Looking for first Corvette

[kiwiPhil]

Hi,hey I'm looking to buy my first Corvette,I'm looking at mostly late 1980s or early 1990s,probably leaning towards 89/90 auto coupe with a L98,I am tempted by a later model with the LT1 but the optispark ignition concerns me,I live in NewZealand so spares are ok but not as available as in the USA,what I would like to know is what problem areas the cars have so I can check them out before I buy.
Thanks--Phil

[TedC]

I like L98s with automatics and LT1s with 6 speeds. If you prefer the automatics, find one with the high performance rear end. I'm on my second L98. First was a 1988, and now a 1989. The LT1 runs better than a L98 in upper RPMs, while the L98 has lots of low end torque. Good luck and welcome to CAC.

[Stonecold C-4]

Hi,hey I'm looking to buy my first Corvette,I'm looking at mostly late 1980s or early 1990s,probably leaning towards 89/90 auto coupe with a L98,I am tempted by a later model with the LT1 but the optispark ignition concerns me,I live in NewZealand so spares are ok but not as available as in the USA,what I would like to know is what problem areas the cars have so I can check them out before I buy.
Thanks--Phil

Welcome you found a good place to be, I'm new myself. C3 C4 just look and find something in good shape with miles about where you want to be and buy it. Any year Vette
or just about any car made is going to have something that some will say is a bad point or could be a issue. If you like the C4 style I wouldn't worry about the optispark, it's a wear part some wear
faster than others. I've talked to owners that replaced at 80k and some who haven't replaced as of yet and are at 140k. As far as parts go you can get anything we can get here in the U.S. might
cost a little more to get it to you. So good luck and post some pics when you pull the trigger on your Vette purchase.

[Tom Maine]

Here is something to think about. Chevrolet Corvette turns into speedboat with $1.7 million price tag | Tecca

[Tuna]

I would not let the OptiSpark stop me from buying a late C4. I put 101,000 on an OptiSpark without any concerns a few years ago. The big issue with the early OptiSparks was getting them wet - as in washing the engine with a hose.

Given that the newest C4 is 16 years old, you will have issues with owning a old car.

If there's any particular option to avoid on the C4's with it would be the Selective Ride Control (FX3) (which is included with the ZO7 cars). The shocks and actuators for them are expensive and hard to find. Then again if they fail, you can just install fixed shocks and bypass the controllers and other stuff. If they have already been removed, then no worries - maybe.

[XLR8]

The C4 folks here will steer you in the right direction!
I just wanted to say be sure and check out the topics/links in the Tech Center: Corvette Action Center | Tech Center
and...
Jane Ann

[Idaho Slim]

Welcome to CAC !

Here's one for ya ..... (inserting shameless plug )

1996 lt4

[bapckemper]

I just went down the same path...spoke to a bunch of owners and service people as I narrowed my search down to 1995-96 models. I ended up buying a 96 LT 4 w/ 99,000 miles. I had a corvette specialist look the car over and asked about the Optispark (sp?) and he said as long as you protect it from water/oil they last as long as any other. I love my LT 4. But it all comes down to $$ in the end. Early C 4's are a bargin. Later models have a number of improvements but they'll cost a bit more. All C 4's will have some issues when it comes to parts availability...I am now learning but the after market is filling the void. So, decide what your budget is, narrow you're search...and join us on the road!!