Looking at getting a '91 Corvette 5.7tpi
Discussion
I ran a 91' as a daily driver for a couple of years with no real issues, just stuff like alternator, headlamp motor gears etc. Nothing I couldn't sort myself.
They all had aircon (optional climate) so don't let them tell you it's an option - just check it works!
Leather was an option, though I've never seen one without.
Check it's really a 91' - I've seen a few 90's (concave rear facia) advertised as 91's recently. Chassis parts (ball joints, wheel bearings etc) are pretty expensive compared with older Vettes, as are rubber weatherstrips (eg roof seal). If it has the Bose CD give it a proper test - it didn't work in two of the cars I looked at.
They all had aircon (optional climate) so don't let them tell you it's an option - just check it works!
Leather was an option, though I've never seen one without.
Check it's really a 91' - I've seen a few 90's (concave rear facia) advertised as 91's recently. Chassis parts (ball joints, wheel bearings etc) are pretty expensive compared with older Vettes, as are rubber weatherstrips (eg roof seal). If it has the Bose CD give it a proper test - it didn't work in two of the cars I looked at.
Remember the 91 had the facelift but still kept the 250bhp L98 engine. It wasn't until the 1992 that the 300bhp LT1 engine was fitted. The difference is obvious - the L98 has the distributor on the back of the engine and the LT1 has an Opti-Spark on the front.
I had an '85 for 3 years and they're very reliable. The digital instruments packed in but the later ones had a revised fascia and instruments. Creaks, groans and rattles are normal on the C4.
I had an '85 for 3 years and they're very reliable. The digital instruments packed in but the later ones had a revised fascia and instruments. Creaks, groans and rattles are normal on the C4.
Yep, gotta go with Chris. All in all these are reliable cars but worth checking are all wheel bearings, weather stripping should be in good nick (expensive and labour intensive to replace), the Bose sounds also (many folks battle with it and many others save the pain and go to after market systems), another worthy and simple check is the steering rack. Just make sure it turns smoothly, lock to lock and without too much noise.
Wayne's right too, the LT1 for another 50 horses is worth looking at.
Wayne's right too, the LT1 for another 50 horses is worth looking at.
C5RagTop said:
I'm sure you have a budget and whilst there may be a few quid between a 1991 and 1992, it has to be a 1992 or later (no question).
Let us know how you get on.
The vette sold B4 I could go and see it, so I'll be driving the Tiv and my tin top for a while.
Thanks all for the advice, I do like the vettes and will be after one at some point. Just need to wait for the right one at the right price.
Don't pay too much either. I've seen a low mile 1994 going for £10000. The asking prices on most American cars tends to be very negotiable as there is no "market value", just a supply and demand situation.
C4's tend to have unreliable digital instrument packs prior to the facelift in 1991. C5's tend to bottom out at around £17k for a 1997 and are much better construction than the C4's. The most you should pay for a C4 is around £15k for a mint 1996 IMHO.
C4's tend to have unreliable digital instrument packs prior to the facelift in 1991. C5's tend to bottom out at around £17k for a 1997 and are much better construction than the C4's. The most you should pay for a C4 is around £15k for a mint 1996 IMHO.
Dunno what your budget is but there is a very nice looking low mileage Japanese import 1992 Corvette Coupe for sale at this website.
www.bonsaicars.com
Look at cars in stock, there are 2 a white one and a blue one.
www.bonsaicars.com
Look at cars in stock, there are 2 a white one and a blue one.
You have to wonder about the Japanese Vettes given the street racing that goes on - especially the white one with the big wing. BTW, white Vettes don't sell very well and accordingly cost less. My mate just sold his 1989 for £5750. The general rule with most Yank cars is black and red cost the most and colours like green, white and other odd colours cost the least.
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