C-4 still fun after all these years.
#1
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
C-4 still fun after all these years.
The wife and I took the vette out for a coast run the last 2 days. Put 360 miles on the car, reminding me of why I still own this car. The car hadn't been driven more than around the block for about 18 months. This car never disappoints us and since we drive it so infrequently it is like a new car to us each time we drive it.
Background: we bought the car new in 96' after realizing that we really wanted a convertible after purchasing a base 95' A-4 coupe. I didn't get a deal like everyone else gets, I payed around $53,000 out the door for it....money I have never regretted spending.
Over the years I have owned it other than normal oil and filter changes, I have put Hawk SPS pads, 4:10 rear gears and changed the original chrome sawblades for chrome 5 spoke GS 9.5' and 11' rims with 275 and 315s.
The car is hard to get in and out of, sits so low that you must choose which driveways you enter carefully. Will not clear a 4' fire hose, yes that was a mess but the friendly fireman swore that we would clear his hose (wrong!). The car has so much road noise that music is a waste of time, rides rough and is a general kick in the *** to drive. The wife never drives it, but grins all the time she is in it. You can start out with the top down in the morning fog on the coast and put the top up and climate control at 72 degrees in the blazing CA. central valley 110 degree days. It will idle all day in the hellish heat and never get over 228 degrees engine temp...you can stand on it after idling forever and it will pull to red-line like a freight train.
It seems the longer I own it the better I like it.
Background: we bought the car new in 96' after realizing that we really wanted a convertible after purchasing a base 95' A-4 coupe. I didn't get a deal like everyone else gets, I payed around $53,000 out the door for it....money I have never regretted spending.
Over the years I have owned it other than normal oil and filter changes, I have put Hawk SPS pads, 4:10 rear gears and changed the original chrome sawblades for chrome 5 spoke GS 9.5' and 11' rims with 275 and 315s.
The car is hard to get in and out of, sits so low that you must choose which driveways you enter carefully. Will not clear a 4' fire hose, yes that was a mess but the friendly fireman swore that we would clear his hose (wrong!). The car has so much road noise that music is a waste of time, rides rough and is a general kick in the *** to drive. The wife never drives it, but grins all the time she is in it. You can start out with the top down in the morning fog on the coast and put the top up and climate control at 72 degrees in the blazing CA. central valley 110 degree days. It will idle all day in the hellish heat and never get over 228 degrees engine temp...you can stand on it after idling forever and it will pull to red-line like a freight train.
It seems the longer I own it the better I like it.
#5
Team Owner
Pro Mechanic
Ha-ha-ha... Your timing is impeccable.
Yesterday, we took our stockish '92 and drove from Ridgway CO (where we live) to Silverton, had dinner and came back.
http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Ou...aA&mra=ls&z=11
I had many of the same feelings that you did. Mine in general were;
*The car simply runs awesome
*Handling is fantastic
*Brakes are awesome (upgraded to C5/DRM spring/HP+ pads)
*steering is sublime
*roof off is sweet (on smooth roads)
*The V8 provided plenty of thrust (even at 10,000'+ elevation) in 5th gear going up passes. Just a nice burble of exhaust most of the way, whild cranking corners.
Over all, I was thoroughly enjoying myself, and the car. It is SO fun! ...And I drive mine several times a week!
-Tom
Yesterday, we took our stockish '92 and drove from Ridgway CO (where we live) to Silverton, had dinner and came back.
http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Ou...aA&mra=ls&z=11
I had many of the same feelings that you did. Mine in general were;
*The car simply runs awesome
*Handling is fantastic
*Brakes are awesome (upgraded to C5/DRM spring/HP+ pads)
*steering is sublime
*roof off is sweet (on smooth roads)
*The V8 provided plenty of thrust (even at 10,000'+ elevation) in 5th gear going up passes. Just a nice burble of exhaust most of the way, whild cranking corners.
Over all, I was thoroughly enjoying myself, and the car. It is SO fun! ...And I drive mine several times a week!
-Tom
Last edited by Tom400CFI; 06-28-2011 at 02:08 PM.
#6
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
Pic of "still fun" car from about early 97':
From about 10 years ago:
2 years ago:
From about 10 years ago:
2 years ago:
Last edited by Mrs. glass car; 06-28-2011 at 01:47 PM. Reason: sp
#8
Racer
Member Since: Oct 2003
Location: Crystal River Fl
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I have a C4 and a C5 but even beening it is alot harded to get into at 70 I would sell the C5 first. i just love the feel and tight ness of the 40th. Keep enjoying the C4 I do.
#13
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
The Carver Def Tec combo will set you in the mood for any car repairs requiring the well used tools. Ain't life grand!
#15
Neat story. My wife and I just drove about 300 miles today to get to the beach at Edisto Island, SC for a mini-vacation and to visit relatives. Scarey part was that we were on the interstate first thing this morning facing the bright sun in heavy traffic. Checking my mirror to see the truck that was trying to run us over and because of the traffic, I was unable to swerve enough to miss a BIG chunk of truck tire in the road which hit the side of the car. Really aggravated me but just got some black marks on the paint which look like they should clean up.
Didn't get to go topless though as we got caught in about 5 t-storms. But in spite of it all, it ended up being a fun drive with no problems. What amazes most people is that the Vette actually gets a LOT better mileage than they expect -- if you don't goose it too much starting off.
Thanks for making me smile again about a nice ride!
Didn't get to go topless though as we got caught in about 5 t-storms. But in spite of it all, it ended up being a fun drive with no problems. What amazes most people is that the Vette actually gets a LOT better mileage than they expect -- if you don't goose it too much starting off.
Thanks for making me smile again about a nice ride!
#16
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Dec 2005
Location: Homestead Fl
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St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14
I grew up in the muscle car era. With my 90 6 speed I drift back to a time I really enjoyed. Shifting briskly through the gears floods me with the excitement of a bygone era. Your only as old as you want to be.