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You know how there was no 1983 Corvette, and then the C4 finally came out in 1984, and it had this terrible twin-throttle-body fuel-injection system? Of course you do. Anyway, C4 Corvettes are worth enough these days that they’re not common sights in self-service wrecking yards, and those that I do find have been picked pretty clean.. Shops that specialize in Corvettes intercept most basket-case examples before they get to these yards, but I found four C4s all together at a Southern California yard last month. Let’s check out a well-stripped example of the first of the good-handling Corvettes.
This one is rough, the interior smells like the blue water in a Porta-Potty, and you’ll get a case of fiberglass-itch if you get too close.
But the Cross-Fire Injection is pretty cool-looking.
I didn’t bother to shoot the other three C4s, because they were all in similar condition.
I’m sure these carcasses will stay out on the yard until there’s nothing left of them.
Are these truly a quiet, more comfortable, more powerful alternative to the Miata? Or is too much lightness lost?
Quieter, except for all the squeaks and rattles on the earlier C4s…
You must be joking. If by “alternative” you mean numb, imprecise steering, a hopelessly clunky shifter, unsupportive seats, and endless squeaks and rattles, then sure. If not, then…no. The C4 was a seriously flawed car even by the standards of its’ time; 30 years on, only Corvette diehards need apply.
Not sure what car you are remembering, but the March 1983 Car and Driver reviewer felt differently:
“Item: The roadholding on this new machine is so advanced that we recorded the highest skidpad lateral acceleration — 0.90 g — ever observed with a conventional automobile by this staff. That figure practically trivializes the previous high-water marks, in the 0.82-g range, generated by such exotics as the Porsche 928 and assorted Ferraris.
Item: It is hands-down the fastest American automobile, capable of 140-mph top speeds, 0-to-60 times under seven seconds, and 15.2-second quarter-mile forays at 90 mph. In fact, these figures qualify the Corvette as one of the half-dozen fastest production automobiles in the entire world!”
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/1984-chevrolet-corvette-c4-archived-road-test
Best skidpad ever tested up to that point; not bad for a numb, imprecise, clunky, flawed car.
“That figure practically trivializes the previous high-water marks, in the 0.82-g range, generated by such exotics as the Porsche 928 and assorted Ferraris.”
How far we’ve come where run of the mill cars like a Chrysler 200 can beat that number on the skid pad.
True that, not to mention the 0-60 times. But the car was a revolutionary leap for its time. I remember reading that exact Car and Driver review when I was a junior in HS. Tried to rent an ’85 C4 for prom, but couldn’t swing the insurance issue.
But now I have the last laugh with my 666 RWHP 2011 Grand Sport, with full insurance under $900/yr.
Goodyear’s Eagle GTs must have changed driving quickly. I remember a year later, Omni GLHs were hitting 0.83. I’d forgotten how low numbers used to be. Tire squealing from old movie chase scenes was more real than I knew.
As I recall, they got that skidpad performance thanks to huge, sticky tires and a suspension that defined “bone-shaking”. That’s not to say the C4 wasn’t a big improvement over its predecessor, but I’ll take the Miata, thanks.
Newsflash real performance cars have stiff suspension even Miatas. The Z51 pkg was made for showroom stock racing series. Spec Miatas are stiff too.
C4 has aluminum double wishbones all around with good geometry. It also has big tires and brakes. It was not a camaro.
I guess the C4 now qualifies as an underrated classic I didn’t realize there was all this hate!
Car and Driver reviewers are bootlickers, and back then Chevy probably even buttered him up with a hooker. You know that reading this site!
Two things I remember from my summer working at Jiffy Lube in the 1980s:
Driving a miata by looking clean over the windshield.
Corvette seats were amazingly comfortable.
Note that this is over the course of a whopping 30′ or so. I have no idea how supportive the seats are during hard cornering or after a few hours (the magazines claimed they would want a 944 for “driving fast and long”).
