Talk me outta this....track/autocross C4 corvette
 

OK....my 87 911 is transitioning I to a rally replica. Its really too nice/valuable to thrash on the track or regular autoX. And since my stroke although I have recovered significantly most of my fun is gonna be to be autoX and the occasional nonsanctioned track day...maybe some drag racing on test and tune night at local drag strip 1/8 mile.

With the introduction of the c5 c6 and now c7 prices of c4s in the basement...but developed lightweight c4 track cars are cheap. Cheap cheap. E.g. I've located a nice c4 with trick suspension multiple wheels cage yet still street legal AND a fresh 6 speed/ lsd/...get this...a built 383 stroke motor pushing 420 hp to wheels for under $6k.

I know the c4 is dated and can be a pig....but for the price of a mediocre miata what could possibly go wrong? Lol

Somebody stop me before I get in trouble here.

For $6000, do it!

If you don't like it sell it to the next guy.

My only concern would be consumables. It's the reason I bought a track ready Miata. The Vette will be fast and heavy.

Are Corvettes still insurance nightmares? Even for us old guys?

I can register as classic in my state and get recreational coverage (5000 miles per year) for about $250 per year.

And since its 25 years old I can get the tag for $50 for the rest of the cars life. No inspection or smog required either

If you've got the budget for the gas and tires, it sounds like it could be a lot of fun.

Well the transmission would be only objection, and it sounds like that has been dealt with.

Go for it. Sounds like blast to me.

I'd be nervous about a full cage on the street.

Otherwise it seem like a great idea.

Is it too late for me to buy it ?

Dueller did you happen to find this from Horace Slay, there in Jackson?

It'll be like a date with Pam Anderson. Big fun while it lasts
Floor it!!

No it's out west...maybe he'll sell me the split window 63 on his sign to rebody;)corvette

Yep....an aging 80s icon with plastic body

Not really. I'm 56 with a clean driving record. The insurance on my 07 Z06 is $900 per year. But because of our winters I only use the car for 6 months of the year. I only have fire/theft during the winter months. I get a refund cheque ($670) from the insurance company once the car is off the road.
So I'm paying roughly $400 for the 6 months I use the car.
SmileWavy

I say go for it. I would think (hope) that parts would be cheaper than a 911. I've always liked the C4's. A friend of mine had a brand new one in 1987. In stock form it was a nice handling car with pretty good power.

Dont be a fool. Get a C5.

Cage on a 30 year oldfiberglass bodied car. what could possibly go wrong?

Make sure they stroked the engine correctly. I've just finished fixing a rod bearing failure on a 383 in a C3 (build quality? like Fisher-Price)

The thought has crossed my mind....c5 is superior in so many ways. And prices are sub $10K for high mileage early models. Plus all aluminum lsx motors. Etc. But they've gotten so big...a foot or so longer than c4.

Still not outta the question....

You're seriously questioning the proportions/handling of a C4 over a C5?

Get a C5. Please. The C4 is a 1980's GM product with proprietary body panels and trim.

Its not like a lot fits under the hood of a C4 as well...

Jim, have you driven it?

If not, do so... you need to check out the way it "feels" to you. The steering, pedal placement and feel, etc. All the seat-of-the-pants stuff... because if it just doesn't make a believer out of you, you'll know she's not a good fit... and you'll know what to do... and won't have a problem walking away.

And vice versa, if it feels solid and lights your fire in a big way...

If you have large feet the C4 isn't for you! really!

Buy IT!!

Neither is a 911 but that hasn't stopped him yet...

I have to wear Piloti's to fit my 13's in the pedal box of my SC.

Adds to the experience :)

<iframe width="854" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GD3y7ylpqO8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Sigh....a man in full sometimes gets to a realization of his limtations. Well I went and drove a c4 with 6 speed to make sure it fit. Problem was foot box was so small coupled with my post stroke residual limitation affecting my left leg I could not effectively operate clutch.

So look....what to do? Decided to look for a beater with an auto I could play with.

Lo and behold I ran across a dinged up 89 c4 behind a lawyer friends office. It had been in a repair shop that was hit by of tornado 2 years ago....got tossed around and cracked fiberglass on drivers rear quarter. Also busted hatch glass. Shop insurance carrier paid owner and let her keep salvage.

Lawyer gave me owners number called her and hooked jumper cables to it and started up. Runs and drives. Obviously need to go thru brakes, etc.

She's took $400 for it and was happy to get it out of her life. I'm thinking Grassroots motorsports $2016. Challenge..

The crazy starts now
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1463016381.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1463016455.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1463016518.jpg



And the bad

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1463016571.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1463016616.jpg

Oh that's awesome Jim!


On a related note a guy posted on the Vortex that he snagged a C6 ZO6 for 22k today! Crazy deal!!!

^ In a further related note, I drove my buddy's C7 Z06 yesterday.

Crazy fun!

$400? Great Lemons car! https://www.24hoursoflemons.com/ SmileWavy

JD, let me get this straight. You came here, to be talked out of buying a fast car to make into a racecar, really?

You take the running gear off that thing and stick it on a tube frame car you can really create a monster. I think they even have kits to do it. There is a guy that autocrosses with us that has a big go cart with an plastic Austin Healy body on it that is so fast it can alter the progress of time.

you're evil.

Kwell...shes home....girlfriend is not happy I've drug another project up

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1463112954.jpg

Fire right up....drove it off trailer

Speaking of crazy race things... What happened to going after a standing mile record? ;)

You went west....I certainly ain't light enough;)

Hey pm me your phone number....lost it

OK.....the slippery slope begins. Didnt want to run yesterday. Chased my tail.....ultimately replaced in tank fuel pump sock and inline filter.....now rumbling like a v8 should.

Back it out of my drive....brakes fai. Check fluid....27 year old plastic reservervoir crumbles to powder. Master cylinder totally.....hello, Rock Auto...one is on way.

Budy who builds fibreglass planes comes by and begins body repairs


Oh why do I do this to myself? Lolhttp://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1463451471.jpg


Tally thus far....$$491.99. Counting purchase price

Apparently flying buddy is doing inverted roll;)

These 2 Lingenfelters must be about fully depreciated:

Terrible wheels but automatic:
94 Corvette Lingenfelter 18k orig mi. car


Great wheels but 6-speed:
1992 Lingenfelter Corvette

Apparently flying buddy doing inv2rted roll;)


Got my tag today....antique So it as $30 as long as I own car

For the performance those are awesome deals...but what im kinda going for is a rat rod/autocross toy for all in $1000. Chits and giggles to annoy the purists

I hope you make her run like a scalded cat!!SmileWavy