C4 purchase concerns

[Gregory M.]

Interested in a 1992 Vert manual trans with close to 100k mikes.

What issues should I be concerned with?

Car is in WI near MN border. Anyone in that area willing to look at it?

[Richard G.]

Re: C4 purchase concerns

Headlight doors are an know issue.
Of course in that area of the country I would only purchase after looking closely at the frame for rusting issues.

[David H.]

Re: C4 purchase concerns

Interested in a 1992 Vert manual trans with close to 100k mikes.

What issues should I be concerned with? ...

Gregory,

1992 was first year for new generation LT1 small block with Opti-Spark distributor located on engine front directly below water pump. Water pump leaks will effect distributor necessitating Opti-Spark distributor replacement. A quick check of pending issues would be to carefully examine underside of hood directly above serpentine belt. A "line" side-to-side across hood develops from belt casting leaking coolant upwards. Indication of water pump failure and consequential Opti-spark replacement. Not a game changer, but figure replacement costs in your offer.

Carefully check both front and rear transverse suspension composite springs for evidence of cracking or delamination. New aftermarket OEM style front springs are NOT available. Replacement front spring will necessarily be from a salvage yard. Again, not a game changer, but be aware replacing front spring is NOT easy without access to a Corvette special tool for spring compression. Task can be accomplished without this special tool but I don't want to go through that again!

Otherwise, look at the 1992 like any used car. Service Parts Identification Label (RPO Code Listing) is located under door of center console. Console doors break (hinges sometimes crack) and get these doors tossed. However, specific V.I.N. RPO information is available from National Corvette Museum.

Performing an NCRS Operations Check will cover basics of what works and what does not. If convertible check top operation and fit on trunk lid. 1992 LT1 had glass headlamps. 1993 had much lighter plastic headlamps. Heavier glass lamps wear headlamp motor/mechanism gears so pay attention to operation and noise as headlights rotate into position.

Check for engine codes. 1992 uses an OBD I code reader. If you don't have access to one, Gordon Killebrew has "82 to 93 Fault Code Diagnostic Grounding Plugs" (with instructions) available at his web site below.

https://www.gordonkillebrew.net/Products

Dave

[Gregory M.]

[Joe R.]

[Frank K.]

Re: C4 purchase concerns

I do not believe Gordons school is still open. As far as purchases from him his website never responds. If you purchase buy a two book service book from Helm and you should be fine.

[Mark E.]

Re: C4 purchase concerns

The C4 is a favorite of mine yet underappreciated in today's market. A couple of years ago I sold my late brother's 1987 convertible with 41k miles. It was his baby, perfectly maintained, always garaged and absolutely beautiful. I had to negotiate to get $9,000 for it.

So do yourself a favor and take advantage of this buyer's market. An ultra-low mileage C4 in mint condition for $10 - 12k is a much better buy than a high mileage car for half that price. If you look, you can find them with fewer than 20k miles.

You'll thank me later.

[Richard M.]

Re: C4 purchase concerns

Also, if it has the Bose system check for bad amps in the speakers

[Floyd B.]

Re: C4 purchase concerns

Gregory,

I think it depends on what you plan to do with the car. If you plan on having the car judged, lost originality can be a concern with a high mileage car. There are alot of aftermarket "goodies" available for C4's and parts are quite interchangeable from year to year with many remaining unchanged through the entire generation. Finding original replacement parts is relatively easy and they are "relatively" cheap. But there are many date coded parts on C4's. As a litmus test of originality, take a look at the date codes stamped or printed on most of the hoses under the hood. One of the first things to get tossed (as with earlier generations) are the smog pumps and hoses so make sure you know what you are looking for. Another common mod is the exhaust system so make sure you know what an original looks like. Also check the date codes on the windshield and rear window glass. Given the location and mileage it is highly probable that the windshield and top have been replaced with aftermarket pieces. I can't remember if the date coding on '92 glass is the same as my '96 but if it is, you'll need a template to read the vert rear window date code.

Good luck,

-Floyd-

[Dominic B.]

Re: C4 purchase concerns

Gregory,

I totally agree with Mark. The C4 is definitely undervalued at present. I would try to find the newest low mile car of that generation that fits your budget. Manual transmission is a plus for me, vert even better. Good Luck!