Not sure how you’d even compare this to a Miata, but if you find the right one, it’s a lot of fun. But the comments about the early C4s are on target – my ex-brother in law had one, and it was a massive rattletrap. Fun to drive, though.
It took Chevy a few years to work out the bugs on the C4, but when they did, it became a damned awesome car. The C5 was even better, and you can pick one up for very reasonable money.
Which would you buy? An early more expensive c5 or last-year cheaper c4?
Alternately, if the C5 were a stripper and the c4 was loaded, and price were equivalent. Then which?
I prefer the LS1 to the LT series of the C4s, so I’d go C5 all the way. Not that I wouldn’t buy a nice C4 for the right price.
My favorite was always the early/mid 90s(?) one that was very “flat,” least curves possible. It had awesome wheels, and a nicer upgraded Pontiac-type interior.
I drove the green one back when I was playing the original Need For Speed on PC. I always liked that you could get an interior view, and see all the buttons and the steering wheel. The interior seemed the nicest, and IIRC it was available with an automatic. Maybe I’m mis-remembering though. Was about 20 years ago.
It is common knowledge that the combination of the LS1 and rear transaxle alone put the C5 worlds above the C4. If the cost were similar, the only reason you’d get the late-model C4 is if you really liked the body style. Many think the C5 hatch and rear end are too unproportionate, and also the interior and seats are a step down from the C4. If you don’t mind this, then the C5 is the better car. Personally, I like the look of the C4 better, optispark and center transmission hump be damned.
Yeah, I like the late C4 interior better too. But I’m not a corvette guy and didn’t want to ask a leading question.
but…but…but…no one EVER throws a Corvette away !
I’ve seen a few 5k vettes for sale, amazed that there is still a registration on it.
I can answer your question. Owner of 1990 Vette Convertible 6 spd (35Kmi) and 2003 Miata SE spd (42K mi), both properly maintained. They are different classes of sports cars, but I believe all sports cars are good. By 1990, the C4 got a ZF 6 speed and my sport sears are superior to the ones in the Miata. Handling is different than the skidpad, and the Miata handles slightly better. Miata top is easier and the car is more reliable. Miata brakes slightly better. C4 is much faster- no comparison and is much quieter. Miata has more storage and is easier to live with. C4 is a better toy and has unlimited easy and cheap modification potential (the 1990 L98 is a SBC with 10.25:1 comp after all). Steering on both is about the same. C4 is much, much better on the highway with the low 6th gear. Miata is pushing really high RPM’s on the highway. Miata gets 27-29 MPG no matter how you drive it. The Vette gets 8-10MPG driving it like you stole it, but mine has achieved an unbelievable 31 MPG on highway trips doing 80 MPH.
Both cars are fun- Miata is fun to rev it out and take the turns. C4 L98’s are fun to hit the gas and let the torque push you back and it handles good to boot (my C4 has the FX3 adjustable shocks). Without getting on it, my C4 runs a 14.0 @ 102mph. Miata is about 50 HP shy if where it needs to be. About 200 would be entertaining in a 2300lb car.
I understand there were, like, 44 1983 Corvettes made. One of which was swallowed into a sink hole yesterday.
I believe GM’s position is that all the “’83” Corvettes were used for internal testing and validation; none were ever sold or registered for private use. So, from a certain perspective, they don’t exist.
I’d concur with that perspective. From a retail standpoint, they don’t exist.
No better place for it than at the bottom of a Kentucky chasm. These were utter garbage, even by the standards of the day.
Naw, they were better in most respects than the C3 they replaced. You could after all lift a C4 by its lift points without having to release the hood and open the doors as well as unbolt the roof on targa tops or release the soft top on manuals all to avoid stressing the body and cracking them. Not to mention a better chassis
“Better than a C3” is an extremely low bar to clear, though. The LT1 models were much better than their predecessors, but overall the C4 was a pig throughout its model run compared to the competition at the time. The C5 was infinitely better, lackluster interior notwithstanding.
