What to look for when buying a C4 Chevrolet Corvette (1984-1996)

In this video I give some of the items you should look for (or at), if you are shopping for a C4 Corvette.

0:00 Introduction
0:23 Overview of the C4 Corvette
1:00 Front end damage
1:37 Headlight motors
2:00 Old Tires
3:06 LT1 Optispark Issues
4:16 Selective Ride Control
4:55 Air Conditioning differences between models
5:53 Low Tire Pressure System
6:50 Targa & Convertible top issues
7:21 Weather Stripping
8:01 Glass Struts
8:18 Power Antennae
8:39 Loose Door Panel
9:08 Door Sill damage
9:40 Steering Column Damage
10:34 Seats / Digital Dash / Controls
12:25 Targa Top Removal Tool
12:53 Sun Visors
13:26 Conclusion


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[Driventech]

The reason for the pop up headlight fail is the C4 came with plastic headlights and most C4 owners replaced them with glass which puts extra wear on the bushings. I was actually friends with one of the C4 engineers who passed away recently God rest his soul great guy with a C4 museum for a garage. I met him when I came out to confront a random guy walking around my C4 in 2012

[loenigma]

Proud owner of a first year C4, 1984. The digital dash is what makes the C4 an amazing retro drive. As these are only in the 1980s models, to me these are the true C4s. Also, no floppy sun visor issues!

[TheUnitedDrills]

I love my C7 Stingray, But The C4 has that nostalgia factor. 🔥

[TimFavorite-qlsi]

As someone who wants to buy a C4, this was really helpful.

[michaelthebarbarian]

The Opti spark thing is an issue that isn't. Basically you have to remove it to swap the water pump out anyway... so just replace them both... everytime.

[TheIdeaMan]

Changing a flat tire and all the related info (where the jack is, how it works, lift points for the jack, lug nut procedures, etc.) would make a good video for this C4 edition.

[shra]

Hello! I am the guy you saw while you were making this video. Great video and nice car!

[ObscureStuff]

Be mindful of the fuel system. Lots of these cars aren't driven much and may have been sitting awhile. Got my second C4 this year, 95 dark red metallic (maroon). In dark like it looks almost purple like the color yours is. Lots of fuel issues. It was all tied to a clogged metal return line, which ruined the fuel pressure regulator and burst a injector O ring. Naturally I only discovered the root problem at the end. So might want to check fuel pressure. You may have clogged or leaking fuel injectors as well. You can clean them with a kit. Easy to do on this car.

Along the same lines be mindful of the battery. Just replaced the one in there that was only a year and a half old. If it's been sitting and run down a lot the battery life will be short.

Had some weatherstripping issues as you mentioned, the door leaks when it rains.

The power antenna won't lower all the way, which is another common problem.

Floppy ends on sunvisors is common. A binder clip is an easy fix.

My jack was missing. Probably forgotten on the road by previous owner who had a flat.

Climate control buttons can be nonresponsive. I've heard taking apart and cleaning with alcohol helps, haven't done it yet.

Look at the check valve next to the fuel rail. If it fails you won't have cruise control. And they tend to fail because it's plastic next to a hot engine, they shrink and melt. $4 part.

[VroodenTheGreat]

I found a guy who made money adding a vacuum hose to the optispark, it just feeds into the intake. Sucks out all the moisture, and have never had a problem since. It's my understanding that this is a common repair/solution.

[NightSkywalker]

I want one of these so bad, I’m just binge watching content. I’m very fond of the convertibles because of the manual top, no electronics, design. That is a beautiful coupe you have there, love the color, side profile is so sexy!!!!

[mdhcpa]

"Walk away" from optispart is a bit harsh. Adjust price but if rest of car is good, optispark can be replaced.

[tonysteppan]

This is a great introduction to C4's. I think you hit on a lot of key points. Having a 1990 convertible with the hard top that I picked up at a good price with 27, 000 miles. You know that like with any used car with low mileage sometimes can still mean lots of service is needed to make it dependable. Some folks seem to think that well why it has low mileage? It's 33 years old in my case and a lot of time related things are due. I knew this when I bought it so it a no surprise. The one thing that I missed is that I didn't have anybody local who had a clue about corvettes. So, it was a steep learning curve as to who was competent and who wasn't. There's a lot I do myself, but when I go to get even tires or alignments, I have to be sure they know how to lift the car, release the hood, open the doors due to flex. Once you explain it to them, they get it. mind you these guys weren't even born when this car was new. Thanks for your blog on your corvette. These corvettes can be a blast to drive when you get the old bugs out. Not as fast as a C5-C8 but very enjoyable none the less. Hope you get miles of smiles from yours!

[mr.mehoff]

For the headlight motors, I’ve found it’s rarely the motors. It’s the plastic drive gears. Update those plastic ones with the brass ones and you’ll be set. A lot CAN go wrong with the headlights, but the gears are most common. They just disintegrate

[victorcontreras]

I also look underneath and inspect the areas where the jack should be positioned. I've seen some Vettes that had fiberglass damage on the floor because someone the jack there to support it instead of designated areas on the frame. I also inspect the outer edges of the rims for curb damage.

[josealejo]

Hey how are you, you forgot to mention where the jack goes, where the spare tire is and where the tool for it is. Thank you for sharing everything else that you did bring up. I have a 94 Convertible with 93, 000 miles.

[sammyG]

I’ve got one of the most beautiful C4’s in the nation perhaps. 1995 a RED one under 13K. Came with color coordinated side exhaust from dealership new. Upgraded interior, six speed, 2 tops option. Wind deflector, upgraded tan/ black interior. I’m thinking of selling it maybe😢

[DanielEDugger]

Corvette lover here, I owned a c3 for a long time and hope to get a C1 someday, since a C2 is a financial pipe dream, the C4 was a giant leap forward when they came out in regards to handling, and the last few years of the C3 were pathetic power wise, but If you tried getting into a C4 the space between the dash and the door sill is ridiculous 😢, don't know if I would own one ❤, but they are still fun to drive!😎😁😏

[makosharkcnc]

the optispark easy to replace! i would not walkaway!

[brenthicks]

Nice video. Im a 4 time vette owner (1968, 1977, 1980, 2001) and starting to get the itch again. Was thinking about a 1992 - 1996 and this video gave me a few things to think about!

[deltanine]

It's the headlight gears that usually wear out, not the motors!