-17 front and 275/45-17 rear. You can also put 285's on the rear, and I think that's actually what came from the factory. If the car has 9.5" wheels all around, then it uses 275/40-17 on all 4 corners.

jrp

Yes. Owner's manual: link

The optispark distributor has a pretty notorious reputation. Whether it's completely deserved or not, I don't know. Mine has been fine so far, and there are enough other people reporting high mileage reliability that I'm not too worried. In either case, avoid drenching it with water, and don't let the water pump leak coolant on it.

Weatherstripping and interior parts are expensive to replace.

Nothing unusual. Owner's manual: link
Find out whether a previous owner changed the coolant from Dexcool to the green variety before doing a flush/change.


My insurance policy gives a bodily injury discount to the Vette, but none of the other cars I've ever had on it. FWIW.

Search at www.tirerack.com to get an idea. There's a pretty wide range if you're shopping for price. Longevity will depend mostly on driving habits. I've bought tires once in my 5-1/2 years (~$800 for Goodyears) and the set I inherited from the previous owner was on its last legs.

dizwiz24

Oh, one more important thing to know about 96.

Do not buy the crappy, automatic. Its got the underpowered LT1.

You want the manual which comes with the LT4.

LT4 is also a slightly better platform to build up for more power (ex. better flowing heads, lightweight valves, HD timing chain, etc.).

jrp

Oh, come now. The LT4 is special, but not THAT special.

StealthLT4

Oh yes it is! It was only rated at 330hp, but everyone knows that was underrated and they really run more like 600hp! Don't ask me for dyno proof...

jrp

Just trying to keep things on the D/L.

Y-ME

I saw one outrun a beam of light once.

jrp

That was me. I was at 1/2 throttle.

dlb435

Why do you want a Vette?
I got mine because it get resonably good gas millage, is fun to drive, looks pretty good and does not cost a fortune to keep up.

pm454

Crash test results? It passed federal requirements for 1996. It has those great "killer" airbags that infected all cars before 1998 (don't sit too close to the wheel). You stare at the bumpers of pickup trucks at stop lights. But is she safe? you bet! At least my wife and I think so. Why? because EVERYONE notices a Corvette. Doesn't matter the color, it gets noticed, and therefore one has a better chance at not getting hit then in say, an Escort. At least that's our theory. Then again, if one is determined to run one under a semi (or roll a 'vert as Stealth said), your results may vary. Go ahead, buy one. They're wonderful!
-pete

jon0108

not to sound rude, but looking at the questions you asked, you better skip the vette.

xCCTer

That was my initial thought also.

RetiredSFC 97

That sounds pompous. Remember your first vette, or your first car for that matter?

C Force

Corvettes are not for the faint of heart..they can thrill you plenty but they can also drive you crazy

c4 run

i got mine knowing what i was getting into. ...the looks the criticism. people thinking in rich because i have a paid off 95 and in my early 20's. but i tell you what it is something you can only feel in a vette with the targa off and the wind in your hair.

but also, if you have to ask what kind of gas goes in it that kinda worries me..not to be rude.

tires are not that bad i put some performance tires that ran over a grand and wheels that were also a grand. but it is what i wanted

maintenance is ok but the vette tax does sucks. just take care of the car like you would any other and it will last a good while. but do not expect to hammer down the throttle and expect it is be forgiving everytime...just to let you know.

it also depends on your size. not to be rude but if you are a bigger person getting in and out. in and out car take its toll on you. i had surgery on my shoulder and i am a small guy but getting in and out of the cockpit took a hit on me. so beware of that. the gas mileage is great on my 95, i have a full exhaust system hypertech programmer, vortex rammer ram air set up shift kit and i still get close to 30mpg on the highway. its great.

well just a little for you to know.