A pig compared to what – a Porsche? A Ferrari? Less sophisticated, perhaps, but far from being a pig. And a LOT less expensive.
What were the standards of the day? The Delorean, XT, and the 300ZX?
I don’t have much personal experience with sports cars of the 80s, but most publications seemed to put the C4 midpack at the time.
Go read some car and driver archived reviews. The C4 was well regarded in its day. I just read one where a Z51 coupe easily beat a clubsport 911 with no radio at twice the price. We know the interior was bad but the sport seats rocked the c7 is just now bringing back a decent seat.
Still see old C4s running great at track days and auto-x.
Agreed Power6 and here is the link to the article
http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/1989-chevrolet-corvette-z51-vs-porsche-911-archived-comparison-test-the-checkered-flag-page-5
I remember the C4 Corvette being especially successful as a road racer.
Another great car GM produced at the time was the 3rd gen 1LE Camaro.
Dont forget the creation of the Corvette Challenge series. Go here to read about it http://showyourcorvette.com/
A qoute from that site
“The late 1980’s Corvette was thriving with their high horsepower V8 engines, aerodynamic body and rigid suspension. As a matter of fact the Corvettes were taking all of the titles in the late 80’s. Porsche, Lotus and many other competitors couldn’t touch the Corvette. The competitors got together and banned the Corvette from competing against them. In 1987 a fellow by the name of John Powell came up with a brainstorm idea of having a “Corvette Challenge”. Which meant only Corvettes could compete against one another, in doing so he wanted to make sure each car was to spec. ”
You know you have a great car when they have to ban it from racing. And I don’t really agree with every ones accessment on the C4 being a rattle trap. Drove a couple when they were fairly new. No complaints here. Now on the other hand I’ve also driven a few used ones that fit the description. I’m not saying that they are crap once they are broken in but it’s not fair to call them rattle traps when those problems are stupid owner induced. Any car rides rough with non spec tires and worn out shocks. BTW I know of a few Cross Fire Injection C4 that are class record holders in both forms of racing. Drag and Road so all you haters dont have a clue about the potential of the L83.
Easy to say as you probably were not around during the early 80’s and have no clue!
All but one were destroyed, and the sinkhole yesterday missed the one 1983 still in existence.
The Fire Department allowed them to roll the ’83 out (apparently it was in an undamaged part of the building). And it was the last one in existence.
Thank God, I was really worried.
As a Mustang fan and celebrant of the 50th Anniversary of the Mustang, I am curious about how GM and the Corvette fan base handles the absence of the 1983 Corvette in the historical record.
For example, with the first production Corvette being I believe a 1953 model first produced in June 1953, and the 2015 Corvette now in production in 2014, the current Corvette would either be the 62nd anniversary model based on model year, or the 61st anniversary based on production year, or the 60th anniversary based on the number of model years produced.
Also, how does GM and the fan base deal with the number of contiguous years of Corvette production? Does the missing 1983 Corvette mean that the largest period of contiguous production for Corvettes is considered to be just 31 years?
Pardon my ignorance, but I seriously would like to understand how Corvette fans see the Ford claim that Mustang is the longest contiguous car model at 50 years.
Its just the anniversary of the very first Corvette produced. It’s like if you and your wife took a year break, but then decided to stay together. You wouldn’t adjust your anniversary date.
The C3 was made through October 1982 and production of the C4 began in March 1983. The 5 month hiatus between the C3 and C4 was rather long for a new model changeover, however, the Corvette was never discontinued (like the Camaro) and it has been in continuous production since 1953. While there was no 1983 Corvette, both the 1982 and 1984 Corvettes were built during the 1983 model year.
That’s how I would judge it. GM missed a model year schedule but did not close up shop on Corvette production.
