MatthewEdward

Im buying my first convertible today. Im torn between a beautiful 1990 convertible with 80k miles. Beautiful black paint. And a 1995 convertible with 124k miles. It is white and if I bought it, id have it painted black or red because I dont like the white paint.

I like both body styles equally, what one do you think gets more looks, the pre facelift or the facelifted vette? What one is more reliable? I know the lt1 has more top end power and a flatter torque curve but is it a noticeably huge difference in power?

Thank you all so much for you input, im new to the forum and cant wait to get one of these cars todays.

Paul Workman

I've owned a 95 and own a 90 (ZR-1) now, and from a C4 perspective, the 95 is significantly advanced over the 90s; creature features, ride, etc.

The mileage difference isn't as significant as how they were maintained. Do a compression check, if you want a better picture.

Far as the added hp, the 95/96's peak torque is only about 10ft# less than the L98. However, because it is soooo long and flat, the torque is higher than the L98 below and again above the L98's peak (rpm vs. torque) range.

The added hp is a derived number, but what it means is you can stay in lower gears till you hit about 5600-5800 rpm, whereas the stock L98 is only making noise above 4500.

neither car is "low mileage". And, if you have your heart set on black, then I'd keep looking.

My 95 (sold to buy the Z)

MrWillys

The LT1 may have more power, but it is prone to ignition problems, and has a 2 year stand alone computer system with minor support. The L98 is a documented workhorse for the Corvette from late 86 thru 91 that is widely used as a swap into street rods, and many other hobbyist uses. A 80,000 mile 23 year old car is low miles when considering most newer EFI cars should go 200,000. I will admit to being somewhat biased toward the L98. Read the thread here where the guys girls are stuck in New Mexico, and freaking GM can't fix the darn thing.

I'll add this: GM has sold the ZZ4 for years as a swap into everything, and it is based on the L98. How many LT1 crate motors do you see? GEN 2 is best put behind as the 90's version of the Vega.

vl5150

I have the 1990 and love it. I'm in the minority here, but I prefer the old body style and the L98 and sought that out. To me it was the style of the car when it was cutting edge and the one I lusted over as a kid. If the 1990 was better maintained and is truly beautiful, I'd go with that one. For the money you spend on a good paint job on the other one, you can make the L98 run like a beast. The repaint would destroy the value of the LT1, but it's probably not worth too much with the mileage anyway.

I'd check both tops as well as they are expensive as hell. I like the old school distributor on the L98 too.

Happy hunting and drive them 1st.

zr1fred

With the glut of C4's for sale out there, there is no reason to buy the wrong color car. A quality paint job can cost more than the car. The shinier the car, the more looks, most people can't tell the difference between the two, they are both "old". As a rule the later the car the more reliable, and the LT1 is NOTICEABLY more powerful. For all the hype about opti spark failures, you are more likely to have head gasket problems with an aging L98. Both cars can be great, but be realistic about your expectations and abilities.

c4cruiser

I've always held that you should be the latest model C4 within your price range. Mechanical condition is obviously important as is "curb appeal". There were many improvements to the C4 over the years and GM would even make running changes/improvements within a given model year.

The LT1 is a very good powerplant that provides more HP and torque compared to the L98. It will also add another useable 1000 RPM over the L98 motor. I owned a '92 (first year of the LT1) and never had one problem with it. It saw both autocross and track day use and never a problem.

One of the biggest problems reported here with the LTx motors and the Optispark is that new owners will wash the engine and get the Opti wet. Or a water pump will fail and dump coolant on the Opti. This quickly leads to the failure of the Opti. Later Opti's like the one on the 95 will be sealed better and even have a vacuum line to the unit to remove moisture.

The '95 will have a more refined interior, better comfort in the seats, and a softer ride (assuming the base suspension.) The 95 will have bigger front brakes too unless the 90 has a big brake option with the performance suspension.

As mentioned, a re-paint can cost as much as the purchase price of the car. I would say don't be in a hurry in buying a C4; look at as many cars as you can. You may find a really nice 'vert that will meet all of your desires.

PLRX

There are many difference between my 92 and 95, and there are differences between the 95 and 96.

I think the 95 Vette was the best C4 of all time.

B17Crew

Mr. Workman, nicely described. I always appreciate the substance your posts have.

B17Crew

Frizlefrak

Keep looking, take your time. Find a well kept, low mile 95-96 convertible that is the color you want. Don't settle....you'll just wind up hating the car.

The opti in a 95-96 should give well over 100K with no problems assuming somebody hasn't taken it swimming.

vl5150

MatthewEdward: What did you decide to do?

Pres712

All the answers have good merit but they missed one, I think, important. The back window on the vert. On the older one it is plastic and on the newer one it is glass! I have an '86 and when the top needed replacing I went with Eckler's replacement top and the re-fit kit. No more plastic window for me!!!

cv67

Who cares? only a vette fanatic would really pay attention to a C4 or older used vette. To most its just another used car going down the road.

Wanna really get noticed get a Ferrari Lambo etc

Which one do YOU like looking at go buy it
Sounds like the 90 is doing it for you.

Dont settle and dont shop price, get one that talks to you otherwise once the novelty wears off youll regret the purchase.

vl5150

Good point. I liked the glass window on my Miata much more and it could be tinted. For me, I keep the top down all the time all year round except when it's raining so I've found ways around it.

My convertible checklist: Hat and sunscreen.

AirForceOne!

Of course I'm going to be partial by choosing the 90!

enventr

I know the last few years of the C4 they have 2 airbags.Not sure when they added them but my 95 does have 2.

94flavette

The dual airbags started in 1994.

jimkmyc5

The 95....

MatthewEdward

I went with the 1990

wendal

Do you have any pictures of the new car?

l98tpi

Good choice.