92 To Buy or Not to Buy, That is the Question

[J37]

Just totaled my 84, one week after my new paint job! Was rear-ended at 45mph! (I guess he decided to use me instead of brakes!) Anyway, I',m looking at a 92 LT-1 for 8900. Have heard horror stories about Optispark and waterpump! Should I pass on all LT-1's? I sure could use some advise prior to making the plunge! I've learned too many lessons the hard way, so please help!
Thanks;
Jerry

[atmmac]

Sorry about your vette i really like the 84 cross fire injection model too. the lt-1 should be fine my friend has lt-1 and hes been more than happy with it. As far as the opti spark im told you just arent supposed to get water on it in it and for that matter around it lol. The only real way to do this is to lift the hood and literally spray it with a hose. I would go for it it sounds like a good idea and im sure you want to be back behind the wheel of a vette again.

I have a 92 black on black and think it is great. My wife and I test drove a 2004 and for the difference in money (about 35K) we didn't think the '04 offered that much improvement. I paid 10K for mine with 67,000 miles on it so $8,900 sounds pretty good if the car is in good shape IMHO.

[Tuna]

The OptiSpark is only a horror story if it gets wet. Don't wash the motor, especially the front around the timing cover.

The early 92's were recalled for the OptiSpark and that was back in early 92. There shouldn't be any left on the road that still need the replacement - especially since they didn't last 5000miles!

As for the 92, I've got no complaints about mine. 12 years old and 100K+ miles and going strong.

If it still has the original water pump, you might want to consider changing it. Ditto the wheel bearings. Shocks - same. If the current owner has records showing any work done, give them a look.

Since you had an 84, you'll already know this anyway.

Bottomline for me - don't worry about the LT1, it's a fine motor.

[J37]

Thanks for the response! I found a '90 that looks like it came off the showroom. Couldn't resist it. I lost a project, but what a great car!

[JTB]

I love the 90, new interior, nice rims, and I like the fog light style better than mine! Great combination. Enjoy driving that torque monster L-98! Pics? ...

[Doutdoor]

I agree with all of the other 92 owners. The LT1 is an excellent engine. I had the optispark & water pump replaced on mine after I bought it. The car had 72 k on it & I don't expect it to go out again for as long as I have her (which I hope is a long, long time). I've been very happy with the car in the 2 years I have owned her. With the mods I have done, namely the 3.54 gears (from 2.59's) the car rocks. I also like the classic C4 body style much better than the C5 although I would love to own a Z06 someday.

Dave

[grapeknutz]

Dont worry, you will love the LT1, I have a 92 with 112000 miles on it and I have had no problems with the water pump or the opti.