In Reino’s example, if the couple had divorced then remarried after a year, then that is not contiguous. If they were separated on the occasion of their anniversary then got back together 5 months late, that could be considered contiguous.
Seems to me the “exploding scoreboard” instruments would be a Holy Grail find for Murilee.
I would imagine that curved rear glass is an expensive part to replace, and think these four would lose those first.
Found some on eBay for 200 bucks so it’s not trivial but not crazy expensive either.
@indi500fan – You’re right, but talk to the junkyard people and they’ll tell you eBay is killing their salvage operation.
I’m not a Corvette fan, but the C4 remains my favorite style of all.
First time I’ve heard that…
In terms of Corvette generations I can actually get my hands on (so C3-6), the C4 is also my favorite. However if I could have any one of them it would be a C2 Convertible.
C2 convertible? I’d take one, but only one C2 would do if money were no object:
http://www.soksa.com/assets/publicDocs/userFiles/icy/image/1963_Corvette_Stingray_SportCoupe.jpg
Not just the best looking ‘Vette ever…this is one of the most beautiful cars ever made.
Personally, C5 is my favorite. I think it’s a good clean and restrained design that still manages to look aggressive. The C4 is good too, and I have always liked the curves of the C3. My problem with the latest C6/C7 Corvettes is that they are falling in the trap so many American cars do. The look is just too busy with all sorts of vents and angular creases. It’s almost like in a desire to look “not boring” they wind up making it look goofy.
Still, creases, vents, scoops, and all it’s not a bad design. Just not my favorite.
C5’s had too much junk in the trunk for my taste, but it’s still a good looking car.
Let’s face it, there wasn’t a bad looking ‘Vette ever made. My preferences:
C2 (The ultimate ‘Vette – how would this NOT get the top spot?)
C3 (’68-72 only – after that it became a self-caricature, but the early models were GORGEOUS, and I’m a sucker for any car shaped like a woman’s body)
C7 (This car is SHIT HOT)
C4 (Paging Sonny Crockett…)
C6 (Love that shortened rear end)
C1 (Not a fan of ’50s styling in general, but I like the ’61-62s)
C5 (Too much junk in the trunk)
I drove a very early production 1984 Corvette when they were first released. It was like a rocket ship, especially back in the performance-strangled early 1980’s. I have a real soft spot in my heart for one of these. Although, I think I would actually like to find one later in the series (post-1990) as opposed to these early ones.
An LT5 ZR1 is on my short list of future cars to acquire. The GS models were nice too.
I’m a big fan of both. I got to drive a Gran Sport right before the release of the C5, it was probably the best version of the C4 that I can remember. The LT5’s still bring crazy money, tho…
The early C4s catch a lot of flak for reasons I don’t understand. Yeah, by standards of cars 10-15 years later the car was kind of a turd, and I wouldn’t touch one now given the complete superiority of the later LT1 cars. But in 1984 what was better that maintained a similar level of performance for the same amount of money?
I suppose that depends how you define “performance”, but the Porsche 944 and Nissan 300ZX Turbo leap to mind.
By performance I mean which car was faster (drag strip, road course, etc). The 944 was a sweet handling car, but just like you see today with Porsches priced similarly to the Corvette, it was severely lacking in horsepower relative to the Chevy (nevermind the torque difference). In 1985 the horsepower gap got a lot wider.
I guess the 300ZX is a better match, but I’m having a difficult time coming up with original MSRP numbers for these cars for an accurate comparison.
Hard to find a 944 (especially a turbo) these days that hasn’t been severely beat on, with a cracked dash, faded paint, broken sunroof mechanism, and failing hatch struts. Corvettes, on the other hand, have the distinction of generally being garage queens. As for the 300ZX, I assume you mean the Z31: its not even in the same league.
Oof the Z before the z32 came was a pig, it was a 2 door luxury coupe. You also had to buy a turbo 944 to hang with a Vette, much different price range and quality there but the C4 could hang on the track easily.
