Hot Rod Magazine's C4
I just read a story on CorvetteBlogger.Com about Corvette owners getting upset over Hot Rod Magazine chopping up a 1985 Corvette. The website has a video of the Hot Rod guys tearing the car apart. They say that they are doing a feature story on how to make a C4 Corvette perform better than a new Corvette. Sounds like they will be making a hot rod Corvette. -Clark
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Re: Hot Rod Magazine's C4
Be glad it wasn't a C2.
Let's face it. The early C4s are the least valuable Corvettes extant, have the least and most expensive parts available - if the part is available. And if that goofy electronic IP goes - POOF! - the car is boneyard fodder.
The best C4 to chop up into a "street rod" is the '84. They built over 50,000 of them - half with the rock-hard Z51 suspension, which makes it the worst riding car since the Model T, and they have the Cross Fire - sounds like and ignition system problem - Injection system that even Dave McClellan admitted (in his book) was a mistake.
The '85 is much better - TPI engine and a tamed down Z51, but they still built nearly 40,000.
Duke -
Re: Hot Rod Magazine's C4
Duke,
If you're going to make fun of them, at least get your facts straight.
The early C4 IP is repairable through many sources at about $185-300. If you doubt me, check the links or Google it yourself.
Please don't perpetuate the myth that the C4 IP is "unrepairable." It's just not correct.Vice-Chairman (West), Michigan Chapter NCRS
71 "deer modified" coupe
72 5-Star Bowtie / Duntov coupe. https://www.flickr.com/photos/124695...57649252735124
2008 coupe
Available stickers: Engine suffix code, exhaust tips & mufflers, shocks, AIR diverter valve broadcast code.Comment
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Re: Hot Rod Magazine's C4
But surely the most adulterated Corvette generation is the C3. I watch the local craigslist and I swear seems like about a third of the C3's listed have that hideous rectangular headlight mod and other grotesque body alterations. Almost makes me sick. Sure they made bazillions of C3s and lots of people continue to hold a grudge against them for complying with government regulations, but none of that is any excuse for ruining the most beautiful automotive shape ever to roll off an American assembly line. I wish I the means. I'd start a C3 rescue organization like they have for some purebred dogs. Get them out of the hands of abusers who'd put square headlights on them and into loving homes of people who can accept the finicky vacuum actuated buckets.Comment
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Re: Hot Rod Magazine's C4
Sorry. Should I delete my post.Duke,
If you're going to make fun of them, at least get your facts straight.
The early C4 IP is repairable through many sources at about $185-300. If you doubt me, check the links or Google it yourself.
Please don't perpetuate the myth that the C4 IP is "unrepairable." It's just not correct.
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Vice-Chairman (West), Michigan Chapter NCRS
71 "deer modified" coupe
72 5-Star Bowtie / Duntov coupe. https://www.flickr.com/photos/124695...57649252735124
2008 coupe
Available stickers: Engine suffix code, exhaust tips & mufflers, shocks, AIR diverter valve broadcast code.Comment
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Re: Hot Rod Magazine's C4
Patrick,
I just recently purchased a 34,000 mile 1985 C 4 and I took a deep breath
after reading Duke's post about the IP
and if it goes, I have a boat anchor. Thanks for the clarification and direction to obtain parts. Guess I'll keep it. Sure is a great driver.
David
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Re: Hot Rod Magazine's C4
No problem. I'd hate to see those Urban Legends continue when they don't have to.
Vice-Chairman (West), Michigan Chapter NCRS
71 "deer modified" coupe
72 5-Star Bowtie / Duntov coupe. https://www.flickr.com/photos/124695...57649252735124
2008 coupe
Available stickers: Engine suffix code, exhaust tips & mufflers, shocks, AIR diverter valve broadcast code.Comment
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Re: Hot Rod Magazine's C4
The third link has what appears to be the most complete pricing info.
Standard rebuild $245
Replace LCD.......$150 each (How many are there?)
Power supply......$100
So the total could be several hundred dollars depending on how many LCDs need to be replaced... expensive, but not as bad as the urban legend leads one to believe.
They recommend insuring it for $1000, which I suppose is a ballpark figure for buying a used IP that that been rebuilt.
DukeComment
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Re: Hot Rod Magazine's C4
Who's upset? I'm not. Sounds like propaganda from Hot Rod to sell magazines.
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Re: Hot Rod Magazine's C4
I am a long time owner (1992) of a 1985 Corvette and we still really like it. The IP has only required new halogen bulbs which are very easy to replace. Gordon Killebrew has a book for sale in the NCRS store, also in Driveline for trouble shooting/repair of the 84-89 IP. I don't have one because I my 85's unit still continues to give the service it was designed to give. 105,805 miles.Patrick,
I just recently purchased a 34,000 mile 1985 C 4 and I took a deep breath after reading Duke's post about the IP
and if it goes, I have a boat anchor. Thanks for the clarification and direction to obtain parts. Guess I'll keep it. Sure is a great driver.
DavidComment
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Re: Hot Rod Magazine's C4
I don't know for sure, but I would think that Hot Rod Magazine wanted a very cheap Corvette. Perhaps the '84 model fit the bill. The video clearly shows a poorly maintained example before the crew tore into it with hammer and tongs.
In reading Corvette Marketplace Magazine, I noted that the late 70's C3s and the 80's C4s are the least valuable, generally. So, that seems logical, for the magazine to use a very cheap Corvette as a sacrificial car. I bet that they will make that car scoot in the November issue. -ClarkComment
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Re: Hot Rod Magazine's C4
At least "Hot Rod" magazine is planning to modify one that will still be driveable for someone to enjoy.
Last year at this time there was the horrendous Cash for Clunkers program in which out of 700,000 cars turned in there were 131 corvettes from model year 1984 thru 1995 and included 34 convertables and 7 from model year 1989 alone
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