A few years back I was perusing the Pick-A-Part in North Las Vegas and they had over a dozen of them all in one row ~ LVPD is merciless about impounding anything and everything so I imagine these were similar C4’s that had little value .
Kinda sad , those ” spitter ” dual throttle body injection setups sucked *SO* badly , we hated them when our fleet had mostly Chevy pickups & Radio Cars so equipped .
-Nate
I had an early (82 or 83?) iron duke with single TBI that seemed like a vast improvement over the “electronic carbs” previous. What made them a problem when doubled?
Mainly ignorance and lack of knowledge on how to properly work on that system. I see tons of 1982/83 F-bodies running the original Cross Fire setups and they run perfectly and there are still quite a few 84 Vettes at car shows with the original 5.7 Cross Fire motors intact and running well so it’s obvious that these were not as bad as some make them out to be.
What truck did you have that had the Cross Fire setup? If I remember correctly only the Y and F bodies got the CrossFire system (dual throttle bodies) the trucks and every other SBC got the two barrel (like a two barrel carb) TBI system in 1987. By 87 the Crossfire was gone (died after ’84 for TPI)
GM’s TBI system was pretty reliable, the only issue I recall with it was cleaning the IAC motors after a time, otherwise they were damn near unkillable. and that was with 10+ years after it left the factory.
I have an 84 vette, I swapped over the crossfire injection for a truck tbi set up. The intake is like a traditional 4bbl type intake. I’d say if gave it about 40-50 hp increase. Traction is an issue. I used the stock 84 corvette wiring harness & ecm. The two systems are really quite alike.
One thing you can do to a stock crossfire intake is port it & port it some more, there’s a lot of restriction in it. Mod the fuel pressure regulator for more psi to keep it from running lean.
This was a great chassis in search of a great engine/trans combo. For my money that didn’t happen until the LT1 hit 300+hp and the 6 speed manual was available over the 4+3 gearbox. 1992 to 1996 is the sweet spot for the C4 for me and I love this generation’s exterior. Now even the nice examples of these are going for $10,000 a very affordable 2nd fun car.
I agree. 300 hp LT1 (or the 330 hp LT4), six speed manual, and the ZR1 inspired body changes made those last few years of C4 great.
True, although since it got the 6-speed in 89, I also wouldn’t mind an L98 from 89-91.
Not to be underestimated the l98 with 6 speed was lots of fun! Very narrow power band but yee haw when you are in it!
Wheeler Dealers did a flip on one recently with Mike raving about the Americana & 205HP! Ed of course got all the electrical niggles sorted (including the dash) and built door panels from scratch. Clever lad that.
And they mocked the “dodgy” American electronics…talk about the pot calling the kettle black. The British have no right to mock anybody for reliability issues…LUCAS Lousy Unreliable Crap Auto Supplier
You took a really good picture of that throttle body, Mr. Martin. Thanks very much.
Cease-Fire Injection!
But my God, the logo was so cool.
Cooler on the ’82 though.
I love the people going ‘C4 was bad by the standards of the time [1983]”. But then someone showed a Car and Driver article praising it. Yes, it was praised and popular, “by the standards of its time”, but it got overshadowed by later versions.
Don’t make claims if one was not old enough to remember, or without verification.
Had an 85 with the multi port injection. Bought with high miles and put 30K trouble free miles on it. Was dependable and ran 14.0 1/4.. Not bad for 160K miles. I am not a Gm guy by any stretch but always wanted a Vette. Cheap fun, easy to fix and easy to run. I would buy another in a sec. I think they are some of the best deals out there. Surprised to see three there in a row! That back glass is an expensive item as are alot of the other Vette-specific bits.
The comments here are really priceless,to dare to compare a Corvette to a Miata is so out of line is almost blasphemous,one wonders if the “reviewer” in question didn’t spend his whole existence squeezed in the back seat of a Honda Civic…